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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

We pride ourselves in the availability and accessibility of our management team! We are here to ensure your experience at The Merchant is as wonderful as possible with friendly team members ready to assist!

At The Merchant, we have an on-site maintenance team ready to assist Monday through Friday, and on call for emergencies like fire or flooding! Submit a maintenance request through the online portal or get in contact with the office if you have questions about your request.

Our service technicians are able to provide assistance while you're enjoying life in Charleston! You do not need to be present for your maintenance request to be addressed, but if you would prefer to be there, you're more than welcome.

To get assistance as quickly as possible, place a work order through the online portal or contact our team of management professionals.

If you are locked out during business hours, the onsite team is happy to help. If you are locked out after hours, please contact a locksmith for assistance.

AMENITIES

At The Merchant, you'll find a variety of amenities that make living in dynamic Charleston even better, such as:
Resort-Style Pool with Social Spaces

  • The sparkling pool area provides a perfect retreat after exploring nearby King Street or working from home, offering a relaxing environment to unwind with neighbors. Combined with the market-style lounge featuring farm tables and a social kitchen, residents can transition seamlessly from poolside relaxation to evening gatherings.
Comprehensive Wellness Facilities
  • The 24/7 fitness center paired with a dedicated yoga and barre studio featuring spin bikes supports an active Lowcountry lifestyle without requiring a gym membership elsewhere. Whether you prefer early morning workouts before heading to the Innovation District or evening yoga sessions after exploring Hampton Park, these amenities keep you on track with your fitness goals.
Professional and Creative Work Spaces
  • The library and co-working lounge caters to remote workers and entrepreneurs who need productive environments beyond their apartment, while the game room with café seating offers a casual alternative for creative brainstorming. Private, rentable workspaces are also available upon request! These spaces reflect Charleston's growing professional community and provide flexibility for modern work-life balance.
Pet-Friendly Features and Convenience Services
  • The on-site pet spa makes caring for your furry companion easy after walks through nearby parks, while the bike room, EV charging stations, and package receiving hub add practical convenience to everyday life. With off-street parking, controlled access, and flexible lease options, The Merchant combines thoughtful amenities with the accessibility and security that today's renters expect.

The Merchant offers multiple parking options so your arrival home from an exciting day in Charleston is even easier. Parking options include permit parking, EV charger parking, and garage parking, and range in price from $75.00 to $175.00/month.

The Merchant Apartments are designed around the way you love to live. Spend a Saturday afternoon grilling by the pool, stay on track with your goals in the fitness center or yoga room, and unwind in the outdoor lounge. Your pets are part of the experience too, with a dedicated pet spa so they can enjoy The Merchant lifestyle right alongside you. When it’s time to focus, settle into our thoughtfully designed workspaces—or relax with a good book in the library. And after a day exploring downtown, store your bike with ease in our bike lounge.

The Merchant Apartments are proudly pet-friendly! Call our leasing team to discuss breed and weight restrictions.

In each of our apartments, you'll find stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, including a fridge/freezer, microwave, stove/oven, and dishwasher, so you can cook to your heart's content in your kitchen with luxe finishes. You'll also find a washer and dryer in every home to help take care of chores, so you can spend more time doing what you love. Visit our Amenities page and study the Photo Gallery to see what you can expect while living at The Merchant.

The Merchant Apartments in Charleston come unfurnished, but we would be happy to assist you and connect you with a recommended vendor which provides furnishings at an additional cost.

ADMINISTRATIVE & LEASING

We aim to approve all applications within 48-72 hours. If you have questions about the status of your application, please call our leasing team!

Easily pay your rent through the Bilt resident portal! The online portal will accept payment by bank account, debit, or credit card. Contact our team if you have any questions about how to make a rent payment.

When living at the The Merchant Apartments, renters' insurance is required. We offer a master policy for all our residents, or you may supply your own 3rd party policy. For more information on renters' insurance, contact our leasing team, who would be happy to discuss!

For internet and cable providers, you can use AT&T, keeping in mind our property offers high-speed internet!

If your situation changes, we offer buy-out options, along with the lease termination fee of 2x rent. When you need our assistance, please call our leasing team to discuss your options for leasing changes.

The Merchant will provide utility set-up information prior to moving into your new home!

Utilities will be the responsibility of the resident and are not included in the rent. Some utilities will be paid directly through your online portal for added convenience. Your apartment electricity bill will be paid directly to the service provider.

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Charleston has many distinct neighborhoods to choose from, each providing something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to live when you're looking for a Charleston apartment for rent:
North-Central

  • This up-and-coming area, including the creative NoMo district, has become a hub for young professionals and urban dwellers who value walkability and local character. With proximity to the Innovation District, breweries, music venues, and authentic Charleston experiences, North-Central offers contemporary living with artistic flair.
NoMo
  • This district blends creative energy with everyday convenience, placing residents just steps from local dining, breweries, and cultural hotspots. With close proximity to downtown Charleston and the peninsula’s key attractions, the neighborhood offers a walkable lifestyle infused with modern character and historic influence.
East Central
  • This neighborhood offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience, placing residents within walking distance of King Street's dining and shopping scene. The area provides easy access to Charleston's waterfront attractions and features tree-lined streets with a mix of residential tranquility and urban energy.

Charleston offers a distinctive blend of historic Southern charm and modern coastal living with access to world-class dining, cultural attractions, and waterfront experiences. Whether you're looking for vibrant urban energy, outdoor adventures, or a tight-knit community, here are some of the unique features to consider:
Ideal Location

  • Charleston's position on the South Carolina coast provides residents with access to both historic downtown districts and beautiful beaches. The city's walkable streets, proximity to major highways like I-26 and Hwy 17, and connection to regional employment hubs make it convenient for commuters and explorers alike.
Outdoor Adventures
  • From the scenic trails at Hampton Park to the waterfront views at Waterfront Park and White Point Garden, Charleston offers abundant green spaces and recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy year-round activities including kayaking, biking along the coast, exploring the Mount Pleasant Pier, and relaxing in beautifully maintained public gardens.
Premium Living
  • Charleston's restaurant scene rivals any major city, featuring award-winning establishments like FIG, Halls Chophouse, and Lewis Barbecue alongside local favorites such as Home Team BBQ and Edmund's Oast. The city's craft brewery culture, live music venues like Charleston Music Hall, and shopping along King Street create endless entertainment options.
Local Community
  • The city maintains its Lowcountry character through neighborhood festivals, farmers' markets, and a strong sense of place that welcomes newcomers. Charleston's Innovation District attracts creative professionals and entrepreneurs, while the historic architecture and cultural institutions preserve the city's rich heritage and create a unique living experience unlike anywhere else.

There are many fun activities to do in Charleston! The Merchant's location in the vibrant NoMo neighborhood puts residents in the heart of downtown's creative and historic districts. Major attractions and activities in the area include:

  • Charleston Music Hall
  • Waterfront Park
  • Marion Square
  • Hampton Park
  • King Street Shopping and Dining
  • White Point Garden
  • Riverfront Park
  • Mount Pleasant Pier
  • Revelry Brewing
  • Edmund's Oast
  • The Royal American
  • Cinema Under The Stars
  • Terrace Theater
  • Charleston City Recreation Facilities

The Merchant in Charleston is only minutes from the city's top employers. The proximity to I-26 and Highway 17 gives easy access to healthcare, education, aerospace, and technology employers, like:

  • Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
  • Boeing South Carolina
  • Roper St. Francis Healthcare
  • Charleston County School District
  • College of Charleston
  • Trident Health System
  • Joint Base Charleston
  • Blackbaud
  • Benefitfocus
  • Google (Charleston office)
  • Bosch
  • Mercedes-Benz Vans
  • Trident Technical College
  • Robert Bosch LLC

We offer excellent locations for public transportation. Uber, Lyft, and well-known bus lines are right within reach at The Merchant.

Great schooling and education are right around the corner as we are located in Charleston School District.

Stop by and find your new home! From Morrison Drive, turn onto Brigade Street, then turn left onto Huguenin Avenue, then turn left onto Sottile Street. The Merchant will be on your left.

Being located in the heart of downtown Charleston means access to everything you need is yours! We have many grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers right nearby. Grab your fresh groceries at Harris Teeter or Publix, before heading to your apartment to cook your latest favorite recipe. Meet up with friends on the weekend and fill your oversized closet with new finds from the shopping centers right nearby, like King Street. That is just the beginning! Check out our Neighborhood page to find out what else awaits you at The Merchant.

FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS

To apply for your new home at The Merchant, visit the Floor Plans page and apply now! You are also able to apply through the Applicants link at the top of the site.

When reviewing an application to rent at The Merchant, we conduct a criminal background check, verify rental history, analyze credit history, and income-to-rent ratio. If you have questions about our application process, please contact our leasing team to speak with one of our friendly team members.

Applicants must have verifiable income equal or greater to 3 times (gross) the market rent. Guarantors must have original, verifiable income equal to or greater than 5 times (gross market rent).

Past rental qualification is at least 12 months of verifiable 3rd party or mortgage payment history.

Our property uses Truework to verify income. If no records are found using this software, you may be asked to provide another verification method, such as banking information or past pay stubs, to validate income.

Our system generates a risk vs credit score. Bankruptcies, judgments, and balance(s) owed to other management may cause an applicant to be denied.

You have picked a wonderful place for your first home! At The Merchant, we are so excited to welcome you into our tight-knit community with all the features you're sure to love.

All are welcome to come take a tour! Call our property staff to arrange the best time so there is no wait and enough time to answer any questions you have about your new home! Make sure to bring your valid government-issued ID to tour.

We accept both appointments and walk-ins. In order to get the full experience of The Merchant Apartments, schedule a tour to prevent any wait time and to ensure you can ask all the questions about your new home.

We currently do not offer self-guided tours; however, you can contact our team to schedule a tour of your future home at The Merchant.

Of course! When you arrive for your guided tour, let the property staff know you are short on time and you can choose to skip seeing amenities or go straight to the apartment if you need.

For the safety and security of our property, team, and residents, photo ID is required for anyone taking a tour.

Your apartment will be prepped and ready for you to move in. We make sure your home is professionally cleaned, painted, and functioning properly so that when you move in, you're ready to relax at home.

Our community was built in 2019, so we are considered new construction with very little noise heard by neighbors.

We want our residents to make their space just like home. We ask that upon move-out that the unit be returned to exactly as it was upon move-in to prevent any fees.

At our apartments in NOMO, residents will be responsible for paying monthly fees like utilities and parking.

Subletting and short-term rentals such as Airbnb, VRBO, etc., are strictly prohibited.

To make sure The Merchant is as peaceful for all of our residents as possible, our community's quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am. We do not rent out our amenity spaces for a fee.

The upfront costs when you sign a lease include your move-in rent, security deposit, first payment of monthly parking fee, prorated pet rent if applicable, and non-refundable pet fee if applicable. If you have any questions about the upfront costs, please contact our leasing office!

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Our team is always ready to answer your questions.