TENANT FAQS

What I wish I knew before moving into my rental: Some pets are a no-go. Let’s talk about restricted pets and why they're on the list.

Ever heard of Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, or Chows? These breeds, among others like Akitas and wolf hybrids, are often restricted because they can be harder to manage and sometimes pose safety risks. But it’s not just big dogs. Exotic animals like ferrets, skunks, and raccoons are also a no-go, as are reptiles like snakes and iguanas, and even some birds like parrots and macaws. Why? Because they require special care and can cause property damage.

And don't forget about those tanks! Fish are usually fine, but if your tank is over 20 gallons, you might need to pay an extra deposit. So, before you bring in that furry, scaly, or feathery friend, check the rules. It’s all about keeping everyone safe and happy.

Got questions? Always ask your landlord or property manager. Happy renting!

I bet you didn't know that missing a rent payment can lead to serious consequences. Let's break it down.

When you miss a rent payment, it all starts with an automatic reminder. Your landlord will notify you that your rent is late, but that's just the beginning. If your payment is still missing by the 8th of the month, you'll receive a notice of termination. Now, you have 14 days plus 4 days for mailing to pay up. Fail to do so, and your lease will end in 30 days, plus another four for mailing.

Still haven't paid or moved out? That's when things get serious. An eviction process will be initiated—that's a legal action to remove you from the property. So, paying rent on time is crucial. Avoid the stress and hassle; keep your payments up to date because dealing with an eviction is a headache no one needs.

Stop stressing over rent and repairs—let's simplify your life with the tenant portal. First things first, head over to our website and log in on the homepage. You can set up autopay because who wants to remember rent day, right? You can also make one-time payments and even check your ledger for past payments.

Got a leaky faucet or a flickering light? Submit a maintenance request through the portal. Always include a photo and detailed description, even if it seems silly—it helps us help you faster. Need to check your lease or share documents? They're all right there in the portal. Plus, you can upload and update your insurance info.

And don't forget, keep your personal info up-to-date, whether it's your email or phone number. It's easy to make changes anytime. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your tenant portal and start living like a pro today!

Thank you for submitting your maintenance request. We appreciate your promptness in notifying us of the issue. Before we dispatch a technician, we kindly ask that you attempt some troubleshooting steps that could potentially resolve the problem quickly and reduce the time you spend waiting for repairs. Here are a few tips to try:

Electrical Issues: Please check your circuit breakers, GFCI outlets, and light bulbs to ensure none have tripped or are burnt out.

HVAC/AC: Replace the air filter and batteries in the thermostat.

Clogged Drains: Attempt to resolve the clog using a plunger or a drain snake.

Please note that if we dispatch a technician and they find any of the above issues, including tenant-caused clogged drains, you may be charged for the repair.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, please visit our website at Maintenance Quick Fixes. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Should these steps not resolve the issue, please let us know by emailing maintenance@propmhomes.com, and we will promptly dispatch a technician to assist you.

We ask you to leave kindly. 😊

A written 30 days notice to vacate is required. In order to submit your notice, please log in to your tenant portal or send us an email to HelpDesk@PropMhomes.com

No, you cannot without written approval from the landlord. The Security Deposit is meant to cover damages under the terms of the lease.

No, a landlord does not have to return your deposit if you changed your mind. If the landlord decides not to rent it, they would need to return your deposit.

In an unfurnished rental, the landlord can require up to two months of rent as a security. A furnished rental unit can require a deposit three times rent or more in some cases.

Simply, keep great records. Use your phone to shoot video or take pictures. This should be done when you move in, to avoid any issues.

If you do not have a lease, it could be raised as often as properly notified. This would be protected by signing a lease with terms that state the rent is X from beginning date to lease expiration date.

No, the landlord is required to offer and maintain the rental unit and common areas as “habital” condition unless the tenant has caused the problem or damage. Habitable means the unit does not have problems that can affect health and safety of the tenants.

A landlord can deduct unpaid rent, cleaning, damages beyond normal wear and tear. Tenants are required (and expected) to leave the unit as clean as when they moved in. This includes carpet, drapes, blinds, ovens, microwaves, window sills, etc, etc. Normal wear and tear is expected and would consist of natural discoloration of paint, carpet etc due to time, sun and more. Dirt is not normal wear and tear and would be required to be cleaned or removed. Click here to view our Vacating Checklist.

You should write a letter to the landlord demanding an itemized deduction. If this does not help to solve the problem, you can file a small claims case at your local court.

If you know in advance, please call as soon as possible to discuss. We will do our best to see if we can arrange something. If you are unable to make rent, you need to move out as soon as possible before the issue gets more expensive with attorneys, late fees, etc.

If your property is sold, the current landlord would need to transfer any deposits, prepaid rent over to the new owner. The new owner would know he/she is purchasing a property with a current tenant occupying it and you would be contacted to discuss options of remaining in throughout the lease, or being released of your lease and giving ample time to move out. You will be involved and have some input.

Restricted Pet Breeds PropM, Inc. is pet friendly and we understand the important role your furry companion plays in your life. Breed and animal restrictions will vary by each individually owned property. For your convenience, please find the list below for your review. The following animals are strictly prohibited:

Restricted Breeds of Dogs

• Pit Bulls
• Rottweiler
• Malamute
• Doberman
• Chow Chow
• St. Bernard
• Great Dane
• Akita
• Terrier (Staffordshire)
• American Bulldog
• Wolf Hybrids
• Presa Canarios
• Karelian Bear Dog
• Any hybrid or mixed, breed of one of the aforementioned breeds, Exotic Animals, Reptiles (Snakes, Iguanas), Ferrets, Skunks, Raccoons, Squirrels, Rabbits, Birds (Parrots, Cockatiels, Macaws), Tarantulas, Piranhas.
• Fish are welcome with the property owner's approval. If your tank is larger than 20 gallons, an increased security deposit may be required.

If arrangements cannot be made, you will receive a 3 Day notice to pay rent or quit. This notice gives you 3 days to pay rent. The days start, the day after you receive the 3 day notice.

Normal wear and tear is different than tenant caused damage. Normal wear and tear occurs naturally over time. Damage caused by tenants isn’t a result of aging but is a result of negligence, carelessness or abuse. Normal wear and tear is required to be paid for by the landlord and tenant damage is not.

In the table below we will illustrate examples of types of normal wear and tear and tenant caused damage and the differences between the two.

Type of Material	Average Useful Life	Normal Wear and Tear (Landlord’s Responsibility)	Tenant Damage (Tenant’s Responsibility)
Carpet	5 years	Gently worn carpets that show some worn patches but no holes or stains	Pet caused damage such as heavily stained carpets and ripped carpeting
Hardwood Flooring	25 years	Fading of flooring due to sunlight exposure	Deeply scratched hardwood floors or pieces of the hardwood missing
Tile Flooring	25 years	Dirty grout surrounding the tiles	Broken or chipped tiles or missing tiles
Windows	20 years	Lightly scratched glass and worn, loose hardware	Broken glass, ripped screens, broken window hardware
Countertops	20+ years	Scratches and light watermarks	Chipped countertops, burnt areas, and/or multiple stains
Walls	Lifetime	Cracks in the walls caused by settling	Holes in the walls, damage from hanging pictures
Paint	3 years	Fading paint from sunlight and minor scuffing from daily use	Paint that has been scribbled on, unauthorized paint colors

For a better understanding of the difference between the two (and when you can deduct the tenant’s deposit), let’s take a look at the two most common examples, which are normal wear and tear vs damaged carpet and normal wear and tear vs damaged paint.

Normal Wear and Tear vs Damaged Carpet

If the carpet has been in place for 5 years or longer, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to replace it, since that is the length of the carpet’s useful life. If the carpet has light sun damage or is showing signs of wear, that is normal wear and tear and the landlord cannot blame the tenant.

It’s the landlord’s responsibility to keep the property free of hazards. So, if the carpet has worn out over the years and become a trip hazard, it should be immediately replaced and paid for by the landlord. But, if the carpet has been ripped or has excessive fraying, it’s the tenant’s fault and the cost to replace it can be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.

Further, if the carpet is stained either by a pet or spilling food, wine, dirt, and more, it’s considered tenant-caused damage and can also be deducted from the security deposit. State laws vary on landlord tenant laws regarding security deposits but generally, the landlord needs to get a repair quote from a licensed contractor and send the tenant an itemized list of the damage along with the check for the remainder of the security deposit.

Normal Wear and Tear vs Damaged Paint

Peeling paint, sun damage or a small number of scuffs are considered normal wear and tear and the landlord should touch them up between tenants. Ceiling paint usually lasts longer since no one is constantly touching the ceiling. Ceiling paint should be touched up when a leak occurs or on an as-needed basis.

If the paint has holes in it, excessive scuff marks or other marks such as drawings or scribbles, it is considered damage caused by a tenant. In this case, the cost to fix the damage and paint the walls will be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit. You can do this by getting a quote from a licensed contractor and sending the tenant an itemized list of the damage, along with the check for the rest of their security deposit.

“The easiest way to discern between wear and tear and tenant caused damage is to think of wear and tear as any damage that’s caused by natural forces or damage that’s caused by daily use. Tenant caused damage should be thought of as damage requiring more than routine maintenance to repair. Obviously, this doesn’t include things like a leaky pipe or things that would happen to the property regardless of who the tenant was.”

If your home is your castle, consider the six-month inspection its regular health checkup. So, every six months, it's time for a routine checkup on your home. Think of it as a wellness visit for your living space. Why? Because keeping your home in top shape is a priority for us, and it ensures your safety and comfort. Here's what happens: a trained professional will visit your home, equipped with a body cam. This isn't to intrude, but to document the process, making sure everything is transparent and above board. And hey, don't worry—we strictly use this footage to assess the house condition; we never share it with anyone else.

During the inspection, we'll check things like smoke detectors, plumbing, and the general condition of the property. It's quick, efficient, and ensures everything is working as it should. Remember, this is for your benefit, to ensure you can live worry-free. So, when you get that notification of an upcoming inspection, know it's all part of keeping your home safe and sound. Thanks for letting us do our part to help you enjoy your home without a hitch.

Hey everyone! I'm here today to share some essential tips on ensuring you get your full security deposit back when moving out of a rental. Trust me, nobody likes saying goodbye to that chunk of cash, right? So, let's dive right in. First things first: the moment you move into a new place, do a thorough walkthrough. Document everything—and I mean everything. Take photos, videos, and notes of any existing damage. This will be your golden proof if there are disputes when you move out. Now, while you're living there, treat the property like it's your own. I know it's tempting to ignore that small drip from the faucet or that crack in the window, but small issues can become big deductions from your deposit later. If something needs fixing, report it immediately.

Fast forward to moving out: cleaning is your best friend. Don't just do a once-over with a vacuum. Think about deep cleaning—scrub those tiles, clean the carpets, and don't forget the oven. Landlords love to charge for cleaning, so the cleaner you leave the place, the less they can justify keeping your deposit. Here's a pro tip: try to be there during the final inspection. This way, you can address any concerns on the spot and possibly rectify them before it hits your deposit. If you've documented everything and kept the place in good nick, you should be able to handle any last-minute surprises.

Lastly, know your rights. Each area has its own laws about security deposits and tenant rights. Make sure you're clued up about what your landlord can and can't deduct for. Sometimes, just knowing the law and asserting your rights can influence how much of your deposit you get back. Remember, getting your full deposit back is often about the prep work you do throughout your tenancy, not just the cleanup at the end. Stay proactive, keep everything documented, and treat the place with respect. Do this, and you'll maximize your chances of seeing that security deposit back in your bank account where it belongs. Alright, that’s it from me today. Follow these steps, and you’ll be in a much better position to get your full security deposit back. Good luck and happy moving!

Hey everyone, PropM here! If you're renting and planning to move out soon, there's something super important you need to know to avoid any unexpected charges. So, let's dive right in. First off, why is giving a 30-day notice before moving out so crucial? Well, it's not just a courtesy thing; it's part of your lease agreement. When you signed that dotted line, you agreed to give your landlord a heads-up 30 days before you pack up and leave. This gives them enough time to find someone else to take over the space and prevents the apartment from sitting empty.

Now, what happens if you forget to give that 30-day notice? Here's where it gets a bit tricky. If you don't notify your landlord about your move 30 days in advance, you're still on the hook for that month's rent. Yep, you heard that right—even if you're not living there, you'll need to pay up for those 30 days. That's extra money that could definitely be used elsewhere, right? So, marking that date on your calendar is a must. And here’s another scenario: What if you’re not the only one living there? Say you have roommates. If just one of you decides to move out, the security deposit doesn't just walk out the door with them. That deposit stays with the apartment until the entire lease is up or everyone moves out. This means you'll need to sort out any deposit details among yourselves. Maybe the roommate who's staying could pay out the share to the one who’s leaving, or you could figure out another arrangement that works for both parties.

So, the takeaway here: always give your 30-day notice, folks. It saves you money, keeps you in good standing with your landlord, and makes the whole moving-out process a lot smoother. And for those living with roommates, have a clear plan about the security deposit. It'll save you from any last-minute hassles and hard feelings. Remember, moving out doesn't have to be a headache. A little planning and communication go a long way. Stay informed, stay prepared, and you'll be all set for your next big adventure in your new home. Thank you, and see you in the next one!

Hey there! Today, I’m diving into something super important for anyone renting a place—that’s right, renters insurance. Now, you might think it’s just another expense, but let me tell you, skipping on renters insurance can be a gamble you don’t want to take. First off, let’s talk about what renters insurance actually covers. It’s not just about your stuff. Sure, if your laptop or bike gets stolen, renters insurance can help you replace them. But it’s way more than that. It also provides liability coverage. Imagine if someone gets hurt in your apartment—without insurance, you could be facing a lawsuit that could cost you thousands.

Now think about disasters. No one likes to imagine a fire or a flood, but these things happen. If your place gets damaged, where would you stay? Renters insurance often covers temporary living expenses, helping you out with hotel bills or temporary rentals. And let’s not forget about the peace of mind. Knowing you’re covered in case of theft, accidents, or disasters is priceless. It lets you sleep a little easier at night, knowing that you won’t be blindsided by a financial disaster if something goes wrong. Here’s the kicker—it’s not even that expensive. We’re talking about the cost of a couple of coffee runs a month. When you weigh that against the cost of replacing all your belongings or covering a lawsuit, it’s a no-brainer. So, if you’re renting, seriously consider getting renters insurance. It’s one of those things we hope to never use, but it’s invaluable when we need it. Stay safe and smart out there.

You need to hear this if you're a tenant looking to cancel your lease. Life happens, and sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel your lease before moving in, here’s what you need to do. First, let us know as soon as possible—communication is key. Once you inform us, we'll start the process.

Now, here's the good news: you'll get your security deposit back. That's right, every penny. But there's a small catch: you'll be responsible for one month's rent. Think of it as a cancellation fee. After that, you're all clear.

It’s simple: tell us, get your deposit back, pay one month's rent, and you’re free to move on. No hidden fees, no extra charges. So, if your plans change, don't stress—we're here to help you through it. Just follow these steps and you’re good to go. Remember, communication is key. We've got your back.

Welcome to PropM! If you're moving in mid-month, you probably have questions about how your rent is calculated. Let's break down rent proration together, making it simple. Rent proration means you only pay for the days you live in the property starting from your move-in date. So, how do we figure this out? First, we calculate the daily rent based on a 30-day month. For a $2,000 monthly rent, that's about $66.67 a day. Here's how it works for different months:

• For a 28-day month: If you move in on the 5th, you don't pay for the first 4 days. You pay for the remaining 24 days, which totals $1,600.
• For a 30-day month: Moving in on the 5th means you pay for the next 26 days, adding up to $1,733.33.
• For a 31-day month: You're responsible for 27 days, costing $1,800.

You pay the full first month's rent, and the second month is prorated based on when you move in. Got questions? Connect with our team at PropM for more details.

Roommate Procedures

Scenario 1 – Roommate(s) vacate prior to lease expiration

• Vacating roommate(s) must submit their written 30 days notice to helpdesk@propmhomes.com
• If roommate(s) vacate and atleast one original tenant remains, there is a $395 lease change fee. If there are no original tenants remaining in the property, a 1.5x monthly rent lease break fee is due.

** Lease break fee 1.5x to be paid to PropM Inc must be paid in full and one payment per household . The fee is between the roommates only. PropM, Inc. is not responsible for getting involved on how this is handled between the roommates**

• Remaining tenant(s) must supply 3 most recent months of pay stubs to verify they meet the income alone.

** If there are 3+ tenants remaining in the home, no additional income documents are required to review**

• Once income is confirmed, the remaining tenant(s) will sign a new lease agreement starting the following month

Scenario 2 - Roommate(s) vacate at lease renewal time or on a month to month: (Lease break fee not due)
Requirements:

• Vacating roommate(s) must submit their written 30 days notice to helpdesk@propmhomes.com
• Remaining tenant(s) must supply 3 most recent months of pay stubs to verify they meet the income alone
  ** If there are 3+ tenants remaining in the home, no additional income documents are required to review**
• Once income is confirmed, the remaining tenant(s) will sign a new lease agreement starting the following month

Scenario 3 – Adding Roommate(s) during fixed term lease:

• Additional roommate(s) must apply ($65 non refundable application fee), be screened and approved
• $395.00 fee is required for a roommate change.
• All tenants will sign a new lease agreement starting the following month

Scenario 4 – Adding Roommate(s) during lease renewal or month to month

Requirements:

• Additional roommate(s) must apply ($65 non refundable application fee), be screened and approved
• All tenants will sign a new lease agreement starting the following month