Straight answers
Questions people actually ask
The short version: the deposit is $350, cats and small dogs are welcome, and the price you see is the price. The longer versions are below.
How much is rent at The Oaks?
Renovated one-bedrooms currently rent for about $875 a month, and two-bedroom pricing varies by unit. Every open unit and its exact price is on the availability page — it pulls live from our management system, so what you see is what's real.
How much is the deposit?
The security deposit is $350, and the application fee is $40.
What do the apartments come with?
Renovated one- and two-bedroom homes with stove and refrigerator included — new kitchens, new baths, fresh floors. Select units have a washer and dryer in the home.
What amenities does The Oaks have?
Resident-only parking, garage rentals, washers and dryers in select homes, a playground, and community grills — plus renovated kitchens and baths inside the homes themselves.
What's the neighborhood like?
Quiet where you live, busy where you need it. The Oaks sits on a residential stretch of SE 5th Street, with the whole SE 14th corridor — groceries, restaurants, gas — a few minutes east. Downtown Des Moines is about ten minutes.
Why do people choose The Oaks?
The quiet, mostly. You live on a residential block, park in resident-only parking, and can rent a garage — and you're still minutes from everything on SE 14th. Renovated one-bedrooms at this price are hard to find, and there's a staff on site that keeps the property running.
Are pets allowed?
Yes — cats and small dogs are welcome. Pets need up-to-date vaccination records, and a pet deposit plus a monthly pet fee apply.
Are the apartments smoke-free?
Yes — all apartments are non-smoking. Residents can use the designated outdoor smoking areas.
Do I need renters insurance?
A liability policy with at least $100,000 in coverage is required. Renters insurance that includes liability works; if you don't have your own carrier, you're enrolled in the property's liability policy automatically. Ask the leasing team what that costs when you tour.
How do I see one?
Call 515-895-4020 or use the Book a Tour button to schedule a tour, or request one from any unit on the availability page. Tours are in person — come walk the home and the property before you apply.
What does it take to get approved?
We screen every application the same way — three things, in this order:
- Income. At least 3× the monthly rent, with six months of income history and documentation — recent pay stubs, or an offer letter if you’re starting a new job.
- Rental history. Consistent history and good references from previous landlords. An eviction filed in the last two years is an automatic denial; older ones get a manual review.
- Background. A criminal background check, evaluated case by case.
Some homes also require a credit screening — the listing will say so. A score of 650+ meets it, 550–649 gets a manual review, and below 550 doesn’t qualify. The application fee is $40, applications process in 2–4 business days, and once approved you have 48 hours to place the deposit that holds your home. Come prepared and it all moves fast.
How do I apply?
Online. Open any available unit on the availability page and apply from the listing page — it takes a few minutes.
I need two bedrooms.
Our sister community, The Jefferson, is a few minutes away on SE 14th Street and rents renovated two-bedrooms. Same management, same standards.
Didn’t see your question? Call 515-895-4020 — a person picks up.
The Jefferson — Need two bedrooms? Our sister community on SE 14th Street rents renovated two-bedrooms — same management, same standards.