Resident Information and Resources

• Leases and Rental Agreements

  • A lease is a binding contract between you and your roommates and HSI Rentals, L.L.C. This is something that is enforceable in a court of law. Do not take signing a lease lightly – read the fine print.
  • We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law to ensure full and complete payment.
  • If you choose to break the lease (move-out early), you are responsible to find a sub-lessor (another tenant to fill your spot). You will be charged $200 for breaking the lease, as you agreed upon in the rental agreement.

  
  Sample Lease Sample Rental Agreement Sample Lead Addendum Agreement

• Rent Due Dates

  • Leases starting September 1: Rent is due August 1 and December 1 of the same year.
  • Leases starting July 1: Rent is due June 1 and December 1 of the same year.
  • Summer rent is included in your first payment.
  • Charge and payment history is located in the Payments section of your Resident Center app, or www.hsirentals.com/portal
  • NOTE: The “Charge Date” listed on the charge is NOT your due date. Read your lease or the Rent Payment Due emails to see what your due dates are.
  • Rent payment options:
  • You may make payments on your balance up until the due date. After the due date, it is considered past due and you are subject to late fees.
  • You can pay the full amount due on the respective due date.
  • You may pay with financial aid. Make sure you applied for a portion of your aid to be designated for housing. See the section below named “Paying Rent With Financial Aid”.

• How to Budget For Rent

  Creating a budget and a plan for your rent payments is the most important task for your residency with us. With a plan, it greatly eases the anxiety that some tenants have with rent payments. It is imperative to start this many months before the due dates, and not the week before. This should be common practice with your finances after you graduate.

  Here is a recommended structure for your budget:

  • While looking at the copy of your lease, note the three rent numbers in the left column. The top is the total for the lease period, the middle number is your first payment, and the bottom number is your second payment. Take any of these three numbers and divide them by the number of people living in your unit, this number is your payment. Note the due dates and the amounts per due date.
  • If you are paying with financial aid, take a look at the section on this page for more information.
  • If you pay for parking, add in that annual cost. It is located on your lease.
  • Utilities average $65-$95/month for all utilities (with internet). For residents who have utilities included in their lease, feel free to ask us what your total would be.
  • Your security deposit does not count towards your rent.
  • Include groceries, I generally estimate at most about $150/month.
  • Have a section for other expenses (I.E. vehicle maintenance, gas, school supplies, clothing, dining out, etc.)
  • Create a Google Sheets/Excel spreadsheet for your budget, and abide by this budget.
  • Have this plan recorded in your calendar with deadlines and reminders. Set these reminders far enough ahead of time so you have time to prepare for the due date.
  • Helpful tip: You can schedule your rent payments in your Resident Center app, much like a credit card. You can schedule these payments at any time. Make sure you do not have a recurring payment, just a one time payment. Set a reminder to make sure this payment goes through on the due date.
  • You may make payments on your rent balance up to the due date. Rent charges post 90 days before the due date.
  • Share this information with your roommates. Make sure they have a plan too because the lease is joint and several and their late rent payment is equally your late rent payment.

• Rent Payment Methods

  If you are paying with financial aid, please also read the next section, “paying rent with financial aid"

  Rent can be paid in three different methods:

  • Your resident portal: This is the easiest method of payment. Please log in to your portal by clicking on the button below and log in. If you have any issues logging in, please call 262-607-0360. Once you are logged in, click on the “payments” tab. This is your lease ledger of your entire unit. You will see all transactions of all of your roommates here. The picture below explains how your lease ledger is broken down. Click “Make payment” to submit a payment. Click the field, “Other amount” and enter in your amount of rent from the lease ledger in the previous page. Select which payment method you want to use. Note that credit cards use a 2.95% transaction fee, and bank accounts only cost $1 per transaction. You can pick a date to have the payment to process. This can be on the due date, or the day of. Please make sure to follow the respective due dates to avoid any late fees of $100. 

    Resident Portal

  • Drop box: You can request/purchase cashiers checks or checks from your bank. NO CASH PLEASE! Place the check in an envelope with your name and the unit you live in. Checks can be deposited in our “Drop-Box” outside our office to the right of the front door at 212 S. Second St. Whitewater, WI 53190. There is a $50 fee for returned checks or insufficient funds.
  • Mail: Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 126, Whitewater, WI 53190, or to our office at 212 S. Second St. Whitewater, WI 53190. Please note your name and unit number in the memo or on a separate sheet of paper. There is a $50 fee for returned checks or insufficient funds.

  Once we receive your payment, you will get a digital receipt stating that you have made your payment. If you have any questions on paying your rent, please give us a call or send us an email.

  Failure to make payment on-time will result in a $100 late fee per payment, as you agreed upon in our rental agreement.

  

• Paying Rent with Financial Aid

  If you are paying with financial aid for rent, please follow this process.

  • Otherwise, your full amount of rent is due on the respective due dates listed on your lease.
  • If you are using financial aid, this process only applies to one payment. For example, if you are using financial aid for the entire year, you must follow this process for each rent charge (twice per year). If you are only using financial aid for one semester, you would only need to follow this process for that respective semester. 

  Please follow these steps:

  1. Take a screenshot of your financial aid section in your WINS portal. When you were applying for financial aid, you designated a portion of your financial aid to housing. It must state that this financial aid is designated/partially designated for housing in this screenshot.
  2. Submit this screenshot as a general inquiry in your resident portal/app, and state that you would like to use your financial aid for rent payment.
     • Failure to submit proof of your financial aid will result in a late fee.
  3. Your down payment for your rent is then due on the respective due dates listed on your lease. $900 will be due on the respective due date. $800 will go towards your rent balance, and $100 will be applied to interest accrued in the grace period between your rent due date and the time you submit the remainder of your rent payment. 
  4. The remainder of your rent payment will be due once financial aid is disbursed. If the paperwork was filed correctly and on time, your disbursement will be mid-September for the fall, and mid-January for the spring. 
     • We do not collect money directly from any financial aid. Financial aid will be disbursed to your account, then paid to us via the rent payment methods stated in the section above. 

  If you have any questions regarding this process, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 262.607.0360, or texting us on the HSI Text Message line. 

  Click here to log in to WINS Resident Portal

• Steps To Sublease Your Spot On The Lease

  Keep in mind, you are still on the lease after you sublease your spot. Make sure your replacement is reliable.

  In the case when life changes or if you want to study abroad, you have the ability to sublease your spot. The easier option is always to work through the issue causing you to sublease (if applicable), and avoid the lengthy and costly process altogether. In most instances, it is not worth the trouble.

  The sooner you start this process, the more time you will have to find a replacement. This is the only method to sublease your spot. Follow each step below:

  • You are still responsible for the rent due for your lease if you do not find a replacement and/or do not live in the unit.
  • Notify HSI Rentals by submitting a maintenance request in your mobile app. We will share our leads here to everyone on the lease. Make sure you reach out to them ASAP, or they may move on.
  • Post on your social media accounts, especially the "UWW UW-Whitewater Available Subleases” page. It’s crucial to invest as much effort as possible in this process, as it’s worth the same as your rent during this lease.
  • USE OUR PICTURES, VIDEOS, AND 3D TOUR! Cell phone pictures simply do not work to advertise. You may copy/paste the link from our website.
  • Notify your roommates about your sublease. They are equally responsible for finding a replacement. They may even have someone who would take your spot. Do not forget to communicate with your roommates along this process.
  • If you are currently living there, you are responsible for organizing the showing for the new replacement.
  • You will need to have your roommates meet and approve of the new replacement. Invite them over, have them meet your roommates and get to know them.
  • Once all of your roommates living in the unit approve of the new replacement, you will need to print out this form below, fill out the proper fields, and have your roommates sign/date.
  • Have your new replacement fill out an application at www.hsirentals.com/apply, bring their $400 deposit, and the printed roommate agreement to add them to the lease. Once they have this finished, have them contact us at (262) 607-0360 to schedule a time to sign.
  • Only the new person is required to be there at the signing. You may join too if you want.
  • Once they sign, you will be charged a $200 service fee for subleasing your spot. This will be applied towards your security deposit.
  • Your remaining security deposit will be refunded 21 days after the last day of the lease.

  
  
  

  ROOMMATE AGREEMENT TO ADD REPLACEMENT

• Rent Certificate Information for 2024

  Updated February 2, 2024

  *PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE COMPLETING A RENT CERTIFICATE*
  *DO NOT FILL OUT RENT INFORMATION IN THE FORM! Ben or Bob will help you fill this out. This will avoid problems in your tax return.* 

  You may be eligible for a tax deduction from rent paid on your tax return ONLY if the following applies to you: 
  

  1. You paid for your own rent out of your own pocket. This does not include your parents paying for your rent. 
  2. If you are not listed as a dependent on your parent(s) or guardian(s) tax return.
  3. You are still eligible for a tax deduction if you used financial aid. 
  4. Any rent paid outside of 2022 is not eligible for declaring on the 2024 Rent Certificate. 

  If all of these points apply to you, please fill out the attached document below with your applicable information (DO NOT FILL OUT THE RENT PAID SECTION) and call (262) 607-0360 to find a time for Ben or Bob to meet you. Print out the completed PDF document and bring it to our office. We will fill out the appropriate rent information and sign the document for you. Most accountants require an actual copy of the signed document. 

  If you have any questions, please call us at (262) 607-0360. 

  Rent Certificate

• Paying and Switching Over Utilities

  To switch your water bill over to your name, please call 262.473.1383. This should be done immediately after the apartment is turned over to you. You are responsible for utilities starting the day you receive the text message stating your unit is ready.
  
  Your water bill can be paid by three methods:

  • In person: Go to the City Hall at 312 W. Whitewater Street, right next to The Sweet Spot downtown. Bring your bill with you. You can pay by check, cash, or credit/debit.
  • Online: Click here to be sent to the PSN portal. You need to register if you are a first-time user. Click here for instructions.
  • Phone: Call 877.885.7968 to pay by phone. Make sure you have your bill ready to provide information.

  Click on the links below to be navigated to We Energies (electric and gas) and Charter Spectrum (cable and internet).

  We Energies

  • Call this number to switch over the electric and gas to your name: 800.242.9137

  Charter Spectrum

• How to Reset a Circuit Breaker

  If your power is not working suddenly, it is very likely that you “tripped” the circuit breaker, which is a very common issue. This video will walk you through the process step-by-step.
  How To Reset A Tripped Circuit Breaker

• How to Unclog a Toilet

  If your toilet is not properly draining, it it likely that it is plugged. Below is a tutorial how to unclog a toilet.
  How to Unclog a Toilet Every Time

• Garbage

  • Your garbage tote (if you have one) needs to be taken out the night before pickup. Totes must be returned to storage area by the end of the day of pickup or the city may charge you a $25 fine.
  • Please keep the area around your garbage clean. Bugs, rodents and creepy crawlies love crumbs and overflowing garbage. You must take garbage to the dumpster or tote. Don’t throw it outside the back or side door of your building.

• General Safety & Maintenance

  • The insurance coverage we carry on our buildings does not cover loss of or damage to your personal belongings. It is your responsibility to carry renter’s insurance to cover your possessions. Our coverage is on the building and will not pay to replace any of your items in the event of fire or flood.
  • Please do not pile items on or around the water heater or the furnace. This is a major fire hazard.
  • Be smart. Don’t use huge nails to hang small things on the walls. Remember, you will pay for damage.
  • Always notify us if any of your faucets or the toilet is leaking or not turning off completely. Water costs money and we want to repair leaks as soon as possible.
  • Close all the storm windows in the winter to minimize drafts. This is not only more economical, but more comfortable for you.
  • PLEASE, contact us with any maintenance issue you have. It is our duty to ensure you have a warm, safe, and enjoyable place to live.
  • During the winter time, it is more difficult for air to move throughout your home. This includes warm air to heat your bedrooms. Please leave your bedroom doors open as much as you can to let warm air in. 
  • Absolutely no smoking in your unit. You will be charged if you smoke indoors. If you do smoke, please designate a bucket to dispose the cigarettes in. 
  • Please keep all grills and fire pits 10 feet away from any building. These are the number one cause of residential fires. 
  • Do not dispose of any charcoal in the dumpsters. 
  • Use our contact form to make any non-emergency maintenance requests, and we will be sure to tend to the issue as soon as possible.

• Make it a habit to check:

  • Always lock your doors. It’s just good sense. And, turn on a light at night, too. Theft happens.
  • The batteries in your smoke alarm frequently. Smoke alarms are useless if their batteries are dead.
  • Your carbon monoxide detector to see that it is plugged in and working properly. Please notify us immediately if it’s beeping, as it could be broken. Carbon monoxide can be deadly!
  • The furnace filter. It should be changed once a month. Take the time to do this, as it will keep the air cleaner and the furnace running efficiently. It will also reduce the dust that lands on your stuff.

• Parking

  • Parking for visitors, friends, and others is limited to 8 hours. 
    • *This EXCLUDES* residents who park at Heritage Apartments. Guests may only park overnight at Heritage Apartments from Friday 5pm - Sunday 9pm. Guests who park overnight without a parking pass outside of these times WILL be towed. 
  • Don’t park on the grass! We keep our properties neat and clean and vehicles on the lawn is not part of that plan. The city will issue citations to those who park on the lawn.
  • If you are experiencing a shortage of parking stalls in your lot, please call us immediately at (262) 607-0360.

• Internet

  • There are two major providers for internet, Spectrum and TDS. You will need to call either company to set up internet services. This can be done the week prior to moving in so you can receive your equipment.
  • There is no deadline to set up your internet account.
  • If you are living at 304 N. Tratt St. and need assistance with your internet, we cannot do maintenance since we are not the provider. 90% of issues are solved by unplugging the router and modem and plugging it back in.
  • Call the community service line (855-855-8679 or 833-895-5115) for Charter Spectrum if you are having issues with your internet or cable TV. Let them know you are under a bulk account for the building paid by the landlord. Also give them the below information: Ask for business support once you call. Address: 304 N Tratt St # Bulk Whitewater, WI 53190 Account number: 8245 11 659 0069334

• Can I hang items on the walls with nails or screws?

  • We allow residents to hang items on the walls with small nails or command strips. Please use the appropriate size nail, and if the item is heavy, please use a stud-finder to find a stud and then you may use a screw. You will need to find a stud when mounting a TV to the wall or the TV will fall off the wall. Please do not use the blue gum looking adhesive to hang items on the wall.
  • When you move out, make sure to remove all nails/thumbtacks/screws. Filling the holes is appreciated, we ask you to do it properly if you do. Otherwise, we will take care of it.

• Is the deposit refundable?

  TO GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK, you MUST do the following. Log in to this link (www.hsirentals.com/portal), go to your profile settings, and click "Refund settings”. Select whether you want to have your deposit sent electronically via EFT (most efficient and fastest method), or select check. Make sure to add your forwarding address where we would send your check.

• I am moving out, what is the move out process?

  If you are all moving out, or if you are the only one moving out at semester-end, the process is as follows. The procedure listed below is how you get your deposit back.

  To ensure a deposit refund, this process must be read and completed. Leases with a remaining security deposit balance will have checks mailed out by 21 days after the last day of the lease. 

  1. All rent must be paid up before the end of the lease.

  2. TO GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK, you MUST do the following. Log in to this link (www.hsirentals.com/portal), go to your profile settings, and click "Refund settings”. Select whether you want to have your deposit sent electronically via EFT (most efficient and fastest method), or select check. Make sure to add your forwarding address where we would send your check.

  3. For those with leases ending, your water bill (City of Whitewater) must be paid up through the last day of the lease. Do not discontinue service, the bill should be turned back in to our name at the end of the lease, no sooner. If you are moving out and your roommates are staying, make sure the bills are transferred to someone else on the lease.

  4. For those with leases ending, your energy bill (We Energies) must be paid up through the last day of the lease, no sooner. Do not discontinue service, the bill should be turned back in to our name at the end of the lease, no sooner. If you are moving out and your roommates are staying, make sure the bills are transferred to someone else on the lease.

  5. All keys need to be accounted for. Front door keys can be left on the kitchen counter, bedroom door keys (if applicable) need to be left in their respective door handle/deadbolt that it opens. 

  6. *For tenants who are moving out of 304 N. Tratt Street*, please make sure to return your parking pass to the kitchen counter or drop it off at our office at 212 S. 2nd Street to avoid a replacement fee.

  7. Make sure that NO personal items are left behind. Even if a roommate left something behind. Make sure no garbage is left in or outside the building. Any items left behind will result in a disposal fee.

  * !Remember! Gently used items and non-perishable food can be donated! The Community Space at 834 E. Milwaukee Street takes donations 24/7/365.

  * DO NOT PLACE TV'S OR ANY ELECTRONICS BY DUMPSTER! If any electronics are left near a dumpster, you will be charged a disposal fee per item. Electronic disposal instructions through the city's website, or you can schedule a time to have John's Disposal pick up items by calling 262-473-4700. 

  * DO NOT PLACE FURNITURE OR ANY ITEMS BY THE STREET SIDE OUTSIDE OF DESIGNATED DAYS! If any furniture is left by the street side outside the designated days, you will be charged a disposal fee. This also includes but not limited to basketball hoops, fire pits, grills, etc. 

  * The City of Whitewater has bulk disposal days for furniture. Google "Bulk pickup days Whitewater, WI" for pickup days. Only applicable on bulk pick up day: place items 2 feet away from street curb.

  8. CLEAN! CLEAN! CLEAN! This means the entire unit should be deep cleaned top to bottom (takes multiple days when done properly). Click here to view our deep cleaning guide. Make sure to follow this guide thoroughly. We expect normal wear-and-tear, but any areas that are missed or not cleaned properly will result in a cleaning charge ($30/hour, same rate our professional cleaning company charges us).

  9. Once the unit is completely vacated, please call or text us at (262) 607-0360 to let us know you are moved out. If your roommates are staying, you do not need to notify us.

  We truly appreciate choosing us for your college experience. If you have any questions whatsoever, feel free to email or text us at the HSI text message line, call us at (262) 607-0360, or simply make a request in your mobile app.  

  Good luck in your future endeavors!

If you have any other questions regarding tenant policies, feel free to contact us.