Charleston Townes Leasing Day 2026
JMU’s Hottest Place to Live Is Back — Reserve Your Unit Below
New for 2026 – no appointments or in-person reservations are required. Choose your townhome online when reservations open, then follow the steps below to complete the leasing process.
Reservations go live Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. EST.
Step 1: Apply Online
Prepare Before Leasing Day
We recommend that every resident submit an application before Leasing Day so your group is ready to move quickly when reservations open.
Before completing the leasing process, every resident will need to:
- Submit a rental application, including the name and email address of a guarantor.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
- Submit a valid state-issued ID.
- Ensure the guarantor completes the emailed guarantor application and pays the $50 guarantor application fee.
The $50 application fees are non-refundable once submitted. Applications remain valid for one year and can transfer to other Matchbox properties.
Haven’t applied yet? You can still reserve a townhome on Leasing Day, but every resident will need to complete the application requirements before signing a lease.
Step 2: Reserve your Townhome Online
Choose Your Unit on Leasing Day
The townhome selection tool will open on this page at 8:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Available units will sort to the top, and each listing will show its available lease term. As a highly sought-after townhome community, we encourage groups to be prepared when reservations open to secure their preferred location.
- From 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. EST, your group must provide the names of all four residents to reserve a unit. Groups of four receive priority on unit selection.
- Beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST, reservations open to groups with the names of at least two residents.
- Choose an available townhome and submit your group’s information through the reservation form.
- Once submitted, your unit will be reserved for 24 hours while your group completes the next steps. Incomplete reservations will be released, and the unit will become available to other groups.
The townhome selection tool will be visible in this space on Leasing Day.
Step 3: Choose Your Bedrooms
Coordinate with Your Group
After your reservation is confirmed:
- Review the available bedroom numbers with your group. (See floor plans below.)
- As a group, decide which resident will occupy each bedroom.
- In one email, send your group’s bedroom choices to CharlestonTownes@MatchboxRealty.com.
Promptly submitting bedroom choices will help the Matchbox team prepare the lease documents for your group.
Step 4: Complete and Sign Your Lease
Lock in Your Townhome
With the previous steps completed, once Matchbox receives your bedroom selections, the lease will be sent to all members of your group.
- Every resident should review the lease carefully.
- Sign the lease within the instructions and timeline provided by the Charleston Townes team.
Your townhome is secured once the required leasing steps are complete and the lease has been signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I receive my reservation details?
After you reserve a townhome, you will receive a confirmation email with the unit you selected and the next steps for your group.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
No. There are no appointments this year. The reservation process happens online through this page on Leasing Day.
Does every resident need a reservation?
No. One reservation claims the entire unit for a group.
How many people from my group do I need to reserve a unit?
From 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. EST, reservations will only be accepted for groups with the names of all four residents. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST, reservations open to groups with the names of at least two residents. Leases may be signed by fewer than four residents; however, the full cost of the unit remains the same and is shared equally among all lease signers.
What happens if I have not applied before Leasing Day?
You can still reserve a townhome, but every resident will need to complete the application requirements before signing a lease. Applying in advance helps your group be ready to complete the leasing process.
What does the $50 application fee cover?
The $50 fee covers the cost of processing your rental application. It is non-refundable once the application is submitted. Your application remains valid for one year and can transfer to other Matchbox properties.
How long will my unit be reserved?
Your unit will be reserved for 24 hours while your group completes the leasing process.
Where do I go with questions?
Call the Charleston Townes team at 540-705-0656 or email CharlestonTownes@MatchboxRealty.com.
The Matchbox Office is located at: 202 N. Liberty Street, Suite 101, Harrisonburg, VA. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments preferred.
All townhomes in the community have the same layout/floor plan with the exception of 13 units, located against Reservoir St, that have a slightly modified floor plan. The modification for these units is the front entry door walks into the main level as opposed to the lowest level of the townhome.
Floor Plans and Bedrooms
Just around the corner from JMU
2221 Purple and Gold Way,
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Hours
Monday — Friday
9am — 5pm
Phone
540-705-0656