F.A.Q.

Yes, there is a $50.00 Application Fee per adult application. 

You will need:

*Government Issued Photo ID

*Proof of Income (e.g. 4 weeks of paystubs, W-2 Forms, etc.)

*Student ID or Acceptance Letter (if student)

You will need:

*Student ID or Acceptance Letter

*Government issued photo ID/Passport

*I-20 Form

*Proof of Income

Yes, all applicants undergo a credit and background screening as part of the approval process.

Standard leases are 12 months.  Shorter leases may be available at owners discretion at a higher rate.

The security deposit is due at lease signing to hold the apartment (the security deposit is $1 less than the months rent).  First and last months rent will be due on move in day, as well as a small registration fee.  

Your due date will be the day of move in.  For example, if you move in on August 15, your due date will be the 15th of every month.

Yes, we offer a 4 day grace period on rent.  If you pay after the grace period has expired, you will be charged late fees of $7/day back to the day it was due. For example, if your rent is due on the 1st and you pay on the 8th, you will receive late fees in the amount of $56.00.

There are two options if you choose to not fulfill your lease obligations.

1. SUBLEASE: You can find someone to sublease your apartment on your own.  The subleasers would need to fill out an application and be approved. After approval, they would sign onto the lease and you would be removed from the lease.  It is $100/person to be added and/or dropped from the lease.

2. RE-RENT: The other option is to turn in your keys, we will turnover the apartment and find new tenants to lease the unit.  In this case, you will be responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented.  There is a $275 re-rent fee with this option as well.

Yes, renter’s insurance is required to protect your personal belongings and liability.  Policies are affordable and can be obtained from most insurance companies.  

Proof must be provided to the office by your lease start date.  

You can also sign up for our policy through Yardi ResidentShield, for this option, the payments would be due with your rent every month.

Yes, you can make online payments through your tenant portal at RentCafe.  Processing fees may apply. 

*You can get an email to access your tenant portal by calling our office at (815)756-1198.

We accept rent payments via:

*Check

*Online Payment Portal (RentCafe, processing fees apply)

*Cash

*Cashier’s Check or Money Order

**On move in day (and 30 days before your move in date), we only accept certified funds (cash, cashiers check, or money order)**

Yes, you can pay your rent in partial payments with a $30 separate payment fee (per month). Late fees continue until rent is paid in full.

Pet policies vary by property.  Many apartments allow cats and some allow dogs. Additional pet deposit and pet rent are required.  Weight restrictions apply.

There is a $200 non refundbale pet deposit (per pet), plus $50/month pet rent (per pet).

*Dogs must be at least 12 months old

*Cats must be at least 6 months old

*Must be spayed/neutered

*Must be up to date on vaccinations

*Must be under 25 pounds

*Max of 3 pets per apartment

All of our properties allow cats, but only some allow dogs (under 25 pounds).  The properties that allow dogs are:

*Ashbury Court

*Ashbury Court East

*James Court

*Mason Townhouse Suites

*St Albans Greens

No, our apartments and townhouses are not furnished.

Yes, each adult tenant will get a parking sticker to park in the lot of your property for free.  

Guests can buy temporary parking passes for $7.00 for 7 days.

Many residents choose Mason Properties because we offer a wide variety of apartments and townhouses at affordable prices, with convenient locations near Northern Illinois University and local employers.

Our team works closely with first-time renters to make the leasing process simple and straightforward. We offer flexible unit sizes, roommate-friendly layouts, and staff who are available to answer questions throughout the process.

Mason Properties prioritizes timely maintenance support for residents across our communities. Routine requests can be submitted through the tenant portal, and for urgent issues, residents can reach a live representative through our 24-hour answering service, with on-call maintenance available to respond as quickly as possible.

Our goal is to keep residents comfortable and ensure issues are handled efficiently.

Mason Properties offers a wide range of housing options in DeKalb and Sycamore, including studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as spacious townhomes with up to five bedrooms.

Our communities are a popular choice for student housing and off-campus living near Northern Illinois University, as well as for families and local residents looking for comfortable, affordable housing.

Many Mason Properties communities are located in established neighborhoods throughout DeKalb and Sycamore, with convenient access to Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College, as well as parks, shopping, dining, and public transit.

These locations make it easy for residents to stay connected to campus, work, and everyday essentials.

We continually invest in our properties and regularly update units with improvements such as refreshed interiors, upgraded appliances, and property maintenance to ensure comfortable living spaces.

Residents can contact our office directly for assistance. For urgent needs after normal business hours, Mason Properties provides a 24-hour answering service with live support and on-call maintenance at (815) 748-0441 to help address concerns as quickly as possible.

Our leasing office and maintenance team are available to assist residents from move-in through the entire lease period, helping ensure a smooth rental experience.

Our focus is on providing practical, affordable housing with a variety of floor plans that work for individuals, families, and roommate groups.

Prospective residents can explore available units online, schedule tours, and speak with our leasing staff to find a space that fits their needs, budget, and preferred location.