YOUR QUESTIONS,
ANSWERED
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Let’s make your transition to GEOcentral or GEOtowns effortless. We’ve laid out all the information you need to sign your lease, make your first payment, create the perfect move-in list, and enjoy a beautiful stay. Let’s get started.
APOLLO INSURANCE
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FAQs
WHAT DOES INDIVIDUAL LEASING MEAN?
Each resident signs their own lease for their specific bedroom. So, if a roommate moves out, the other residents are not responsible for that person’s rent. Please note that common areas are a shared space.
WHAT ARE RENTAL INSTALLMENTS? WHY IS MY RENT NOT PRORATED?
A rental installment is a payment made as part of a series of payments. To simplify the billing process, the entire sum of the housing contract is divided into EQUAL installments. Instead of reducing the first installment and increasing the remaining installments, all installments are equal. These installments are factored into the start and end dates of the lease, including proration.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY NEW APARTMENT?
While the furniture and appliances are included, below is a guide to help you with the personal belongings that you will need to provide:
COMMON AREA : Electronics and corresponding cords/adapters, décor, trash bags, pots and pans, plates, cups, eating/serving utensils, coffee maker. Cleaning/disinfecting supplies, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, etc.
BEDROOM : Linens, pillows, mattress pad, towels, toiletries, shower hooks and curtain, trash can, décor, electronics and corresponding cords/adapters, and anything else that makes you feel at home.
WHAT IF I NEED SOMETHING REPAIRED IN MY APARTMENT?
Our onsite, professional maintenance team would be happy to help you. We will need some details so be prepared to provide specifics with your requests. You may submit a service request in the following ways:
Option 1: Enter a service request through the online resident portal.
Option 2: E‐mail your request to your community and a team member will enter a service request on your behalf.
Option 3: Visit or call the office during normal business hours and a team member will be happy to enter your service request. If it is after business hours, you are welcome to leave a message with an after-hours representative.
For Emergency Requests: A maintenance team member is on call 24/7 for emergency maintenance needs (i.e. door/window lock issues, major leaks, plumbing, no heat or AC during weather extremes, refrigerator not cooling, no electricity/gas/water, etc.). Please CALL the office at any time. If after business hours, an operator will assist you.
HOW DO I PAY MY RENT AND WHEN IS IT DUE?
Rent is due the first of each month and may be paid online by ACH, debit or credit card through the resident portal or by check or money order at the leasing office. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Convenience fees may be charged for online payments. Late fees vary by property. Refer to your Housing Contract for more information.
SOMETHING IS BROKEN OR DAMAGED IN MY SUITE, WHAT DO I DO?
Please enter a maintenance request through your resident portal.
WHAT IF I WANT TO BRING MY OWN FURNITURE? CAN I REMOVE THE FURNITURE PROVIDED?
While you’re welcome to bring your own furniture, there may not be enough space in your unit for additional furniture. Check out our floor plans to plan in advance prior to your move-in! While most floor plans will be similar, please note they may not be exactly as seen on the website.
WHAT INTERNET IS PROVIDED? WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE AN ISSUE?
Internet is provided at both GEOcentral and GEOpark. Each room is equipped with its own router, so you won’t be sharing bandwidth with the entire building. You’ll be able to connect upon move-in. If you’d like to use the locked Wi-Fi network, please contact Cloudwifi to obtain the password for your specific suite.
Residents at GEOtowns must arrange their own internet service. We recommend contacting Bell for setup.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE RENT?
At GEOcentral and GEOpark, your rent includes all utilities except electricity and water. You will need to set up monthly payments for these services through Carma Billing. Please contact our office for assistance with this setup.
At GEOtowns, rent includes all utilities except Wi-Fi, electricity, and water. Wi-Fi can be set up through Bell. Electricity and water can be set up through Utilities Kingston.
WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCE IS REQUIRED?
We require all residents to have liability insurance, as outlined in the lease agreement. If you don’t already have coverage, you can access a preferred rate through Apollo Insurance.
While content insurance (to cover personal belongings) is highly recommended, it is not required.
WHY HAS MY RENT INCREASED?
The rent for a unit can be increased 12 months after a resident first moved in or 12 months since the resident’s last rent increase.
WHAT IS AN N11?
An N11 is a document you sign to officially end your tenancy with GEO at the end of your fixed term lease, or once 60 days notice have been given if you are on a month-to-month lease.
Please note, by signing an N11 document (Mutual Notice to Terminate) you give GEO the right to lease out your unit on the date agreed upon in your N11.
AFTER-HOUR SERVICE (EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE)
Please call 877-746-1628 for after-hour emergencies.i.e.
- Full loss of power for entire apartment
- Flood, leak, or pipe burst
- Locked out of building, apartment, or bedroom
For life threatening emergencies, please dial 9-1-1 for police, fire department or ambulance.
How far is Geo from Queen’s campus?
Geo is located only 3 minutes from Queen’s campus. Making it a perfect location for any student residing in Kingston.
WHERE IS VISITORS PARKING?
GEOcentral – Visitor parking is available behind GEOcentral and can be accessed from either Frontenac Street or Albert Street. Street parking is also an option—just make sure your guests follow all posted signs.
GEOpark – Visitor parking is available at GEOcentral. Street parking is also an option—just make sure your guests follow all posted signs.
GEOtowns- Visitor parking is available at GEOcentral. Street parking is also an option—just make sure your guests follow all posted signs.
ARE UTILITIES INCLUDED?
At GEOcentral, GEOpark, and GEOtowns everything is included except your electricity and water bills.
I’M NOT A STUDENT, CAN I STILL LIVE HERE?
Absolutely! We lease to students and non-students alike!
IS PARKING INCLUDED?
Parking is not included in the rent; it is a separate lease agreement and are leased on a first come first serve basis. Pricing varies depending on if it is outside, covered, underground, or EV (electric). A parking lease is signed on an annual basis. For pricing and availability, email us at geocentral@peakmade.com
ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Yes, GEOcentral, GEOtowns and GEOpark are pet friendly.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET LOCKED OUT OR LOSE MY KEYS?
We understand life happens and sometimes you may forget or lose your key.
- Lock-Out Service: min. $75.00
- Fob Replacement: $25
- Mailbox Key Replacement: $25
HOW LONG ARE YOUR LEASES?
Our leases are typically for one full year in length, beginning in September and ending in August, or beginning in May and ending in April.
MY LEASE IS UP, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
You can choose to renew for another fixed term one year lease, or move to a month to month lease.A fixed-term tenancy means you have an agreement to live in a unit for at least a certain length of time. The agreement is called the lease, and the length of time is called the term. In our case, month-to-month means after fixed-term lease expires, if you would like to leave you will need to provide a written 60 days’ notice. You do not have to sign an extension lease but if you would like to be on a fixed lease we can provide you with one.
CAN I MOVE OUT BEFORE MY LEASE ENDS? (SUBLETS & ASSIGNMENTS)
We understand that you may experience life events that mean you need to move out early. For either scenario below, be sure to email us for more details.
- Scenario 1:
- You need to move out and you are not planning on coming back to the unit:
- You will want to complete an Assignment of your lease to a new person. The new person must submit an application and be approved for the unit like you were. Once approved, the new person becomes a tenant and is fully responsible for all obligations in the lease. If they are not approved, you are still responsible for paying the monthly rent until another suitable person is found.
- You need to move out and you are not planning on coming back to the unit:
- Scenario 2:
- You are moving out for a short time (i.e. going on exchange), but will be moving back into the unit when you return:
- You will want to sublet your apartment for the time you are away. You are fully responsible for your subtenant, and must still continue to pay the rent. If you subtenant damages the unit or does not pay you – you are still responsible to pay the rent and to pay the cost of the damages.
- Be advised that you are not allowed to charge your subtenant more than the legal rent you pay to GEO.
- You are moving out for a short time (i.e. going on exchange), but will be moving back into the unit when you return:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SUBLEASE AND LEASE REASSIGNMENT?
- Sublease:
- A sublease occurs when you plan to return to your suite after a short-term absence. You may rent your suite to someone temporarily, but you will remain the leaseholder. This means:
- You are responsible for rent payments through your portal.
- You will need to provide keys and any updates from the property.
- You act as the subtenant’s landlord during this period.
- A sublease occurs when you plan to return to your suite after a short-term absence. You may rent your suite to someone temporarily, but you will remain the leaseholder. This means:
- Lease Reassignment:
- A lease reassignment is the best option if you do not plan to return. In this case, our team will help you through the process of officially transferring your lease to a new resident. Once the applicant is approved through our screening process and signs the new lease, all responsibilities are transferred to them and you are released from the lease agreement.
Please note: In both cases, it is the resident’s responsibility to find a suitable subtenant or lease reassignment candidate. Our team will assist with the paperwork for either option.
DO YOU HAVE ACCESSIBLE UNITS?
Yes, we do have accessible units, they are available upon request!
CAN WE RESERVE THE COMMON AREAS?
Our common area spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Please remember that you are responsible for any guests you bring onto the property.
LET'S CONNECT
The first step to inspired student living in Kingston, Ontario. Connect with our team today to begin your application, inquire about our offerings, or arrange a personalized tour. We know you'll love these spaces as much as we do!