Certified Funds Only (CFO) — What It Means and How to Pay

Why Is My Account on Certified Funds Only?

There are a few common reasons your account may be flagged as CFO:

You are a future resident with an upcoming move-in. As your move-in date approaches and is within 7 days, we require certified funds to ensure your move-in goes smoothly and on time. This is standard procedure and not a reflection of any issue with your account.

You have had 3 or more NSF (returned) payments. NSF payments occur when a payment is submitted but rejected — most commonly due to insufficient funds in your account. After 3 or more occurrences, online payments are disabled to protect the account.

You have disputed a credit card payment (chargeback). If you paid rent by credit card and disputed that charge with your card issuer, your online payment access is disabled while the investigation is open and typically remains disabled after it closes as well.

For accounts placed on CFO due to NSF history or a chargeback, online payments are generally turned off indefinitely. That said, we do periodically review accounts. If your account shows 12 months of clean payment history with no late payments or other issues, we may consider restoring online access depending on the circumstances — though this is never guaranteed.

Why Do We Require Certified Funds?

Certified funds — such as cashier's checks, money orders, or electronic cashier's payments — are guaranteed funds. Unlike personal checks or ACH payments, they cannot be returned or reversed after processing. This protects both you as a resident and the property owner, and ensures your payment is credited without risk of reversal or delay. Returned payments cause major issues for you, us, and cause risk for the property owner. 

Your Payment Options

Option 1: Electronic Cashier's Payment (ECP) — Preferred

We will send you a unique payslip to submit your payment electronically. ECP is our strongly preferred method for CFO accounts. Funds transfer directly and securely without the hassle of obtaining a physical check or coordinating a drop-off.

More Information on Electronic Cash Payslip

Option 2: Certified Check or Money Order — Mailed to our Corporate Office

If you are unable to use ECP, we accept certified checks and money orders by mail or drop-off at our Wilmington office:

4002 1/2 Oleander Dr, Suite 1A Wilmington, NC

A few important notes on this option:

• We only process recurring rent payments at the Wilmington office location.
• Due to rising incidents of check fraud and mail theft, we strongly discourage mailing payments when possible. If you prefer an autopay-style option, your bank may be able to mail a cashier's check directly to us on your behalf.
• If you do mail a payment, please allow adequate time for delivery before your due date to avoid late fees

Important Note for New Move-Ins

Never mail your move-in funds. ECP is always the best option. If ECP is not possible for any reason, please coordinate directly with your account manager to deliver payment in person. Mailed move-in payments risk delays that could affect your move-in date.