Tenant Responsibilities

The following is a list of common tenant responsibilities. This is not an exhaustive list, so be sure to review your lease agreement for details on what you are responsible for as a renter.

• Installing a clean furnace filter will keep your heating and cooling costs down. Per your Lease agreement, this is to be changed at least once a quarter.
• Check the smoke detectors and replace any batteries as needed. There should be one working smoke detector per floor in your house. Please let us know if there is not or if you have a detector that is not working because of something other than a dead battery. We want you to be safe!
• Remove all garden hoses from exterior spigots. These plumbing lines can freeze in winter, as well as damage your hose(s).
• Please check the gutters. If they need cleaned - we'll be more than happy to make arrangements. Clogged gutters can cause leaks and damage to both the inside and outside of the house.
• If you have limbs/branches that hang over your house or touch your house in any way or hang over your driveway - we want to know about it! We certainly want to keep the home and cars free from possible falling limbs.
• In South Carolina, summer temperatures can reach upwards of 100 + degrees. Please keep in mind most AC units can only bring the inside temperature down 18 to 22 degrees from the outside air temperature. On very hot days if the indoor temperature is within those parameters the unit is doing all it can.
• Last but not least, yard work! Your yard must be maintained throughout your stay. This includes cutting grass, pruning shrubs, weeding, raking, etc.
• Be aware that if any of the above fail to be completed and damages occur because of the neglect, you could be held financially responsible. These things are part of your lease obligation and need to be done to make sure the home you are renting is safe, attractive and comfortable. Repair or damage caused by your negligence or misuse is your responsibility. In such cases, repairs will be made, but you will be charged for the cost of the labor and materials.

General Troubleshooting Tips

• Smoke Detectors won't work when tested:
  • Press the test button or test with approved smoke detector smoke spray, replace battery
• Smoke Detector chirps:
  • replace battery
• No power to plugs or switches:
  • Check and reset breaker panel. Check and reset all GFI (Ground Fault Indicator) outlets (located in kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms, and garages).
  • Check if plug works off a wall switch.
• Garbage disposal doesn't work:
  • When on, do you hear a buzz? If you do not hear a buzz, hit the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and test.
• No hot water:
  • Check and reset breaker in power panel.
  • Check the temperature setting and make sure it is set to a medium temperature, not on low.
• Plumbing or fixtures leak:
  • Turn off water fixture, turn off water at supply line and notify your property manager immediately.
• Toilet is clogged:
  • Plunge and test.
• No heat:
  • Check thermostat. If electronic thermostat, replace batteries if applicable.
  • Did you pay your utilities on time or issue an order to disconnect the utility?
• Dishwasher won't drain:
  • Clean food out of bottom of dishwasher.
• Dishwasher grinds or no water is coming in:
  • Turn off. If no water is on the bottom pour two large glasses of water into the bottom and re-start. If problem continues, call your property manager and discontinue use.
• Calcium build-up in Dishwasher:
  • Pour a little bit of vinegar in the dishwasher and run while empty.
• Refrigerator too warm or too cold:
  • Check if thermostat in refrigerator is set correctly.
• No Air conditioning:
  • Check all circuit breakers.
  • Check the filter. If it is dirty, replace filter and test.
• No electricity:
  • Check all breakers, flip them hard to the 'off' position and then hard to the 'on' position.
• Filters: It is the tenant's responsibility to change the air filter and refrigerator filter (if applicable).