Tenant Handbook
Tenant Handbook
Tenant Handbook
Office: 704-550-4854
Email: leasing@carolinaspropertymanagement.com
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PROPERTY
J. Contact
MANAGEM with the Owner......................................................................................... 18
ENT
Housekeeping Documents ....................................................................................... 19
A. Pets (Authorized and Unauthorized) .............................................................................. 19
B. Smoke Detector .............................................................................................................. 19
C. Renter’s Insurance.......................................................................................................... 19
D. Property Visits ................................................................................................................ 19
Utilities............................................................................................................. 20
A. Get Utilities Connected Before Move-in .......................................................................... 20
B. Keep Utilities On and Bills Current ................................................................................. 20
C. Keep Utilities on through the Move-out Inspection .......................................................................... 20
Homeowner Association Issues ............................................................................... 21
A. Yards......................................................................................................................... 21
B. Parking ..................................................................................................................... 21
C. Access to Amenities ........................................................................................................ 21
D. Mailbox Keys .................................................................................................................. 21
E. Parking for Boats, Trailers, and RV's ............................................................................ 22
Foreclosure Issues ................................................................................................... 23
A. What to do if you receive a foreclosure notice ................................................................. 23
B. Renter’s Rights in Foreclosure ........................................................................................ 23
Showing Instructions and Move-Out Procedures ..................................................... 24
MOVE-OUT PROCEDURES................................................................................................... 25
Preparing for Move Out ............................................................................................................. 26
$475 Cleaning Services ............................................................................................................... 30
A. When is my Move-out Inspection.................................................................................. 30
B. Why is there a lockbox on my door?................................................................................ 31
C. What happens if I limit showings? .................................................................................. 31
D. How do I get my security deposit back? .......................................................................... 31
E. What are maintenance charges to me if all items are not satisfactory at move-out? ........ 31
F. Once you have determined the charges for repairs, can I get back in and do it myself? .... 31
G. Where will the security deposit check be mailed? ........................................................... 31
H. What happens if I accidentally take the garage door remotes? ........................................ 31
I. Do I have to be present during the move-out presentation? ............................................. 31
J. What if I do not have the time to do house cleaning, carpet cleaning, flea treatment,
landscaping or other repairs? ................................................................................................ 32
K. How is the security deposit disbursed if there are roommates? ...................................... 32
L. What are my responsibilities if I had a pet? ..................................................................... 32
M. How do I handle utilities? .............................................................................................. 32
N. What happens if my deposit is insufficient to pay all I owe?............................................ 32
O. What happens if I am not out the date I expected to be out? ........................................... 32
Miscellaneous .......................................................................................................... 33
A. Lockouts ......................................................................................................................... 33
B. Home Warranties ........................................................................................................... 33
Buying A Home .................................................................................................. 34
A. The Home You’re Renting............................................................................................... 34
B. A Home Outside Carolina Property Management. .................................................................. 34
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This handbook is meant to inform our residents of the vital information they need in order to
enjoy their rental experience. It will serve as your guide regarding paying rent, handling
maintenance, lease renewals, early terminations, Homeowner Association issues, property visits,
and a host of other topics. You’ll find just about everything you need in this handbook.
General Information
A. Office hours, numbers and basic company information
Carolina Property Management is open during normal business hours 8:30am to 5:00pm
Monday thru Friday Eastern Standard Time.
Carolina Property Management
1430 S Mint St #106, Charlotte, NC 28203
Office: 704.550.4854
Email: leasing@carolinaspropertymanagement.com
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Serve our Homeowners by helping them acquire properties that perform as expected.
Serve our Residents by providing them with a safe and pleasant rental experience.
Serve our Staff by constantly training them and helping them reach their highest
professional potential.
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Paying Rent
A. Payment Options
We offer electronic payment options to assure prompt and secure rent payments. Once
you are registered in our payment system you will have a simple electronic option to pay
rent each month. We still take paper checks by mail but they are less reliable and harder
to process. Electronic payments are faster, safer, and easier on everyone so we encourage
electronic payments.
B. Due Date
Rent is due on the FIRST of the month and is considered late on the third. Please note
that Bill Pay through your online bank still mails us a check. If the check is not received
by the fifth, a late fee will be assessed. EXAMPLE: Paying bills via the USAA or Bank
of America bill pay option. This is NOT an electronic payment. They simply cut a check
on your behalf and put that payment in the mail….subject to all the delays.
C. Personal Checks
Personal checks are acceptable at any time before the 3rd of the month. After the 3rd,
certified funds are required. Certified funds are also required if checks are being returned
for non-sufficient funds. We will notify you in writing if personal checks will be refused.
D. Automatic Electronic Monthly Payments
Carolina Property Management can offer you an option with electronic payments that will
set up your payment for automatic withdrawal each month. This can be set up in your
tenant portal for payment and modified by you at any time.
E. No Cash
We do not want cash around the office. We have a “NO CASH” policy for everyone.
Please use checks, money orders, or pay online through the Tenant Portal Service.
F. Late Fees
After the due date, rent will not be accepted without the 5% late fee. We encourage you
pay rent by the 1st to avoid paying any late fees.
G. Late Payment Contact
Carolina Property Management will attempt to contact you via email or informing you that
rent has not been paid successfully. We will also attempt to telephone and send a SMS
(text) message to notify you of this late status.
H. NSF Check or Electronic Payment
The NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee of $35 is due regardless of the reason. (Your bank may
reimburse you for this charge if they were at fault.) If this happens, Carolina Property
Management has the right to request certified funds from that day forward. You will be
given 48 hours to make the check good prior to further legal action being pursued.
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Maintenance Issues
A. Emergency Maintenance
Carolina Property Management provides tenants several ways to report maintenance
issues. The primary and best way to report an issue is through the tenant portal where
specific issues can be described in writing. The alternate is to call into Carolina
Property Management at 704-550-4854 to report a maintenance issue. We define an
emergency as anything that threatens the health of the occupants or destruction of the
property like flood, fire, sewer back up, burst water pipes, burst water heater, etc.
For emergency maintenance items, call: 704-550-4854
1. Emergency Defined
An emergency is anything relating to the property under the lease that is threatening to
life, health, or the property.
2. Examples
Fire, tree blown on the roof, flood, sewage back up, gas odors, broken water pipes,
furnace out (if the weather is below 45 degrees) a/c out (if temperature outside is above
85 degrees). If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911 immediately!
3. The Following are NOT Emergencies
Refrigerator out, locking yourself out of the house, power or gas off, oven not
working, a/c out if the temperature outside is below 85 degrees and/or the property has
2 a/c units and one is still functioning properly, water heater out. Carolina Property
Management is not liable for loss of food caused by appliance break down.
4. Warning
If you claim you have an emergency and one does not truly exist, you will be charged
back the service charge for the contractor/service representative responding to the call.
Crying wolf will cost you money. If you call the Emergency Line for a Non-
Emergency and contractors are dispatched to your home because of this call, you will
be charged a $100 fee plus the additional cost for after hours or rush fees charged by
the vendor. Do not call in an emergency unless it is truly an emergency. You will also
be charged a $85.00 trip charge if you set up an appointment with any contractor and
do not show up for that appointment.
clogged garbage disposals, GFCI switches that need to be reset, and minor items as
explained in this document that you were presented throughout the lease.
1. Minor repairs, cosmetic repairs, and items that do not substantially affect your
lifestyle may not be fixed (i.e. chipped paint, missing screens, doorbells that do not
work, etc.).
2. Damages caused by abuse or misuse will be charged back to you. We will rely on the
servicing contractor to tell us if you caused the problem.
3. If plumbing gets clogged due to items you or your children dropped in the toilet, it
will be charged back to you. This is not considered equipment failure and you should
do everything you can to handle these issues by yourself. Unless the contractor can
prove it was not caused by you (i.e. roots in system). Clogged plumbing will be your
responsibility.
It is the tenant who is responsible for dislodging things that have been flushed down
the toilets or sinks. It shall be the responsibility of the resident to make sure there is
no item blocking the plumbing. After the resident has made an effort to solve the
problem, Carolina Property Management will take on the challenge.
If Carolina Property Management Maintenance or a plumbing company reports that
the problem was caused by the resident, i.e., brushes, toys, personal property in the
system, the expense of the plumber’s visit and repair will be incurred by the resident.
The homeowner will pay for plumbing problems resulting from roots in the system,
pipes that have collapsed and other natural (non-resident) causes.
5. We will make every effort to deliver the property to you free of pests. It is the tenant
responsibility to keep it that way. We recommend you use a licensed professional for
any periodic pest treatments.
7. Change HVAC air filters at least quarterly…preferably monthly! The system will run
more efficiently, you will save money, and have less dust in your home.
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Contractors are just like us – they have families and personal lives. They want to be
at home night and weekends with their families. If you insist on meeting a
contractor/repairman at your property after hours (weekdays after 5pm, Saturday or
Sunday) the tenant will pay their after-hours premium for “non-business hours
service.” Think of it as a “co-pay” for the convenience of getting non business hours
service. The exception of course are emergencies.
D. Maintenance Tips
Renting a home requires that you pay attention to some small maintenance issues such as
changing your filters, clogged toilets, resetting your garbage disposal just to name a few.
Taking care of these things can save you time and money.
If your unit is not working and you have submitted a maintenance request, please turn
off the unit completely. The reason is that the majority of time the coils have frozen
up. When the technician gets there, he won't be able to do anything until the coils
thaw out. This means 2 trips for the HVAC technician, and a longer wait for you.
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GFCI stands for "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt". These outlets are typically installed
within a short-range from water, but could possibly be installed anywhere in your
house. If you have something plugged into one of these outlets, and it stops working,
it's possible that you were overloading it with a device such as a hair dryer or a
portable heater. In order to make the outlet functional again, simply press the button
(white or red) that says "Reset". Try again and you should be okay. If the outlet
continues to trip, then you are most likely overloading the outlet with whatever is
plugged into it. If it does not work at all, then there may be another problem and you
might need to submit an Online Maintenance Request. Please note, in some cases
especially in newer homes, a GFCI outlet or reset switch could be located away from,
but still controlling, the outlet that stops working such as in a nearby closet in a
bathroom. Refer to this video: GFCI VIDEO
6. Clogged Toilets
If our plumber determines that a clogged toilet was caused by the resident, then very
possibly the resident will have to pay the plumber's bill. If you think you've caused
the problem and want to avoid this situation, you can try to unclog the toilet yourself
using these simple and helpful hints.
How to Un-Clog a Toilet – VIDEO – Click Here
How to Un-Clog a Toilet and Shut Off – VIDEO – Click Here
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E. Maintenance Priorities
Everything isn't an emergency. We have established five categories of maintenance
priorities and a target response time for each of them. Your requests will be handled in
the order that they are submitted with the following response times as guidelines.
Tenant Damages
Damages caused by abuse or misuse will be charged back to the tenant. We will rely on
the servicing contractor to tell us what caused the problem.
If plumbing gets clogged due to items dropped in the toilet (toys, brushes, diapers,
napkins, any personal items), clogged or misused garbage disposal, the cost of the
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plumber will be tenant responsibility (minimum $150). This is not considered equipment
failure and you should do everything you can to handle these issues by yourself. Buy a
plunger. Unless the contractor can prove it was not caused by you (i.e. roots in system,
pipe collapsed, septic tank backup), we assume the problem was caused by people, not by
a defect of the property. Clogged plumbing is often tenant responsibility but will be
reviewed on a case by case basis.
F. After Hours Maintenance Charges
If you schedule with the contractor after normal business hours, you will need to pay any
after hours premium charges. Our contractors work normal business hours and are only
available after hours for true emergencies (and for additional compensation). They have
families just like you and don’t want to be working evenings, weekends and holidays.
G. Scheduled Maintenance Visits
It is possible that the homeowner has selected from our list of six proactive maintenance
procedures that may be done without your prompting. We will let you know when
contractors will be coming to the property to address issues like gutter cleaning, HVAC
servicing, termite inspections, fall landscaping, etc.
H. Division of Maintenance Responsibilities
Below is a visual of maintenance items to remind you of what things you are responsible
for and what Carolina Property Management is responsible for.
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I. Maintenance charge-backs
If the contractor we send to the property tells us the maintenance is due to your
negligence, such as crayons in your garbage disposal, toys flushed down a toilet, GFI
switch not re-set just to name a few, Carolina Property Management will notify the
tenant via email and place the charge to your payment ledger. Failure to pay the bill will
result in an
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outstanding balance on your account. This will need to be paid with your next rental
payment or late fees will continue to accumulate.
J. Air Conditioning and Furnace Filters
To improve the air quality of the home, reduce allergy problems and save money, you
need to change out the furnace filter at least every month. Failing to do this will likely
increase your utility bills. How to Change an Air Conditioning Filter - VIDEO
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will be determined once the outgoing tenant vacates and the home has been inspected.
Fees can still be assessed if the home is left dirty, or there are any damages to the home.
5) Provide the property manager forwarding address. This will be used to send
the balance of all security deposits. With these actions being completed, the current
lease will be terminated early and the outgoing tenant will have fulfilled the lease, and all
of their responsibilities to that lease in good standing.
IMPORTANT: All rent payments, utilities, and upkeep of the home are the
responsibility of the outgoing tenant up to and until the day the lease starts with the
approved incoming tenant.
H. Lawn Care
In most circumstances, the tenant will maintain their own yard. One of the differences
you have when renting a house (as compared to a town home or apartment) is you are
responsible for lawn care unless there is an agreement between the tenant and Carolina
Property Management that the landlord will maintain the yard. Refer to the lease as to
who has responsibilities for the lawn care.
If the tenant would like to request that Carolina Property Management maintain the yard,
this can be arranged. The cost involved will usually be added into the lease agreement
raising the monthly rent anywhere from $100 to $250 per month depending on the size of
yard.
Failing to maintain the yard will create serious problems for the HOA and homeowner.
This will generate complaints from the neighbors and if there is an HOA, there could be
fines assessed.
Tenants will receive fines and charges for any complaint letters from the local HOA
regarding any lawn maintenance issues or other violations per Lease Addendum.
I. Pest Control
The tenant is responsible for their own pest control for bugs. We strongly recommend you
use a licensed pest control company to manage pests rather than doing it yourself. If you
need assistance connecting with a pest control company, we can refer you to the one we
use. Tenants can review the pest control policy in your lease.
J. Contact with the Owner
Carolina Property Management is your management company and will be your only
contact during your tenancy. If someone calls or shows up at your door claiming to be
the owner (or agent representing the owner or lender), you should be suspicious and not
invite them into the home. Do not assume they are who they say they are. Protect
yourself at all times from people who claim to have some authority over the property. If
the owner is planning on doing a walk thru at your home, you will be notified well in
advance. If someone shows up to your door claiming to be someone wanting to enter the
property without you being notified, do not let them in and refer them to us for
permission.
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Housekeeping Documents
A. Pets (Authorized and Unauthorized)
Many owners will allow pets and some will not. You can have pets only with written
permission. If you bring in an unauthorized pet, no matter who the pet belongs to, no
matter how long they have been there, we assume you had it the day you moved in and
you will pay penalties and daily rates listed in the lease.
B. Smoke Detector
You are responsible for keeping good batteries and replacing batteries as needed in all
smoke detectors. Let us know if they do not work after attempting to change batteries.
C. Renter’s Insurance
You must carry current renter's insurance with Carolina Property Management, LLC
named as Additional Insured.
D. Property Visits
It is the policy of Carolina Property Management to do an annual walk thru to include a
third party assessment of the home. In some cases, an owner may require a bi-annual
assessment to be completed. These arrangements will be made with you far in advance
with appointments scheduled. This should only take less than 30 minutes. We would
request that you be present. We are not there to address housekeeping, but to access
property issues and report to the owner regarding any deferred maintenance they need to
address. We’ve done hundreds of these over the years and understand your concern for
privacy. This will also be a time to point out any concerns you may have with the home
so it can be documented at that time.
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Utilities
A. Get Utilities Connected Before Move-in
You must make sure utilities are on before you take possession of the property. If you fail
to make these arrangements, you may be in the property a few days before the utilities are
on. We think we can tell you which company to call, but this is sometimes a moving
target and we often don’t have the right numbers. If you fail to have the utilities on in
your name at move in, there will likely be chaos, frustration, arguments, and costs.
B. Keep Utilities On and Bills Current
Failure to keep utilities on (and bills paid) during your stay may result in a default in your
lease. Never turn the heat or air conditioning off during your vacations, especially during
cold weather. When utilities are off, there is an increased possibility for burst water pipes,
mold, break-ins, etc. Keep garage doors closed during cold snaps, as garages often do not
have the insulation houses do and pipes freeze easily. Keep utilities on at all times.
C. Keep Utilities on through the Move-out Inspection
You must keep utilities on through the move-out inspection according to your lease
agreement. If they are not on for our inspection, your lease addendum calls for a re-
connect service charge plus hard costs.
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If an owner is charged any sort of fine for any violation, the tenant will ultimately be charged for
that plus ad administrative penalty from Carolina Property Management.
Here are some of the most common issues we deal with on a continual basis:
A. Yards
Hands down, the number one complaint we get from owners is letters from the HOA
stating that your yard is too long. In around 95% of our homes, the tenant is responsible
for the yard maintenance. When they fail at maintaining the yard to the HOA’s liking,
the owner gets a nasty gram letter. Often time, this is the first violation of any kind the
owner is receiving about anything from the HOA and they typically make a very big deal
about this assuming the tenant is not maintaining the yard at all.
If Carolina Property Management receives a letter from an owner, who has received a
letter from their HOA – we will charge the tenant Fee and Property Visit fee per your
Lease Addendum regardless of what the letter is for and even if the tenant has already
complied with the request. Reason is, at some point the HOA did not falsely put that
letter into the mail for no reason – something had to have triggered this. In addition,
Carolina Property Management has to deal with the administrative time and cost to put
the corrective action in motion to ensure the HOA request is met.
B. Parking
Most communities have rules about where you can and can't park. Follow the rules and
you will avoid violations and fines. Make up your own rules, and you'll hear from them.
Under no circumstance can you or your guest park on the lawn.
C. Access to Amenities
Occasionally there are keys, passes and codes to gain entry to the community amenities. If
you have trouble with any of them, let us know and we'll help you secure them. HOAs
often try to prevent renters from using the amenities, and there's nothing we can do to
change that. Friendliness and cooperation usually help a lot in getting help with these
things. Be prepared for the HOA to require you to stop by their office with a copy of the
lease, your Identification cards (Driver’s License) and sign waivers to use their amenities
such as the pool or playgrounds.
D. Mailbox Keys
Most of the time we will provide you with a mailbox key if we are provided one from the
homeowner. However, the safest and most correct way to obtain a key is to have the local
post office make a new key for the box they assign to you. This way YOU (the tenant)
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One of the biggest complaints coming out of the HOA’s is when a tenant parks a boat,
trailer, or RV at the residence. This could be in the driveway or street parking near the
home. Most HOA’s have rules about when a boat, trailer, or RV can be parked at the
residence. If a tenant owns a boat, and has that boat in storage, the HOA will only allow
that boat to be temporarily parked at the home over a weekend. An example would be
the before and after a weekend fishing trip while gear is picked up and dropped off. Any
overnight parking if found will result in a letter sent to the owner. The same holds true
for trailers, large commercial trucks, or RV’s. A good rule of thumb is that if it is other
than a passenger car or truck, the HOA would not want it parked at the residence more
than a few hours.
We ask that tenants be aware of these rules. The end state is still the same – if we have
to deal with an HOA complaint, we will have to fine the tenant per occurrence.
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Foreclosure Issues
Most homes have mortgages on them and take a priority position over your lease. Occasionally
an owner will fall behind on mortgage payments, and a foreclosure would then threaten your
rights in the property.
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A key box is a locked container in which a key to the property is placed. The key box can be
opened with a special combination specific only to that particular key box, with the codes guarded
by our staff and our security measures. This will allow only licensed agents from other real estate
companies or staff of Carolina Property Management accompany a prospective tenant on the
showing.
Tenant understands that failure to allow for reasonable showings as well as not keeping the
Property "showable", can constitute default of the lease, and the security deposit, in its
entirety, may be forfeited for this reason.
We use Centralized Showing Service to notify you of showings and to record who is showing the
property and the approximate time they are showing it. Centralized Showing Service (CSS) will
give you a courtesy call to inform you of each showing. A courtesy call means that they will give
you a call but if they cannot contact you, the agent will still show the property.
Centralized Showing Service (CSS) will call or text the phone number that you have on file with
the office to notify you of the approximate time when agent will be showing the property. If you
would like CSS to contact you at another number, please call us immediately so we can properly
notate it in our records.
There is a $85 fee for each denied, canceled showing, or if the property is unable to be accessed
for showings.
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Do not lock the keyless deadbolt on the front door. If there is a security system, call our office to
confirm that we have the correct security code.
The Lease Agreement also requires you to secure your pets or remove them from the property if
they would interfere or prohibit showings.
Tenants will be charged trip charges or even lose their deposit if they prevent
or prohibit showings.
Do not allow any prospective residents in your home unless they are accompanied by their real
estate agent, or a staff member from Carolina Property Management. If they show up
unaccompanied by an agent - refer them to our office to make arrangements to see the property. If
you have any questions call our office.
MOVE-OUT PROCEDURES
Now that you are moving out, your lease agreement requires that you leave the property in a
clean and undamaged condition. We have every intention of returning your security deposit as
long as you have fulfilled your agreement with us.
The following information is provided to help you get your security deposit returned without any
misunderstandings:
1. Carolina Property Management has in NC 60 days (in SC 30 days) to return your
security deposit. Security deposits and/or disposition letter will be mailed to the forwarding
address left with the office.
2. Remember to CLEAN your rental property inside/outside to avoid any charges against
your deposit. Refer to the Move Out Checklist for further information.
3. Cooperate with showings of the property for sale or rent, keeping the home in a
presentable condition. Your lease agreement authorizes us to place a keybox on the home,
containing a key to show the property, during the last 60 days of your lease or at any time the
Landlord lists the property for sale.
If agents are denied access or are not able to access the property because of tenant’s failure
to make the property accessible, tenant will be charged a trip charge of $85.00.
Failure to allow reasonable showings during the final 60 days of the lease constitutes default of
the lease. The security deposit, in its entirety, can be forfeited for this reason. Please cooperate
with our agents.
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The property manager will compare the move-in pictures with the move-out pictures along with
your move-in check list, and the reports from the maintenance personnel after you move-out to
determine if there will be are any charges against your security deposit.
We do not do move out inspections with tenants present at the property. Remember the
photographer will only take move-out pictures. He/She will not be able to tell you what
charges will or will not be charged against you security deposit. They are only there to
document the condition of the property.
4. Utilities must be on during the inspection. If the Utilities are not on for the move-out
inspection, tenants will be charged a $85 trip charge and additional charges for turning utlities
back on and charges for the utilities. Any delays caused by the Utilities not being turned on will
delay the return of you security deposit.
5. Tenants are not permitted back on the property after vacating.
6. Call utility companies and arrange for final readings. (Remember: Utilities must be left
on for the move-out inspection).
The following suggestions & helpful reminders are listed to ensure the maximum return of your
security deposit. Also here are some helpful reminders of items that many people overlook or
forget upon vacating. Please use this checklist as a guideline.
The condition of the property will be evaluated according to, but not limited to, the following:
INSIDE:
1. All personal belongings must be removed from the premises.
2. PAINTING: Please remove all nails – DO NOT PATCH, SPACKLE OR SPOT
PAINT NAIL HOLES, or touch up paint without approval. If you paint & it does not match or if
you do a poor job of filling holes, you will be charged for necessary painting to match the
existing paint or to redo spackling. Charges for painting depend on length of time in the property
and whether it exceeds normal wear & tear.
3. CARPET CLEANING: Tenants are required to have the carpets
PROFESSIONALY CLEANED at the time of move-out. This must be done after you have
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completely removed all your belongings and vacated the property. A receipt from a professional
carpet cleaning company must be provided to us when you turn in your keys. DO NOT rent
machines from a store or use home cleaning machines. Only professional cleaning is acceptable.
Be sure to have any spot treatments or pet treatments done as needed. If any Odors or Pet
Odors re-surfaces after you have vacated the property, the tenant will be responsible for charges
incurred to remove the odor. If the cleaning is not done to our satisfaction, tenants will be
charged for any additional expense.
4. Clean vinyl, wood and/or tile flooring. Clean and dust all baseboards.
5. Clean or replace Air Conditioner filters with pleated filters as you vacate the home.
6. Walls, baseboards and ceiling must be cleaned and free of cobwebs and lint.
7. Clean fireplace, hearth and mantle, remove ashes and debris. Be sure hot ashes are
properly extinguished prior to disposing.
8. Clean ALL wall switch plates and outlet covers.
9. Clean ALL windows inside and out, clean window sills, mini-blinds and vertical slats.
10. Clean mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors with glass cleaner. Also clean
window and sliding glass door tracks.
11. Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures - Replace burned out or missing light bulbs, be
sure to use the correct wattage and type. Replace broken globes. Make sure the ceiling fan blades
including the top and light kits are clean. Also check the ceiling surrounding all fans. Often dust
has gathered by the fans and adheres to the ceiling. One of the easiest ways to clean this is to
lightly sweep the ceiling with a broom.
12. Smoke alarms must be operative. Replace batteries as necessary.
13. Clean ALL closets, storage spaces and shelving free of dust, spider webs and
miscellaneous debris.
14. KITCHEN: Clean Kitchen appliances inside and out, replace burned-out light bulbs:
A. Clean oven, stove and under drip pans. If the drip pans and rings on the range
are not clean and in like-new condition, it would be more economical for you to replace
them yourself, rather than to be charged for them. Foil covering drip pans is not
acceptable.
B. Clean oven/range hood vent including filter.
C. Wash out refrigerator and compartments, including freezer. Don’t forget to
wash off the top exterior of the refrigerator and clean the rubber gasket around
refrigerator and freezer door. Clean bottom vent.
D. Clean dishwasher. Run empty dishwasher one last time. Use the normal
amount of soap you would use for a full load. Wipe down the gasket and the door and do
the surrounding areas.
E. Be sure garbage disposal is clean and free of debris. (Do not use fingers to
check) Return/replace sink stoppers.
F. Clean all countertops, cabinets and drawers.
G. Clean all cabinets, inside and out.
H. Clean all drawers, inside and out.
I. Clean sinks, faucets and countertops. Return stoppers to sink.
15. BATHROOMS:
A. Clean counter tops, sink(s), soap dishes, tiles, fixtures, tub and/or showers. Be
certain they are free of mold/mildew, soap scum, scale and rust.
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OUTSIDE:
1. Lawns must be neatly mowed and edged, trees and shrubs trimmed or pruned, yard
watered and all trash and debris removed. Clean gutters.
2. Any animal droppings are to be picked up and disposed of.
3. All trash and garbage must be removed from the premises (including curbside). If you
have trash that exceeds the normal pickup, you are to arrange to have it hauled away.
4. Replace damaged screens and windows.
5. Walkways, driveways, patios and garage floors must be cleaned and free of oil, grease
and other debris.
6. Repair any pet damage and spot treat carpets as needed with pet deodorizer.
7. Clean outdoor light globe(s), replace burned out or missing light bulbs.
In our experience, after the work and stress of moving out, tenants may be too tired to clean the
house. We recommend to tenants to allow us to clean the home – see attached sheet on
Carolina Property Management $475 cleaning service. (This will not cover outside lawn
issues)
If you hire a professional cleaning service you should provide them a list of what we expect, and
ensure they complete the work. Hiring a professional cleaning service (maid service) will not
guarantee the home is clean.
Please follow the above instructions carefully. If the house does not meet the prerequisites
after the inspection, applicable charges will be made with no exceptions.
Rental Verifications:
We often receive requests from mortgage companies and other landlords wanting a rental
verification of a tenant’s rental history. Usually they want this information filled out and returned
to them immediately. We are happy to comply; however, we require a $25.00 processing fee in
order to cover the costs and time associated in performing this service.
We have compiled a list of average charges. Nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation on
agents’ rights to pursue resident for damages not specifically listed:
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These are minimum charges and prices may not include trip charges or labor.
DAMAGE/REPLACEMENT CHARGES:
Tub stopper/Drain covers $15+ Blind Wand $5+
Drip Pans (all 4) $45+ Vertical Slats $15+
Vertical Blinds $100 + Light Bulbs $5+ each
Mini-Blinds $40 + Specialty Bulbs $15 +each
Light Fixtures $100 + Screens $35+
Door Replacement $100 + Window $200+
Light Globes $25+ Oven Rack $30+
Toilet Seat $40+ Switch Plates $5+ each
Reinstall Doors on Track $30+ Battery for smoke alarm $10.00+
Service call / Trip Charge $45+
These minimum charges are subject to change at any time without notice.
All Keys, Garage Door Remotes, Gate Remotes, Pool Keys, etc. must
be turned into the office at the scheduled time. Be sure to leave
keyless deadbolts unlocked.
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For a flat fee of $595, Carolina Property Management will provide the following cleaning
services:
• Top to bottom – “hotel ready” maid service
o Clean all bathrooms
o Clean kitchen – stove, microwave, counters, refrigerator
o Wipe down all blinds, ceiling fans, bannisters, light fixtures
o Sweep and mop all hard surfaces
o Remove minor trash
o (Excessive trash removal will incur additional fees)
o Sweep off any exterior living spaces – front and back porches
• Professional Carpet Cleaning – entire home
o Spot stain treatment
o Pet treatment where needed
o Steam Clean all carpets in the home
This service is not a money making effort by Carolina Property Management. It is offered to
ensure that the home is getting cleaned, and that we will be held accountable. Too many problems
have occurred in the past when tenants claim they clean the home – and we have to re-clean it on
their behalf. Or, the owner has left the home in “clean” condition, only to find that the tenant is
very displeased with the move in condition. Everyone has a different level of clean, but in the
end, it’s on Carolina Property Management to deal with an unclean home.
We encourage all owners and tenants to take advantage of this program. As we like to say – if
it’s not done right, WE ( Carolina Property Management) will be responsible for the home being
clean and will make it right.
OUTGOING TENANTS: This fee CAN NOT be taken out of the security
deposit and will need to be paid for up front
Frequently Asked Questions:
A. When is my Move-Out Inspection?
The landlord is responsible for documenting damages to the property when you move out
that will be the basis for charges against your security deposit. This inspection will be
done within a few days of you completely vacating the property. We can’t do a complete
move out inspection until you have completely vacated, so don’t schedule your
inspection until you’re sure when you’ll be totally moved out. If you are not completely
out of the home when the inspector arrives, it will cost you money for their return trip
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J. What if I do not have the time to do house cleaning, carpet cleaning, flea
treatment, landscaping or other repairs?
We have reliable people who can do these things for you. We are happy to help. However,
if you don’t handle this we will deduct the cost of the invoices from your security deposit.
Carpet and flea treatment receipts must be provided at time of move out inspection.
K. How is the security deposit disbursed if there are roommates?
We will disburse the funds according to written instructions signed by all Residents. If all
cannot agree, Carolina Property Management will disburse one check to all Residents on
the lease.
L. What are my responsibilities if I had a pet?
The pet addendum calls for some specific items that you must do at move-out:
1. Have the carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized. Have a receipt ready for
Carolina Property Management when you do your move-out inspection or funds will
be withheld to have the carpets cleaned and deodorized.
2. Remove all evidence of the pet. Watch for food dishes, pet hair, leashes, pet waste,
holes in the yard, and repair any damage caused by the pet. Owners are particularly
sensitive to pet damage, so we will be too.
3. Get rid of all pet related odors.
M. How do I handle utilities?
You are responsible for your utilities through the day of the inspection. Contact your
utility companies and alert them of your moving date. Notify Carolina Property
Management in writing concerning your last day of occupancy so we can make
arrangements to keep them on.
Utilities must NOT be turned off prior to the Move-Out Inspection and must remain on
until your lease is over! If utilities are off before the Move-Out Inspection is completed or
lease is not over, you will be charged $85 per provider to get them turned back on. Once
a date is set for inspection, do not change it unless you have decided to stay in the
property. If you move out a day early or a day late, leave the utility change date alone.
be reported to the Credit Bureau and turned over to collection agencies for processing.
O. What happens if I am not out the date I expected to be out?
You’re still under the lease and rent is due. Keep utilities on until the end of the lease to
keep from paying any fines. If you do not give us clear instructions (e.g. I am out, you
have the property.) we will be slow to enter the property and remove your personal items.
If you do not notify us of your change in move-out date, you will incur a$85.00 Trip
charge. Please be sure to keep us informed so we know when you are completely out and
can take over the property. Your rent stops when we do the move-out inspection, so let us
know when you are out.
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Miscellaneous
A. Lockouts
We all lock ourselves out of our homes from time to time. If this happens outside of
regular business hours, we will be unable to help you as we do not carry a locksmith on
staff that can come out at 2 AM. The cost incurred is tenant responsibility. If you need an
extra key, we keep one under lock and key at our office. You can always get a copy
during normal business hours. If you change the locks, you must provide notice to
Carolina Property Management in writing of this and provide us a copy of the keys.
B. Home WarrantiesJULY 2019
Some owners have purchased a home maintenance warranty on the property. Although
they generally respond in a timely manner, they need your full cooperation to get their
contractors into the property to make the necessary repairs. Since we don't control these
contractors, there's not much we can do to create urgency for them. As our relationship
grows, you’ll become accustomed to the quick, efficient service you receive from our
contractors handling your maintenance requests. Please be aware that your experience
with home warranty contractors may not be the same. You’ll be contacted by the home
warranty company for covered repairs and will make your own scheduling arrangements
directly with them. You may be asked to pay the contractor their service fees at the time
of service, which ranges anywhere from $65 to $125 per contractor. You’ll then submit
your receipt from the home warranty contractor and be reimbursed by Carolina Property
Management for these fees.
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Buying A Home
A. The Home You’re Renting
Carolina Property Management will be happy to assist you in purchasing the home you
are leasing provided the owner is willing to sell, a nd all parties agree to the terms. A
sale of this type could take place at any time during your residency; it would not
necessarily have to coincide with the end of your lease term. If you are interested in
purchasing the home you’re currently leasing, please contact us to discuss further.
B. A Home Outside Carolina Property Management
Carolina Property Management is also a real estate brokerage. In NC , to conduct
property management, a real estate broker’s license is required. We will also be happy to
assist you in purchasing a home that is not a Carolina Property Management managed
property. We have several agents that cover the Charlotte metro area willing to walk you
through the purchase process. This can happen when you give your notice to vacate per
your lease requirements, or in the event you want to move sooner, you may choose to
exercise the Early Termination clause as stated in your lease. Your property manager and
agent can advise you ahead of time what the steps are so you can plan accordingly.
This will conclude the Carolina Property Management Tenant Handbook. Should you have
any questions or concerns outside of this document, feel free to contact us for further
information.
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