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Genesis II Apartments: What to Know Before You Move

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

Genesis II is a subsidized apartment community in Columbia for households earning under 60% of the area median income

Genesis II Apartments is located in Columbia and offers rental units to low-income households. The community is subsidized through federal housing programs, which means rent is based on what you earn rather than market rates. If your household income falls below 60% of the area median income for the Columbia metropolitan area, you may find this community worth exploring.

The property is managed by a private management company that handles leasing, maintenance, and tenant services. Like most subsidized housing in South Carolina, Genesis II has a waitlist during periods of high demand, and the application process requires documentation of your income and household composition.

Key Takeaways

  • Genesis II Apartments in Columbia serves households earning under 60% of area median income, with rent calculated as a percentage of your gross monthly income.
  • You will need to provide proof of income, identification, and household information when you contact the property about availability.
  • The property may have a waitlist, so contacting the leasing office directly is the only way to learn current wait times and opening dates.
  • Rent at subsidized properties typically ranges from 25% to 30% of your gross monthly income, though the exact amount depends on your earnings and family size.

How rent is calculated at Genesis II

At Genesis II, your rent is not a fixed dollar amount—it is a percentage of your gross monthly household income. Most subsidized apartments in South Carolina charge between 25% and 30% of what your household earns each month. This means two households at the same property can pay different rents based on their income.

You will also pay utilities separately unless they are included in your lease. Before you visit or call, add up all income sources for your household: wages, child support, Social Security, disability payments, unemployment benefits, and any other regular money coming in. The leasing office will ask for documentation of these amounts.

What documents you need to bring

Genesis II will ask for proof of income and identity before processing any application. Standard documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer stating your position and salary, tax returns from the previous year, and a government-issued photo ID. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or benefit statement showing the monthly amount.

You will also need to provide information about everyone in your household, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. If you have an eviction history or prior rental issues, disclose them—the property will conduct a background check, and honesty about past problems is better than having them discovered later.

The waitlist and how long it takes to move in

Genesis II may not have units available immediately. Many subsidized properties in South Carolina maintain a waitlist when occupancy is high. The wait time varies depending on the season and how many residents move out. During busy periods, the waitlist can be several months long; during slower periods, units may be available within weeks.

The only way to know the current status is to contact the leasing office directly. Call or visit in person and ask whether the property is currently accepting applications, whether there is a waitlist, and approximately how long the wait is. If there is a waitlist, ask whether you can be added and what the next steps are.

Income limits and household size

Genesis II serves households at or below 60% of the area median income. This income limit changes each year and depends on your household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four. The Columbia area median income is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development each year, and subsidized properties use that figure to calculate who is may be able to access.

If your household income is close to the limit, bring your most recent documentation anyway. Income calculations can include deductions for dependents, medical expenses, and other factors, so you may still be within range even if your gross income seems high. The leasing office can tell you whether your household meets the income requirement before you complete a full application.

Lease terms and tenant responsibilities

Your lease at Genesis II will specify the term (usually one year), the amount of your monthly rent based on your income, and what utilities you are responsible for. The lease also outlines rules about guests, pets, maintenance requests, and lease violations. Read the entire lease before signing, and ask the leasing office to explain anything unclear.

As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping your unit clean, reporting maintenance problems promptly, and following community rules. The property is responsible for maintaining the building structure, common areas, and major systems like plumbing and electrical. If something breaks, submit a maintenance request in writing or through the online portal if the property offers one.

How to contact Genesis II and next steps

Contact Genesis II Apartments directly by phone or in person at the leasing office. The property staff can answer questions about current availability, income limits for your household size, required documents, and waitlist status. If units are available, they will schedule a time for you to complete an application and tour the community.

Bring all income documentation with you when you visit. The application process typically takes one to two weeks from submission to approval, though this varies. Once approved, you will sign a lease and receive a move-in date. If the property has a waitlist, ask when you can expect to hear back and whether you need to reapply if circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent will be recalculated at your lease renewal date based on your new income. Most leases renew annually, so you will have a chance to report income changes then. If your income increases significantly during the lease term, contact the leasing office to discuss whether an interim recalculation is needed.

Can I have pets at Genesis II?

Pet policies vary by property. Contact the leasing office directly to ask about their pet rules, including breed restrictions, size limits, and any pet deposits or monthly pet fees. Some subsidized properties allow pets with restrictions; others do not allow them at all.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Contact the property management office immediately if you are having trouble paying rent. Many properties can work with you on a payment plan or connect you with local resources. Ignoring the problem will lead to eviction proceedings, so communication early is important.

Do I need a cosigner to rent at Genesis II?

Most subsidized properties do not require a cosigner because rent is based on your income. However, if you have an eviction history or poor rental references, the property may ask for a cosigner or require additional documentation. Ask the leasing office about their specific policy.

How do I get on the waitlist if there are no units available?

Visit or call the leasing office and ask to be added to the waitlist. You will complete an application and provide income documentation. The property will contact you when a unit becomes available. Some properties require you to reapply if you have been on the waitlist for a long time, so ask about their policy.