Resident Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a maintenance item?
For normal non-urgent maintenance items please email, mail or fax your written request. Be sure to provide us with the best possible time to reach you. If the item is urgent and it is during regular business hours (Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), you may call our office at (717) 733-4158 to report the problem. To report emergency maintenance needs be sure to state that you have a maintenance emergency. If it is after business hours, call the office and follow the voice mail instructions. For police or fire emergencies, dial 911 before calling us.
What is considered an emergency?
The following are examples of maintenance emergencies. The main sewer line is backed up. A pipe broke and water is leaking into the home. It is a cold winter day and the heat is not working.
Can I be charged for maintenance expenses?
Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the maintenance, you will be charged for it. Also, you can be billed for a service call if you miss an appointment with one of our maintenance contractors.
Can I install cable or satellite TV at the property?
You must first obtain written permission from the landlord. At some units you may be prohibited from installing a satellite dish in any location where the dish is visible from the ground or from any other unit in the area. Any cost of installation is an expense of the resident.
What are my rights if the landlord wants to enter the property?
All maintenance appointments should be scheduled with you in advance unless of an emergency arises while nobody is home.
What are my responsibilities if I vacate the property before the end of the lease?
You are responsible for all costs of the lease as outlined in your written and signed lease agreement. There are no exceptions to this rule!
Can I sub-lease the property?
No. The lease agreement clearly states that the resident shall not sublet any portion of the property or assign the agreement without written consent from us.
Can I use my security deposit as my last months rent payment?
All leases clearly state that the security deposit cannot be used as the last months payment of rent.Refer to your signed lease agreement for details.
Can I obtain a pet after I move into a property or have lived there for a while?
No pets will be allowed in any rental units without previous permission and authorization in your written lease! There are no exceptions to this rule!
When and how should I give my notice to vacate?
It is important to refer to your lease for the specific terms in your own residential agreement. In most leases, notice to vacate must be received in our office in writing on or before the 1st of the month. Most leases require a minimum 60-day notice and run for a full monthly period.
What happens if my roommate moves out before the end of the lease?
If your roommate moves out, a written notice needs to be submitted to us. Remember that tenants are jointly and singularly liable to ensure that the rent is paid. You must have written permission from us to substitute a roommate. This will require an application for consideration. (It is not our responsibility to arbitrate or mediate problems with multiple tenant situations).
What happens to the disposition of a roommate’s security deposit after move-out?
Security deposits are collected as “security” for the property. Reimbursements to departing roommates are handled by the remaining tenants. No portion of the security deposit will be refunded individually.
I have always paid my rent on time. Why did I receive a notice when the rent was late?
The rent is due on the first of the month. If the rent is not posted in our office by the third we will charge a late fee as outlined in your written and signed lease agreement.
I am an excellent resident and take good care of the home. Can you waive my late charges?
No. We do not waive late charges. Fair Housing laws require that we treat all our residents equally. We cannot decide if one resident is more deserving than another of paying late charges, therefore we enforce late charges across the board.