Costly Mistakes Made By Residents

Not reading the Residential Lease Agreement carefully before signing.

Your residential lease agreement is a legally binding contract that contains a lot of important information on the Do’s and Don’ts about the property you are renting. There is more to your lease contract other than how much your rent is and the length of the contract. Make sure to review your lease agreement carefully before signing it.

Not putting all notices and requests in writing.

Per your Residential Lease Agreement all notices, maintenance request, and alterations to the property must be in writing. Giving your notices or requests verbally is not an effective or acceptable defense.

Not taking pictures when you first move in.

Almost everyone has a digital camera or cell phone and should use it to document the state of the property at the time of move in. Not filling out and returning your inventory and condition form.

Peace of Mind Property management provides you an inventory and condition form at the time of move in and allows you 7 days to document any pre-existing damage. We recommend that you go through each room and list damages that you find prior to placing your personal property inside that unit. This will allow you through visibility of the entire property. Listing even the slightest problem is recommended because it may become a larger problem down the road. This protects you when it is time to receive your security deposit. Failure to complete and return your inventory and condition form can make it difficult to prove that you didn’t cause the damage.

Letting friends or family stay with you longer than your lease permits.

Your lease residential lease agreement will specify how long a guest can stay before you are in violation of you lease agreement and they become an Unauthorized Occupant. Most residents don’t realize they are in violation of their lease agreement by letting guest overstay. The specific time is stated in your lease agreement and you can be charged fines or even be evicted for violating this section.

Not getting renter’s insurance.

A landlord’s insurance policy does not cover the resident’s personal property, food spoilage or costs associated with loss of use of the property. Getting renter’s insurance protects yourself from liability, protects you financially and protects your personal possessions. residents are highly encouraged to get renter’s insurance.

Making alterations or improvements to the property without prior approval.

resident must get permission in writing from the landlord before going ahead and making any alterations or improvements to the property. You should also make sure you understand whether a major improvement or alteration stays with the property or goes with you when you leave. You may be responsible for restoring the property to its original condition after you leave.

Denying the landlord access to the property.

According to your residential lease contract the landlord or anyone authorized by the landlord may enter the property at reasonable times to survey or review the property’s condition or to show the property to prospective residents or buyers.

It access to the property is denied or the property is not accessible because of the resident’s failure to make the property accessible it is a violation of your residential lease agreement. Not only can the landlord charge the resident a trip charge but the resident is in default of their lease agreement. Consequences besides charges may include eviction and the associated legal fees. Good communication and accommodating requests for access will prevent any of this from happening. Keeping up with the yard and outside of your property.

Did you know that there are laws that regulate what you may accumulate in the yard and around the outside of the property, even if it’s out of sight? Items such as tires, car parts, business equipment, and old appliance are just a few examples. Outside storage of such items is a violation of city/county regulations, homeowner’s association rules, and your lease agreement. Please store all items lawfully.

Allowing a pet at the property.

Do not assume that your landlord is okay with you having a pet on the premises without first receiving written permission. Whether it is your pet or a visiting pet this mistake is costly to you. Check with your landlord before you get the pet. Some properties have a no pet policy and other properties have pet or breed restrictions.

Not changing the A/C filter.

According to your lease agreement you are responsible for changing the A/C filter every month. Not changing the filter is a lease violation and could cost you several hundred dollars or more. Please make sure to change you’re A/C filter on a regular basis. Not maintaining the yard properly.

Yard maintenance is the responsibility of the resident. This includes mowing, edging, trimming, watering, raking the leaves and maintain any landscaping on the property. Not maintaining the yard could be a costly mistake for residents.

Not informing the Landlord.

The next time you notice something that needs to be repaired in your home, do not ignore it. Leaving a repair unattended could cause additional damage to the property which in return could be charged back to the resident.

Installing a satellite dish.

According to your residential lease contract you may not install a satellite dish to the property. Doing so is a violation of your lease contract. Be sure to get approval and permission in writing before installing a satellite dish.

Running a business from home.

Millions of American run home-based businesses. If you’re one of them, you should make sure your lease agreement doesn’t specify that the rental is for residential purposes only.