Frequently Asked Questions
Renting near the U of O campus comes with a lot of questions — from leases and parking to maintenance and move-out expectations. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help make the process easier for applicants and co-signers alike.
Looking for current pricing on available units? Check out our Available Rentals page.
UO Off-Campus Student Housing
How close are your rentals to the University of Oregon campus?
VERY close. Some properties are just 1 block from campus, and others are only 4-5 blocks away. One of our farthest rentals (10 blocks from campus) still has a rating of 93, known as “Walker’s Paradise” from walkscore.com.
What kind of UO off-campus rentals do you offer?
We offer townhouse-style duplexes, triplexes, and single-family homes just blocks from the University of Oregon campus, making it easy to walk or bike to class. Unlike large student housing buildings with shared interior hallways, our rentals feature private entrances and smaller building layouts that create a quieter, more residential living environment.
Are your properties student-focused?
Yes. Most of our residents are University of Oregon undergraduate students, graduate students, and young professionals looking for a quieter off-campus living environment close to campus. Our smaller building layouts and residential-style homes offer more privacy and personal space than large apartment complexes.
Do you offer 9 month student leases?
We primarily offer 12-month leases. However, unlike other UO off-campus property management companies we will pro-rate your rent for the exact move-in date, helping to save you money. We also frequently accommodate lease buyouts for students who decide not to stay for the summer. A lease buyout is typically 1.5 months rent.
How many people are allowed per bedroom?
Two people per bedroom and one person is allowed on the couch. However, no more
than 6 unrelated parties per unit.
Are rentals furnished or unfurnished?
Our rentals come unfurnished. However, we are teamed up with Cort.com, a furniture rental company, who will work with you directly to assess your furniture needs.
Are parties or quiet hours regulated?
Many of our residents are students and young professionals looking for a quieter living environment near campus. We ask all residents to be respectful of their neighbors, especially during late evening and early morning hours. Noise complaints are taken seriously and repeated disturbances may result in lease violations.
Do units include a washer and dryer?
Most of our rentals come with in-unit washers and dryers. However, a small number of properties have a shared laundry room. When choosing your unit, the listing page will clearly state what type of laundry is included. And if you’re ever unsure, just ask and we’ll let you know!
Leasing & Applications
How do I apply for a rental with Mallard Properties?
All available rentals are listed on our Available Rentals page. Once you find a unit that you like, click the “Apply Now” button to fill out the online application. If the unit you apply for gets rented, we can transfer your application to another unit that is still available. No need to complete multiple applications.
How long is the application process?
Once we have everything from your group, we will start checking your rental references. This takes 2 to 3 days, depending on how quickly we hear back from former landlords. We will text or email your group as soon as we know if you are approved. Your group’s full deposit must be paid no later than 3 business days following application approval. If your contract is not signed and the deposit isn’t paid within the agreed upon time, we will move on to the next set of applications.
Do you require a co-signer or guarantor?
If you are not using a co-signer, you will need to provide pay stubs and current tax records and/or bank statements verifying an income of 3 times the monthly rent. A cosigner needs to be a parent, guardian, family member or friend. You will also need a copy of each person’s photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, student ID or passport).
Does Mallard Properties charge an application fee?
No. Unlike other UO off-campus rental companies, we do not charge an application fee. However, we do rent our properties on a first come first serve basis. This means that the group who has all components of their paperwork completed and turned into our office is put in first place.
How much is the deposit with Mallard Properties?
Deposit amounts range between $800.00 per person and can be as much as 3 times your monthly rent, depending on your rental history, and if all necessary requirements have been met. Once approved, you will be instructed on how much your group’s deposit is.
Does Mallard Properties offer online lease signing and resident portals?
Yes. For all our properties we offer an online Tenant Portal. where you can submit and view leasing documents/agreements, make online rent payments, and submit maintenance requests to ensure your issues are addressed as quickly as possible. We take the hassle out of leasing so we can give you more time to do the things you love.
When is rent due?
The monthly rent is due in full on the 1st of every month, regardless of holidays or weekends. You have a grace period until 11:59 p.m. on the 4th of every month. A $75 late fee is billed on the 5th if rent has not been paid.
How do I pay rent?
You can easily pay rent online through the Tenant Portal. Rent payments must be paid in one lump sum.
What forms of payment are accepted?
In our office we accept personal checks from leaseholders (tenants), cashier’s checks,
And money orders. Residents also have online payment options available, including E-check and credit/debit card, for a fee.
Are utilities included in rent?
Residents are responsible for setting up and maintaining utility services such as electricity and internet. Some properties include garbage, water, and/or sewer in the rent, however it varies by property. On each rental listing page under “Amenities” it will clearly state what utilities are included. If you’re unsure, just ask one of our friendly Mallard staff members!
Is renter’s insurance required?
Yes, renter’s insurance is required as of 2025, with a minimum liability coverage of $100,000. Contact your auto insurance agent to see if they can offer a multi-line discount if you have more than one policy with them. Many policies are affordable and can help protect your personal belongings in the event of theft, fire, water damage, or other unexpected situations.
Is high-speed internet included?
Internet service is not included in rent. However, high-speed internet options are widely available throughout Eugene, including service through Xfinity. Residents are responsible for setting up internet service prior to move-in if desired.
Is parking available, and if so, how much?
At least one parking space is included with most of our 1 and 2 bedroom units, and if you’re renting a 3-4 bedroom unit, parking may include two spaces, but varies on the property. That said, we do have a couple of properties with street parking only, and they require a permit through the city of Eugene. On each rental listing page, we clearly note the number of parking spaces available under the “Amenities” tab, and if you have any additional questions just ask our friendly office staff.
What if I don’t need parking? Can I get a credit on my rent?
Yes. If you don’t need your parking space, we will credit you $50 and then rent out your parking space to another resident who needs parking.
What if I need more parking spaces than come with my unit?
If you need additional parking spaces, there is a waitlist we can add you to. The cost for additional parking spaces is typically $50 per space per month, but may vary.
Do you allow subleasing?
We allow what is called a temporary occupant. A temporary occupant is not added to the lease; however, they may live in the unit while the leaseholder is away. If you’re looking to sublease, an application must be submitted by the temporary occupant. Then a Temporary Occupant Form must be signed by all current lease holders prior to their arrival.
Is there a lease break fee?
the lease ending date. The amount is equivalent to one and a half times your monthly rent (ex: Monthly rent is $1,000.00; lease break fee is $1,000 x 1.5 = $1,500.00). Or actual damages of the landlord determined by Mallard Properties at our discretion at the time of the accounting. These funds will be requested in GUARANTEED FUNDS, such as cashiers’ check or money order. Accompanying your funds would be your signed 30-day notice to vacate.
What is meant by “Actual Damages”?
90.430 Claims for possession, rent, damages after termination of rental agreement.
Landlord may have claim for possession and for rent and a separate claim for actual
damages for breach of rental agreement.
Policies
Do you allow pets?
No. We do however accept reasonable accommodation requests for support animals.
Do you allow smoking or vaping?
No. We do not allow smoking or vaping of any kind, including Marijuana, at any time, anywhere on all of our properties.
Can I decorate or hang things on the walls?
We allow up to 20 one-inch nails in the walls.
What should I do if I lock myself out?
If you are locked out during M-F business hours, please call the office5414653825. If it’s after hours (our office closes at 5 p.m.), please call Eugene Lock and Safe directly: (541) 689-2277 and leave a message. They will return your call shortly thereafter.
Maintenance & Repairs
How do I submit a maintenance request?
Please submit a maintenance request via the online Tenant Portal.
What is considered a maintenance emergency?
A maintenance emergency includes issues such as active water leaks you cannot stop or situations where your home is not secure, such as a broken window or a malfunctioning deadbolt lock.
How do I report a maintenance emergency after hours?
If you experience a maintenance emergency, call our office at5414653825and leave a message with the live answering service (these are real people who answer after hours). They will contact someone on our team who will remedy the situation immediately. For non-emergency maintenance requests, please submit a maintenance request via your Tenant Portal.
Is all maintenance free?
No. Residents are responsible to pay for unclogging of drains and/or plumbing in the
property, and damages whether done willingly or unknowingly by a resident or their guest. Owner/Agent would be responsible for maintenance costs only if it is ordinary wear and tear (ex: replacing an old oven that stops working).
How much is a maintenance call?
Maintenance calls start at $70 per hour with a one hour minimum for each call. Additional charges will be added for parts etc. if this is a billable item to the resident. Charges will also apply for no show appointments with our staff and outside vendors.
If I want to avoid paying for a maintenance call, do you have any sort of free help?
Yes, actually! We have a library of maintenance help videos designed to help our residents save money by teaching you how to use the provided systems in your home and resolve the most common tenant billable maintenance requests. Learn to reset your breakers, heaters, garbage disposal and much more.
Moving Out & Deposits
When will I get my deposit back?
Once our office has received your move out packet and keys, we have 31 days to send
out a final accounting of your deposit. If there were any charges deducted from the
deposit, we will inform you at that time.
What types of things will be deducted from my deposit refund?
Charges may be deducted from your security deposit for cleaning or damages beyond normal wear and tear that occurred during your tenancy. Common deductions may include excessive cleaning, repairs for tenant-caused damages, unpaid charges, or failure to complete required move-out items such as professional carpet cleaning.
Residents will receive a move-out checklist outlining cleaning expectations prior to vacating the property. If residents choose to hire professional vendors before move-out, receipts must be submitted with the move-out packet. A list of vetted vendors is included for your convenience. If cleaning or repairs do not meet management standards, additional charges may apply and be deducted from the security deposit.
Do I need professional carpet cleaning when I move out?
Yes. Carpets must be professionally cleaned prior to move-out. Residents may hire a vendor of their choice; however, proof of professional cleaning must be submitted with the move-out packet. Rental carpet cleaning machines do not qualify as professional carpet cleaning. If carpets are not professionally cleaned, the cost will be deducted from the security deposit.
What cleaning is expected before move-out?
Residents are expected to return the unit in clean condition and complete the items outlined in the move-out cleaning checklist provided by management. Cleaning charges may apply for items beyond normal wear and tear. Residents are responsible for general cleaning throughout the unit, while management handles tasks such as cleaning light covers and moving appliances to clean behind them. A list of vetted vendors is included in the move-out packet for residents who prefer professional cleaning services. If cleaning does not meet management standards, additional cleaning charges may be deducted from the security deposit.
General Questions
Do you offer virtual tours or video walkthroughs?
Yes, we have pictures and video walkthroughs of each unit on our Available Rentals page, including pricing info and amenities. You can also schedule an in-person tour by calling our main office:5414653825.
What phone numbers or resources should I keep handy?
Some helpful phone numbers include:
Mallard Properties office:5414653825
Non-Emergency Police Line: (541) 682-5111
Eugene Water & Electric Board: (541) 685-7000
NW Natural Gas: (800) 422-4012
Comcast/Xfinity: (800) 934-6489

