Your Complete
Move-In Guide

Everything you need to know before picking up your key on August 1.

Overview

Everything you need to know before your lease starts on August 1.

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August 1 is key pickup dayEveryone is required to pick up their key on August 1 or arrange for someone to pick it up on their behalf. You do NOT have to physically move in on August 1. You just need to pick up your key and complete your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck within 72 hours.

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Complete your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck within 72 hours of key pickup You'll receive your invitation to this inspection the morning of August 1. Download the app in advance, walk through your unit, and submit photos of any pre-existing conditions within 72 hours of picking up your key.

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On vacation or studying abroad?You don't have to change your summer plans. Just arrange for a roommate or family member to pick up your key and complete the Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck on your behalf. You can authorize anyone you trust like a parent, a sibling, or a roommate who's already coming in on August 1.

Who Is This Guide For?

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Moving into a fully vacant homeAll roommates are new and the entire unit has been turned over. The Before You Arrive, Key Pickup Day, and Checklist tabs cover everything you need.

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Moving into a home with existing roommatesSome roommates are staying from last year and you are filling a vacated bedroom. See the Moving Into a Partial tab. There are some important differences in what to expect.

Key Dates & Timeline

Date	What's happening
Before July 15	To guarantee you receive a Fast-Pass for key pickup, you must pay your first month's rent, fees, and security deposit (or set up an Obligo account), complete your Pet Screening profile, and set up your Property Meld account. Download the RentCheck app.
Before August 1	Sign up for your key pickup time slot (we'll send you the sign-up link the week before August 1). Coordinate with your future roommates about what to bring and expectations for shared spaces. Arrange for a proxy to pick up your key if you can't be there in person.
August 1	Keys must be picked up by you or your authorized proxy at The Barracks leasing office (514 Deacon Dr W). Bring a photo ID. If sending a proxy, you'll need to email their name to the leasing office ahead of time and they'll also need to show a photo ID.
Within 72 hours of August 1	Complete your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck. Walk through every room, photograph all pre-existing conditions, and submit. Anything not documented may be your responsibility at move-out. Submit all maintenance requests via Property Meld.
Within your first week	Set up your WiFi and cable with Optimum. Purchase a mailbox key from the Bryan Post Office. Activate your Cove membership.
Ongoing	Submit all maintenance requests via Property Meld. Pay rent through your AppFolio tenant portal by the 1st of each month.

Before You Arrive

Everything you need to take care of before picking up your key on August 1.

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Residents who complete all of the following tasks before July 15 will qualify for Fast Pass Key Pickup They get to enter a shorter queue on Key Pickup Day. Last year, the average Fast Pass wait time was less than 5 minutes.

Financial & Admin

Pay your first month's rent + fees

First month's rent
Resident Benefits Package fee ($35.95/month)
Annual utility service fee ($60/year)
One-time admin fee ($150)

If you haven't received resident portal access or a welcome email by July 6, contact the leasing office at [email protected].

Pay your security deposit or set up an Obligo account

You have two options for a security deposit:

Traditional security deposit: 1.5x your monthly rent, paid upfront through your AppFolio resident portal.
Obligo (deposit alternative): 12-30% of your deposit amount, charged annually. Sign up directly through your AppFolio resident portal. Either way, you're responsible for returning your unit in the same condition you received it.

Complete your Pet Screening profile

Every resident (whether you have a pet or not) is required to complete a Pet Screening profile at arenagroup.petscreening.com. If you're bringing a pet, you'll also need to sign a Pet Agreement and pay the one-time pet fee ($325) and pet rent before move-in day.

Download the RentCheck app before August 1

Your Inventory & Condition Form invitation will be sent the morning of August 1. Download the RentCheck app on your phone before then so you're ready to go the moment you pick up your key. The app guides you through photographing each room and any pre-existing conditions. You have 72 hours from key pickup to complete and submit it.

Set up Property Meld account

Watch for an invitation email with account setup instructions. If you haven't received it by July 15, contact the leasing office at [email protected].

Sign Up for Your August 1 Check-In Time

You'll receive an email invitation from us the week before August 1 with a link to sign up for a key pickup time slot. Please sign up in advance. This helps us keep lines short and moving on a busy day.

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Can't be there in person?You can authorize a roommate, parent, or other trusted person to pick up your key on your behalf. They'll need to bring their own photo ID and we will need written permission in an email from you ahead of time authorizing them to pick up your key.

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Moving in late?If you absolutely cannot arrange for someone to pick up your key on August 1, contact us to discuss your situation. Please note: if your key isn't picked up on August 1 and your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck isn't completed within 72 hours, we cannot guarantee the condition of your home will be exactly as we left it, particularly in common areas shared with roommates who have already moved in.

Coordinate With Your Future Roommates

Before move-in day, reach out to your roommates. If you don't have their contact info, the leasing office can help connect you. A quick conversation ahead of time makes move-in day much smoother. Things worth sorting out in advance:

Which bedroom you're each taking
What shared items you each plan to bring (to avoid four toasters and no coffee table)
Expectations for shared spaces (cleaning, guests, noise)
Move-in timing so you're not all trying to carry furniture through the front door at once

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Need your roommates' contact info?Email [email protected] and we'll connect you.

Key Pickup Day

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Key pickup is required on August 1August 1 is mandatory key pickup day for all residents. You are not required to move your belongings in on August 1, but your key must be picked up, and your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck must be completed within 72 hours. The earlier you complete your inspection, the sooner any issues in your home can be addressed by our maintenance and cleaning vendors.

Picking Up Your Key

Leasing office — 514 Deacon Dr W

Come at your scheduled check-in time

Bring your photo ID. If you completed all to-dos ahead of time, all we'll need to do is verify your identity and hand you your key. If not, you will have to complete those tasks on the spot with a member of our team which will be a significantly longer process.

Sending a proxy?

Authorize someone to pick up your key for you

If you can't be there in person, a trusted person (roommate, parent, family member) can pick up your key on your behalf. They need to bring their own photo ID and we will need written authorization from you ahead of time. Email [email protected] in advance to arrange this.

Keys included

What you'll receive

Your unit key and any other access devices for your home. Please note, a mailbox key is NOT included at this key pick up. See the Before You Arrive tab for how to get yours from the post office.

Within 72 hours of key pickup

Complete your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck

Open the RentCheck app, walk through every room, photograph all pre-existing conditions, and submit. This is the most important document you sign besides your lease. Anything not documented may be considered your responsibility at move-out. Submit work orders through Property Meld.

Why August 1 Key Pickup Matters for Everyone

In previous years, one roommate would move in on August 1 while another didn't arrive until late August. In that time, the early-arriving roommate had access to the entire home (including vacant bedrooms and common areas) for weeks before their roommates arrived. When the later resident finally moved in, they sometimes found damage in their bedroom or common areas that happened after we had completed our turn of the room.

By having everyone pick up their key and complete their Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck on August 1, we ensure that the condition of every bedroom and common area is documented at the same point in time. If anything needs attention, we find out immediately and our team can fix it while our vendors are still available.

Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck — What You Need to Know

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It's an appYou'll receive your Inventory & Condition Form invitation the morning of August 1. Download the app and have it ready on your phone before then. The app guides you room by room, gives you examples of what to look for, and lets you take photos within the inspection.

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It protects youYour RentCheck submission creates a timestamped, photographic record of your unit's condition on the day you moved in. If there's pre-existing damage (sheetrock damage, a stain, a broken fixture) document it in the app. When you move out, this is the reference point for any charges to your security deposit.

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The 72-hour window is a hard deadlineOnce 72 hours from key pickup passes, the window closes. Anything not documented is assumed to have occurred during your tenancy. Do your walkthrough as soon as possible after getting your key.

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How to use it wellGo room by room. Photograph every wall, the floor, inside closets, all appliances, fixtures, and any damage you notice, even if it seems minor. The more thorough you are, the better protected you are.

Submit Maintenance Requests After Your Inventory & Condition Form

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Your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck is for documentation. Property Meld is for Maintenance Requests.These are two separate steps, and you may need to do both. Completing your Inventory & Condition Form does not automatically create a work order or alert our team that something needs attention. If something in your home needs to be repaired or cleaned, please submit a work order separately through Property Meld.

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Not everything needs a work orderIf you notice minor cosmetic wear that you're fine living with, then you don't need to submit a work order. Just document it in your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck and you won't be charged for it at move-out. Work orders are for things you want our team to fix.

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We'll triage by urgency. Not by who submitted first.With over 1,100 residents moving in at the same time, we will prioritize work orders by how urgent they are, not by submission time. A broken air conditioner in a Texas summer will always be addressed before a broken ice machine. Active leaks, AC issues, and carpet damage that affects habitability will come before cosmetic repairs or minor appliance issues. Please give our team grace and patience as we work through the most pressing needs first.

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We're thorough, but we're not perfectWe're turning over 1,400+ bedrooms during a very short window. We do our best to catch everything, but some things will get missed. If your home isn't quite right when you arrive, please let us know right away. We want you starting your semester in a home you're happy with!

Dumpsters & Trash on Move-In Day

Additional dumpster locations are available throughout the neighborhood on move-in day to handle the extra volume of boxes and packing materials. Please break down boxes before placing them in dumpsters.

Setting Up Your Home — First Week To-Do List

WiFi and Cable (Optimum)

Your unit has an Optimum internet connection. Find the closet in your home with the internet hookup — there should already be a modem inside. If not, pick one up at the Optimum office on Texas Ave.

Once your modem and router are connected, call (866) 347-4784 and ask for the Residential MDU Bulk department to "provision your modem." Have your full name, MAC address (on a sticker on the bottom of the modem), and your full Barracks address ready. For extended cable or DVR packages, email [email protected].

▶ Watch: How to install a modem and router

Thermostat

Your home's thermostat controls both heating and cooling. Keep it set to auto at all times, even when you leave for multiple days. In winter, keep it set to a minimum of 50°F to prevent frozen pipes.

▶ Watch: How to adjust your thermostat

Mailbox key

The mailboxes in our neighborhood are owned and maintained by the United States Post Office. All mail related questions and issues will be solved between yourself at the USPS. To set up your mailbox, take a copy of your lease and your ID to the Post Office at 2121 E William J Bryan Pkwy in Bryan. Only one person per household needs to go. They'll issue a mailbox key for $35 (subject to change) and assign you a box in the neighborhood.

Your Cove Membership

Your lease includes an exclusive membership to The Cove at BearX. Enjoy surfing, floating in the lazy river, tanning, and bring up to two guests for free every time. Head to The Cove with your ID to activate your membership.
Hours: Mon–Wed closed | Thu–Fri: 2–8pm | Sat–Sun: 12–8pm

The Barracks Community Pool

On days when The Cove is closed, Barracks residents still have access to our community pool located at 3223 Sergeant Dr, College Station, TX 77845. The gate code is 22846. Please do not share this with non-Barracks residents.

Stay connected

Follow The Barracks on Instagram and TikTok for community announcements, resident event info, and giveaways.

Move-In Checklist

Check off each item as you complete it.

Progress0 / 20 complete

⏰ Before August 1

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First month's rent + all fees paid through AppFolio
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Security deposit paid or Obligo account set up through your AppFolio
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Pet Screening profile completed at arenagroup.petscreening.com (required for all residents, even without a pet)
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Property Meld account set up — Watch for an invitation email with setup instructions.
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RentCheck app downloaded
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Check-in time slot reserved for August 1 — We'll email you this sign-up sheet the week before August 1.
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Reached out to roommates to coordinate move-in timing and shared items

🔑 August 1 — Key Pickup Day

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Photo ID brought to leasing office (514 Deacon Dr W) at scheduled check-in time — or proxy sent with their ID + your written authorization emailed to [email protected] ahead of time.
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Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck completed within 72 hours of key pickup
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Work orders (if any) submitted through Property Meld for anything that needs attention

📋 Admin — First Week

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Damage Liability insurance confirmed — either enrolled via RBP or own policy submitted at insurance.residentforms.com
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Signed up with Piñata for Resident Rewards, credit building, and identity protection (link coming soon)

🌐 Setup — First Week

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WiFi modem located in unit closet — picked up from Optimum on Texas Ave if not already present
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Router purchased and connected
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Optimum called at (866) 347-4784 to provision modem — ask for Residential MDU Bulk dept
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Thermostat set to auto — do not turn off when leaving
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Mailbox key picked up at Bryan Post Office (2121 E William J Bryan Pkwy) — bring lease + ID, $35 fee
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Cove membership activated — bring ID to 350 Deacon Dr. W.
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Barracks Community Pool gate code saved: 22846

📱 Stay Connected

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Follow @thebarrackstownhomes on Instagram

Moving Into a "Partial"

Here's what to expect.

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What is a partial move-in?A partial move-in happens when one or more roommates from last year renewed their lease to stay in the home. In other words, you'll be moving into a home that already has people living in it.

What We've Done Before You Arrive

Before you move in, our team has:

Inspected, cleaned, and repaired any damage in your bedroom
Assessed the condition of common areas
Communicated to your roommates already in the home that common areas should be clean and clear for your arrival

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Common areas may not be perfectYour bedroom will be move-in ready. However, common areas (the kitchen, living room, stairwell) are still being used by residents who already live there. There may be some minor wear, existing decor, or belongings from your roommates.

Communicate With Your Roommates Before You Move In

The most important thing you can do before move-in day is connect with the roommates who are staying. A quick conversation before you arrive prevents frustration on the day of. Things worth covering:

What to bring — ask what's already in the common areas (furniture, appliances, kitchen supplies) so you don't duplicate things or end up without essentials
Move-in timing — let them know when you're arriving so they can make room in common areas and help if needed
Shared space expectations — cleaning routines, quiet hours, guests, etc. It's better to surface these conversations early than after tension builds

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Need your roommates' contact info?Email [email protected] and we'll connect you before move-in day.

Your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck Is Especially Important

Because you're moving into a home that's been lived in, your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck needs to be very thorough. Open the app, walk through your room and all common areas and photograph anything that isn't in move-in-ready condition. This includes:

Sheetrock damage on common area walls
Any stains on carpet in common areas
Existing damage to appliances or fixtures
Any condition in your bedroom that doesn't meet move-in-ready standards

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Document pre-existing damageAnything you photograph and submit in your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck within 72 hours of move-in will not be charged to you at move-out, as long as it's pre-existing damage you didn't cause.

If Something Isn't Right With Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should be clean, repaired, and move-in ready when you arrive. If it isn't, do the following:

Document it in your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck immediately
Submit a work order through Property Meld so our maintenance team can address it

We want you to move into a home you're excited about. If something falls short, tell us right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions we hear most from new residents.

Key Pickup & August 1

Yes. Everyone is required to have their key picked up on August 1, either by you in person or by someone you authorize in writing ahead of time. You are not required to physically move your belongings in on August 1. You just need your key picked up and your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck completed within 72 hours.

You don't have to change your summer plans. Just arrange for a trusted person (a roommate, parent, or family member) to pick up your key and complete the Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck on your behalf. They'll need to bring their own photo ID and we will need a written note from you authorizing the pickup. Email [email protected] in advance to let us know who to expect.

Contact the leasing office as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Please understand that if your key isn't picked up on August 1 and your Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck isn't completed within 72 hours, we cannot guarantee the condition of your home will be exactly as we left it, particularly in common areas shared with roommates who have moved in. We strongly encourage arranging a proxy rather than completing your inspection late.

In previous years, one roommate would move in on August 1 while another didn't arrive until late August. In that time, the roommate that moved in earlier had access to vacant bedrooms and common areas for weeks. When the other roommates arrived later in the month, they sometimes found damage in their room or common areas that occurred after our team had completed the turn of the home. By having everyone pick up their key and complete their Inventory & Condition Form through RentCheck at the same time, every space is documented simultaneously. Any issues can be addressed immediately while our vendors are on-site on August 1.

You'll receive an email invitation the week before August 1 with a link to schedule your check-in time slot. If you're sending a proxy, they can come at your scheduled time. Just let us know in advance.

A valid photo ID. If you're sending a proxy, they need their own photo ID and written authorization from you. Make sure all required payments are completed and accounts are set up before they come in (see the "Before You Arrive" tab for details).

The Inventory & Condition Form is a digital inspection completed through the RentCheck app that creates a timestamped, photographic record of your unit's condition when you moved in. Your Inventory & Condition Form invitation will be sent the morning of August 1. Download the RentCheck app before then so you're ready to go. After picking up your key, walk through every room using the app, photograph every wall, floor, appliance, and any pre-existing conditions, and submit within 72 hours. The 72-hour window is a hard deadline. Anything not documented may be considered your responsibility at move-out.

Payments & Deposits

Pay through your AppFolio tenant portal. Rent is due by the 1st of each month.

Yes. You can use Flex to split your rent into two payments. Sign up, connect a payment method, choose your schedule, and Flex pays your rent in full to the property. You pay Flex back later in the month.

Obligo is an alternative to paying a traditional security deposit upfront. Instead of paying 1.5x your rent in cash, you pay 12-30% of that amount annually. Obligo is fully integrated with AppFolio — sign up directly through your AppFolio resident portal. Either way, you're responsible for returning your unit in the condition you received it. If there are charges after move-out, Obligo covers them on your behalf and collects from you.

Setup & Utilities

You'll receive an email with instructions on how to create your account after August 1. If you haven't received your invitation by August 15, contact the leasing office at [email protected].

Find the internet hookup closet in your unit. If there's no modem, pick one up at the Optimum office on Texas Ave. Once connected, call (866) 347-4784 and ask for the Residential MDU Bulk department to provision your modem. Have your full name, MAC address (on the modem sticker), and full address ready. Watch the setup video here.

Your thermostat controls heat and AC. Keep it set to auto at all times. In winter, set a minimum of 50°F and open cabinet doors under sinks to prevent frozen pipes. Watch this video to learn how to adjust your thermostat.

All the mailboxes in The Barracks neighborhood are owned and maintained by the United States Postal Service. Our office will never handle your paper mail or packages on their behalf. Take a copy of your lease and photo ID to the Post Office at 2121 E William J Bryan Pkwy in Bryan. Only one person per household needs to go. They'll issue a key for $35 (subject to change) and assign you a mailbox in the neighborhood.

The pool gate code is 22846.

Head to The Cove any time during their business hours with your photo ID to activate your membership. Hours: Mon–Wed Closed | Thu–Fri 2–8pm | Sat–Sun 12–8pm.

Maintenance & Policies

For anything inside your unit (AC, heat, appliances, plumbing), submit a work order through Property Meld. For anything outside (trash, fences, yards), email the Barracks HOA at [email protected]. For after-hours emergencies, call (979) 243-5124.

Yes. Insurance is required, but it's included in your Resident Benefits Package ($35.95/month) along with other perks and protections. You're automatically enrolled in a policy from an A-rated carrier with $100,000 liability coverage. If you'd prefer your own policy, submit proof of coverage at insurance.residentforms.com and your RBP fee will be adjusted to $32.95.

Yes. All residents are required to complete a Pet Screening profile at arenagroup.petscreening.com regardless of whether you have a pet. If you are bringing a pet, you'll also need to sign a Pet Agreement and pay the pet fee ($325 one-time + $25/month) before move-in day.

Monday: Lieutenant, Sergeant, Corporal, Capps, Wakewell, General (3300–3422)
Tuesday: Cullen, Airborne, Deacon (203–315), Travis Cole (3102–3106)
Wednesday: Gunner, Old Ironsides, Baby Bear, Commando, Deacon (400–516)
Thursday: Travis Cole, Kimber, Armored, Tang Cake, General (3415–3525), Deacon (101–141)
Friday: Papa Bear, Hayes, Momma Bear, Cain, Newcomb, Knox, Goldilocks, Marvel

Keep pets inside and make sure your yard is accessible until 4pm on your mowing day.

Trash pickup is on Tuesdays and Fridays. Additional dumpster locations are available throughout the neighborhood on move-in day. Please break down boxes before placing them in dumpsters.

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Still have questions?Stop by the leasing office at 514 Deacon Dr W, call (979) 810-0245, or email [email protected].