LONG & FOSTER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION. Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. LF1015-A

Transcription

1 LONG & FOSTER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIVISION Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. LF1015-A

2 Long & Foster Property Management WELCOME! Thank you for choosing a home managed by Long & Foster. Our goal is to provide you exceptional service and an enjoyable rental experience. Whether you are an experienced tenant or this is your first rental home, we believe you will find the material in this handbook helpful. Please take a moment to review this information to help maintain your comfort, safety, and the physical condition of the property. Your property manager can answer any questions after you have examined the handbook. Contact numbers are provided on page 3. Please send rental payments to the address show below: RENTAL PAYMENT Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Residential Property Management P.O. Box Chantilly, VA Please note overnight deliveries cannot be accepted at the P.O. Box address listed above. Use the following address when sending an overnight delivery: George Carter Way, 3 rd Floor Chantilly, VA This booklet is an addendum to the lease and is intended to answer routine questions about your rental property. Please read section 1 prior to signing your lease. 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION... 3 OFFICE HOURS...4 EMERGENCIES...4 RENT PAYMENTS...4 DELINQUENT RENTS...5 NSF CHECKS...5 AGENCY...5 INSURANCE...5 SECURITY DEPOSITS...6 MAINTENANCE...6 LOCK OUTS...6 LEASE COVENANTS...7 ZERO TOLERANCE...7 MILITARY CLAUSE...7 JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY...7 SECTION II - MAINTENANCE... 8 PURPOSE...8 WATER SHUTOFF...8 ELECTRIC POWER...8 HEAT/AC...9 PLUMBING...11 APPLIANCES...12 FREEZING WEATHER...13 MISCELLANEOUS...14 LAWN CARE...16 SECTION III - GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE-OUT INSPECTION NOTICE PERIOD...17 ELEMENTS OF PROPER NOTICE...17 RESPONSIBILITIES...17 FINAL SURVEY...17 WEAR AND TEAR VS. DAMAGE

4 SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION: Your Property Manager is: Your Property Manager s is: Your Property Manager s Assistant is: Your Property Manager s Assistant s is: The office number is: For after hours emergencies, contact your Property Manager at: The condo association/hoa name is: The condo association/hoa number is: Utility Numbers: Electric: Water: Gas: Cable: Trash: Telephone: Oil: Other: In case of emergency, the following items are under service contract at the time of your occupancy: Appliance: Service Provider: Telephone: Pest Control: Service Provider: Telephone: Lawn Service: Service Provider: Telephone: Do not contact these firms directly unless you are unsuccessful in reaching your Property Manager after normal business hours and have a valid emergency. 3

5 OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 9:00am 5:00pm Routine communications should be directed to your property manager during normal business hours. Your property manager is available for after-hours emergencies at the number shown on page 3. Property Managers are seen by appointment ONLY and walk-ins are accommodated only in event of emergency. EMERGENCIES Includes no heat or hot water, severe storm damage, main sewer line blockage, broken pipes, electrical hazards, etc. Please contact your property manager via voice mail to arrange for emergency maintenance. You must leave name, phone number, address, and the nature of your emergency so we can respond promptly. NOTE: If you have an emergency that involves fire or criminal acts, please notify the fire department/police FIRST, and then contact your property manager. If you are unable to reach your property manager or any of the other property managers (numbers provided on after-hours office announcement), call a service company listed in the yellow pages of the telephone book. Be sure to contact your property manager the next business day to report the emergency. Send the paid receipt for the repair to the property manager. If it is determined that the repair was a valid emergency and not caused by tenant abuse, you will be reimbursed. Do not deduct the cost of the repair from your rent payment. RENT PAYMENTS Become due the first day of each month without deduction or demand. Payments must be in the form of cashier's check, money order, or personal check. CASH IS NOT ACCEPTED. All monies should be made payable to Long & Foster and mailed to: Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Residential Property Management, P.O. Box , Chantilly, VA You will be provided with rental payment envelopes at the time you take possession with this information pre-printed. Please ensure that the address for which you are paying rent is clearly printed on the check/money order. Payments ARE NOT accepted in the Property Management office or any sales location. You cannot send overnight mail to the post office box. Please use the following address instead, being aware this location is only manned during business hours: Long & Foster Property Management Division George Carter Way, 3rd Floor Chantilly, VA

6 If you elect to pay with money order or cashier s check, be aware that cashier s checks and money orders can be difficult to replace if lost. If we do not receive timely payment for any reason (including lost check or money order) we must issue appropriate notices and proceed legally to protect the property owner s interests. Rent payments made at any other location are not credited to your account on the day you deliver the payment. Payments are credited only when they are received at one of the two addresses shown above. Paying rent at one of our satellite offices offers no speed advantage over using the U.S. Postal Service. DELINQUENT RENTS If rent is not received by the close of business on the late date noted in your lease, a late fee will be charged to your account and you will receive legal notice of default. These default notices are serious as they precede legal action, and can affect credit standings. Once we forward default notices to our attorney, you will be responsible for any court costs and attorney fees incurred. NSF CHECKS We accept personal checks for payment of rent as a courtesy to our tenants. Checks returned by your bank for any reason incur a $35.00 service fee. We do not redeposit returned checks; you will be required to replace with certified funds immediately upon notification. You may be required to make subsequent payments in the form of certified funds. AGENCY By leasing property to you, Long & Foster is acting as agent for the property owner(s). As REALTORS we are dedicated to dealing honestly with all parties. INSURANCE The lease requires you to insure your personal property. Most insurance companies offer "tenant-homeowner" policies at very reasonable rates. Long & Foster has an insurance division with very competitive rental insurance plans. THE OWNER'S INSURANCE PROTECTS THE OWNER S PROPERTY ONLY. You are responsible to use any equipment in the home with reasonable care and to take steps to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your guests. Damage to the owner s property due to your negligence may be assessed against you. For that reason, it is also important to have liability coverage. The property owner is not required to compensate you for damage to your personal property or provide food or lodging reimbursement in most cases. It is your responsibility to ensure your coverage is adequate for your needs. 5

7 SECURITY DEPOSITS Your security deposit is held in an escrow account until the lease is terminated and you surrender possession of the property. DO NOT CONSIDER YOUR DEPOSIT AS THE FINAL MONTH'S RENT... We process security deposit refunds in the time specified in your lease and/or by local law. MAINTENANCE Routine maintenance and repairs will be performed during normal business hours. Property managers are not required to grant access to workmen or supervise work. Vendors will contact you directly to arrange access. You are not expected or required to be present while work is performed. If you elect to take time off from work or make other adjustments in your schedule to be present during a maintenance visit, the landlord and Long & Foster are not liable for any lost time or wages as this is at your option. You may authorize your property manager to release your keys to the vendor if you are unavailable during normal business hours. If a vendor goes into overtime rates in order to accommodate your scheduling request you will be responsible to pay that additional charge. Your lease prohibits you from making any permanent alterations to the rental property without written permission. Ordinarily you will not be asked to perform maintenance of any kind other than the changing of filters or replacement of other consumables such as light bulbs and to use ordinary care with the fixtures and appliances. Any other responsibilities will be clearly detailed in your Deed of Lease. Should you propose to do any maintenance to which the owner agrees, or should you be asked to perform maintenance at some point during your tenancy for which you expect reimbursement or compensation, get a detailed agreement and authorization in writing prior to beginning work. The Owner and Agent are under no obligation to reimburse expenses without a written agreement to that effect. LOCK OUTS Keys provided to you when you take possession of the property are your responsibility. Property managers are not required to grant access in the event of a lock out. If lockout occurs during normal business hours and you have transportation, we may be able to loan a spare key that must be returned. Your property manager will instruct you to call a locksmith if you are locked out after hours. You are not authorized to change or re-key any lock without written permission from your property manager except in cases of emergency. You must immediately inform your property manager of any change to locks and/or keys and furnish a complete set of working keys within 48 hours. Lubricate all locks with WD-40 or another lightweight lubricant periodically to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion (which could result in a lock out). 6

8 LEASE COVENANTS Some terms of your lease are based on the information provided in your rental application; therefore it is imperative that you report any changes to that information to your property manager immediately. We must be advised of any changes in household members, employment, phone numbers, etc... ZERO TOLERANCE Long & Foster has a policy of Zero Tolerance. Arrest of any Tenant, their family, or guests for illegal activity including, but not be limited to, any drug activity, will result in termination of the lease. Any person on the premises with permission shall not engage in acts or threats of violence including, but not limited to, disturbing the peace and unlawful discharge of firearms. A single violation shall constitute a material non-compliance with the lease and be considered sufficient cause for termination. MILITARY CLAUSE The lease contains a military clause that you may invoke in the event you receive PCS orders. There are specific requirements for proper termination due to orders. We must receive a copy of your orders with your notice to vacate when possible. Acceptance into base housing is not grounds to terminate the lease. If the landlord is a military member, the lease may be terminated if the landlord receives PCS orders as well. Consult your lease and property manager for details. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY This concept used in conjunction with a residential lease means all tenants are responsible for all terms of the lease, including the payment of rent and the maintenance of the premise, both individually and as a group. Simply put, each tenant is responsible for the obligations of every other tenant. An understanding of this concept becomes particularly important when roommates are involved. 7

9 SECTION II - MAINTENANCE PURPOSE To provide information on the operation and routine requirements of most common appliances, heating and cooling units, electrical panels, and plumbing fixtures. If you experience a problem, refer to the appropriate section to assist you in isolating and describing the problem to your property manager. WATER SHUTOFF Locate the main water cutoff valve. Most properties have a single valve (often located on the inside of an exterior wall near the front door, in the garage, utility room, closet, or under a sink) which will stop all water from going to the interior lines. For example, most fixtures have individual cutoffs to enable you to shut off a leaking toilet, without impact to the rest of your water supply. Exterior water lines are sometimes controlled with a separate cutoff valve. This is useful for winterizing your exterior faucets to prevent damage from freezing. It is your responsibility to know the location of these cutoffs and how to use them to prevent water damage to the property in the event of an emergency. ELECTRIC POWER Locate the main power panel, normally situated back to back with the electric meter. In newer properties you will find circuit breakers. These are operated by flipping a switch on and off. To check breakers turn them off then on again. Often a tripped breaker will move only slightly and cannot be detected at first glance. There is normally a legend on the inside of the breaker box door indicating which circuits the breakers control. CIRCUIT BREAKERS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE USED DAILY OR AS SUBSTITUTE ON/OFF SWITCHES. GFI CIRCUITS are included in many homes. GFI stands for Ground Fault Interrupter, and these breakers function as additional safety devices that cut power to circuits when an abnormality (such as a short or overload) is detected. These breakers may be identified as a red or yellow button in the circuit breaker box or are otherwise different in appearance from other breakers. Another type of GFI looks like the typical wall outlet with a test/reset button between the plug-ins. GFIs typically control the power to kitchens, baths, exterior, and sometimes garage and/or utility rooms. Always check the GFI breaker(s) before requesting maintenance. Covers on exterior outlets should remain closed when not in use. ALL BREAKERS SHOULD REMAIN "ON" DURING TENANCY. 8

10 FUSE PANELS are common in older homes. The replacement of bad fuses is the tenant's responsibility. In order to check a cartridge-type fuse, pull it out and check for any ruptures or burns. REPLACE THE HOLDER RIGHT SIDE UP. DON'T FORCE THE PRONGS APART. If inserted upside-down, the holder will not operate. You should always keep several spare fuses in the required sizes on hand. Screw-in fuses have a visible wire or red button in the cap which you can check. If the wire is broken/melted, replace the fuse. If the button is popped, push it in. NEVER REPLACE FUSES WITH SIZES OTHER THAN DESIGNATED. HEAT/AC HEAT PUMPS - provide both heating and cooling from a single unit. Except during the most extreme weather heat pumps should operate efficiently in all temperatures. They also have an auxiliary/emergency back-up system which ensures you of heat in the event of a primary system failure. You can use the backup system to: a) supplement the heat output of the system when the weather is extremely cold or; b) provide emergency heat when an outage occurs. Heat pump thermostats normally have two indicator lights that illuminate when the system is in auxiliary or emergency mode. The emergency indicator which is typically red, will light when you have manually switched the heat pump to emergency mode. The auxiliary indicator, which is normally blue, will come on occasionally when the system is using the supplemental heating coils (similar to those in large ovens) to augment heat output. This is normal; do not be alarmed unless the auxiliary indicator stays lit for an extended period. This may indicate a problem with the system and you should request maintenance. Should you notice water dripping from the interior portion of the heat pump during air-conditioning season, shut the unit off immediately and call for service. If you live in a two-story property, you should adjust the vents in order to regulate airflow from winter to summer (since warm air rises). This will help you maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. In addition, you should change heat pump filters monthly because they move large volumes of air. A new filter prevents damage to the heat pump, reduces dust, and increases heating and cooling efficiency in your property. Changing your filter regularly will reduce your utility costs. Repair expenses due to clogged filters are charged to you. Heat pumps are most efficient when you select a comfortable temperature and leave the thermostat on that setting. Adjusting up and down uses more energy than allowing the unit to regulate a preset temperature. Output from a heat pump (in heat mode) will only feel lukewarm to you since this air is degrees, which is lower than your body temperature. The best way to verify a heat pump is working properly is to compare the temperature you have selected against the thermometer reading. If there is a large disparity between the two (more than 5 ), call for service. 9

11 Before the heat pump is started, be sure electrical service has been supplied to the compressor for two hours. (During cold weather, please supply electricity for at least eight hours. A small heater in the compressor needs to be in operation long enough to keep the oil and refrigerant separated, or the compressor may become damaged. This applies during power outages that last for more than a few minutes, and when the weather is cold. In order to avoid damaging the compressor, please use auxiliary heat for 6 or 8 hours after power is restored. ELECTRIC FURNACES are quite simple in operation. Please remember to clean or change the filter monthly and not to block the return vents with furniture. BASEBOARD HEAT - Never place furniture or any other articles in front of the baseboard heaters. As with any electrical device, first check fuses and/or breakers when you experience an outage. GAS/OIL - Many gas furnaces have automatic lighting and no pilot light is required. The gas company technician who connects your service will be able to explain safe and efficient usage of your gas equipment. If you have an oil furnace, your lease may require you to purchase oil from a particular company. Oil providers may offer a "budget or auto-fill plan. This helps to ensure that the tank will not run dry as the oil company will automatically fill the tank according to their calculation of seasonal demands. If you elect not to purchase an auto-fill plan and the tank runs dry, you will be responsible for any expenses incurred for cleaning/restarting the unit. If your heat is provided with radiators and one or more remain cold, the lines supplying them may need to be bled of trapped air. Some furnaces have a pilot light (small flame that must remain lit) while others have electronic ignition. Units using a pilot typically have relighting instructions on the furnace so you can safely re-light if the pilot goes out. You should familiarize yourself with the pilot relighting procedure before you have a situation that requires it. EMERGENCY CUT-OFF SWITCH Often mistaken for a light switch, many systems have an emergency cutoff switch located near the furnace. It normally has a red cover plate and is mounted higher than a normal light switch location. If your furnace or air conditioning fails to operate, check the switch first. You should also be aware that this switch may control the power circuits for your air-conditioning. Unless you have a serious emergency or are specifically told to turn this switch OFF, leave it ON at all times. 10

12 CENTRAL AIR Easy maintenance. Similar to heat pumps, please change the air filters monthly. WINDOW/WALL UNIT A/Cs require periodic removal and cleaning of the filter (by rinsing with water). It is normally located behind the front panel of the unit or in a tray. PLUMBING GENERAL Promptly report any leaks, running toilets, dripping faucets, etc. that increase water consumption. Even if due to failure of a fixture, the property owner is not responsible to compensate you for excess utility usage. Timely reporting of plumbing problems will minimize costs incurred by you and the homeowner. It is critically important that you know the location of the main water shutoff valve and how to turn off individual fixtures. Learn the proper procedures for plumbing emergencies before they occur. Plumbing fixtures should be used with reasonable care. Do not flush paper towels, baby wipes, or other such materials down the toilets. Do not put excessive amounts of grease into sinks. The costs to clear lines from such problems will be assessed against you. This may include expenses associated with water damage to the home should overflow occur. SEPTIC TANKS Use Rid-X or other similar product periodically (following the recommendations on packaging) in order to keep drain fields and other components of the system working properly. DISPOSALS - If the disposal fails to operate follow these steps: a) make sure the switch is in the off position; b) turn the blades backwards with a broom handle or special wrench (if provided); c) reset the power to the disposal by pressing the reset button found on the body of the disposal; d) check the circuit breaker. Call for service if the unit fails to work after performing these steps. You should be aware that you are responsible for plumbing problems caused by excess grease and other foreign material in the plumbing lines. ALWAYS RUN WATER WHILE USING THE DISPOSAL TO PREVENT BUILDUP OF PARTICLES IN THE DRAIN LINE. Grinding a tray of ice periodically helps keep the blades sharp. In addition, running the disposal while draining a full sink of water may help flush the unit of food particles and make it more efficient. WATER HEATER - If your water heater uses gas, please learn to re-light the pilot. (It is similar to the pilot for a gas furnace.) If the unit is electric, check to see if you have a water heater control device installed by your utility company and learn to recognize what the indicators mean. If the water heater fails to provide any hot 11

13 water, check the breaker. If the tank is leaking, you should: a) contact your property manager; b) turn off the circuit breaker powering the heater; c) shut off the water supply valve (normally on top of the heater) by turning clockwise; d) connect a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and open the valve to allow the water to drain outside of the property. Steps B through D will minimize water damage until a repairman arrives. APPLIANCES ELECTRIC STOVE - If the stove fails to operate, check the circuit breaker or fuse. If the oven will not turn on, try the broiler to check the upper coil. If neither coil comes on, check the timer. If the timer is activated, reset to manual control. A timer that is active will prevent the oven from working. SELF-CLEANING OVEN - Has a latch on the top of the door and uses extreme heat to clean. Follow instructions on the stove to clean. DO NOT use any abrasive cleaners on the stovetop/oven. CONTINUOUS CLEANING OVENS - Have a cavity that absorbs grease when heated. The only way to clean the oven is to use it. If additional cleaning is required, most manufacturers recommend wiping with a mild soap & water solution. Because the cavity has a limited capacity to absorb grease, it is suggested that you line the bottom of the oven with heavy-duty aluminum foil or a shallow drip pan. DO NOT USE OVEN CLEANERS OR OTHER CHEMICALS ON THE CAVITY, AS THEY WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE OVEN! Damage of this nature would be assessed against your security deposit. REFRIGERATORS - Require little in the way of upkeep; however you should keep coils and grate free of dust and other debris. The refrigerator MUST be kept running at all times. DO NOT use sharp instruments to defrost a manual type refrigerator. No-frost models will normally shut off for a period of time each day to perform their defrost function, controlled by an internal timer. Keep seals/gaskets clean and free of mildew. If you must move the refrigerator at any time, exercise extreme caution to avoid damage to the appliance or the floor. DISHWASHER - You must run the dishwasher through a complete cycle at least once a week to keep the seals properly lubricated. Failure to do so may damage the dishwasher and result in leaks, for which you would be responsible. Use only dishwasher-type detergents. WASHER/DRYER - Washer connection should be checked periodically to ensure that no leaking is occurring. Dryer filters should be cleaned after each use. Dryer vent hose should be free of kinks or other restrictions. Exterior vent should be free of any blockage. Slow drying may indicate inadequate exhaust flow check vent 12

14 hose and external vent outlets for restrictions. Equipment should be level to operate properly. Most have legs that screw in/out (up/down) to allow leveling of appliance. Damage to laundry equipment resulting from misuse or neglect will be your responsibility. FREEZING WEATHER During freezing weather, it is your responsibility to take precautions in order to prevent any damage to the rental property. Although there is no guarantee that you can keep pipes from being damaged by a hard freeze; we offer these guidelines to minimize the chances that damage will occur. Please note that it is not unusual to wait several days for a plumber when the weather is extremely cold. It is prudent to take precautions in order to prevent your pipes from freezing. Failure to do so could leave you responsible for the costs of freeze/water damage. 1. If your house is on a crawl space, ensure that all exterior crawlspace vents are completely closed to the cold outside air. 2. Disconnect all hoses from exterior faucets and cover the faucets with a plastic bag or faucet covers (available commercially). If there is a cutoff valve inside the house, turn the water off to exterior fixtures and leave them open to drain as much as possible. 3. When the chill factors are 30 or below, leave the interior door open to your unheated utility room. Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warmed air to circulate around those pipes. At night, leave a small amount of water dripping from all faucets. Frozen pipes can sometimes be thawed using a blow dryer; however, blowtorches or open flames should never be used. 4. If you are away for any length of time during the winter months, leave heat ON, turn the water OFF, open the faucets and have a friend check the property frequently. If water is turned off, special precautions will have to be taken to keep the water heater from being damaged. We advise you to give this person a point of contact for Long & Foster (should a problem occur while you are gone). YOU MAY BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH DAMAGE DUE TO FROZEN PIPES. 5. If a water line is frozen, keep the water turned off and immediately call your property manager. Monitor the affected line to ensure that it does not thaw and leak through a rupture. 13

15 MISCELLANEOUS SMOKE ALARMS - It is vital that all smoke alarms in the property be operational at all times. There should be at least one smoke alarm on each floor of the property. If you have battery powered smoke alarm(s), please keep spare batteries on hand and check the unit(s) using the "test" button at least once a month. Hard-wired A/C powered smoke alarms will normally have an indicator light (usually red) to show they have power. You should be aware that they might not operate if electrical power is interrupted, (i.e. in the event of a fire). However, some types of A/C powered smoke detectors have a battery back up. If this is not the case, you may wish to supply your property with additional battery powered units. You should familiarize yourself with the type of alarms you have and know how to keep them operational in order to ensure your safety. REPORT ANY PROBLEMS OR FAILURES OF SMOKE ALARMS TO YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER IMMEDIATELY. Please note that there may be legal penalties for intentionally disabling or otherwise tampering with smoke detectors. Do not impair the operation of these important safety devices. CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS The landlord is not required by law to provide carbon monoxide detectors in units with natural gas or oil furnace. However, Long & Foster encourages tenants to use such devices for their own protection. Please request permission from your Property Manager if you wish to install a carbon monoxide detector. NO WAX FLOORS Please use only products designed for them. FIBERGLASS TUBS & SINKS Please use NON-ABRASIVE CLEANSERS ONLY. Use of any abrasive cleanser or pad/sponge will permanently damage the finish and render them impossible to clean thereafter. Damage of this nature would be your responsibility. CARPETS - Should be professionally cleaned as needed to maintain proper appearance and condition. Carpet cleaning prior to the final inspection (no more than 72 hours prior) with proof by receipt is required. WALLS - Small nails and picture hangers in reasonable quantities are acceptable. However, DO NOT use sticky hangers, molly bolts, contact paper, anchors, or any other type of material or device that will cause permanent damage.. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SPACKLE OR FILL NAIL HOLES. CABINETS - As you may be responsible DO NOT use contact paper to line shelves or drawers. Regarding the exterior appearance, use only the cleaners that are appropriate for your type of cabinet (i.e. - wood, Formica, etc.). 14

16 WOOD STOVES If there is a wood stove provided in your unit, ask about any special instructions. Please use seasoned hardwoods only. Annual cleaning by a qualified professional is essential to prevent damage or a possible chimney fire. (A receipt is required). KEROSENE HEATERS Because they produce odors and soot that can discolor walls and other surfaces; your lease prohibits kerosene heaters. Candles can also produce similar sooty deposits. Any cleaning and painting expenses caused by use of candles or any other soot-producing item will be assessed against you. FIREPLACES - Use seasoned hardwoods ONLY. The same requirement for wood stoves is applicable for fireplaces and we require a receipt for cleaning as needed. Please ensure that precautions are taken to protect the surrounding carpet and fixtures from sparks and ash. Avoid low, smoldering fires as they encourage buildup of residues in the flue. IMPORTANT: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER OF THE PROPER TYPE ON HAND WHENEVER YOU ARE USING A WOOD STOVE OR FIREPLACE. ASH DISPOSAL Ashes burn and smolder long after they are removed from stoves and fireplaces. This can cause fires not only in your home, but also in your waste containers. Please observe the following cautions: Place ashes in a fire-proof metal container Place container outside away from all flammable materials Wet ashes down with a garden hose Make sure ashes are cold and/or wait at least 5 days before disposing of ashes in a non-metal waste container EXTERIOR - Ensure that beds are maintained and shrubs kept neatly trimmed. Gutters must be kept clear of debris, leaves, etc. Examine the exterior of the house periodically and advise your property manager of any needs. Use extreme caution with barbeque grills and fuel cylinders. Grills placed too close to vinyl siding will deform and melt the siding, an expensive repair that would be chargeable to you. CRAWLSPACE VENTS - Please ensure all crawlspace vents are open in the summer and closed in the winter. This helps promote evaporation of excess moisture (during the summer) and minimize the possibility of frozen pipes (during the winter). If any vents fail to operate or you have a problem with the crawlspace access panel please notify your property manager. ATTICS If the attic is not floored it is not safe to walk in attic spaces. The sheetrock between the ceiling joists will not support your weight. Any damage to the attic or areas below it (as well as any injury to you or others) as a result of improper storage or unsafe use will be your responsibility. 15

17 SHOULD YOU NOT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING ABOUT THE UNIT YOU HAVE LEASED OR BELIEVE ANY OF THE EQUIPMENT/APPLIANCES ARE MALFUNCTIONING, CONSULT YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER AND THEY WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST YOU. LAWN CARE Proper care of the lawn on your rental home is your responsibility unless the lease specifically states otherwise. Mowing, edging, mulching, and periodic trimming of shrubs etc should be accomplished as needed. Any changes in plantings or landscaping layout will require the written authorization of your property manager. A sound watering program is an integral component in establishing and maintaining a healthy lawn. Watering too much or too little can cause damage to the lawn and plants. Please adhere to the following guidelines in caring for the lawn and ornamental plants at your rental home: Always water in the early morning hours. This provides for minimal evaporation and prevention of fungus growth. The local climate calls for 1-2 inches of water per week. Set automatic sprinklers for minutes on each turf area and minutes on shrubs. Water every third day during summer months and once a week during cooler spring and fall months. Water as needed during winter months. Hand watering should be minutes each area or until you see run-off. Avoid frequent short-duration watering as this promotes shallow root growth and weakens the lawn s resistance to periods of dry or cold weather. 16

18 SECTION III - GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE-OUT INSPECTION NOTICE PERIOD The standard notice period under our lease is sixty days, and such notice must be given in writing. If you are uncertain as to the proper length of notice to give, consult your property manager. We will automatically mail you a letter reminding you to notify us of your desire to renew or terminate the lease and coordinate a survey of the property approximately 90 days before the expiration of the current term. It is very important that you respond promptly to ensure compliance with the notice provision of your lease. It is your responsibility to ensure proper notice is given when you renew or vacate. ELEMENTS OF PROPER NOTICE Proper notice is given when the following conditions are met: The notice is in writing and signed by all tenants who are parties to the lease agreement Notice is given in accordance with the terms of the lease. Most leases require 30 or 60 days notice and may automatically renew in the absence of notice. Rent must be paid in accordance with the lease for the entire notice period. The notice provides a specific termination date. Supporting documents, such as military orders, are provided if required. RESPONSIBILITIES When you give notice to vacate, you will receive written acknowledgement from us and the marketing process can begin. We will advertise and show the property prior to your departure and we must have access (with reasonable notice) during normal business hours. Your lease also specifies that a lockbox will be permitted. Therefore it is important that the property be kept in order and the general appearance satisfactory at all times. If you have pets, they must be confined in such a way that the property may be shown without interference. Any other conditions which may affect the showing process must be disclosed to your property manager. FINAL SURVEY When you have determined a date to surrender possession, contact your property manager to schedule a day and time for the final survey. Most people move during the last few days of the month and appointments are made on a "first come, first served" basis. You should contact us as soon as possible to ensure a survey time that is compatible with your schedule. Review your lease for instructions regarding things such as carpet cleaning or extermination. Your property manager will require proof by receipt for tasks you are responsible to accomplish. 17

19 ALL UTILITIES MUST BE ON FOR THE FINAL SURVEY. You should also have any required receipt copies and all keys (including mailbox) ready to return to the property manager. RENT IS CHARGED UNTIL ALL KEYS ARE RETURNED. All cleaning (particularly the carpets and fireplace) must be completed prior to the appointment. Any items not accomplished when the property manager arrives will be completed with security deposit monies. It is important that you carefully inspect the property in order to ensure nothing is overlooked. If the property is not ready for the final survey on the day and time scheduled, you may be assessed a re-survey fee. You may also be responsible for damages (monetary and otherwise) if your failure to vacate on time results in delays and/or expenses for the property owner and/or new occupants. The property manager is not obligated to perform the final survey if the property is not ready and may simply collect keys and forwarding information. NOTE: Beware of bargain prices offered by some companies (i.e. -carpet cleaning, fireplace, etc...) as the quality of the job is your responsibility. You are not responsible for normal wear and tear to the property. However, excessive damage due to misuse, abuse, or neglect will be assessed against you. We will be happy to provide you guidance on what steps should be taken if problems exist. YARD - The lawn should be freshly cut and free of leaves, trash, and other debris. Holes should be filled with firmly packed soil and reseeded or covered by sod. Any remaining damage to the yard will be corrected at your expense. EXTERIOR - Driveways/parking spaces will be free of excessive paint, grease, or oil. Solvents are available at most hardware stores that will safely remove oil/grease deposits. The exterior walls should be free of damage (missing bricks, etc...) and excess dirt or mud. Excess accumulations of mildew can be treated with a solution of one part bleach to three parts water, and then rinsed with a hose. Siding should be free from damage from lawn equipment such as weedeaters. GUTTERS - Gutters and downspouts should be clean at the time of survey. STORAGE ROOMS/GARAGES - Must be empty (other than items which belong with the property) cleaned, & swept. Floors should be clean and dry for the survey. 18

20 INTERIOR - Windows should be clean and free of decals. Windowsills should be free of bugs, dust, leaves, etc. Please close the storm windows and ensure that the screens are intact, and clean. Any window treatments provided by the owner should be clean and neatly hung. Blinds and shades should be clean and operational. Vinyl/Tile floors should be swept & mopped clean. Door thresholds should be cleaned of accumulations of dirt. Moldings should be free of dust/dirt. Walls and ceilings should be free of cobwebs. Large smudges, crayon marks, food stains, and oil or grease are NOT considered normal wear and tear. Ceilings should be brushed lightly with a broom. Damage to walls due to adhesive papers, hangers, decals, etc... are NOT considered normal wear and tear. Nails and the like should be removed from the walls. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FILL NAIL HOLES. Bathrooms should be cleaned and the walls, floors, fixtures, etc. must be free of soap residue. Grout and caulk must be free of mildew. Clean accumulations of dust/lint around exhaust fans. Clean fiber-glass tubs, sinks, showers, etc. with NON-ABRASIVE CLEANSERS ONLY. Damage to fiberglass from the use of abrasives is very expensive to correct and will be assessed against you. Light fixtures should be free of dirt, dust, bugs, etc... Working bulbs of the proper type and size need be in every fixture. Appliances should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out. Most stovetops lift to allow cleaning under the burner area. Burner pans should be thoroughly cleaned or replaced. Racks should be removed from the oven and cleaned separately. You can also clean the oven door glass with normal cleaners, being careful not to get chemicals on the porous surface of continuous clean ovens. The dishwasher should be clean inside and free of mildew or standing water. All parts (flatware basket, racks, accessories, etc.) need to be intact and operational. Any accessories (ice trays, etc.) for other appliances should be clean and appropriately installed. The range hood should be clean and free of grease. The hood filter can be cleaned in the dishwasher or you can obtain a replacement of the proper size and type. Ensure all articles are removed from the cabinets, shelf paper removed, and shelves wiped down. 19

21 WEAR AND TEAR VS. DAMAGE All property deteriorates from the effects of use and age over time. The term wear and tear describes aging and failure of items when subjected to use associated with everyday living. Wear and tear assumes the item(s) are used for the purpose they are intended and with ordinary care. For example, paint fades and carpet becomes compressed over time through ordinary environmental conditions and use. Holes in walls or stains on carpet do not occur through ordinary use these would be considered damages. Damages occur when items are used improperly, carelessly, or an accident occurs. Unauthorized alterations can also be considered damages, such as painting a room without the written permission of the landlord or property manager or using screws and anchors to mount shelving which leaves large holes in the wallboard. Below are several examples that compare wear and tear against damages. These examples are not intended to be all inclusive, but offered to illustrate some common issues: Wear & Tear Worn out keys Sticking door lock Loose door handles Compressed of carpet & pad in traffic areas Dulling of wood floors from foot traffic Stain on ceiling from roof leak Loose wallpaper seams Cracked wall plaster from settling Sticking window Loose faucet handle Closet door hardware loose Numbers worn off of range knobs Faded blinds Cabinet doors that bind when opened Damage Lost keys Broken or missing locks Damage from forced entry Kool Aid stains and tears Scratched or gouged floor planks Stain on ceiling from toilet overflow Torn or missing wallpaper Multiple holes from unauthorized shelving Broken window Broken or missing handle Closet door has holes Missing range knobs Broken blinds Missing or broken knobs/handles Thank you for choosing a home managed by Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.! 20