Prospective Resident Questions and Answers

A: Start by reviewing our Rental Criteria to ensure you meet the qualification requirements, the Pet Policy, Missouri Case Net, and the Missouri Broker Disclosure Form. Next, browse our available properties, which are updated daily. When you find a property you’re interested in, schedule a showing to view the home. If you decide to move forward, you can complete the application online.

A: We recommend driving by the property first to view the location and neighborhood. If you’d like to see the inside, click “Schedule a Showing” on the property listing or call our scheduling line at (314)-414-8367.

A: While not required, we strongly recommend viewing a property before applying because the application fee is non-refundable. However, a property must be viewed before we can accept a hold fee or allow the purchase of a Jetty Bond.

A: No, rent is based on current market values, not income.

A: Yes, we work with various rental assistance programs and housing agencies, including Section 8. Each listing will indicate whether the property accepts housing assistance. If you have a Section 8 housing voucher, you may apply for a property with the number of bedrooms listed on your voucher and should review HUD’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) guidelines to ensure the rent amount falls within the applicable limits for the property’s postal code and bedroom count.

A: Each property listing will indicate whether the property accepts cats and dogs, cats only, dogs only, no aggressive breeds, or no pets. Some municipalities have breed-specific restrictions that may impact pet eligibility. Prospective residents are responsible for verifying local municipal requirements. No more than 2 pets are permitted at properties that accept pets. Each pet must be registered through PetScreening during the application process. Please review our Pet & Assistance Animal Policy and local municipality requirements before scheduling a showing or applying.

A: We proudly welcome Assistance Animals, which include Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). Under federal law, Assistance Animals are not considered pets and are exempt from pet-related fees and breed or weight restrictions. Assistance Animals must be registered annually through a free Assistance Animal profile on PetScreening. If an ESA request cannot be approved and the property accepts pets, the resident has the option to convert their Assistance Animal Profile to a Household Pet Profile. In that case, standard pet fees and policies would apply. Please review our Pet & Assistance Animal Policy for more information before applying.

A: To apply, you will need:

• A valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID
• Proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or award letters)
• Contact information for current and previous landlords or property managers

A completed online application and payment of the $60 application fee for each adult applicant

A: The application fee is $60 per adult applicant (18 years of age or older, or an emancipated minor). Application fees are non-refundable and cover the cost of processing your application, including credit and background screening. Payment must be made online by credit or debit card when submitting a complete application.

A: Yes. One application allows you to apply for any Deca-managed property for up to 90 days. Please note that each property requires a separate review and approval by the assigned Property Manager.

A: If multiple applicants apply for the same property, the property will be offered to the most qualified applicant based on our Rental Criteria.

A: A cosigner may be required if you do not meet one or more of the qualifications outlined in our rental criteria. Common reasons include insufficient income, limited rental history, or a low credit score. Please review our Rental Criteria for complete details.

A: Application processing may take 5–7 business days after we receive a completed application and all required supporting documentation. Processing times may vary depending on how quickly references and verification information are received.

A: Once you have viewed the property and been approved, we can hold the home for up to 30 days after receiving either the required hold fee or a Jetty Bond certificate. Hold fees and Jetty Bonds are non-refundable, and a lease must be signed with rent beginning within the 30-day hold period.

A: We work to accommodate your requested move-in dates whenever possible. However, some municipalities require occupancy inspections before move-in can occur, and those timelines are controlled by the municipality. Move-ins are scheduled Monday through Friday. 

A: The security deposit is generally equal to one month’s rent and varies by property. Please review the property’s listing description for the security deposit amount.

A: A Jetty Bond, or Jetty Deposit, is a security deposit alternative. Instead of paying a full deposit upfront, you pay a smaller, non-refundable fee or monthly premium to Jetty for a surety bond, which helps reduce your move-in costs. Please review the property listing description to determine if Jetty Bond is offered. The Jetty Bond amount must equal two times the monthly rent.

A: After you are approved and offered the property, you will have 24 hours to pay the hold fee. The hold fee is non-refundable and equal to the security deposit. Once the hold fee has been received, we will remove the property from the market and stop accepting applications. The hold fee becomes the security deposit once you move in.

Before possession is granted, approved applicants must pay:

• First full month’s rent
• First month’s Resident Benefit Package fee
• Credit and/or rental history fee, if applicable (refer to the Rental Criteria)
• Pet fee, if applicable (refer to the Pet & Assistance Animal Policy)
• First month’s Parking fee, if applicable
• Utility fees, if applicable

A: If you move in after the first day of the month, the first full month’s rent is due before move-in. The prorated rent for your partial first month of occupancy will be charged in your second month.

A: Our standard lease term is 12 months. 12+ months will be considered. Shorter than 12 months is rare and is at the discretion of the owner. Feel free to call and ask.

A: Yes. Residents are required to maintain renters insurance from an A-rated carrier with at least $100,000 in property damage and personal liability coverage, and Deca Property Management listed as additional interest. The insurance included with the Resident Benefits Package meets these requirements. Residents who provide proof of their own qualifying coverage receive a reduced Resident Benefits Package fee. If coverage lapses, they will automatically be enrolled in the policy provided through the Resident Benefits Package.

A: To enhance your rental experience, all residents are enrolled in our required Resident Benefits Package (RBP) at $35.95 per month. The package includes a variety of services and benefits designed to provide convenience, protection, and support throughout your tenancy, such as renters insurance. Please refer to the Resident Benefits Package page for more details.

A: Utility responsibilities vary by property. Residents are generally responsible for all utilities unless otherwise stated in the property listing. Some utilities may be billed through your resident ledger or included in the rent. Please review the listing description for property-specific details.

A: Once you take possession of the property, you are responsible for lawncare if you are renting a single-family home and snow removal if you are renting a property with four or fewer units.

A: All adults occupying the property must complete an application, meet the qualification requirements, and be approved before residing in the home. Occupancy limits vary by property and local regulations.

A: Deca Property Management represents property owners and is compensated by the owner for leasing and management services. This relationship is disclosed before scheduling a showing, applying, or signing a lease. If you are not represented by your own real estate agent, we encourage you to carefully review the Missouri Broker Disclosure Form before sharing personal or financial information.