Welcome Guide for Current Residents

Maintenance Continued: Save Your Security Deposit!

Granite Maintenance 

While granite is a very durable counter-top, it does require a little maintenance. Most importantly, never use harsh chemicals to clean granite. Wipe with mild soap and water, then follow up with a cleaner specifically designed for granite. Do not leave soaps on counters, and always keep soaps (even bottled soaps) in a soap dish to avoid discoloration (seen in the image). Wipe up any spills immediately, especially oil spills and even water spills. If spills are left sitting, including on towels or mats, they can be absorbed into the granite and cause discoloration and damage that will be a tenant charge. 

For maximum durability, we recommend using a granite sealer once a year. This sealer will help protect your granite countertops from discoloration. 

Magic Erasers 

Magic Erasers are wonderful cleaning tools, however some wall paint does not respond well to these erasers. Even if you have left your walls in good condition, once everything is removed from your unit, it is very clear the areas where the erasers were used. Over time the “erased” areas look dingy and shiny. These spots can not be wiped clean, and must be repainted and will be a tenant charge.

 

Flat Stove-tops 

Flat stove-tops can be a serious pain to clean if you have never cleaned one. Simply wipe the entire stove-top with a damp cloth to remove any loose debris. Next spray any areas that have buildup with a simple window cleaner and let sit for a minute or two. Using the side of a straight edge razor, gently scrap over the buildup. Last, wipe clean. 

Butcher Blocks 

Butcher block surfaces and cutting boards make working in the kitchen a breeze. However, to keep them looking their best they require a small bit of maintenance. To protect your butcher block surfaces from staining and to keep them from getting dry and brittle, we recommend you applying a butcher block conditioner or oil at least once per year. There are many to choose from and are very low in cost. The investment into the conditioner will be far less than the cost to re-sand/re-finish the butcher block, so consider keeping it on-hand. 

Paint 

If you have painted any walls in your unit with approval from your Portfolio Manager, it is your responsibility to paint the walls back to the original color. Most of our paint comes from Shenandoah Paint on Neff Ave. They have a list of many of our properties and the correct paint color and sheen. You can also contact our office or your Portfolio Manager to get the correct paint color and sheen. If you move into a home with painted walls from a previous tenant, confirm expectations with your Portfolio Manager. 

Preventing Pests 

Many pests can find their way into your home when seasons change. It is usually easier to do a few things to make sure you are not attracting them than it is to get rid of them. Most important, make sure all stored food is in air-tight containers to keep from attracting unwanted pests. Frequently emptying your trash can also help. Pests are a tenant responsibility and can often be solved with a trip to a hardware store to purchase a pest specific repellent. You can also check out the Resources section of the website here, for more tips, tricks and ideas on how to keep these nuisances away. 

 

Wood Flooring 

Many of our properties feature wood flooring. As stated in the Rules & Regulations of your lease, all wood flooring must be at least 75% covered by mats or rugs. This is to help reduce noise and to protect the wood surfaces. Furniture should have felt pads under legs to help protect the floors from scratches and gouges. Wood floor replacement for damaged flooring is very expensive and will be deducted from your security deposit and you will be billed for any remaining balances. Wood floors are easily cleaned with mild soap and water. Steamers are also a great and effective way to clean and disinfect. 

 

Adhesives 

Adhesives are very convenient option for many people to use to decorate their apartment. However some of these products can remove the paint/ drywall and can not be fixed without repainting the entire room. If you use these products on the wall(s) of your unit, you run the risk of being charged for drywall and painting even if there is no other damage to the walls. A small number of push-pin holes are acceptable. If you choose to add LED light strips to your wall(s), assume that you will be charged for wall repair. These lights are notorious for ripping drywall upon their removal.

 

Floor Mats/Rugs 

Floor mats are great for a lot of reasons, but some floor mats/rugs can damage vinyl flooring. We recommend using lighter colored floor mats. The dye from dark mats/rugs can bleed color onto the floor over time and stain the vinyl. This damage would be a tenant responsibility and charged accordingly.

 

Mini Splits 

These wall mounted HVAC units have washable filters. They need to be cleaned/washed every 30 days. In units that have multiple units, all the units in the apartment must be in the same mode. If the unit in the Living Room is in heat mode, then the bedroom unit must also be in heat. The same goes for AC. 

To put it in the desired mode (heat or AC). Turn off both units, set it to the mode you wish turn it back off and do the same for the other wall unit. Turn them both back on. 

Washing Machines 

Small items, like socks, can at times get caught in the pump. To avoid a broken washing machine and a maintenance charge to fix it, simply put these items in a washable bag.

 

Utilities 

Your lease requires you to keep your utilities on for the entire lease term. If you leave for a vacation or break, make sure your thermostat is no lower than 55° F in the winter. If you have electric or gas, make sure your account is current. If you have oil heat, check your tanks to ensure they have adequate fuel. You are responsible for any damages such as pipes freezing that occur in your residence.

 

Clogged Sinks/Showers 

These clogs are often caused by hair and/or dirt among other things. Liquid drain cleaner (Drano) can solve the issues a majority of the time while avoiding a maintenance charge. Please follow directions on the bottle. 

If you would rather go chemical-free, there are tools you can purchase for a couple dollars that “snake” out the drain. Check with your Portfolio Manager to determine if they have one on-hand that you can borrow.

 

Furniture Care 

Whether your furniture is included in your rent or if you are just renting a few pieces, you are responsible for properly maintaining furniture. Damp or “sweating” cups, glasses or bottles will leave rings when left on a table and you will be charged for damage. Simply use coasters to prevent damage and dust regularly with a wood cleaner. 

Chairs, couches and beds should be free of stains. We suggest using a waterproof pad on your mattress and box spring to avoid replacement costs due to stains. Place non-adhesive liners in dressers and nightstand drawers to avoid discoloration from clothing/fabric dyes. Please contact your Portfolio Manager for the best practices for cleaning the furniture in your unit. 

It is not our intention to keep your security deposit. PLEASE pay attention to these tips, as they can save you a lot of money when it comes to move out time.