Lease & move-in
What is the monthly rent?+
The base rent is $2,395/month. This includes water/sewer, trash pickup, and high-speed internet, plus a professionally installed SimpliSafe security system. Tenant-paid utilities are electric (Xcel Energy) and gas/heat (Xcel Energy). Snow removal, lawn care, and pest control are not included and are the tenant's responsibility. Use the rent calculator on the home page to estimate your full monthly cost.
When is rent due, and are there late fees?+
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. A late fee of 6% of the overdue rent applies if rent is not paid by the 4th of the month. Online payment via ACH bank transfer (free) or debit/credit card (+3.5% processing fee) is available through the resident portal. NSF fee for returned payments: $30. All rent payments and communication go through NestKey.
What is the security deposit?+
The security deposit is one month's rent ($2,395), held in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 504B.178. It's returned within 21 days after move-out and receipt of your forwarding address, with a written itemized statement of any deductions. Deductions may cover unpaid rent or fees, cleaning at the end of the lease, and tenant-caused damage beyond normal wear and tear. Any pet deposit is held separately. Per the lease, total deposits (security + pet) can't exceed two months' rent ($4,790). The security deposit earns 1% simple interest per year and can't be used as your last month's rent.
How much will I need at move-in?+
Without pets:
$4,790 (first month + security deposit). With pets, add the refundable pet deposit ($300–$500 per pet depending on type). Use the
rent calculator to see your exact move-in total based on your specific pet combination. We do not charge non-refundable pet fees — all pet charges are either refundable deposits or monthly pet rent.
What is the lease term, and what if I need to leave early?+
The minimum lease term is 12 months, starting on your agreed move-in date. The home is available March 1, 2027.
Leaving early: Give at least 60 days written notice and pay an early termination fee equal to one month's rent ($2,395). If NestKey re-rents the unit during the notice period, you'll be credited for rent collected for any overlapping days. You remain responsible for your other lease obligations until the termination date. For a documented military deployment or job relocation, contact us to discuss options.
After the lease ends: If you stay with NestKey's consent, the lease continues month-to-month on the same terms, and either party can end it with 30 days written notice.
Who can live in the home? Can I sublease or add a roommate?+
Occupancy is limited to 2 adults plus dependents, and every occupant 18 or older must be approved on the lease. Subleasing is not permitted without written approval. Adding an occupant requires the landlord's written consent and may require an updated lease. All occupants over 18 must pass a background/credit screening. Everyone on the lease is jointly responsible for the full rent and all lease obligations. The property is designed for 1–2 occupants comfortably given the 952 sq ft size.
Is renter's insurance required?+
Yes. Per the lease, tenants must keep an active renter's insurance policy for the entire lease, with at least $100,000 in personal liability coverage and NestKey Properties LLC listed as an "Additional Interest" or "Interested Party." Proof of insurance (your declaration page, sent to NestKey) is required before you receive keys. Letting coverage lapse is a lease violation and results in a monthly non-compliance fee until valid proof is provided. NestKey's landlord policy covers the building and certain liability for property defects, but does not cover your belongings or your personal negligence. Renter's insurance typically costs $10–20/month and is available through most major insurers.
What happens at move-in, and how do keys and locks work?+
Before move-in: Transfer Xcel Energy electric and gas to your name, and provide proof of renter's insurance.
Condition report: NestKey's move-in condition report and photos are the official record of the home's condition at move-in. You can review it and add comments or photos within the timeframe NestKey gives you.
Keys: Keys not returned at move-out are charged at replacement cost, which may be deducted from the security deposit.
Locks: No changing locks on any door or mailbox without written permission. If approved, you pay for the change and give NestKey a duplicate key for each lock.
Lockouts: If you're locked out after regular business hours, you hire a private locksmith at your own expense.
Will NestKey enter the home?+
NestKey may enter at reasonable times for inspections, repairs, or other reasonable business. You'll be given 48 hours' notice of any entry.
Pets
Are pets allowed, and what do they cost?+
Yes. Up to
2 pets: domestic cats and/or dogs. Prices are per pet:
| Pet | Refundable deposit | Monthly pet rent |
|---|
| Cat | $300 | $35/mo |
|---|
| Dog under 50 lbs | $300 | $35/mo |
|---|
| Dog 50 lbs+ | $500 | $50/mo |
|---|
The pet deposit is held separately from the security deposit and returned at move-out, minus documented pet damage beyond normal wear and tear. Total deposits (security + pet) can't exceed two months' rent ($4,790). There are no non-refundable pet fees.
What are the pet rules?+
- Pets must be house-trained/housebroken.
- Dogs must be leashed outdoors; you clean up after your pets.
- Each pet needs a current rabies vaccination, plus a dog license if your city requires one. Proof is due by move-in day; you can upload it in your resident portal anytime before then.
- You pay for all pet-related damage.
- Excessive noise or barking is a lease violation and may lead to pet removal and/or lease termination after notice and a chance to cure.
- No exotic animals, reptiles, rodents, or livestock.
Are any dog breeds restricted?+
Yes. These breeds and mixes of them are not permitted: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Doberman, Chow Chow, Akita, and Wolf Hybrid. The list is required by our property insurance and may be updated with notice.
What about service and assistance animals?+
Service and assistance animals aren't pets: there's no pet deposit, pet rent, or pet fee. You're still liable for actual damage, and documentation is required to claim the exemption.
Utilities & home
What are the home's details?+
8393 Cherry Street, Clear Lake, MN 55319: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 952 sq ft, with a 2-car attached garage and driveway.
What utilities are included in rent?+
Included in rent (provided by NestKey at no additional charge): Water/sewer (City of Clear Lake), trash pickup (Republic Services), high-speed internet (NestKey provides the service and modem), and the SimpliSafe security system equipment. Tenant-paid: Electricity (Xcel Energy) and natural gas/heat (Xcel Energy). Xcel service must be in your name before move-in. Not included (tenant's responsibility): Snow removal, lawn care, and pest control.
How do the internet and security system work?+
Internet: NestKey provides the high-speed internet service and the modem. You provide your own Wi-Fi router and set up your own Wi-Fi network and password.
Security: The home includes a professionally installed SimpliSafe security system (equipment included). You download the SimpliSafe app and set up your own account and PINs, so NestKey doesn't see your system activity. Professional 24/7 monitoring is optional: if you want it, you pay SimpliSafe's monthly monitoring fee directly to SimpliSafe — it is not included in rent.
Move-out: Remove your SimpliSafe account and reset your PINs before you leave so the system can be handed over to the next tenant, or a reset fee may be deducted from your security deposit.
Is there an EV charger in the garage?+
Yes! A Tesla Wall Connector (Level 2, 48A) is installed in the 2-car attached garage. It's compatible with Tesla vehicles natively and with other EVs via a J1772 adapter. No additional cost — it's part of the home.
How is maintenance handled?+
Emergencies (plumbing supply leak that can't be isolated, electrical safety hazard, total A/C loss when 90°F+, total heat loss when 40°F or below, sewer backup/failure, or total water loss): Call the number on the emergency sticker located on the top-left cabinet door under your kitchen sink. Contact the provider directly.
Non-emergencies: Submit through the
NestKey resident portal — sign in at
nestkeyproperties.homes/portal and go to Maintenance → New Request (photos help). Can't sign in? Email
maintenance@nestkeyproperties.homes. You'll be contacted within 24 hours to schedule. Non-emergency warranty repairs are scheduled Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm. Tenant or a designated adult (18+) must be present for interior repairs. Goal: resolved within 14 days.
Your part: Keep the home clean, sanitary, and in good repair, including fixtures; keep the furnace clean and walks clear; and pay for repairs caused by misuse or neglect. Lawn care, snow removal, and pest control are the tenant's responsibility. Major maintenance not caused by the tenant is handled by NestKey.
Is smoking allowed?+
No smoking or vaping of any kind is permitted anywhere on the property — inside the home, in the garage, on patios, or on the grounds. This includes tobacco, nicotine, cannabis (including medical cannabis), and vapes. A violation is a material breach of the lease and may result in termination after notice and an opportunity to cure. The tenant pays for any odor remediation, cleaning, or damage.
What are the house rules?+
- Alterations: No permanent modifications without written approval (nail holes, paint changes, etc.).
- Parking: 2-car garage plus driveway. No long-term storage of inoperable vehicles.
- Noise: Quiet hours are 10pm–8am, and no excessive noise at any time.
- Guests: Overnight guests may stay up to 7 consecutive nights, or 14 nights in any 30 days, without the landlord's written consent.
- Subleasing: Not permitted without written landlord approval.
- Illegal activity: Any illegal activity on the premises is grounds for immediate lease termination.
Lease violations: If you receive written notice of a default or lease violation, the lease won't be terminated if you correct it, or take reasonable steps to correct it, within 20 days.
Application
What is the application process?+
Fill out the application on step 4 (Apply). It takes about 10 minutes and it's
free to submit; NestKey charges no application fee. You'll create a password so you can check your status in your resident portal anytime. Next, your screening invite from TransUnion SmartMove arrives by email within 24 hours. It covers your credit, criminal background, and eviction reports (
$49 + tax per adult, paid directly to TransUnion). You enter your Social Security number with TransUnion only, and NestKey never sees it. Once your screening is complete, we review your application and contact you to schedule a private tour. Tours are for applicants only. If another adult will live with you, add them on the application: we'll email them a link to give their own consent, and each adult completes their own screening. See our
screening criteria.
What are the minimum income and credit requirements?+
Combined gross monthly income of all adults on the lease must be
at least 3× the monthly rent ($7,185 for $2,395 rent); applications below 3× are declined. All lawful, verifiable income counts, including public assistance. If you have a Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance, the 3× test applies only to the part of the rent you pay. A credit score of 620+ is
preferred, not required. Details are in our
screening criteria.
Do you consider past evictions or criminal history?+
Only within limits, and every application is reviewed individually. We never consider arrests without a conviction or expunged or sealed records, and you're welcome to share context. Lookback periods and details are in our
screening criteria.
