Effective Date: March 10, 2025
This Refund Policy applies to all property management services provided by Atherco Inc. (“Atherco,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). By using our services, tenants, property owners, applicants, and customers agree to the terms outlined below.
1. General Policy
Atherco Inc. strives to provide fair, transparent, and compliant financial practices for all tenants and clients. Refund eligibility depends on the type of payment made, applicable lease terms, management agreements, and State law.
Refunds are processed only after verification of payment, account standing, and any applicable deductions or outstanding balances.
2. Rent Payments
Monthly rent payments are generally non-refundable once processed.
Exceptions may include:
- Duplicate payments
- Overpayments
- Payments made in error
- Billing system errors
Approved refunds for rent-related overpayments will typically be processed within 7–14 business days after confirmation.
Convenience fees, processing fees, and third-party payment platform charges may be non-refundable.
3. Security Deposits
Security deposits are handled in accordance with State law. State landlords and property managers must comply with strict requirements regarding the collection, holding, and return of security deposits.
Security deposits may be withheld, in whole or in part, for:
- Unpaid rent or lawful charges
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Lease violations causing financial loss
- Unpaid utility obligations where permitted by lease
Security deposits and any required interest will be returned within the legally required timeframe after tenancy termination, less any lawful deductions. Massachusetts generally requires return within 30 days after the end of tenancy.
If deductions are made, tenants may receive an itemized statement describing the charges and supporting documentation where required by law.
4. Application Fees and Administrative Fees
Application screening fees, administrative fees, reservation fees, and similar processing charges may be non-refundable unless otherwise required by law or specifically stated in writing.
If an application is denied due solely to an internal processing error by Atherco Inc., a refund may be issued at our discretion.
5. Maintenance and Service-Related Charges
Fees charged for completed maintenance services, repairs caused by tenant negligence, lockouts, cleaning services, or other tenant-responsible expenses are generally non-refundable once the service has been performed.
Disputed charges must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the charge date.
6. Owner Client Refunds
Property owner clients may receive refunds or credits for:
- Duplicate billing
- Accounting errors
- Incorrect management charges
- Unused prepaid services
Refund requests from owners are reviewed on a case-by-case basis according to the applicable Property Management Agreement.
7. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
Customers agree to contact Atherco Inc. before initiating a chargeback or payment dispute with their financial institution.
Fraudulent or improper chargebacks may constitute a violation of lease terms or service agreements and may result in:
- Additional administrative fees
- Account restrictions
- Collection activity
- Legal action where permitted
8. Refund Processing Method
Approved refunds are generally issued using the original payment method whenever possible.
Processing times may vary depending on:
- Banking institution
- Payment processor
- Credit card provider
- ACH processing timelines
Atherco Inc. is not responsible for delays caused by third-party financial institutions.
9. Non-Refundable Items
Unless required by law, the following are generally non-refundable:
- Late fees
- Convenience fees
- NSF or returned payment fees
- Completed service charges
- Lease termination fees
- Administrative processing fees
- Move-in coordination fees
10. Contact Information
For questions regarding refunds or billing disputes, please contact:
Atherco Inc.
Email: billing@atherco.com
Phone: (Insert Business Phone Number)
Mailing Address: (Insert Business Address)
11. Massachusetts Tenant Rights Notice
Nothing in this Refund Policy limits any rights provided under Massachusetts landlord-tenant laws, including laws governing security deposits, rent payments, or consumer protections.