Frequently Asked Questions
MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Prairie Commons has an on-site management team that is available during regular business hours to assist residents with questions, concerns, maintenance needs, and community support.
Yes, Prairie Commons offers on-site maintenance. Our maintenance team is available during regular business hours for routine work orders and provides 24/7 emergency maintenance support for urgent issues.
No, your presence is not required while a service technician visits your apartment at Prairie Commons.
If you are not home during the scheduled service time, our maintenance team will enter using a management-issued key and complete the requested work. After the visit, they will leave a service notice inside your apartment detailing the work performed.
Residents at Prairie Commons 55+ Senior Apartments can request maintenance assistance by submitting a service request through the online resident portal or by contacting the leasing office during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, residents can request assistance by calling the 24/7 emergency maintenance line.
During regular business hours, our team will be happy to assist you if you are locked out. Simply stop by our office and provide a photo ID. If you are locked out after hours, residents are required to contact a licensed locksmith at their own expense for assistance.
AMENITIES
Yes, parking is available at Prairie Commons. Residents have access to ample open parking on a first-come, first-served basis, and optional single-car garages for $65.00 per month.
Prairie Commons 55+ Senior Apartments offers a comfortable, maintenance-free lifestyle with thoughtfully designed community amenities. You’ll love our community clubhouse, fitness room, and library, plus a full calendar of resident activities such as card game nights, exercise groups, craft groups, public library “bookmobile” visits, sports watch parties, and more. For added convenience, we offer on-site laundry facilities, elevator access, single-car garages, and controlled entry access. With convenient on-site services and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere, Prairie Commons provides everything you need to live independently and enjoyably.
Yes, Prairie Commons can't wait to welcome you and your furry friend to your new home! We welcome pets in accordance with our community pet policy. For full details, please contact our leasing team - We're happy to help!
Prairie Commons 55+ apartments come fully equipped with a refrigerator, electric range, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, and garbage disposal—all designed for comfort and convenience. Our on-site maintenance team ensures that appliances are well-maintained and in excellent working order, so you can enjoy peace of mind in your home.
Prairie Commons apartments are not furnished. Residents enjoy the flexibility to personalize their homes with their own furniture and décor, creating a space that feels comfortable and uniquely their own.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEASING
At Prairie Commons, we aim to process all rental applications within 48–72 business hours after submission, assuming all required documentation is provided. Our team carefully reviews each application to ensure it meets community guidelines, and we will notify you promptly once your application has been approved. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please contact our leasing team—we’re happy to assist!
Prairie Commons 55+ Senior Apartments offers several convenient ways to pay rent. You can use the online resident portal (ACH, debit, or credit), visit the leasing office (check or cashier’s check), or pay in cash at participating WIPS locations. Please note that credit/debit card payments online may include a small transaction fee. Our team is happy to help you set up the option that works best for you.
Yes, for the duration of your lease (including any renewals or extensions), you are required to maintain coverage. You may either enroll in our Damage Waiver Program ($19/month paid to Prairie Commons) or maintain a third-party renters insurance policy that provides at least $100,000 in liability coverage per occurrence for damage to the Lessor’s property. Proof of this policy must be provided. Please contact our leasing team if you have any questions about the renter's insurance requirements.
Prairie Commons is served by several reliable internet and cable providers, including Midco and AT&T. Contact your preferred providers directly to set up service that meets your needs.
At Prairie Commons, we understand that life can change. Early lease termination may be possible with advance notice and could include fees or other obligations as outlined in your lease. Please contact our leasing office to discuss your specific circumstances and review your options.
Setting up utilities at Prairie Commons is easy. Before your move-in, contact utility providers to set up services, including electricity (Evergy) and internet/cable. Our leasing team can provide details and guide you to ensure everything is ready when you move in.
All utilities, including but not limited to water, electricity, and any other utility-related charges, are the responsibility of the resident and are not included in the rent.
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
Yes! Residents have easy access to Lawrence Transit and Senior Wheels services. Most are fare-free or low-cost, making it simple to get around for errands, appointments, and activities.
Prairie Commons is conveniently located in Lawrence, KS, offering residents easy access to shopping, retail, and restaurants, all within walking distance or a short drive.
FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS
To apply for your new home at Prairie Commons, visit our Floor Plans page or the Apply Now link in the menu to complete our online application. Our team is happy to assist you every step of the way!
When reviewing applications, we conduct a criminal background check, verify rental history, and analyze credit history and income-to-rent ratio. If you have questions, our friendly leasing team is happy to assist. A full statement of our rental qualifying criteria is available on our website.
Applicants must demonstrate earnings of at least 2.5 times the gross monthly rent for each of the three months prior to application. Guarantors must have original, verifiable income equal to or greater than 6 times the gross market rent.
To qualify for a standard refundable security deposit, applicants must have 12 months of positive, verifiable rental history or homeownership. If renting from a private owner, proper documentation is required. Applicants with less than 12 months may still be approved, but an increased security deposit could apply if other criteria are met.
Acceptable income includes employment, Social Security, retirement accounts, or court-ordered child support (with 12 months of consistent payments). If applicants cannot provide verifiable income, they must have savings equal to 36 months of rent in a verifiable account.
We use a resident screening system that evaluates traditional credit data and generates a risk vs. credit score. This includes reviewing payment history, revolving debt, inquiries, income-to-rent ratio, and fraud checks. Negative items like undischarged bankruptcies, foreclosures, or evictions may result in automatic denial.
Yes, just contact our on-site team at Prairie Commons to schedule a personal tour of your future home!
We encourage scheduling an appointment to ensure personalized attention & to prevent any wait time, but walk-ins are welcome when availability allows.
Before you move in, we carefully inspect and make necessary repairs. Your home is professionally cleaned to ensure the unit is safe, comfortable, and ready for you to settle in and enjoy your home.
Prairie Commons is a peaceful 55+ apartment community. While typical apartment sounds from neighbors may occur, residents enjoy a quiet, comfortable, and relaxed living environment.
We want your apartment to feel like home! Residents are welcome to personalize their apartments with furniture, artwork, and décor, but please avoid permanent changes to walls, flooring, or fixtures.
Monthly fees depend on your circumstances. Residents may be responsible for pet rent, garage rent, a flat utility fee, and other applicable fees in addition to their rent.
Apartments may not be assigned, sublet, or otherwise transferred. Resident may not advertise the unit (or any portion of it) on HomeAway, VRBO, Airbnb, FlipKey, Couchsurfing, Craigslist, or any other advertisement or listing service. Any assignment, subletting, or transfer (whether by voluntary act, operation of law, or otherwise) will be void and a violation of this Lease/Rental Agreement.
Prairie Commons promotes a peaceful living environment. While there are no formal quiet hours, we ask residents to be considerate of neighbors.
Communal spaces are available for the enjoyment of all residents at no additional fee.
A member of our team would be happy to review upfront move-in costs with you. These typically include the first month’s rent, security deposit, pet deposits/fees if applicable, administrative fees, and any other applicable rents/fees. Refundable security deposits may vary based on approval status.
Prairie Commons is not a low-income or income-restricted housing community. We are a market-rate 55+ senior apartment community and welcome residents who meet our standard rental qualifications.
Yes, Prairie Commons offers two on-site laundry facilities for resident convenience, and each apartment home is also equipped with full-size washer and dryer connections. This gives residents the flexibility to do laundry on-site or in the comfort of their own home.
Yes, Prairie Commons 55+ Senior Apartments accepts Section 8 housing vouchers, as required by Lawrence, KS Ordinance No. 9960, which prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Applicants using vouchers must still meet our standard rental criteria, including credit and rental history review, sufficient income verification, and a background check. If you have questions about our screening process or qualifications, please contact our leasing office.
Prairie Commons Apartments is an independent living community for adults aged 55 and older. We do not provide medical or personal care services associated with assisted living facilities, and residents are expected to be independent and able to manage their daily activities. For those who may need a little extra help, there are several local in-home support resources available in the Lawrence area.
Prairie Commons is a 100% 55+ community, so all members of the household must be 55 or older.
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