Century Plaza Apartments in Columbia: What to Know Before You Move

Where Century Plaza Apartments Is Located and What It Offers

Century Plaza Apartments is a residential community in Columbia, South Carolina, situated in a central location that puts you near downtown, shopping, and major roadways. The complex offers a range of floor plans, from one-bedroom to three-bedroom units, with amenities that typically include a fitness center, community room, and parking. Like most apartment communities in Columbia, Century Plaza charges rent based on unit size and lease length, and management handles maintenance and common area upkeep.

The property draws residents who want an established apartment setting with on-site management and standard lease terms. If you are considering Century Plaza, you will want to understand what the lease requires, what utilities are included, and what the move-in costs actually are—information you can get directly from the leasing office or by visiting the property in person.

Key Takeaways

• Century Plaza Apartments offers multiple floor plans ranging from one to three bedrooms in a central Columbia location.
• The complex includes amenities such as a fitness center and community spaces, though specific offerings may vary by lease type.
• Rent, utilities, and move-in fees vary by unit size and current availability, so contacting the leasing office directly gives you accurate pricing.
• You should visit the property, review the lease terms, and ask about parking, pet policies, and maintenance response times before signing.
• The leasing office can answer questions about lease length options, renewal terms, and any current promotions or specials.

How to Contact Century Plaza and Schedule a Tour

The leasing office at Century Plaza is your first stop for any questions about availability, pricing, or lease terms. You can call during business hours to ask about current floor plans, move-in dates, and what documents you will need to bring when you apply. Many apartment communities in Columbia also allow you to schedule a tour online or by phone, which lets you see the unit types, common areas, and neighborhood before you commit.

When you call or visit, ask about lease lengths (typically 6, 12, or 24 months), what happens when your lease ends, and whether the community offers month-to-month options. The leasing team can also tell you about any current specials, whether utilities are included in rent, and what the actual move-in costs are—application fees, deposits, and first month's rent all add up quickly.

Understanding Lease Terms and Move-In Costs

Before you sign a lease at Century Plaza, you need to know what you are actually paying. Rent covers your unit, but utilities, parking, and pet fees (if you have animals) are often separate. The lease itself will spell out your responsibilities—how quickly maintenance must respond to requests, what you can and cannot do in the unit, and what happens if you break the lease early.

Move-in costs typically include a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), the first month's rent, and sometimes an application or administrative fee. Ask the leasing office for a written breakdown of all costs before you apply. Some communities offer move-in specials that waive or reduce certain fees, so it is worth asking what is currently available.

Parking, Pets, and House Rules

Century Plaza, like most Columbia apartment communities, has specific rules about where you can park, whether you can have pets, and how the community operates day-to-day. Parking may be assigned or first-come, first-served, and some communities charge extra for additional spots. If you have a car, ask whether parking is included in rent and whether there are any restrictions on guest parking or overnight visitors.

Pet policies vary widely. Some communities allow dogs and cats with a pet deposit or monthly pet fee; others have breed or size restrictions; some allow no pets at all. If you have a pet or are thinking about getting one, confirm the policy in writing before you move in. The lease will also cover noise hours, guest policies, and what happens if you violate community rules.

Maintenance and What to Expect When Something Breaks

When you rent at an apartment community, the landlord (or property management company) is responsible for maintaining the building structure, roof, plumbing, and electrical systems. Your lease will specify how quickly maintenance must respond to requests—typically 24 to 48 hours for non-emergency issues. Emergency repairs (no heat, water leak, electrical hazard) should be addressed much faster.

Before you move in, take photos or video of the unit and document any existing damage. Report it to management in writing so you are not charged for wear and tear that was already there. Keep records of all maintenance requests and responses; this protects you if there is a dispute when you move out about who caused damage or whether repairs were made.

Renewing Your Lease or Moving Out

Most leases at Century Plaza run for 12 months, though some communities offer shorter or longer terms. Before your lease ends, management will typically contact you about renewal—whether you want to stay and what the new rent will be. Rent often increases at renewal, sometimes significantly, so budget for that possibility.

If you decide to move out, your lease will specify how much notice you must give (usually 30 to 60 days) and what condition the unit must be in. You will be charged for damage beyond normal wear and tear, so document the unit's condition when you leave and get a walk-through inspection from management. Request a written statement of any deductions from your security deposit within the timeframe required by South Carolina law.

Comparing Century Plaza to Other Columbia Apartments

Columbia has many apartment communities, each with different locations, price points, and amenities. Some are newer with modern finishes; others are older but more affordable. Some focus on young professionals; others cater to families. Before you commit to Century Plaza, spend time looking at two or three other options in your price range and preferred neighborhood.

Make a list of what matters most to you—proximity to work, specific amenities, pet-friendly policies, parking—and compare how each community stacks up. Visit in person if you can; a tour tells you far more than a website. Talk to current residents if possible; they can give you honest feedback about management responsiveness, maintenance quality, and neighborhood safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to bring when I apply to rent at Century Plaza?

Most apartment communities require a photo ID, proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns), and permission to run a credit and background check. Some also ask for references from previous landlords. Call the leasing office to confirm what Century Plaza specifically needs before you visit.

Can I break my lease early if I need to move?

Most leases allow you to break early only if you pay a penalty—often one to two months' rent or a smaller fee. Some communities will release you from the lease if you find a replacement tenant. Ask management about early termination options and get the terms in writing before you sign.

Are utilities included in the rent at Century Plaza?

Utilities vary by community and sometimes by unit type. Some apartments include water and trash; others do not. Electricity and gas are almost always your responsibility. Ask for a written list of what is included and what you will pay separately before you move in.

What happens if I do not pay rent on time?

Your lease will specify a grace period (usually 3 to 5 days) and late fees. If you miss rent, management can begin eviction proceedings, which damages your rental history and makes it harder to rent elsewhere. If you are struggling with rent, contact management immediately to discuss options.

How do I get my security deposit back when I move out?

South Carolina law requires landlords to return your deposit (minus any legitimate deductions for damage) within 30 days of move-out. Request an itemized list of any deductions. If you disagree with charges, you have the right to dispute them; contact a local legal aid organization or tenant rights group if you need help.