colorful ai generated image with the words The Rental Process

Getting Started

A simple guide to the rental process

Renting off campus doesn’t have to be confusing. At Starfire Properties, we make the rental process clear, organized, and easy to follow for both students and families.


From the moment you choose a Starfire home, we guide you step by step with steady support and straightforward communication. You will always know what’s required, what’s coming next, and how to move forward with confidence.

Our goal is simple:  give students a smooth, stress‑free path to housing while providing families the clarity and peace of mind they deserve from application to move‑in day.

The Process:

1st steps in our rental process: select a property and contact us for a visit
2nd steps in our rental process: submit and application, and sign a lease
3rd step in our rental process:
Final step in the our rental process:  receive your keys and move in to your new home!

Our Rental Application

Quick, Easy, & Stress-Free


After you tour a property and decide to rent it, the next step is the rental application.


Our rental application is quick, easy, and stress‑free. It's free of charge and will not impact on your credit score. Each roommate submits their own application so we can confirm everyone’s on board.


You will receive the application by email through our tenant portal, Innago, with the subject line “
Starfire Properties has requested your application.” Just click Apply Now to complete the form, which should take 20 minutes or less.


Once submitted, we review applications within 24 hours and will notify you of approval. When all roommates are approved, we’ll generate your lease and send it out for signatures, typically within 14 days.

rental application email example

Below is our rental application for new groups that have never occupied our properties and have no payment history with us:

Personal Information

Birth date is requested solely to verify identity and to confirm minimum legal age to sign a lease

  • Full Legal Name
  • Cell Number
  • Email
  • Birth Date


Address Information

  • Current Street Address
  • Apt #, Unit #, Dorm, 
  • City, State, Zip


Co-signer

Person signing as your guarantor

  • Full Name
  • Relation
  • Cell Number
  • Email
  • Address


Rent Payment Source

What income source(s) are you using to pay the rent?

  • Parent(s), Guardian, Family
  • Employed, Self-Sufficient
  • Student Loans, Financial Aid
  • GI Bill
  • Other (explain)


Rental History  (if applicable)

  • Previous Street Address
  • Landlord Name and Phone
  • Move out Date
  • Reason for Leaving

Emergency Contact

Person who will NOT be living with you

  • Full Name
  • Relation
  • Cell Number
  • Email


College / University  (if enrolled)

  • Name of College / University
  • Expected Graduation Date
  • Major / Field of Study
  • Student ID Number


Roommates

Have you identified all of the roommates that will live with you, or are you still looking for roommates?

  • Have All Roommates
  • Still Looking for (#) Roommates


Vehicle

If parking overnight at the rental property address

  • Make, Model, Plate #, State


Background

  • Have You Ever Been Evicted?
  • Oustanding Balances With Landlords?
  • Been Asked to Move for Lease Violations?
  • Broken a Lease Before the End of the Term?


No Pets Acknowledgement

Applicant acknowledges that no pets are allowed on the property and agrees not to possess a pet during the entire lease term

  • Agree / Disagree

Lease Highlights

For Students and Families


Whether you're renting off-campus for the first time or helping someone who is, our lease is built to be clear and easy to read, with no fine print. Every clause is there for a reason, shaped by over a decade of real-life student rental experience.


The highlights below give a quick look at a few key topics. The full lease spans 11 pages of core terms, plus standard exhibits and signature pages. It’s designed to prevent confusion and support a smooth rental experience for everyone involved.


The Bottom Line: Pay rent on time, follow the rules, and enjoy a relaxed and stress-free rental experience!

Here are some examples of clauses in our lease:

🏠 LEASE BASICS

Definitions:  Establishes the meaning of key terms used throughout the lease.

Term Defines the start and end dates of your lease.

Rent Explains the total rent amount and when it’s due.

Prepaid Rent Covers the first month's rent payment due at lease signing.

Rent Payments States the required electronic payment method and how payments are applied.


💵 FINANCIAL POLICIES

Late Rent Charge States the charges for late rent and when they are triggered.

Security Deposit States the required security deposit amount and the due date.

Utilities Describes which utilities the landlord pays and which are the tenant’s responsibility.

Charges for Lease Violations Explains when they are due and introduces terminology.


🗑️ PROPERTY CARE & MAINTENANCE

Yard Care States responsibilities of landlord and tenant.

Snow and Ice Removal States tenant's responsibility.

Appliances States the appliances that the landlord provides and repair and replacement.

Garbage & Recycling Explains tenant responsibilities for keeping the property clean.

Extermination and Pest Control States the policy on extermination and pest control.


🚭 PROPERTY RULES & SAFETY

No Pets States the no-pet policy and penalty for non-compliance.

Smoke-Free Property Confirms no smoking indoors.

Attic, Basement, Roof Addresses each of these areas and prohibited access.

Fire Safety Covers smoke detectors, fireplace, and avoiding fire hazards.

Vehicles and Parking States the parking policy for the property.


🔄 MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT

Early Departure Outlines the rules for leaving before the end of the lease.

Option to Renew Explains the condition and notification deadline to renew the lease.

Security Deposit Refund:  States NJ Law for returning your security deposit after vacancy.


Commitment to Transparency

At Starfire Properties, we value transparency and clear communication. We understand the hesitation families may feel when facing major commitments like off-campus housing, as well as the responsibilities students take on while balancing independent living and academics. Our goal is to reduce the stress of off-campus housing by keeping expectations clear at every step of the process.

If you have any rental-related questions, please feel free to contact us at support@starfirenj.com, by phone at (908) 830‑1603, or through the contact page on this website. We’re here to help every step of the way.