Q: I see signs at these properties and on the Internet that this is a hotel?
A: These buildings spent the last 30 years being operated like an extended-stay hotel. In 2020 we switched up our business model and closed our hotel business. The good news for you as a tenant is that our properties have been maintained up to hotel standards. Over the years the units were regularly updated and we have left in place a lot of the infrastructure from the hotel like Mitsubishi Mini-Split Central Air in each unit, key card access with auditing control, our fitness centers, the security systems, and the updated common areas.
Best of all, we have had over 30 years of experience in hospitality. Our staff are our long term former hotel employees. Our aim is to carry over the same level of professional hospitality to our tenants. Our commitment is to operate just like we have for the past three decades and constantly improve our properties and exceed our tenants expectations.
Q: Are these units furnished or unfurnished? I see furniture in the pictures online and on your website?
All of our units are available unfurnished. We kept the furniture in the pictures so you could get an idea of what the space looks like with a typical home setup. We do not have any furnished apartments for rent.
Q: Do you have parking?
A: Almost all of our properties have off-street parking available on a first come first serve basis. An alternative is to get a City Of Pittsburgh Resident Parking Pass which would allow you to park anywhere on the street in the neighborhood.
Q: What is your pet policy?
A: We love pets! Tenants at our 5405 and 5426 Fifth Avenue locations, and our 5506 Kentucky location, have access to a private fenced in dog park on the side of our 5405 Fifth Avenue building. We allow small dogs and cats at our 5405 Fifth Avenue location, our 5426 Fifth Avenue location, and our 811 S. Negley Avenue locations. Your pet will require a lease addendum that will outline the rules and fees for pets.
Q: Is there Public Transportation Nearby?
A: There are multiple modes of public transportation at your doorstep! Most of our buildings are located directly on the Carnegie Mellon University Shuttle route which which connects Shadyside to the Carnegie Mellon University campus. The PAT Public Bus system also has stops right near your door. In addition, the Port Authority Airport Shuttle can connect you to the Pittsburgh International Airport.
Q: How do I contact you?
A: We use a system called AppFolio to manage the application, leasing, and ongoing tenant communications process. On our website if you select to apply or inquire about a unit we will get a message and contact you asap. If you wish to speak to us just call us at 412.682.2300 or send us an email at info@shadysidehome.com.
Q: Can I rent something short-term?
A: We do not offer any unfurnished rentals for less than 12 months.
Q: Can you explain how the electronic locks and security cameras work?
A: All of our doors use RFID locks. These locks are more secure than a regular key since there is no risk of a rouge key circulating anywhere. Since they are electronic each door is programmed to your specific key card which means if a key is lost it becomes deleted from the system and can no longer be used to enter the building or the apartment. Additionally, each time the key card is used there is a timestamp associated with that card and a record of where the card was used. This makes our doors much more secure than a traditional key. If you get locked out we can simply program you a new key which will make the older cards obsolete.
We have cameras setup that cover close to 100% of the properties. Each door and common area is under this security umbrella. If there was ever unauthorized access to your apartment we could use the key card information and camera footage to assist you in determining who that person was.
Q. I don’t think I can meet the financial requirements to lease an apartment, can I get a co-signer for the lease?
Yes. You can have someone co-sign on your lease and assume the financial obligations for the lease. That person must submit and pass the background check. A co-signer must be a United States resident.
Q. Are your locations walkable to Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, and the University of Pittsburgh?
Yes. We are less than a mile from Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, and UPMC Shadyside. We are 1.1 miles from the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Montefiore. The Carnegie Mellon Shuttle runs past most of our properties as well and of course public transportation is at your doorstep to all of these hospitals and Universities.