Tenant Routine Maintenance

TENANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEMS:

Plumbing: Thirty (30) days after the Beginning Date of the Lease, Tenant is responsible for clogged drains in sinks, tubs, and toilets, unless caused by roots. This includes clogs due to hair, grease, or other substances put into drains.

Windows/Screens: Tenant is responsible for all broken window panes and torn screens that occur during occupancy.

Gas Furnace and Water Heater: It is Tenant’s responsibility to have the furnace and water heater pilot light lit. If the gas company is unable to light either, Landlord will have a licensed contractor light it. If it is found that Tenant should have been able to light the pilot light, the Tenant shall be charged for the service call.

Roaches/Pests: Food and/or animal food should not be left out. If the presence of roaches/pests is seen upon move-in, the Tenant is to notify Landlord in writing within 30 days of the Lease Start Date.  Any treatment initiated after the first 30 days will be Tenant’s responsibility.

Lightbulbs: The tenant is responsible for replacing all non-working light bulbs, including exterior spotlights, interior lights in rooms with high ceilings, chandeliers, garage lights, etc. Tenant shall use bulbs with a wattage rating appropriate for the specific light fixture

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Keys or changed locks: The tenant is responsible for all keys.

Minor Maintenance: Perform minor maintenance and repairs on the dwelling to the extent necessary or anticipated as regular and customary upkeep of a dwelling.

Change the heating and air system air filters quarterly. These may be provided by Landlord, but if not, the Tenant agrees to purchase the appropriate air filters. The tenant understands that failure to change air filters can result in a lack of airflow to the heating and air units causing them to shut down, break down, or become inoperable. Tenant agrees to pay for all damages that result to the heating and air units during their tenancy to the extent that such damage(s) is the result of either misuse of the heating and air unit(s) or the failure to timely replace the air filters. If Landlord provides filters, the Tenant shall properly install the filter that is provided within two (2) days of receipt. Tenant hereby acknowledges that the filters will be dated and subject to inspection by Landlord upon reasonable notice to verify replacement has been timely made. If at any time Tenant is unable to properly or timely install a filter, Tenant shall immediately notify Landlord in writing

Humidifiers: If a furnace humidifier is present at the time of the Tenant's move-in, Landlord will not maintain, repair, or replace it.

Landscape and watering:  Tenant must maintain the exterior landscape by mowing, trimming, weeding, fertilizing, and watering. If there are sprinklers, monitor the level of water needed and if necessary, contact Shield Property Management for additional help or instruction.  If you have sprinklers or an irrigation system that is not working, call Shield Property Management.  All leaves should be raked, bushes trimmed, grass mowed, etc.  Professional landscaping services will be added to Tenant's monthly rent if they do not properly maintain the exterior. Keep all landscape watered unless a Homeowner’s Association controls it.  Pick up all pet droppings on the property, even if you do not have pets. If you have pets, keep them from causing damage.

Swimming Pools:  If there is a pool, it is necessary to maintain the water level and report if there is a problem with maintaining the water level, as this may indicate a leak in the pool plumbing.

Thermostats and batteries: Operate a thermostat to turn on or off the heating and air system and change the batteries in thermostats.

Water Supply: Tenant must know how to shut off water to the unit and how to operate and turn on/off the hot water heater. The tenant is responsible for any calls to turn on/off the hot water heater and/or water to the hot water heater. In case of a water leak, the Tenant is responsible for turning off the water to the unit and immediately notifying Landlord of the leak in writing.

Frozen or Burst Pipes: Tenant agrees to take all reasonable efforts to ensure water lines do not freeze and burst during cold weather. Tenant must: i) allow water to trickle and place a heat source as appropriate; (ii) turn off the water and drain lines if you will not be home overnight; (iii) disconnect any hoses from outside spigots and cover same to protect them from freezing. Tenant shall be responsible for any and all costs related to frozen and burst pipes

Decorative Fireplace:  If the Premises has a fireplace, Tenant understands that the fireplace on the Premises is non-working and is for decorative purposes only. The tenant will not attempt to use the nonworking fireplace and claims full liability for any attempt to alter or make any fireplace useable.

Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Maintenance:  Normally each of these alarms will emit a beeping sound when the batteries are not working or losing their charge. Do not remove an alarm because it is not working or beeping. By doing so, you endanger all residents and guests and you could be liable for damages in the event of a fire.  If an alarm is not working, replace the batteries. If new batteries still do not work, call Shield Property Management and place a work order immediately. Tenants are responsible for the replacement of batteries.  Test alarms every thirty days and immediately report a nonworking alarm. The alarms are for safety, and it is very important to check them regularly to see if working.  Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are necessary for homes using gas as fuel for a furnace, water heater, oven, or other appliance. Contact Shield Property Management immediately if your property uses gas but does not have a CO detector. They are not needed if a home is 'all electric'.

Proper Disposal of Items:  Tenant is responsible for proper disposal of toxic waste such as oil, antifreeze, batteries, and solvents per county guidelines.  Tenant shall place garbage in the proper receptacles provided and in accordance with city and/or county rules.  Tenant shall also follow city/county rules for disposal of Christmas trees.

Candles: When using candles, do not leave candles burning when leaving a room or the residence. Check candles to see if properly extinguished.

Holiday Decorations & Lights:  Tenant agrees to hang lights and decorations properly and carefully.  Before hanging, check for bad plugs and loose wires. If you find defects, dispose of the lights. Only use lights and decorations during the holiday seasons; remove them immediately when the season ends.

Bathrooms: The tenant is responsible for taking steps to prevent mildew and mold from accumulating.  If mildew and mold appear, use a product such as X-14 or Tilex to remove them immediately.  Keep bathrooms properly ventilated to prevent mildew and mold from happening.  Use an exhaust fan or window, while taking showers and for an extended reasonable time afterward.

General Cleaning & Maintenance: The tenant is responsible for maintaining an appropriate level of salt in a water softener if a softener has been provided by the Owner. An owner may have invested in a water softener to mitigate hard water and to increase the longevity of appliances and fixtures. Tenant will be responsible for replacement of appliance or fixture damaged by lack of salt in the water softener. The tenant is responsible for replacing the air filter and water filter in the refrigerator. Use only hardwood floor cleaners on hardwood floors.  Have carpets professionally cleaned when appropriate; do not use home floor cleaning machines. Maintenance and cleanliness of windows and window furnishings are the tenant‘s responsibility during occupancy, when moving, and at their own expense. Do not wash drapes, dry clean drapes only. Check curtains before washing to see if they are washable, if not, dry clean curtains. Wipe all blinds with a soft dry cloth or with products designed for the blinds. Close windows against the elements of weather, when appropriate, to avoid damage to the interior.  Close doors and windows when leaving the residence.