Resident Information & FAQs

What Do I Pay?

The following fees and monthly charges apply. Charges are subject to change without notice. Additional fees may apply.

APPLICATION & RESERVATION FEES

The following fees are due in full at the time of application and are required in order to reserve an apartment. We will accept payment by check, money order, cashiers check or major credit/debit card for all reservation fees.

• Application Fee: Steve Brown Apartments does not charge application fees.
• Earnest Money: $300 is due in full from each resident at the time of application and is required in order to reserve an apartment until the application process is complete. Earnest Money will be applied towards the balance of your first month’s rent, which is due at the time of your lease signing.

If the application is rejected by management the Earnest Money will be refunded in full. If the application is approved and the applicant fails to take occupancy, management we will withhold $200 of the $300 earnest deposit.

MOVE IN FEES

The following fees are due prior to move in. We will accept payment by check, money order, cashiers check or major credit/debit card for all move in fees.

• Security Deposit: A security deposit, which is equal to one installment payment per resident, is due prior to move in. (As noted above, $300 of this payment comes from the Earnest Money that you previously paid.)
• First Installment: One month’s rent is due in full at the time of your lease signing.

MONTHLY RECURRING CHARGES

We will accept checks, money orders, cashiers checks, ACH payments, or online payments with major credit card for all monthly recurring charges.

• Rent Installment Payment: The monthly installment you pay is variable, per your lease agreement.
• Facilities Fee: Water/sewer, laundry, and Internet are included for a flat rate $55/mo., per person fee.
• Utilities: You and your roommates will split a monthly Madison Gas & Electric bill.
• Renters Insurance: $15/mo if you sign up under our Master Policy.

Rent and fees are due on the fifteenth of each month. Rent paid on the 17th or later is considered late.

ONE TIME FEES

Additional one time fees may occur during the length of your lease, including: sublet fees, late rent payment fees, lost key/lock change fees, NSF fees from bounced checks and other potential fines as outlined in your lease.

Please note that additional third-party fees apply for all credit/debit card payments.

Pet Policy

For the consideration of all residents, cats and dogs are not allowed. Fish and birds are permitted. Qualified service animals are always welcome, but must be disclosed.

Renters Insurance

Is renters insurance required?

​Steve Brown Apartments requires that each resident maintain a renters insurance policy, with a minimum limit of liability for bodily injury and property damage of $100,000, throughout the term of their lease. We also require that you name SBA Management Services as an “Additional Interested Party” on the policy.

How much does renters insurance cost?

​Most policies cost $15 or less per month. This small monthly bill can protect you from accidents that could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars in damages.

Why should I carry renters insurance?

​To protect you from a variety of accidents and losses, especially the very expensive ones we see almost every year. For example, a resident accidentally released the fire sprinkler valve in their unit and caused $40,000 in damage to their belongings, their apartment, their neighbor’s apartment, and the common areas in their building. Fortunately, this resident had renters insurance, and the damages were covered by their policy instead of out of their pocket.

What does a renters insurance policy generally cover?

• Theft, such as stolen notebook computers, or a missing package from UPS, FedEx, etc.
• Damage from smoke, lightning, windstorms, or hail.
• The vandalism or theft of your bike or damage to your property by a vehicle
• Water damage caused to the property and your personal items from overflowing toilets and tubs
• Liability for bodily injury to other persons

Can I wait until I’ve moved in to start my coverage?

​Per our lease agreement, all residents without renters insurance on their move-in day will be placed on our master insurance policy for a nominal monthly fee. Please note the master policy DOES NOT cover your personal items, only damages to the building. Once we have proof of independent coverage, we’ll remove you from the master policy.

How do I get a renters insurance policy?

​​​​Simply add the policy with the company that holds your vehicle insurance or call the insurance agent (or agency) of your choice. If you don’t have a preferred insurance provider, you’re encouraged to consider ResidentInsure. All of our properties are pre-approved for coverage so you can sign up in less than five minutes. Visit residentinsure.com to get started!

Utilities

What’s Included?

Just about everything! Water/sewer, laundry, and wired Internet with speeds up 50 Mbps are included for a flat rate $55/mo., per person. You’ll also split a monthly bill for heat and electric with your roommates.

You’re welcome to add your own wireless router for your apartment, otherwise you’ll need an Ethernet cable to connect. Internet connectivity issues should be reported to ResTech Services at 608-663-3868.

These are the current service providers for phone and TV:

• Telephone Provider: ResTech Services · 608-663-3868
• DirecTV (Cable TV) Provider: ResTech Services · 608-663-3868
  Satellite dishes cannot be attached to the building.

About Your Apartment

Here is some additional information to help you once you’re settled in:

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

• You are responsible for providing light bulbs for all fixtures, batteries for your smoke detector and fuses for your fuse box.
• It is recommended that you have a plunger for your toilet and hair traps for shower drains. You are responsible for maintaining free running drains. Please do not flush anything other than toilet paper.
• Please don’t overload your electrical outlets. This practice causes fuses and circuit breakers to blow, and in some cases can cause fire.
• You must keep the hallways in the buildings common areas clear to keep other residents safe.
• Be a good neighbor. If you see something suspicious please report it to the authorities or to us. Also make sure you don’t prop open security locked building entrances.
• If you leave your apartment unattended for more than a day or two please take these precautions: In the summer, turn off the A/C. In the winter, set your heat to at least 60 degrees so the pipes won’t freeze. Always lock all doors and windows and remove any trash.

TRASH PICKUP

• Trash should be taken to the provided dumpster on a regular basis. Please do not leave trash in the hallway or grounds. You will be fined if you are doing so.
• Recycling is mandatory in Madison. This is done by a private company which uses single stream (mixed) recycling. You do not need to sort recyclables. Please visit the city’s website for complete details on what items you may recycle.

MAINTENANCE AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• Non-Emergency Maintenance: Non-emergency maintenance requests can be completed online using our Online Resident Portal, or you can reach us by phone during normal business hours.
• Emergency Maintenance: If the emergency happens during our normal business hours, please call our offices immediately. If emergency maintenance is needed when our offices are closed, call 608-283-3133.
• Critical Emergencies: If you experience a critical emergency such as a fire or gas leak, call the appropriate authority first: Police and fire, call 911. Gas or electricity emergency, call MGE at 608-252-7111. After the authorities have been notified please also call our offices or emergency maintenance line, 608-383-3133.