Tenant Handbook

§ 55-248.17. Rules and regulations

A. A landlord, from time to time, may adopt rules or regulations, however described, concerning the tenants' use and occupancy of the dwelling unit and premises. Any such rule or regulation is enforceable against the tenant only if:

1. Its purpose is to promote the convenience, safety or welfare of the tenants in the premises, preserve the landlord's property from abusive use or make a fair distribution of services and facilities held out for the tenants generally;

2. It is reasonably related to the purpose for which it is adopted;

3. It applies to all tenants in the premises in a fair manner;

4. It is sufficiently explicit in its prohibition, direction or limitation of the tenant's conduct to fairly inform him of what he must or must not do to comply;

5. It is not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the landlord; and

6. The tenant has been provided with a copy of the rules and regulations or changes thereto at the time he enters into the rental agreement or when they are adopted.

B. A rule or regulation adopted, changed, or provided to the tenant after the tenant enters into the rental agreement shall be enforceable against the tenant if reasonable notice of its adoption or change has been given to the tenant and it does not work a substantial modification of his bargain. If a rule or regulation is adopted or changed after the tenant enters into the rental agreement that does work a substantial modification of his bargain, it shall not be valid unless the tenant consents to it in writing.

C. Any court enforcing this chapter shall consider violations of the reasonable rules and regulations imposed under this section as a breach of the rental agreement and grant the landlord appropriate relief.

Renters Warehouse Property Management

WELCOME! Thank you for choosing a home managed by Renters Warehouse. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional service and an enjoyable renting 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.

An Agent can answer any questions after you have examined this handbook.

Please make all payments online through your tenant portal or mail certified funds to the address shown below:

Renters Warehouse

1354 Kempsville Road Suite 102

Chesapeake, VA 23320

PERSONAL OR BUSINESS CHECKS ARE NEVER ACCEPTED!

There is a secure drop box located just to the left of our door for after-hours deposits. Ensure your payment is plainly labeled by name and property address.

$25.00 paper payment fee applies to ALL cash, cashier’s check, or money order payments EXCEPT move-in money.

This tenant handbook is an addendum to the lease and is intended to answer any routine questions about your rental property. Please read section 1 prior to taking possession of your new home.

SECTION I – GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTACT INFORMATION:

The office general email address is sevahello@renterswarehouse.com

**The preferred and most effective communication is via email. **

The office phone number is: 757-272-1616

OPTIONS ON HOW TO SUBMIT A MAINTENANCE REQUEST

OPTION 1 - Online Portal by AppFolio

Download the Mobile app to stay logged in to your Online Portal. Make payments, submit maintenance requests and review important documents 24/7.

OPTION 2 - Visit the website

Please visit www.renterswarehousehamptonroads.com and click on tenant resources.

OPTION 3 - Call Maintenance Line

To call in for maintenance requests and after-hours emergencies dial or text 757-452-4501

For fire or other life and property threatening emergencies call 911 first!

For sewage backups, call the emergency number of the City in which you live first to check the City lines for back-up.

Hampton Roads Utility Company Information

ServiceVirginia Beach Norfolk Chesapeake Portsmouth Suffolk Hampton Newport News

Water/Sewage 385-4631 664-6700 382-6352 393-8524 514-7000 727-6346 926-1000

Emergencies 385-1400 823-1000 382-3550 393-8561 514-7000 727-8311 234-4800

GasAll Cities: Virginia Natural Gas 866-229-3578Portsmouth: Columbia Gas 800-543-8911

Electricity Dominion Power 888-667-3000

SMOKING IS NEVER PERMITTED INSIDE THE PROPERTY INCLUDING GARAGES AND ENCLOSED PATIOS

If applicable, you have received a copy of the Condo Association / HOA Rules and Regulations and agree to follow all rules and further agree that you are responsible for any fines levied against the Landlord for failure to do so.

Any change in occupancy must be reported to and approved by management immediately.

If you change your phone number or email address you must notify management within 24 hours.

You agree to make arrangements to have all utilities in your name prior to possession and understand that a fine of $250.00 will be imposed if not done so.

All rent paid is first applied to any outstanding late fees, other fees, invoices, fines and any previous rent due.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Routine communications should be handled through the general email address provided above. Property Managers are seen by appointment ONLY and walk-ins are accommodated only in the event of an emergency and if property manager is available.

EMERGENCIES

Includes no heat or hot water, severe storm damage, main sewer line blockage, broken pipes, electrical hazards etc. Please contact the Emergency Maintenance line after normal working hours at 757-300-0706

If you have an emergency that involves fire or criminal acts, please call 911 first before calling Renters Warehouse.

RENT PAYMENTS

Become due the first day of each month without deduction or demand. Payments must be made online if available or in the form of certified funds such as cashier’s checks or money orders. All payments should be made to Renters Warehouse and mailed to:

Renters Warehouse

1354 Kempsville Road Suite -102

Chesapeake, VA 23320

There is also a drop box to the left of the office entry door. Please ensure that the address for which you are paying rent is clearly printed on the cashier’s check or money order.

A payment coupon can be provided to you upon request. Just take this coupon to the most convenient 7-11, CVS or Ace Cash Express location and pay your rent to the person at checkout. You will receive a receipt and this will immediately be credited to your account. A small vendor fee will be due at check-out.

If you elect to pay with a cashier’s check or money order, be aware that they can be difficult to replace if lost. If we do not receive timely payment for any reason, we must issue appropriate notices and proceed legally to protect the property owner’s interests.

$10.00 paper payment fee applies to ALL cash, cashier’s check or money order payment EXCEPT move in money.

DELINQUENT RENTS

If rent is not received by the close of business on the 1st day of the month or as 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.

The late fee is 10% of the rent amount posted on the 2nd day of the month.

Any rent paid after the 1th day of the month must include the late fee, or your account will continue to be considered past due and a default letter will be sent to you which will incur legal fees. When your payment is received late, we first apply payment towards the late fee, then any outstanding charges on your account and then the remainder to rent.

Be aware of your accumulated late fees, as your rent payments will continue to be short until your late fees are paid in full.

If, by the 6th of the month, you continue to ignore the payments due, your account will go into “eviction status” and we will begin legal action. The total you will owe is outlined as follows:

Each month rent owed
Late fees for each month you fail to pay the rent within the term of the lease
Any fines, fees or invoices that have been applied to your account
All legal costs connected with the process of collection and eviction

EVICTION AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOU

If your account is ever placed in “eviction status”, it is possible you may not know or understand the ramifications of an eviction proceeding. Below is a list of easy to understand consequences a person may face as a result of a legal eviction:

Court appearance: This will be a matter of public record.
Dispossession: You may be forcibly removed from the premises. This can be a humiliating experience and also a matter of public record.
Typically, judgements are in effect for 10 years with the option to renew for another 10 years.
Your credit rating will be severely damaged and collection efforts may include but not limited to:
Collection efforts may continue until the debt is paid in full;
Possible seizure of assets you own, including bank accounts;
Garnishment of wages;
Notification to credit bureaus, causing inability to qualify for lines of credit, car loans, credit cards, cell phone service and sometimes electric utility accounts;
Notification to national tenant reporting services, causing inability to qualify for future rental housing or a future home purchase.

We understand that at times you may have difficulty paying your rent or complying with the lease agreement entirely. In that event, we want you to contact us immediately to allow us to help resolve the issues and keep your account out of eviction status.

INSUFFICIENT FUNDS

Making payments online through your tenant portal is a free service offered by Renters Warehouse. This is the same, however as writing a personal check. If an online payment is returned for any reason, you will be charged a $50.00 Insufficient Funds Fee (NSF). Unless you make payment before the 5th day of the month, you will also incur a late fee per the policy outlined above. You may lose the ability to make online payments for the remainder of your tenancy.

RENTERS INSURANCE

You are required to maintain renters insurance coverage during the duration of your tenancy. Please refer to your lease and the tenants benefits package for more information.

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. If a vendor goes into overtime rates in order to accommodate your scheduling requests, you will be responsible to pay that additional charge.

Your lease prohibits you from making any permanent alterations to the property without written permission. Should you propose to do any maintenance or repairs to which the Landlord agrees, or should you be asked to perform maintenance at some point during your tenancy for which you expect reimbursement or compensation, you must get a detailed agreement and authorization in writing prior to beginning work. The Landlord 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 lock out occurs during normal business hours and you have transportation, you may pick up a key from our office for a charge of $75.00. Your property manager will instruct you to call a locksmith if you are locked out after hours. You are not authorized to change or rekey 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 24 hours. Lubricate all locks with lock lubricant such as white lithium to ensure smooth operation and to prevent corrosion, which could lead to lock out.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Renters Warehouse has a policy of Zero Tolerance. Arrest of any tenant, their family or guests for illegal activity including, but not 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.

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 premises, 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.

INSPECTIONS

Renters Warehouse shall, within five days of occupancy, submit a written report to the tenant for safekeeping, itemizing damages to the dwelling unit existing at the time of occupancy, which record shall be deemed correct unless the tenant objects in writing within five days after receipt. This satisfies our obligation under §55-248.11:1 of the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

PERIODIC INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE VISITS BY VENDORS

Renters Warehouse and/or its vendors may conduct random inspections to determine condition / value of the property as needed. With the exception of emergencies or requested service, we will always give 24 hours’ notice to enter.

Tenant will be charged a $125.00 Administrative Fee related to no show by tenant for appointment or access not being granted once appointment is set. WE DO NOT ISSUE KEYS TO VENDORS!

VEHICLES

Parking of vehicles shall be either in assigned areas (garage, parking lot and driveway spaces or on the public street if allowed). Vehicles shall never be parked on lawns or sidewalks.

No unregistered, unlicensed or inoperable vehicle shall be stored on the property unless it is in the garage. Refer to the city/homeowner association/community for rules and restrictions on performing vehicle repairs on property.

BUGS AND VERMIN

The property may be under a termite program and may have annual inspections and treatments. Please send the office written notification if you are concerned about treatment of the property.

Small black ants are a seasonal issue throughout Hampton Roads; do not be alarmed by their continual presence in the spring and fall. You can pick up a product called TERRO at your local home store to combat these pests. Follow the directions found on the package and give it a couple days to work. Re-treat as necessary. It is the tenant’s responsibility to combat pests found in the home when it comes to roaches, spiders, bugs and the occasional mouse.

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 A SUBSTITUTE FOR 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 a typical wall outlet with a test/reset button between the plug-ins. GFI’s typically control the power to kitchens, baths, exterior and sometimes garage and/or utility rooms. Always check the GFI breakers and outlets before requesting maintenance. Covers on exterior outlets should remain closed when not in use.

ALL BREAKERS SHOULD REMAIN “ON” DURING TENANCY.

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 backup system which ensures you of heat in the event of a primary system failure. You can use the backup system to supplement the heat output of the system when the weather is extremely cold or 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 the air conditioning season, shut the unit off immediately and call for service. If you live in a 2 story property, you should adjust the vents in order to regulate air flow from winter to summer (since warm air rises and cold air falls). This will help you maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. In addition, you should change the air filters monthly because they move a large volume 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 80 – 90 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 (moderate) against the thermometer reading. If there is a large difference between the two (more than 6 degrees) call for service.

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 demand. 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 relight 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 to ensure that it is on. 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, then leave it ON at all times.

Central Air Conditioning – Easy maintenance. Similar to heat pumps. Change the filter monthly.

Window/Wall A/C Units require periodic removal and cleaning of the filter (by rinsing with water). It is normally located behind the front panel of the unit 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 Landlord is not responsible to compensate you for excess utility usage. Timely reporting of plumbing problems will minimize costs incurred by you and the Landlord.

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, feminine products or other such materials down the toilets. Do not pour any grease down the sink drains. The cost to clear lines from such problems will be assessed against you. This may include expenses associated with water damage to the property 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:

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 relight 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 water, check the breaker. If the tank is leaking, you should contact your property manager, turn off the circuit breaker powering the heater, shut off the water supply valve (normally on top of the heater) by turning clockwise. Take steps to minimize water damage until a contractor can arrive.

APPLIANCES

Electric Stove – If the stove fails to operate, check the circuit breaker of 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 stove top / 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 and 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 seal / 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 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 from kinks or other restrictions. Exterior vent should be free of any blockage. Slow drying may indicate inadequate exhaust flow so check vent 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 the 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 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 crawl space vents are completely closed to outside cold air. If operable vents are not installed, you may purchase covers at a home store.

2. Disconnect all hoses from exterior faucets and cover the faucets with a plastic bag or faucet covers available at a home store. If there is a cutoff valve inside the house, turn the water off to the exterior fixtures and leave them open to drain as much as possible.

3. When the temperature is 30 degrees 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 the heat ON and 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 give this person a point of contact for Renters Warehouse (should a problem arise 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 Renters Warehouse maintenance. Monitor the affected line to ensure that is does not thaw and leak through a rupture.

MISCELLANEOUS

Smoke Detectors - In accordance with section 55-248.16 and 15.2-922, Code of Virginia, the Tenant is responsible for the reasonable care of the smoke detectors, interim testing and battery replacement, and for providing written notice to the Owner requesting repair of any malfunctioning smoke detector(s). Monthly inspection and testing of the smoke detectors is the responsibility of the Tenant. Removal of batteries or tampering with smoke detectors make you, as a resident, subject to a fine of up to $2000.00 per section 36-106 of the Virginia Building Code.

No wax floors – Please use only products designed to clean and protect the type floor installed.

Fiberglass tubs and 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 during your tenancy to maintain proper appearance and condition. Rental cleaners from the home store and a DIY cleaning will not be accepted under any circumstance.

Walls – Small nails and picture hangers in reasonable quantities are acceptable. However, DO NOT use sticky hangars, molly bolts, contact paper or any other type of material or device that will cause permanent damage. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SPACKLE OR FILL NAIL HOLES.

Doors - Do not attach anything to any door, interior or exterior as permanent damage will occur.

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.

Wood Stoves – If there is a wood stove provided in your property, 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 / Candles – 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 items will be assessed against you.

Fireplaces – Use seasoned hardwood 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 – Tenant expressly agrees to keep the lawn, shrubbery and exterior of the Premises in a neat and orderly manner during the entire term of the Lease unless such services are provided. Tenant agrees to keep the gutters cleaned of all foreign matter and to keep the downspouts clean and understands cleaning may be required several times per year. Tenant agrees to trim all shrubbery at approximately the same height it was upon taking possession. Tenant agrees to weed all flower beds throughout the growing season to present a neat and orderly appearance. Examine the exterior of the house periodically and advise Renters Warehouse of any concerns. Use extreme caution with barbecue 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.

Crawl Space Vents – Please ensure all crawl space 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 crawl space 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 or the weight of storage boxes. 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.

Lawn Care

Proper care of the lawn on your rental home is your responsibility unless the lease specifically states otherwise. Mowing, edging, trimming, mulching and periodic trimming shrubs etc., should be accomplished as needed and to keep with community standards. Any changes in plantings or landscaping layout will require written authorization from the Landlord.

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 to 2 inches of water per week. Set automatic sprinklers for 20-30 minutes on each area and 10-20 minutes on shrubs.
Water every 3rd day during summer months and once per week during cooler spring and fall months. Water as needed during winter months.
Hand watering should be 30-60 minutes each area or until you see run off.
Avoid frequent short-duration watering as this promotes shallow root growth and weakens the lawns resistance to periods of dry or cold weather.

MOLD PREVENTION

Tenant will use reasonable efforts to maintain the dwelling unit and any other part of the premises that he occupies in such a condition as to prevent accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold, and to promptly notify the landlord of any moisture accumulation that occurs or of any visible evidence of mold discovered by the tenant; see mold addendum to lease.

SECTION II – GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MOVE-OUT INSPECTION

Notice Period - The standard notice period in your 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 email you reminding you to notify of your desire to renew or terminate the lease and coordinate a move out inspection 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 party to the lease agreement.
Notice is given in accordance with the terms of the lease. Most leases require 60 days’ 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 proper 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 Inspection - The final inspection will be conducted by Renters Warehouse Inspections Department within 72 hours of surrender of possession. It is highly recommended that you plan accordingly and not wait until the last day to move. Holdover Rent as per your Lease will apply if this requirement is not met. RENT IS CHARGED UNTIL ALL KEYS ARE RETURNED.

Check out time is 12:00 noon on the last day of your lease. Please plan ahead, this is the last possible time to have your cleaning completed. Move out inspections are conducted Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Utilities - Pursuant to your lease agreement, leave all utilities on through the end of your lease term. Please schedule your service to terminate either the day of or the day following your lease expiration date. If management has approved an earlier move-out date, please have the utilities terminated either the day of or the day following your move-out date. Otherwise, we will have the service reinstated and you will be charged turn-on fees, the cost of which will far surpass any savings you may realize by turning utilities off too early.

Cleaning - Moving is a very tiresome event. Please consider carefully whether you will have the time and energy, after moving, to properly clean your place. Most commonly, tenants have every intention of leaving the property clean, usually boasting to us, "it will be cleaner than when we moved in". But then they simply run out of time or are too exhausted after hauling boxes. They blow off the final clean and walk away figuring their deposit will cover the cleanup costs. This leaves us scrambling to get things handled at the last minute before the new tenant moves in.

The problem is compounded when utilities have been turned off. You will suffer financial consequences if this happens. Nothing will consume your deposit more than your failure to return the property good and clean.

Please consider hiring a cleaning service if you don't know for sure that you are going to be able to return the property to us in a good and clean condition. We will charge a minimum $100 coordination fee, plus $75 per trip for re-inspections, meeting vendors at the property, etc. on top of the actual costs of cleaning and repairs if you leave unfinished cleaning and trash hauling . Call us if you’d like a recommended cleaning service.

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 and excess mud or dirt. 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 weed eaters.

Trash and Debris-You must take all of your trash and belongings with you. Do not leave your trash can full. Do not leave trash stacked at the curb. If you do, we will send a hauling company to remove it and you will be charged for the cleanup. There will be a minimum $75 hauling charge to remove any trash or items that you leave behind.

Keys and Forwarding Address - If you were provided with a mailbox key, garage door openers, parking passes, community pool passes, etc., please remember to return those as well. Returning the keys constitutes the formal act of “surrendering possession” back to us, which, along with providing a written forwarding address, is required by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for your deposit return. We do not meet you at the property to collect the keys or perform a final walk-through with you, nor will you be provided a “second chance” to re-enter the property to correct items you forgot or missed. If the office is closed there is a drop box on the left of the door that you can drop your keys off. Please label the keys with the property address.

Deposit Return: Do not consider your security deposit as the final month’s rent. This adds to the conditions relating to the Security Deposit found in the body of your Lease.

Pursuant to the VRLTA, Landlord may apply all or part of the Security Deposit to the payment of accrued Rent and the amount of any damages suffered by Landlord, including but not limited to, physical damages, appropriate charges to tenant not previously reimbursed to Landlord, charges that may be due by Tenant to third-party utility providers in accordance with the provisions of §55-248.15:1(A) of the VRLTA, and liquidated damages for breach of this Lease, including, but not limited to Attorney’s fees and any fees normally incurred by Landlord with regard to re-listing the property for rent and tenant placement services. Landlord shall have the right to apply the Security Deposit to any outstanding fees, charges or other amounts due first, and then to any unpaid Rent. Within 45 days after termination of tenancy and return of possession of Premises by Tenant to Landlord, Landlord will provide Tenant with an itemized list of all deductions made from the Security Deposit, and with payment of any amount due to Tenant. If the damages to the Premises exceed the amount of the Security Deposit and require the services of a third-party contractor, Landlord shall give written notice to Tenant advising of that fact within a 45-day period. If such notice is given, Landlord shall have an additional 15-day period to provide an itemization of the damages and cost of repair.

FORWARDING ADDRESS: Tenant shall provide Landlord written notice prior to vacating the Premises of the forwarding address so that Landlord can forward to Tenant a statement explaining the disposition of the Security Deposit prior to the end of the 45-day period provided herein. If Tenant fails to give notice of a forwarding address, Landlord will send the Security Deposit statement to the last known address of Tenant, but will retain the Security Deposit refund, if any, until Tenant notifies Landlord of the appropriate address. If no forwarding address is provided to Landlord, upon expiration of one year from the date of the end of the 45-day time period, the balance of such security deposit shall escheat to the Commonwealth of Virginia in accordance with § 55-248.15:1 of the VRLTA. Upon payment to the Commonwealth, Landlord shall have no further liability to any Tenant relative to the Security Deposit.

Charges The following is a list of the most common charges that are taken from the security deposit. Our hope is to return the maximum amount to you, less carpet cleaning (and flea service if pets).

Cleaning - Actual Cost of maid service plus Coordination Fee

Utilities - Actual cost for turn on and consumption plus Coordination Fee

Lawn - Actual Cost of lawn care plus Coordination Fee

Repairs - Actual cost plus Coordination Fee

Trash Hauling – Actual cost, minimum $75. DO NOT leave trash at your curb or in your garage plus Coordination fee

Coordination Fee - Minimum $100 Admin fee for contracting any cleaning, repairs, utilities, hauling, etc.

Trip Charge - $75 for each extra trip to the property to let vendors in or to re-inspect repairs.

Gutters - Gutters and downspouts should be clean at the time of the inspection.

Storage rooms / garages- Must be empty (other than items which belong with the property) cleaned and swept. Floors should be clean and dry for the inspection.

Interior – Windows should be clean and free of decals. Window sills should be free of bugs, dust leaves etc. Please close the storm windows and ensure the screens are intact and clean. Any window treatment windows provided by the Landlord should be clean and neatly hung. Blinds and shades should be clean and operational.

Vinyl/tile floors should be swept and mopped clean. Door thresholds should be cleaned of accumulated dirt. Moldings should be free of dust and 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, hangars, 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 fiberglass tubs, sinks, and 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 to 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 the continuous clean ovens. The dishwasher should be clean inside and free of mildew or standing water. All parts (flatware basket, racks, accessories, etc.) for other appliances should be clean and appropriately installed.

Heat and Air Conditioner filters should be replaced with new and the surfaces should be cleaned.

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.

Other items that need to be handled when moving out of your property:

Contact the appropriate utility companies to give them your forwarding address and schedule the final reading of your meter.
Notify the post office of your forwarding address.

Thank you for choosing a Renters Warehouse home!