Tenant Obligations

Property maintenance during the lease process is important for a positive leasing experience and to maintain proprety condition. There are several items that Tenants need to be aware of that if left unchecked may result in additional expenses to the Tenants. Most of these items are addressed in your Lease Agreement. Please refer to your lease for a complete list of responsibilities and duties. Some of these items may not apply to each property that we manage. If you are uncertain of any items below, please contact us. The information provided here is for your benefit and to reduce the costs associated with security deposit deductions.

All smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors (if present) must be working at all times.

Please check to make sure that your batteries are plugged in and in working order. If you have non-functioning detectors, it is your responsibility to report them to our office. Replacement of the battery is the responsibility of the Tenant. If you do not have smoke detectors installed, please notify us immediately.

Air filters must be changed at least every two months but we suggest monthly.

This helps increase the efficiency of the air conditioning heating and cooling systems. Failure to change filters may result in creating higher utility costs and could cause permanent damage to the system resulting in a charge to the Tenant. Changing the air filter is a Tenant responsibility and should be done monthly. If you cannot locate the filter, please notify our office.

Gutters need to be kept free of leaves/debris at all times.

Gutters for single family homes should be cleaned as needed, especially if you notice leaves falling or dropping from trees.This helps the water to flow freely through the downspouts, away from the foundation. If water damage to soffits or fascia boards are due to clogged gutters, this would be a Tenant responsibility. Failure to clean gutters can also result in gutter damage. Please check the gutters yourself or have someone to check the gutters when leaves are falling throughout the year. Remember, this needs to be done in the Fall/Winter but also in the Spring due to the new growth on the trees. It is our recommendation to hire a professional to clean the gutters. 

All fallen leaves should properly removed and disposed of.

Some single family properties have more leaves than others depending on the number of trees around them. Regardless, the leaves need to be removed from the property. This may need to be done several times. Leaves should be raked off the grass and removed from bushes and flower beds. Outside heating/cooling units should be free of weeds, vines, leaves, trash, etc. Patios, decks, balconies, storage or utility closets should be swept and cleared of debris. Trim all vines and do not let vines grow anywhere on houses, sheds, fences, brick, wood, siding, trees and/or bushes. Leaves must be removed and disposed of properly. Confirm trash days with the city or HOA as some may have special days and instructions for proper disposal using city-approved recyclable bags. Please make sure any exterior drains/stairwells are clear of any leaves as this can cause flooding into the property.

Hose bibs (outside faucets) will burst if they are not winterized properly in the winter.

The outside water faucets need to be drained so that the water line does not freeze. The water valves for the outside faucets are located inside the house usually on the lowest level. In single family homes, the exterior shut off is often below one of the water faucets outside on an exterior wall. Turn the water valve off outside. Then go outside and turn the water faucet on to drain any water in the line. If you need assistance in finding them, please call our office. Frozen pipes can become a Tenant responsibility if the proper care to winterize the home was not done by the Tenant.

If you have plans to leave the area for any length of time, please remember to leave your A/C set to at least 80 degrees in hot months and 60 degrees in cold months.

If bathrooms or kitchens have pipes located on outside walls, while you are away, leave your cabinet doors open so heat can still get to the pipes. Please notify our office if you plan to be away from the property for more than 14 days. We suggest you have a neighbor, friend or family member checking your home frequently while you are away.

Check the bathroom area to make sure that the caulk around the tub/shower, tile area and sink is in good condition.

It is the Tenant’s responsibility to maintain the caulk in good, clean condition. If the caulk is missing or has mildew and will not come clean, it must be removed and new caulk must be installed. Installing new caulk over the existing caulking will NOT be acceptable. Be sure to use bathroom caulk, specifically for tub and shower areas. If you are not sure what to use or how to replace the caulk, please contact our office.

Feel free to contact us at 713-970-1038 if you have any questions or email us at [email protected]