I recently rented a house while on vacation. The company that managed these houses had a coffee table binder, which was both an educational piece about the house and systems in it, and a do’s and don’ts list.
I thought, wow, what a great idea, and maybe a great idea to provide or attach to every regular residential lease we do going forward.
An example was if you clog a toilet, you are to use the provided plunger, and if that did not work and you had to call the property management company to dispatch a plumber you would be charged.
At first I thought, well that seems a little strong, then I started to reflect back on all the situations where I have paid for plumbers to solve problems that were not the fault of the systems in the house, but the user (tenant).
They have a great point, I mean why should a landlord have to pay a service call to remove a toy, sock, feminine hygiene product, paper towel, or other items that may block a toilet, even some super thick toilet paper or hair can be a problem for toilet drains.
We do place a plunger next to every toilet, but do not always provide instructions on the use.
I am going to fine tune this, but here is what I am thinking would be a great do’s and don’ts list.
Long Grass = attractive habitat for rodents.
If you have a rodent problem and the grass around your house is not cut and trimmed properly, you will be required to cut the grass first and will be charged for the cost of rodent extermination.
Garbage around the exterior or interior of a home = attractive habitat for rodents.
If you have a rodent problem and garbage is around or inside your home, you will be responsible to clean up the garbage and will be charged the cost of the rodent extermination.
Moist + dark = mold
If you keep your unit dark and moist with a lack of air flow you will attract mold and mildew. When you shower it is required that you take a shower of reasonable length and have the fan on or window open for air flow.
If you cause steam from long showers mixed with poor air flow and cause mold, you will be responsible for mold / mildew remediation
This includes activities such as leaving wet towels in dark closets or filed in corners.
If you are in a basement or lower unit, you must use the provided dehumidifier for moisture reduction.
Food left out = attractive habitat for ants
If you have an ant or other insect problem and it is discovered that you have left food out in the open air, you will be responsible for the cost of bug extermination.
Compost / recyclables and Garbage not handled or disposed of properly = insect, rodent, foul smells and potential disease
All of the above listed must be properly disposed of on the correct days. If it is required to have any garbage, recyclables or compost removed on a day other than the correct pick up day, the tenant will be responsible for the cost of removal.
Clogs in drains
If it is determined that a clog in the drain was caused by you or a guest, you will be responsible for the cost of removing the clog.
No Drano or other toxic drain unclogging products are permitted in any of the drains on the property.
Examples could be hair, feminine hygiene products, paper towel, thick toilet paper, socks, other foreign objects.
I guess it is more of a list of don’ts, the message just needs to be clear, that if something mechanical breaks that is fine, but if a tenant breaks something or causes a major problem, they need to be held accountable.
Thank you for pointing out the importance of keeping the air flowing inside the apartment as well as keeping is bright because failing to do both will encourage the growth of mold. It was good that I learned all these things because the room I have chosen is directed away from sunlight. I think I have to pay extra attention to the brightness as the mold is the last thing I would want to have living in the apartment with me.