Tenant FAQ
Common questions about renting with Galavier Group — applications, payments, maintenance, and more.
How do I apply for an apartment?
You can apply online at galaviergroup.com/application. The application covers your personal information, employment history, rental history, and references. A non-refundable application fee is required to process your application.
What documents do I need to apply?
Plan to have the following ready:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income (last 2–3 months)
- Bank statements (last 2 months)
- Landlord references and contact information
- Social Security Number for the credit and background check
Is there an application fee?
Yes. A non-refundable application processing fee is required at the time of submission. The amount will be stated on the application form and covers the cost of the credit and background check.
How long does the approval process take?
Most applications are reviewed within 2–5 business days after we receive all required documents. We'll contact you by email with the decision or if we need additional information.
What is required at move-in?
Before receiving your keys you'll need to provide:
- Signed lease agreement
- First month's rent
- Security deposit (typically one month's rent)
- Proof of renter's insurance
Move-in funds are typically required via certified check or bank transfer — personal checks are not accepted at move-in.
Do I need renter's insurance?
Yes. Renter's insurance is required for all tenants. Your policy should name Galavier Group LLC as an additional interested party. Minimum liability coverage and specific requirements will be provided with your lease.
When is rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Please refer to your lease agreement for the exact due date and any grace period that may apply.
Is there a grace period for late payments?
Your lease specifies whether a grace period applies. After the grace period ends, a late fee is assessed. Consistent late payments can affect your lease renewal. If you anticipate a problem, contact us before the due date — we appreciate proactive communication.
How do I pay rent?
Rent can be paid via Zelle. Payment instructions and the receiving account details are included in your welcome packet and are available through the tenant portal. Contact us at info@galaviergroup.com if you need payment instructions.
Can I set up automatic rent payments?
Yes. Most major banks allow you to schedule recurring Zelle payments. We recommend setting the payment date a day or two before the due date to account for any processing delays. Contact your bank for instructions on setting up recurring transfers.
What happens if I pay late?
After the grace period specified in your lease, a late fee will be applied to your account. Repeated late payments are noted in your rental history and can affect lease renewal. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to us as soon as possible.
What's the maximum late fee under New York law?
New York's Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA) limits how much a landlord can charge for late rent:
- The cap is $50 or 5% of your monthly rent — whichever is less.
- A late fee can only be charged if rent remains unpaid more than 5 days after the due date.
- Galavier Group follows these limits — we will never charge more than the law allows.
If you know you're going to be late, please reach out before the due date. We'd rather work something out than add fees to your balance.
How do I get a rent receipt or payment confirmation?
Zelle sends a confirmation to both sender and receiver for each transaction. You can also log into the tenant portal to view your account balance and recent transactions. If you need a formal receipt, email us at info@galaviergroup.com.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Log into the tenant portal and go to the Maintenance section. Fill out the form with the issue type, urgency level, and a description. You can also attach photos. We review all requests and prioritize by urgency.
What qualifies as an emergency?
Emergencies are situations that pose an immediate risk to health, safety, or the property. These include:
- Gas leak or smell of gas
- No heat in winter (temperatures below 55°F indoors)
- Major water leak or flooding
- No hot water
- Electrical hazard or sparking
- Broken exterior door lock (security issue)
For emergencies, mark your portal request as "Emergency" and also call or text us directly for the fastest response.
How long will it take to fix my issue?
Response times depend on urgency:
- Emergency: Same day or within 24 hours
- Urgent (affects daily living): Within 2–3 business days
- Routine: Within 5–10 business days
Complex repairs may take longer depending on parts, contractors, or permits. We will keep you updated on status.
What am I responsible for maintaining?
Tenants are generally responsible for:
- Keeping the unit clean and undamaged
- Replacing light bulbs
- Unclogging drains from tenant-caused blockages
- Replacing smoke detector batteries
- Minor wear-and-tear repairs as specified in your lease
Your lease agreement outlines full tenant responsibilities. When in doubt, submit a portal request and we'll advise.
Can I make repairs myself?
Tenants should not perform repairs without prior written approval. Unauthorized alterations or repairs may result in charges being deducted from your security deposit at move-out. Submit a maintenance request and we'll coordinate licensed service.
How do I access the tenant portal?
Go to galaviergroup.com/portal and sign in with the email and password provided when your account was created. The portal gives you access to your documents, maintenance requests, notices, and account statements.
I forgot my portal password — how do I reset it?
Use the self-service reset on the sign-in page: go to galaviergroup.com/portal, click Forgot password? below the Sign In button, enter your email address, and you'll receive a reset link within minutes. The link expires in 1 hour.
If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder. If you still need help, contact us at info@galaviergroup.com.
How do I get a copy of my lease?
Your signed lease is available in the Documents section of the tenant portal. If you need a hard copy or cannot access the portal, email info@galaviergroup.com.
Can I sign documents electronically?
Yes. Lease renewals and other documents can be signed electronically through the tenant portal. You'll receive an email notification when a document is ready for your signature.
Where do I find my account balance and payment history?
Log into the tenant portal and navigate to the Financials section. There you'll see your current balance, rent due dates, and a record of recent transactions.
How much notice do I need to give before moving out?
Your lease specifies the required notice period — typically 30 or 60 days written notice before your intended move-out date. Please check your lease and submit notice in writing to info@galaviergroup.com to ensure it is properly documented.
How does the security deposit work?
Your security deposit is held in a separate account for the duration of your tenancy. It is returned after move-out, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or outstanding charges.
What is the move-out inspection process?
After you vacate, we conduct a move-out inspection comparing the unit's condition to the move-in inspection report. We'll document any damages. You may request to be present during the inspection — contact us to schedule a time.
When will I get my security deposit back?
New York law requires that security deposits be returned within 14 days of the end of the tenancy (once the unit is vacated and keys are returned), along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Deposits are returned by check or bank transfer to your forwarding address.
What do I need to do before returning the keys?
Before your final move-out date:
- Remove all personal belongings
- Clean the unit thoroughly (appliances, bathrooms, floors)
- Patch any nail holes and touch up paint if required by your lease
- Return all keys, fobs, and parking passes
- Provide a forwarding address for your security deposit return
- Cancel or transfer your renter's insurance
Can I renew my lease?
We typically reach out 60–90 days before your lease expires to discuss renewal options. If you'd like to renew, contact us early at info@galaviergroup.com. Renewal terms and any rent adjustments will be provided in writing.
Still Have a Question?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll respond within one business day.