HMS Hickory Management Services - a special services real estate company
image of Hickory Management Services company headquarters in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Steps to signing a lease

See something you like? Great! We want you to see the apartment or house before we start the application process. We attempt to do personal showings if we can. Don't procrastinate no matter what anyone says. The best always go first!

Once you've seen the property, you can fill out our application.
There is a $30.00 application fee. These fees are non-refundable as they cover our costs in credit inquiries, long distance calls, etc. Once you have paid the application fee, we'll run a credit report, check past rental references, and verify a source of income. After this process, we may or may not require a co-signer. All applications must be signed.

If we require a co-signer, your co-signer will have to fill out an application as well. Co-Signer Application (download and print this form, then fax it to 269-385-2089). The application must be signed.

Once we approve your application(s), we will prepare a lease and invite you in. We need a signed lease, a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, and a non-refundable cleaning fee to secure the lease. If you are moving in very soon, we need a month's rent as well. Terms may vary so check the web site for these figures.

After you sign the lease, we will give you a copy for your cosigner to sign. To save them a trip to Kalamazoo, the document must be signed in front of a notary. Without that, the signature is not acceptable. The original notarized copy must be sent back to us. ALL Paperwork must be turned in before you move in.

Special Circumstances: Often special circumstances require special handling by all parties.

Roommates over seas: Applications are available at the link above.

Funding: We have an on line capability for you to pay rent. However, we don't use this method for security deposits and cleaning fees. You can fax us a copy of the check and send it overnight. It's just like writing a check in person.