Tenant Repair and Maintenance Responsibilities
The tenants are obligated to take reasonable care of the rental property. The owner is not responsible for repairs caused by you or your guests, or by your neglect. You are required to immediately report any damages that could lead to further damages.
1. Air Conditioning: Change the air filter at least every 2 months. Not changing the filter can make your electric bill higher, clog the drain, and break the unit. Clogged drains often leak and create water damage. You will be charged for damage caused by neglecting to change the filter. Call if you need help.
2. Toilets: The water cut-off valve is located just behind the toilet; turn it tightly down to stop and overflow. Invest in a $3 plunger to undo clogs caused by too much toilet paper. Only toilet paper is designed to be flushed. Never flush tissues, paper towels, tampons, sanitary pads, or condoms. You will be charged if maintenance pulls out these items from a clog.
3. Disposals: Modern disposals are not designed for large chunks of food, bones, or seeds. Potato skins and other peelings will jam the rotors. Instead, use your trashcan. Never run the motor without a heavy flow of water running, doing so can burn out the motor. If the motor stops working, try pushing the reset button under the sink. You will be charged if maintenance has to push the reset button.
4. Dishwashers: Use only dishwasher soap. Rinse dishes first, never leave food on the dishes. If water puddles in the bottom after a wash, you probably have a food clog around the screen cover over the drain. Broken pieces of glass and plastic can also clog the drain. You will be charged for clogs caused by you or your guests.
5. Refrigerators: If your refrigerator is leaking, check the drain pan underneath and empty. If your refrigerator stops cooling, store food in coolers, we will not replace lost food.
6. Smoke detectors: You are responsible for testing your smoke detector each month. Press and hold down the button to make sure that it works. If it does not, replace the battery. If yours is direct wired into the wall, make a maintenance request. If you accidentally set off the alarm after burning your toast, do not turn off the alarm by hitting the cover off. Simple remove the battery until the smoke clears, or cover the side vents with a damp towel or paper towel until the smoke clears. You will be fully charged for the broken detector and its installation.
7. Keys/Locks: After hours lock out service is not provided. You will have to call a locksmith at your expense and provide us with the new key the next day. Make sure that you have a spare key. All properties are re-keyed before move-in. You will be charged for any re-keying after that. Think carefully before giving your key to anyone.
8. Pest Control/lawn care: If your lease does not indicate free pest control and lawn services, then it is your responsibility. If the landlord is cited by the city, you will be charged.
9. Pipes in the winter: In cold temperatures make sure that outdoor pipes do not freeze. Cover exposed pipes and leave a faucet dripping. If you leave for the holidays, leave your heater set to at least 50 F.
10. Cleanliness: The property should be kept in a sanitary condition. Carpets should be vacuumed regularly, floors mopped, tiles kept mold/mildew free, and sinks/tubs/toilets cleaned with non-abrasive cleansers.
11. Electrical: Do not do your own electrical repairs. If an outlet or electrical appliance does not work, check your breaker box for tripped breakers. Tripped breakers show orange-flip them off then on once to reset. Reset all red GFI buttons located on nearby outlets.
Do You Know Where the Water Cutoff Valves and Meter Are?
There is a chrome cut-off valve located behind toilets and under sinks. The cut-off for the whole house is located outside in the yard. Look for a metal rectangular cover.
Break Ins
Call the police to file a report immediately. Get out and call 911 if you think someone is still inside. If the locks or windows are not secure, call the property manager immediately. We will need a copy of the report.
Please let us know if you are going to be gone for more than a week and leave contact phone number in case we need to reach you.
When to Call the Property Manager Immediately
Major water and sewer leaks: shut off the water and do your best to soak up water before it damages floors and walls. For sewage backups, carefully open the trap in the yard - this will allow the sewage to go into the yard instead of the house. Then call.
After a major fire or other natural disaster: For fire get out and always call 911 first. After a natural disaster, do your best to protect the property from further damage, but be careful. Then call.
You Are Not Living in a Hotel
You are to responsibly take care of the property. Many properties are priced down because they are older. Older properties often have a unique character of noises, smells, quirks etc. We will not fund a major renovation because after move-in you want to live more modern. If you want a newer more modern place, then you should have rented on to begin with. We maintain the structure and major appliances, as long as repairs are not caused by you. We are not sending a repair person out for $35/hr to change your light bulbs or tighten a face plate, clean cutters, pull hair out of drains etc. If this is your first time living away from your parent's home or a dorm, then educate yourself on how to maintain a home. Call and ask us questions if you need help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much can I decorate?
Answer: Small picture nails are fine, but plug them for move-out. Do not paint without permission. Dark paints are never approved. Do not wallpaper on painted walls. Do not use border papers that will remove paint or leave glue behind. Beware: some rugs will stain vinyl flooring.
2. Can we pay our rent on separate checks?
Answer: Yes, but send them together.
3. Can we get a pet later on?
Answer: It depends on the property. There is a $200 per pet fee for dogs and cats. No aggressive breeds are allowed. Having a pet without permission violates your lease agreement. Fish, iguanas, hamsters, birds are fine.
4. I am having problems with noisy neighbors, what do I do?
Answer: Call local police. If they are also our tenants, please give us a call the next day.
5. Will you reimburse me for small repairs that I do myself?
Answer: Call first, but usually yes. Do not do any electrical work or major plumbing.
What Else Should I Know?
We strongly recommend that you get a renters insurance policy. Now is the time to get it. June 1 - Nov. 30 is hurricane season and it could be difficult to get new policies during this time. Read the lease. The owner is not liable for the loss of your property. The owner's insurance only covers the properties physical structure. Renters insurance is very inexpensive ($100 - $200/year) with low deductibles and many times it will cover the contents in your auto as well. Ask family and co-workers for carrier recommendations. We have had many sad conversations with tenants that realized after the fact that they needed the insurance.