Leasing

Leasing Information for The Kensington Apartments

How to lease an apartment at The Kensington Apartments:

All prospective residents interested in renting one of our apartments must follow the simple process described below:

Step 1- Complete the paperwork:

To rent an apartment, you must complete our Leasing Application (two pages filled out by future resident) -  Be sure not to leave any blank spaces.

(File in PDF format that can be filled-in, Get Adobe Acrobat Reader Here)

This document can be downloaded by clicking on the link above, or can be filled out at our office anytime Monday thru Friday between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm and Saturday between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Once you finish the application, you may bring it to our office during normal business hours, fax it to us at (562) 861-8353 or email it in PDF format to thekensingtonapartments@gmail.com

We will review the document to make sure everything is filled-in correctly.  If everything is done right, you will immediately be able to choose and sign for the apartment you desire.
 
Step 2 - Sign your lease:

Once your paperwork has been approved, you will be able to sign your lease.  We cannot hold any apartments; so until the apartment is signed for, it will still be available to the public.

All residents on the lease must be present at the lease signing.    

At the lease signing, each person on the lease will need to bring a valid ID, a $30 application fee payable to "Conquest Housing" (sorry, no cash), and the security deposit payable to "Conquest Housing".  The security deposit must be a separate check (made payable to "Conquest Housing") from the application fee.  The security deposit will be used for damages and cleaning only, and will be refunded at move out.  The application fee and security deposit can be paid by credit card as well.  See the "acceptable forms of payment" section in the FAQs below for payment options.

We can help!

We know that securing housing can be a stressful process, and we are here to help.  If you have any questions, please call or email us at the office and we will be glad to answer your questions about the leasing process, the paperwork, the Kensington philosophy, or anything else.  If you are worried about completing your paperwork correctly, feel free to bring it in at anytime, and we will make sure everything is correct so that you can sign for the apartment you want with no delay.   

Once you understand the leasing process, please read the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) listed below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When can I come see a place?

Come by the office at The Kensington Apartments anytime Monday thru Friday between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm or Saturday between 11:00am and 5:00pm.  One of our staff members will be happy to give you a full tour of the property, including available apartments and common areas.  In addition, this website features virtual tours of the apartments, the swimming pool, and fitness center, building photo slideshows, building layouts, parking plans and floor plans for every single apartment type as well.  

I want to sign a lease for The Kensington Apartments, but I am not able to come to the office in person.  Can I still sign a lease?

Yes, leases can be signed via email.  Start by filling out your Application.  You can fax or email your completed Application to our office.  Once the application has been received and approved, you will need to pay your application fee of $30 per applicant and security deposit (equal to one month's rent).  Paying this is usually easiest when done by credit card.  Once payment is received, we will email you your lease.  You will then need to sign your lease and email or fax it back to us, and you will be all set!  Please note that this is for new lease signings only, and not for lease changes.

What costs are there in addition to my rent (what is included and what's not)?

Rent includes parking and trash pickup.  Residents pay for all utilities (power, water/sewer, phone, internet, and cable TV).  Please note that there is no gas service for our apartments, as they are furnished with electric stoves.

How much will my utility bills be?

Please take a look at this survey to help you get an idea of how much utilities will cost. 

Does my apartment come furnished?

All of the apartments are unfurnished and it is up to you to buy or rent furniture.  To purchase, you can check out Brook Furniture Rental.

We also suggest Ikea (catalog ordering) & Costco (which requires a membership, but is worth it).  There are two Costco locations nearby in Norwalk and City of Commerce.

It is expensive to rent furniture for a long period of time, so if you plan on keeping it for a year or more, you should probably purchase your own.  However, for the short term, or if you just don't want to deal with the headache of purchasing, moving and storing furniture, check out the link below for a company that rents furniture:

Click here for CORT furniture rental

What if I don't have roommates yet? Can I sign now and add them later?

Yes.  You will need to come in with the entire security deposit and sign for the apartment. Your new roommates will still be required to have all the same paperwork that you had before we can add them.  But, keep in mind there is a $50 transfer fee EACH time you change the lease, and all roommates must come in together to resign.   

What is all this "required paperwork" and what other details are important?

Application: 2 pages to be filled out by the applicant.  Don't leave any blank spaces.

The Security Deposit: The Security Deposit is used for cleaning and damages only.  The deposit will be refunded within 21 days of move-out, as provided by California state law.

Acceptable forms of Payment: Personal Check (made out to Conquest Housing), Cashier's Check, Traveler's Check, Money Order. We do accept credit cards, but remember RentPayment charges a flat fee for their services. All funds have to be in U.S. Dollars drawn from a Bank in the United States.  Also, note that RentPayment now allows you to pay rent via their new RentByText system!  Sorry, No Cash!

What about pets?

We are a pet friendly community here at Kensington Apartments!  Keep in mind however, that more money will be taken out of your security deposit for flea cleaning, deodorizing and/or carpet replacement.  Also, please note that there is an additional deposit required for having a pet.

What will my new lease look like - can I see it before I sign it?

Yes you can.  Please click to see a sample lease.  This lease is identical to the one you will be signing.

What happens if I have an emergency maintenance request after office hours?

If it is an extreme emergency such as a flooded apartment, a gas leak, or a fire, call the office and follow the directions to be connected to an on-call manager.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle emergencies.  We are also available 24/7 to let you into your apartment if you have been locked out and are unable to get a hold of your roommates.  Your first lock out is free, but every lockout thereafter will have a fee of $25.  For medical or other serious emergencies, please dial 911.