Tenant FAQ

In general, the process looks like this...

1. Browse vacancies and find a rental you are interested in.
2. Contact us by phone or email about the vacancy.
3. Fill out an application form we supply to you and turn it into our office.
4. We will contact you within 1 - 5 business days on your acceptance or not.

Yes. An additional $250 deposit fee is associated with adding a tenant to the lease. For a new tenant, an approved application is required. Also, an "Add Tenant" form must be completed before moving in.

If a tenant chooses to leaves, they will have to fill out a "Remove Tenant" form as well as give a written 30-day notice.

Rent is paid after logging in through the tenant portal.

Or you can pay in person at our office location.

To break your lease, you will need to give a written 30-day notice and pay the lease payout fee. A payout fee does not apply for month-to-month tenancies.

In general, if you choose to break the lease, you are responsible for your last month's rent + the lease payout fee which is 1.5X month's rent. 

Utilities will remain in your name until the end of the 30-day notice.

If you feel the locks need to be changed, you must get approval from the owner and us. With approval and a copy of the new key given to the property management office, you may change the locks at your own expense. 

Generally no. Written consent is required but not often given for painting.

Any alterations to the rental premises (dwelling and landscape) have to have written consent from the Property Manager. 

Maybe, if the property owner allows pets. There is a pet deposit required for each individual pet before it is allowed on the property. Aggressive breeds are not allowed. Please contact us for more information on a specific rental. 

Yes, we will give at least a 24-hour notice to enter unless for an emergency.

Only if the rental property is move-in ready, meaning that the property has had its professional maintenance and cleaning completed.

Yes! Rental insurance usually ranges from $14-$30 a month.

We recommend State Farm.

The deposit's itemized deductions (the final accounting) will be mailed out 31 days after the keys have been returned.

No. The security deposit and last month's rent are separate things.

Maintenance requests can be filled out after logging in to your account through the tenant portal.

Email us if you need to at frontdesk@spmsinc.com.

Yes. If an issue occurs and it is determined that it was the tenant's responsibility, unreported, or a tenant-caused problem you will be billed back the expense to repair the issue. Excessive wear and tear beyond what is normal wear and tear can also be billed.

Maintenance issues that are not reported in a timely manner that result in a worse problem can become the tenant's responsibility due to neglect. Please report maintenance issues in a timely manner. 

Step 1: Check Power Supply

Ensure that the garbage disposal is plugged in. If it is, check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped.

Step 2: Reset the Disposal

Locate the reset button on the bottom of the disposal unit. Press this button to reset the disposal.

Step 3: Clear Jammed Disposal

If the disposal is making a humming noise but not running, it may be jammed. Use a disposal wrench or hex key to manually rotate the disposal's blades and clear any obstructions.

Step 4: Check for Overload

If the disposal has overheated, it may shut off automatically. Wait a few minutes for it to cool down, then press the reset button.

Step 5: Test with Water

Turn on the disposal and run water to see if it is now working. If not, repeat the steps above or contact maintenance for further assistance.

Note: Avoid putting large quantities of food scraps, fibrous materials (such as celery or corn husks), or hard items (such as bones or fruit pits) into the disposal to prevent future issues.

Please keep this troubleshooting guide handy for reference. If the problem persists after attempting these steps, contact us for further assistance.

Furnace/Air filters filter out impurities so your home's heating and cooling system can work properly. They should be replaced every 1 to 6 months depending on air quality conditions.

Signs your furnace/air filter needs to be replaced:

• The house is not heating up like it should.
• The heating or cooling bill has gone up.
• Cold spots in the house or uneven heating within the home.
• If the furnace filter is very dirty or clogged, the furnace may be unable to turn on or be damaged.

1) Check the Light Bulbs: Ensure that the light bulbs are not burned out or loose. If so, it is the tenants' responsibility to replace them with new ones.

2) Check the Circuit Breaker: If the entire room or area is without power, check the circuit breaker panel. Reset any tripped breakers related to the lights.

3) Test Multiple Fixtures: Determine if the issue is isolated to one fixture or affecting multiple lights. This helps pinpoint the problem's location.

4) Inspect Light Switches:Ensure that the light switches are in the "on" position. Sometimes, switches can be accidentally turned off.

5) Check GFCI Outlets: If the lights are in a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor area, check nearby GFCI outlets and reset them if needed.

6) Consider a Timer or Sensor: If the lights are controlled by timers or motion sensors, ensure they are set correctly and functioning.

7) Call Maintenance: If the issue persists after checking these steps, contact our maintenance team at [Maintenance Contact Number]. Report the issue with specific details for faster resolution.

Note: For any emergency situations or electrical issues, such as sparking or burning smells, immediately shut off the power and call emergency services or an electrician. Safety is our top priority.

If multiple outlets, lights, or areas of the house have lost electricity, you likely need to either reset a breaker or replace a blown fuse.

Common human-made causes of a blown fuse:

• Hairdryers
• Plug in skillets
• Vacuum
• Microwave
• Airfryer
• When two or more of these high-power appliances are plugged into the same outlet/circuit.

1) Identify the cause of the overloaded circuit and unplug it, turn it off, or disconnect it from the circuit. Then locate your electrical panel which houses breakers or fuses. (Often found in garage, laundry, or living room behind small metal cover)

2a) BREAKERS: Inspect if any of the breakers are switched to the off position. 

3a) BREAKERS: Once the correct breaker is identified, simply switch it to the on position. The electricity should return to normal.

4a) BREAKERS: If the breaker switch is refusing to stay in the on position, it means that the circuit is still overloaded, or that there's a short circuit. Unplug all appliances connected to this circuit and try again. 

5a) BREAKERS: If the breaker continues to trip and stay in the off position, call maintenance.

2b) FUSES: For fuses, inspect through the glass if there is a burnt look or test by unscrewing the fuses to find which ones are still active versus which ones are blown. 

3b) FUSES: Once the blown fuse is identified, take note of the "Amp" rating of the fuse. These range from 15 Amps to 30 Amps. Maybe take a picture for reference.

4b) FUSES: Go to a grocery or appliance store and find a house fuse with the same amp rating.

5b) FUSES: Go home, unplug appliances from the circuit, and replace the blown fuse with the new one. 

6b) FUSES: If the fuse blows again, there is possibly a short in the circuit, and it might be best to make a maintenance request.

Step 1: Check Power Source

Ensure the garage door opener is plugged in and that the outlet is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker as well.

Step 2: Remote Control Batteries

Replace the batteries in the garage door remote control.

Step 3: Manual Operation

If the opener is not working, try opening and closing the door manually. If it operates smoothly, the issue may be with the opener.

Step 4: Check Safety Sensors

Inspect the safety sensors located near the bottom of the garage door tracks. Ensure they are aligned and free of obstructions. Clean the sensors with a soft, dry cloth.

Step 5: Reset the Opener

Disconnect the opener from the power source for a few minutes, then reconnect it to reset the system.

Step 6: Lubrication

Apply lubricant to the garage door tracks, rollers, and hinges to ensure smooth operation.

Do not attempt to repair the garage door yourself, as it can be dangerous.

Please keep this troubleshooting guide handy for reference. If the problem persists after attempting these steps, contact us or file a maintenance request for further assistance.

Step 1: Boiling Water

Carefully pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help dissolve and flush away the clog. Repeat if necessary.

Step 2: Baking Soda and Vinegar

Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Flush with hot water.

Step 3: Plunger

Use a plunger to try to dislodge the clog. Ensure there is enough water in the sink or tub to cover the plunger. Plunge vigorously several times.

Step 4: Remove and Clean the Trap

Place a bucket under the trap (U-shaped pipe) under the sink. Loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the trap with a wrench and remove the trap. Clean it out, then reassemble and run water to check for leaks.

Step 5: Plumbing Snake

If the clog persists, use a plumbing snake (also known as an auger) to remove the obstruction. Insert the snake into the drain and rotate it to break up the clog.

Step 6: Enzyme Drain Cleaner

Consider using an enzyme-based drain cleaner to break down organic matter causing the clog. Follow the instructions on the product carefully.

Do not use chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes and be harmful if not used correctly.

Please keep this troubleshooting guide handy for reference. If the problem persists after attempting these steps, file a maintenance request.

Step 1: Check Other Outlets

Test other outlets in the room or nearby areas to determine if the issue is isolated to one outlet or affecting multiple outlets.

Step 2: Reset Circuit Breaker

Check the circuit breaker panel and reset any tripped breakers related to the affected outlets.

Step 3: GFCI Outlet Reset

Look for any nearby GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets, commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Press the "reset" button on the outlet.

Step 4: Check for Tripped GFCI Outlets

If the affected outlets are not GFCI outlets themselves, they may be protected by a GFCI outlet elsewhere. Check other outlets in the area and reset any tripped GFCI outlets.

Step 5: Test Outlet with Voltage Tester

Use a voltage tester to check if the outlet is receiving power. If not, there may be an issue with the wiring or the outlet itself.

Step 6: Inspect Outlet for Damage

Look for any signs of damage, such as burn marks or loose wires, on the outlet. If you notice damage, do not attempt to use the outlet and contact our maintenance team immediately.

Step 7: Call Maintenance

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact us or file a maintenance request.