Frequently asked questions about Berkeley
When will the payment be due?
We ask for prepaid last month's rent after you sign the lease in 48 hours, first month's rent and $1000 deposit will be due on your move in date!
Do all Tripalink apartments come furnished in Berkeley?
Tripalink provides both furnished and unfurnished options for you to choose! It is best to check carefully what furniture is included.
What’s the screening process and requirements?
We require all tenants and cosigners to apply, the application fee is $50 per person for the credit check. All residents must have a credit score above 625, cosigners must have a credit score above 675 in order to qualify.
If I am an international student, I do not have a credit score, do I still qualify?
The answer is yes! For international students, please make sure you provide us the copy of your passport, visa page, I20, and bank statements. For J1 visa holders, please provide your DS2019 along with your application!
Are utility fees included in the rent?
Check Policies and Fees section in the listing. If it is not included in the rent, be sure to check with the leasing agent, how much is utility on average.
Do you need to open any water, electricity or internet accounts by yourself?
You do not need to open any utility accounts EXCEPT YOUR INTERNET SERVICE, Tripalink will be doing that for you! We will also include more details in your move in instructions. Tenants need to open their own internet account.
What is renter's insurance? Do I need to buy renter's insurance?
All apartments require insurance as a way to protect your rights! The main purpose of renter's insurance is to ensure that if there is a water leak, fire, etc., you will not suffer financial loss. Loss of belongings is also covered by renters insurance! When obtaining renters insurance, be sure you understand what specifically is covered by the insurance.
Is the area around the apartment safe?
I'm sure everyone is very concerned about the security system of the apartment and the safety of the neighborhood, so before choosing an apartment, you can ask about the combination locks, such as whether you need to enter the apartment by entering the code or need to sense the code key to enter. Is the apartment monitored? If so, the security factor will be greatly increased.
How do I pick up the keys to my apartment?
Our property in Berkeley has Smartlock. You would obtain the entry combination prior to your move-in. More move-in details can be found in your move-in instructions!
When will I receive the move-in instruction?
We typically send out the move in instruction 2 weeks before your lease start date. Be sure to check your email and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
What should I do if the facilities in the room are broken (e.g. the toilet is clogged)? Who usually pays for this repair?
You can submit maintenance requests, and we will schedule a technician to repair the problem. If it's normal tear and wear, the costs are on us, if the problem is caused by the tenant, then it is paid by the tenant.
If I have a friend looking for housing, what’s the referral policy?
Prospective residents must mention the current resident’s name as how they heard about us upon their initial visit. The new resident must sign a minimum 12-month lease term and both residents must be in good standing during the initial residency period. Referral credits are applied after the new resident moves in. Tripalink offers $100-$300 referral credits depending on the apartment building.
Can we rent our individual rooms? Is renting the entire unit our only option?
You can rent an individual room with double occupancy or single occupancy options.
Are there semester or 10 month leases? If not, are subleases or lease takeovers an option?
We require the lease to end on July 31, regardless of the start date of the lease. You can request to transfer your lease to another qualified applicant. Contact your lease agent for details.
I do not live nearby but would like to view the place, may I take a virtual tour?
Absolutely, contact your lease agent to schedule a virtual tour.