Costly Mistakes Tenants Make

Not Reading the Lease Agreement

The lease is a legal binding contract. It goes over much more than just how much rent you pay and how you pay the rent. Your lease contains all the information, rules and guidelines.

Not Maintaining the Yard

The lease states that maintaining the yard is the responsibility of the tenant. If you are renting a home or property that has a yard, you must keep up the yard. This is especially important if the home is in an HOA. If the HOA sends a letter or cuts the yard, it will be charged back to the tenant.

Not Sending in the Property Condition Form

This can cost you a lot of money. It is imperative that you fill out the property condition form within the allotted time by your property manager. When you move out, the property manager will walk the property. Any damage to the property will be the tenant’s responsibility. If you do not fill out, sign and date the property condition form of any damage, even before you move in, the damage could be charged back to you.

The inventory condition form is the proof that you did not cause the pre-existing damage.

Making Alterations Without Approval

We understand when you move into a property you want to make it your home. However, if you want to change the paint color or make any alterations or renovations, you must get landlords permission in writing. You do not want to be charged for actually improving the property, but that is a very good possibility.

Calling in a Maintenance Ticket

The lease states that all notices must be in writing. Please use the resident portal to enter all work orders. Making a phone call to enter a maintenance ticket, although easy, is not the preferred method.

Not Being Home for a Scheduled Appointment<

If you schedule an appointment with the management company or maintenance company and then you are not home for that appointment, there is a trip charge that the tenant is responsible for.

Not Reporting Maintenance

Some tenants don’t report maintenance because they do not want to pay the maintenance trip charge. However, not calling in a maintenance issue can cause the resident to be charged for the full maintenance job when they move out. Also, the maintenance issue may cause much larger issues that the tenant will be charged.

Not Getting Renters Insurance

A landlord’s insurance policy does not cover the tenant’s personal property. So, if there is a flood or an electric socket burns out your TV, or a water pipe bursts and your valuables get damaged, that is not the responsibility of the landlord. You are responsible for your valuables.

A renter’s insurance policy is very inexpensive. They are typically $10 – $20 per month.

There are many scenarios where renters insurance would help, such as the water bursting or the electrical socket as mentioned above. Other scenarios include, theft, fire or if someone gets injured on the property.