Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered an emergency?
There are many examples of emergencies, but a few examples are: Sewer line is backed up.  Broken pipe and water is leaking into the home.  There was a break-in and you have an unsecured entrance to the home.  During normal business hours call our main office at (888) 862.2250 or non-business hours call (800) 444.1462 and have your manager paged.  If it is after 8:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. and the call is not an emergency, you could be charged for the call.

Can I be charged for maintenance at the property?
Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the maintenance, you will be charged for it. Also, you can be billed for a service call if you miss an appointment with one of our maintenance vendors.

Can I install cable or satellite TV at the property?
Yes, but written notice must be send to the manager explaining what work is being completed. Any item which is attached with bolts, nails, or screws to the home becomes part of the property. You must get written permission from the office before you remove the item. Any damage to the property because of the removal of the item can be charged to the tenants.

Can I install extra telephone lines?
Yes, but a written notice should be sent to the manager explaining what work is being completed.

What are my rights to privacy if the landlord wants to enter the property?
We will always attempt to contact the tenant first, but in some cases we might enter the property if there is a known maintenance emergency. Maintenance appointments are scheduled with you in advance.

What are my responsibilities if my company transfers me before the end of the lease?
While most leases are for a twelve months, the broker can attempt to work out an early release with the owner of the property. Let your property manager know what is happening as soon as possible so we can begin marketing the property for a replacement resident. Please refer to our policy on early termination of Lease Agreement for more details

Can I sub-lease the property?
No. Never.

Can I rent a steam cleaner and clean the carpets myself when I move out?
No. Never. Do not attempt to clean the carpet with out first contacting your manager. Rented steam cleaner machines can damage the carpet and tenants will be charged for damages.

Can I get a pet after move-in?
Only if you get permission, then sign a pet addendum and also pay a pet deposit. Some pets will require pet insurance.

When and how should I give my notice to vacate?
You must give 60 days written notice to vacate. Tenants are responsible for the full term of the lease.

What happens if my roommate moves out before the end of the lease?
If your roommate moves out, a written notice must to be submitted to the property manager immediately. Each tenant is responsible for rent until the lease expires. You must have written permission from the property manager to substitute a roommate.

What happens to the disposition of a roommate’s security deposit after move-out?
Security deposits are collected as “security” for the property. Security deposits WILL NOT be used for payment of rent during the last month of the lease. Reimbursements to departing roommates are handled between the remaining tenants. No portion of the security deposit will be refunded individually.

I have always paid my rent on time. Why did I receive a 3-day notice when the rent was only 6 days late?
The rent is due on the first of the month. If the rent is not posted in our office by the third day we serve a 3-day notice.

I am an excellent resident and take good care of the home. Can you waive my late charges?
All requests to have late charges waived must be submitted in writing to the broker for consideration. There is no guarantee that any charges will be waived.