FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you're preparing to move in, getting ready to move out, or simply want to better understand how we operate, this page has everything you need. Here you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions, step-by-step move-in and move-out instructions and a detailed breakdown of our fee schedule.
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We believe informed tenants and property owners make for better relationships, and we're committed to making every step of the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Moving In?
Congratulations! You Made The Right Move.
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Pick Up Your Keys
Please take a few minutes to review the guidelines below — they cover everything from utilities and renter's insurance to rent payment and your move-in inspection.
Following these steps from the start protects your deposit and sets you up for a great experience with Gate City. Welcome Home!
Welcome! Thank you for choosing Gate City Property Management. We’re pleased to welcome you as a new resident and are committed to making your move-in experience as smooth, clear, and stress-free as possible.
The information below outlines important guidelines, requirements, and helpful reminders to prepare you for move-in day and the start of your lease.
Please review it carefully, and feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions — we’re here to help.
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Need To Make A Payment?
Gate City Has
You Covered.
Gate City Offers Several Convenient Ways To Pay
Forms of payment accepted starting the second month of your lease agreement:
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➢ Personal Check ($10 Administrative Fee)
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➢ Money Order/Cashier's Check ($10 Administrative Fee)
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➢ ACH Payment ($7.00 Convenience Fee)
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➢ Credit/Debit Card (3.75% per $100 Credit Card Convenience Fee)
We appreciate the time you’ve spent with Gate City Property Management and want to help make your move-out process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
The information below is designed to guide you through the steps to prepare the property, return your keys, and understand the expectations for leaving the home in good condition. Taking time to review these instructions before you move can help prevent added charges and make the security deposit process easier for everyone.
Moving Out?
Make Note Of
These Important Reminders
Things To Know Before You Go!
Attached above are the move-out guidelines for your reference. While not all items may apply to your specific property, we kindly ask that you follow the checklist as closely as possible. With that in mind, please note the following:
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To ensure all charges on your account are stopped, keys must be clearly labeled with your property address and returned to our office.
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If you have enabled auto-draft for rent payments, please remember to disable this feature prior to your move-out date.
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Do not paint or patch any walls unless you are repainting the entire wall surface.
This FAQ section brings together answers to common questions about Gate City Property Management, from office hours and contact information to important move-in and move-out guidelines.
Whether you need help understanding utility setup, renter’s insurance, rent payments, key return procedures, cleaning expectations, or security deposit reminders, this page is meant to give you quick access to the information you need in one convenient place.
Where is Gate City Property Management located?
Gate City Property Management is located at 418 Gatewood Ave, High Point, NC 27262.
What Are Your Office Hours?
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
How can I contact Gate City Property Management?
You can contact Gate City Property Management by phone or email during regular business hours. Our team is happy to assist with general questions, move-in information, move-out instructions, rent payments, and property-related concerns.
What do I need to do before I can receive my keys?
Before keys can be released on your scheduled move-in date, all required utilities must be transferred into your name, proof of renter’s insurance must be provided, and your first month’s rent must be paid in full.
Do utilities have to be in my name before move-in?
Yes. Utilities must be switched into the new tenant’s name with service starting on or before the move-in date. Proof is required before keys will be released. It is also the tenant’s responsibility to verify whether the property has gas service.
What happens if I do not switch the utilities before move-in?
Failure to switch any required utilities into your name may result in a $250 Failure to Switch Utility Fee.
Do I need renter’s insurance before move-in?
Yes. Proof of renter’s insurance is required before keys can be released. The policy must include at least $20,000 in personal property coverage and must be maintained throughout your lease term.
What happens if I do not maintain renter’s insurance?
Failure to obtain and maintain renter’s insurance is considered a breach of your lease agreement.
When is the first month’s rent due?
The first month’s rent is due on or before your scheduled move-in date in order to receive your keys.
How do I need to pay the first month’s rent?
The first month’s rent must be paid using certified funds, such as a money order or cashier’s check.
When does my lease become binding?
Your lease becomes binding once the security deposit has been paid and the lease has been signed. Leases are binding 12-month agreements and are non-refundable and non-negotiable.
Can someone move in with me if they are not listed on the lease?
No. All occupants must be listed on the application and approved by Gate City Property Management before living in the property.
What happens if an unauthorized occupant is found living in the property?
If an unauthorized occupant is found living in the property, your account will automatically be charged $250. This is also considered a breach of your lease agreement and may result in eviction.
Are pet fees due at move-in?
Yes. Any pet deposits and pet fees must be paid in full at move-in. There is a $250 non-refundable pet fee for the first pet. If there is a second pet, there is an additional $250 potentially refundable pet deposit.
How many pets are allowed?
Gate City allows up to two pets per property.
Yes. Bully and/or aggressive dog breeds are not allowed.
Are any dog breeds restricted?
What is the tenant portal used for?
New tenants will be set up with a tenant portal upon move-in. The portal is recommended for submitting maintenance requests, work orders, rent payments, and communication with our office.
Do I need to complete a move-in inspection?
Yes. You must complete your move-in inspection within 7 days of moving into the property and return the inspection report to Gate City Property Management.
What happens if I do not return my move-in inspection form?
If you do not complete and return the inspection report within 7 days, you could lose money from your security deposit at the end of the lease because the inspection is used as a reference point.
When is rent due each month?
Rent is due on the 1st of every month.
When is rent considered late?
Any rent payment received after 6:00 PM on the 5th of the month will be considered late.
What is the late fee for rent?
A 5% late fee will be charged to your account if rent is received after 6:00 PM on the 5th of the month.
Are postmarks accepted as proof that rent was paid on time?
No. Postmarks are not accepted. Gate City must physically receive all rent payments on or before 6:00 PM on the 5th of the month to avoid a late fee.
What payment methods are accepted after the first month?
Starting with the second month of your lease, the following payment methods are accepted:
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Personal Check ($10 administrative fee)
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Money Order/Cashier’s Check ($10 administrative fee)
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ACH Payment ($7 convenience fee)
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Credit/Debit Card (3.75% per $100 credit card convenience fee)
Why is my second month’s rent a different amount?
Your second month’s rent is prorated based on your move-in date. It will usually be lower than your normal monthly rent, and then your rent will return to the regular amount after that.
More Questions?
View And Download Our Guidelines
Guidelines to go! Download and view our Move-In and Move-Out guidelines here:
What should I do before moving out?
Before moving out, please review the move-out guidelines carefully, stop any scheduled rent payments through the tenant portal, clean the property thoroughly, and make sure all keys are returned to the office by the required deadline. You can download them above.
Do I need to stop my automatic payments before moving out?
Yes. If you set up automatic payments through the tenant portal, it is your responsibility to discontinue those payments. Gate City is not responsible if a payment is withdrawn after move-out. Refunds may be available, but processing can take 10–14 business days.
When do I need to return my keys?
To stop all charges to your account, your rental property keys must be returned to the office. Tenants have until the end of the month, by 5:00 PM, to return keys and prevent further charges.
Can I leave the keys inside the property?
No. Keys must be returned directly to the Gate City office and cannot be left in the rental property.
When will my security deposit be returned?
Gate City has 30 days from the end of your lease term, along with the return of your keys to the office, to return your security deposit.
Does my security deposit cover my last month’s rent?
No. Your security deposit does not cover your last month’s rent. Please make sure your final month’s rent is paid. If the home is left in move-in condition, prorated rent may be reimbursed to you.
What condition should I leave the property in?
Your lease requires that the property be left in a clean and undamaged condition. Normal wear and tear is expected, but damages beyond that may result in additional charges.
What types of damage may result in additional charges?
Additional charges may apply for damage such as holes in walls, tears in flooring, damage to appliances, countertops, or vanities, and neglected yard maintenance. Download the guidelines for the complete list of requirements.
Should I patch holes in the walls before moving out?
No. If there are holes in the wall, do not putty over them unless you also plan to paint the wall. The move-out instructions specifically advise against patching holes unless the wall will be painted.
What cleaning items are tenants responsible for before vacancy?
Tenants are responsible for general cleaning before vacancy, including appliances, floors, windows, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, closets, and outdoor areas where applicable. Specific charges may be deducted from the security deposit if required cleaning is not completed before move-out.
Download the guidelines for more information on what is required.
What happens if I leave trash or furniture behind?
A $50 charge may apply for light trash left in the property. Removal of furniture, large amounts of garbage, refrigerator trash, or cabinet trash may result in a $200 charge plus dump fees.
Do I need to clean the refrigerator before move-out?
Yes. If the refrigerator is not cleaned, there may be a $75 charge or more. The refrigerator should be defrosted, cleaned thoroughly inside, and vacuumed behind and underneath if possible. It should not be turned off.
Yes. If the stove is not cleaned, there may be a $75 charge or more. Tenants should clean the range hood, fan, vents, drip pans, burners, knobs, oven, pan drawer, and racks, and clean behind and underneath the stove if possible.
Do I need to clean the stove before move-out?
What happens if light bulbs need to be replaced?
There is a $7 charge for each light bulb replaced.
Do I need to clean windows and blinds?
Yes. Inside windows and windowsills should be cleaned, and screens should be cleaned with water. Charges may apply for unclean windows and damaged or missing blinds.
What are the move-out expectations for bathrooms and kitchens?
Bathrooms should be scrubbed thoroughly, including tile, grout, tubs, sinks, toilets, mirrors, fixtures, and cabinets. Kitchens should be cleaned completely, including countertops, tile areas, cabinets, drawers, sinks, and appliances.
What are the move-out expectations for bedrooms, living areas, and closets?
Bedrooms, offices, bonus rooms, and living areas should be cleaned thoroughly. Closets should be emptied and vacuumed, hangers removed, shelves and poles wiped down, and baseboards, windowsills, and casings cleaned. Fireplaces should also be cleaned where applicable.
Am I responsible for yard maintenance before move-out?
Yes. Yard maintenance includes mowing, trimming bushes, weeding driveway and garden areas, cleaning gutters, raking leaves, and making sure the yard is free of debris. Yard service fees can be costly, and a normal service fee is a minimum of $100.
What happens if I leave items in an outdoor storage area?
Outdoor storage closets and buildings must be emptied and left free of debris. Items left behind may be subject to a dump fee.
Are miscellaneous cleaning charges possible?
Yes. Miscellaneous cleaning may be billed at $35 per hour, with a minimum trip charge of $75.
Can I request a rental reference after moving out?
Yes. Gate City Property Management is happy to provide a rental reference if needed.
Want To Talk With Us?
We Are Here
To Help!
You have questions. We have answers!
If you still have questions, please contact Gate City Property Management during regular business hours at 336-803-4800. We’re happy to help with move-in instructions, move-out questions, rent payments, key return procedures, and general tenant support.
CONTACT US
We Want To Hear From You
For any inquiries or questions:
Call us at 336-803-4800 or
just fill out the following form.
Get in Touch
Office Location
418 Gatewood Ave
High Point, NC 27262
336-803-4800
Office Hours
Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Call Us Today At: 336-803-4800
We are committed to the letter and spirit of U.S. fair housing law and support equal housing opportunity for all.