Resident Information & FAQs

We offer 12-month leases that begin on August 17th and end on August 8th the following year.

Every resident 18 years and older (including adult children) residing in the residence must complete a rental application and provide photo identification. Incomplete or falsified applications are not accepted. We may verify each applicants and/or guarantors housing history, employment, credit scores, criminal history, and/or income (at 3x the rent).

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.
• Credit Check Fee: There is a $7.50 credit check fee per applicant (or, $15 for applicant + guarantor) due with each application.
• 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 will withhold $200 of the $300 earnest deposit.

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.

First Installment: One month’s rent is due in full at the time of your lease signing.

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.)

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 $60/mo., per person fee.
• Utilities: You and your roommates will split a monthly Madison Gas & Electric bill.
• Renters Insurance: If you do not provide proof of private renters insurance, you will be added to our master policy for $15/mo. (See details below.)
• Homebody Rent Reporting: All residents are automatically enrolled in this credit-building program through our lease agreement. By making on-time rent payments, you can build your credit history and improve your score. After your first 30 days of residency, a fee of $8.95/month per person or $14.95/month per household will be added to your rent for this service. You may cancel at any time.

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. Payment using your checking or savings account is free.

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.

Pet Types Allowed: Fish (Cats, dogs, birds, and small or exotic pets are not allowed.)

​​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.

​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.

​​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.

• 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

​​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.

​​​​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!

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.

• Please ensure that you have scheduled a time for your lease signing and your move in day with your Resident Relations Coordinator. An opportunity to schedule a move in appointment will be emailed to you in early August, when we send you complete move in details.
• Enroll in a Renter’s Insurance Policy and send us a copy of the insurance certificate.
• Be sure the total first rent installment and security deposit due for your account is paid on or before you arrive. Your keys will not be issued unless the security deposit and first month’s installment are paid in full.
• During the course of the year we are happy to accept your packages if you have them shipped to our offices. We are unable offer this service during the August move-in rush and we cannot accept packages for you before you move-in.
• If you are still in need of parking, there is a good chance we still have parking available either at your building or at a location near by. Call our offices at 608-255-7100 to secure a spot.

Standard Move in Day: Listed on your lease (typically August 17th)
Where You’ll Check In: The Steve Brown Apartments main office at 120 W. Gorham St.

• Your move in appointment will generally take less than half an hour. We’ll make sure all balances are paid and provide you with your new keys and all of the other necessities you’ll need.
• The main office lot at 120 W. Gorham St. will be open for you to park in during your appointment or while working with our staff. Please do not leave your vehicle in the lot for extended periods of time as a courtesy to all residents.
• We will be inspecting your apartment before you arrive, but we may not have time to return the apartment to our high standards. We will notify you of any repairs that are outstanding when you come to pick up your keys.
• Please fill out your online move-in form sheet right away. This form is to protect your security deposit. Document any problems at the beginning, and return the form within 10 days to help avoid charges at the end of your lease!
• Please make sure all of your keys work and your doors and windows at ground level or off of a fire escape have working locks. If there are problems please let us know immediately.