Welcome to The James FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about leasing, availability, amenities, and everyday living at our apartments in Charlottesville, VA.

Located near the University of Virginia and just minutes from Downtown Charlottesville, The James offers modern apartment living in a highly connected and desirable location. Whether you’re relocating, ... Read More

Lease Terms & Renting

The James offers flexible lease terms ranging from 9 to 15 months, based on availability and daily pricing.

Application and administrative fees are one-time, non-refundable charges and are separate from base rent and security deposits.

  • Application Fee: $60 per screened applicant

  • Administrative Fee: $250

  • Preferred Employer Program (PEP): Full application and administrative fees are paid at application, with ½ off both fees credited back at move-in

Any replacement, incidental, or administrative fees incurred after move-in are charged in addition to base rent and will be billed on the following month’s statement.

Security deposits are separate from base rent and fees and are based on screening results:

  • Standard Approval: $350

  • Conditional Approval (Mid-Level Credit): $700

  • Conditional Approval (Low-Level Credit): One month’s base rent

Deposits are due prior to move-in.

Yes. In addition to your base rent, residents are responsible for required monthly fees, which are billed separately and may include:

  • Bulk Internet (Wifi Only): $85/month

  • Valet Trash: $30/month

  • Pest Control: $5/month

  • Tenant Liability Insurance: $14/month (Via Popic)

    • Optional personal contents coverage:

      • $5K coverage: additional $4/month

      • $10K coverage: additional $6/month

  • Utility Billing Service Fee: $4.50/month

  • Water / Sewer: Individually metered and billed monthly

If electricity is not transferred into the resident’s name at move-in, a Vacant Services Fee of $28.67 will be charged in addition to base rent and utility usage.

Utilities are not included in base rent unless explicitly stated. Residents are responsible for all applicable utilities, billed in addition to base rent, including:

  • Electricity: Set up and paid directly by the resident

  • Water & Sewer: No set up required. Individually metered and billed monthly

  • Utility Billing Set-Up Fee: $5.73 (one-time, billed on the first statement)

  • Final Utility Fee: $5.73 (one-time, billed on the final statement at move-out)

Utility charges vary based on usage.

Internet service is not included in base rent. The James provides bulk high-speed internet/WIFI for a required fee of $85/month, billed separately from the base rent. 

Renewal offers are sent approximately 90 days before the lease end date through the Resident Portal. Renewal rates are based on current market conditions. A 60-day written notice is required if you choose not to renew.

Early termination is subject to the lease agreement and may include fees, notice requirements, and repayment of concessions. All termination-related charges are in addition to base rent and must be paid in full at the time of termination.

Please contact the leasing office for specifics.

Maintenance & Repairs

Yes, The James provides 24/7 emergency maintenance for qualifying after-hours issues. Routine maintenance requests can be submitted through the Resident Portal.

For after-hours emergencies, residents may call the leasing office number and follow the automated prompts to page the on-call maintenance team.

Examples include:

  • Major leaks or flooding

  • AC not working in extreme temperatures

  • Fire hazards

  • Sewer backups

  • No running water

For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.

Emergency issues receive immediate attention. Routine requests are handled as quickly as possible based on priority.

Written approval from management is required for any modifications. Residents may paint but must restore original paint color at move-out (fees may apply).

Pets

Yes. The James is a pet-friendly community.

  • 1st Pet Fee: $350 (due at move-in)*

  • 2nd Pet Fee: $150 (due at move-in)*

  • Pet Rent:

    • 1st Dog or Cat: $25/month

    • 2nd Dog or Cat: $25/month

  • Maximum Pets: 2

Additional charges include:

  • Pet Waste Fine: $250.00  per occurrence. Repeat offenders will be issued lease violation cure/non cure notices 

  • Pet Finders Fee:  $200.00.  If a pet is found unregistered during inspection or otherwise- finders fee will be issued in addition to the pet fee. 

*Breed restrictions apply. All pet-related charges are in addition to base rent and billed separately. All pet fees are one-time, nonrefundable charges and are considered fees, not deposits. Please contact the leasing office for further detail.

Touring & Application Process

A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all adult visitors.

Applicants must earn at least three times the monthly rent based on their gross income (income before taxes and deductions), not their net income after taxes.

We do not have a minimum credit score requirement, but an applicant’s credit report will determine the security deposit amount. Security deposits are separate from base rent and fees and are based on screening results as follows:

  • Standard Approval: $350

  • Conditional Approval (Mid-Level Credit): $700

  • Conditional Approval (Low-Level Credit): One month’s base rent

Security deposits are due prior to move-in and must be paid in full before the lease begins.

No, only the qualified applicant can live on the property. All leaseholders must individually qualify.

Yes. Security deposits are refundable minus unpaid balances or damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Yes, we do offer this option. You’ll need to register and qualify through Flex, then select our property during the sign-up process. Flex lets residents split their rent into smaller payments and offers flexible rent payment options. You can visit their website here: https://getflex.com/

Rent, Payments & Insurance

Base rent is due on the 1st of each month. Rent does not include utilities, fees, or additional services unless specifically stated in the lease.

On the 6th, a late fee of 10% of base rent applies if rent is not paid in full by the applicable grace period outlined in the lease.

Rent and applicable fees may be paid through the Domuso Portal or via bank bill-pay.


Yes. Residents must maintain renter’s insurance with a minimum of $100,000 liability coverage. Insurance is billed separately from base rent at a rate of $14 per month via Popic. Optional personal coverage is available and provided for an additional $4 per month for $5K Content coverage and $6 per month for $10K content coverage.

Yes. Returned or declined payments are subject to a $35 NSF fee, billed in addition to base rent on the following month’s statement.

Guest & Occupancy

Residents may bring up to 2 guests into amenity spaces. Guests must be accompanied at all times. Overnight guest stays allowed up to 7 consecutive days or 14 days/month.

Extended stays require prior management approval and may require the guest to be added to the lease.

Yes, Minors staying long-term must be listed as authorized occupants if they are staying more then 7 consecutive days or 14 days in a month.

Parking, Storage & Amenities

Parking at The James is open and unassigned. Reserved, covered, garage, and carport parking are not available.

We do not offer garages but have storage units starting at $75 per month.

Yes. Replacement or incidental charges are in addition to base rent and will be billed on the following month’s statement, including:

  • Duplicate Key: $10

  • Replacement FOB: $100

  • Parking Pass Replacement: $75

The James offers a swimming pool, High Ceilings, fitness center, outdoor gathering areas, and in-home washer and dryer.

For a full list visit our Amenities Page.

Location & Community Details

The James is located in Charlottesville, VA, just minutes from the University of Virginia and Downtown Charlottesville. Our location offers convenient access to major roadways, local employers, shopping, dining, and the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Yes, The James is surrounded by a variety of shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Residents enjoy easy access to grocery stores, retail centers, restaurants, and entertainment options throughout Charlottesville, all within a short drive.

The James offers a modern living experience designed around comfort, convenience, and location. With thoughtfully designed apartment homes, elevated amenities, and close proximity to the University of Virginia and Downtown Charlottesville, residents enjoy a lifestyle that is both connected and refined.

The James is located near the University of Virginia, making it an ideal option for those looking for apartments near UVA. The community is also within proximity to local public and private schools. For the most up-to-date zoning and enrollment information, we recommend contacting the local school district.