Tenant FAQ

Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bev Roberts Rentals represent the Tenant or Landlord?

Bev Roberts Rentals acts on behalf of the landlord within the framework of a legally binding Listing Agreement and/or Property Management Agreement.

When is rent due?

Payment of all rents is required by the first day of each month. Failure to submit rent by this date will result in it being considered late. A late fee will be imposed on any rent payment that is overdue by five days or more. Following the fifth day of the month, an automatic late fee equivalent to five percent of the monthly rent will be applied. Payments must be made using certified funds (such as cash, ECP, cashier's check, or money order) during regular business hours.

Can you waive my late fee?

We understand that circumstances can vary, but we are unable to waive late fees. This policy aligns with the Fair Housing Act's requirement for treating all tenants equally. It's important to emphasize that our approach is rooted in fairness; we are unable to distinguish varying levels of need among tenants. Therefore, our commitment is to consistently apply the terms of the signed lease to ensure an even-handed approach for everyone.

How do I request maintenance?

All maintenance requests must be submitted in writing through the tenant portal on our website. Once we receive a maintenance request from a tenant, we will seek the landlord's approval before moving forward. The decision to approve or decline repairs rests solely with the landlord. We want to highlight that repairs undertaken by tenants without prior written approval from the landlord unfortunately cannot be reimbursed. Upon receiving approval, the vendor will reach out to you directly to coordinate an appointment. In the event that a vendor does not respond within 48 hours, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Your comfort and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us.

What do I do in the case of an emergency?

In the event of an emergency, please do not hesitate to contact us at (919) 306-5665. We are available around the clock to address emergency situations promptly. An emergency situation is defined by the presence of danger or the occurrence of damage, or when the likelihood of damage is imminent. This may include instances such as water leaks, flooding, or the detection of gas odors. It's important to note that issues like nonfunctioning dishwashers or HVAC systems do not fall under the category of emergencies. If an urgent repair is necessary, the Tenant's cooperation in preventing further damage is required. For instance, if there is a leak, please take immediate action to halt it by shutting off the water source. In case of electrical issues, turning off the breakers is advised. In case of FIRE, GAS, or Natural Disasters, your safety is paramount—please call 911 as the first step. Rest assured, we are here to assist you swiftly and effectively during any emergency situation. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance to us.

What am I responsible for maintaining in the home?

Tenants are entrusted with the responsibility of regularly changing air filters on a monthly basis. In the event that a clogged air filter contributes to an HVAC system malfunction, any essential repairs or replacements will be the financial responsibility of the tenant. For safety reasons, tenants are also required to replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In case of any malfunction in the detectors, please promptly notify us so that we can facilitate the necessary replacement. Additionally, tenants are accountable for replacing easily accessible burnt-out light bulbs. Yard maintenance and pest control might also fall within the tenant's purview. For a comprehensive overview of these responsibilities, please consult the lease agreement. Your diligent adherence to these guidelines contributes to a harmonious living environment for all parties involved.

Am I responsible for utilities?

Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the lease agreement, tenants are accountable for arranging and covering the costs of their utilities. It is imperative that utility services are established and registered under the tenant's name no later than the lease commencement date. In most cases, the tenant assumes responsibility for services such as water, electricity, telephone, cable, internet, and gas throughout the entire lease term. For your convenience, we offer a downloadable utility sheet on our website. Moreover, to further streamline the process, we extend the added benefit of connecting tenants with a third-party utility connection concierge. This specialized service ensures direct assistance in facilitating the setup of utility services, enhancing your convenience and peace of mind.

Do I need approval to paint or make a change to the home?

Prior written consent from the landlord is necessary for any alterations. This includes, but is not limited to, additions such as alarm systems, satellite dishes, light fixtures, ceiling fans, decorative adhesives, and gardens. Furthermore, removal or replacement of flooring, wallpaper, or paint is strictly prohibited without obtaining the landlord's explicit written approval.

Do I need approval for a pet?

The Pet Addendum clearly outlines the approved pets for the property. Without obtaining written consent from the landlord beforehand, it is strictly prohibited to harbor unauthorized pets on the premises, including for pet-sitting purposes. Any pet not authorized is strictly forbidden from being present on the property at any time, constituting a breach of the lease agreement. Non-compliance may result in a fine of $500.00 per pet and/or eviction. If you are considering adopting a pet, kindly inform us in advance. Signing a Pet Addendum and potentially paying a pet fee may be required as part of the process.

What pets are restricted?

Should you be considering adopting a pet, please inform us beforehand. Landlords are responsible for verifying that their homeowner's insurance encompasses restricted breeds, and that the presence of such breeds on the property will not lead to coverage decline, cancellation, or refusal to renew. If the homeowner's insurance does not provide coverage for restricted breeds, the landlord must secure either an umbrella liability policy or a dedicated pet liability policy. In cases where the landlord grants permission for a restricted breed, tenants are also required to obtain a pet liability policy and furnish evidence of coverage. As delineated by insurance company guidelines, the list of restricted dog breeds includes Akita, Alaskan Malamute, American Bulldog, American Eskimo Dog, Argentino, Australian Cattledog, Beauceron, Black Russian Terrier, Boerboel, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Dingo, Doberman, English Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, English Mastiff, Eskimo Spitz, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Great Dane, Gull Terrier, Husky, Korean Jindo, Ovcharka (aka Caucasian Shepherd Dog), Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Shiba Inu, Saint Bernard, Shar Pei, Siberian Husky, Staffordshire Terrier, Thai Ridgeback, Tosa, Weimaraner, Wolf, Wolf Hybrids, and mixes thereof. Additionally, any animal with a history of biting, aggression, or similar offenses is also considered restricted. Based on insurance company criteria, restricted animal breeds encompass rabbits, ferrets, lizards, iguanas, snakes, reptiles, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, and all exotic pets. Please note that assistance animals fall under a distinct legal classification separate from pets.

Do I need renter's insurance?

It is mandatory for all tenants to possess renter's insurance in order to ensure the protection of both themselves and their personal belongings. To gain further insights, kindly review the lease or reach out to an insurance agent.

Do I need approval for an additional occupant or roommate?

Only the occupants specified in the lease are authorized to inhabit the property. The landlord explicitly prohibits subletting, housing guests, roommates, or any other individuals on the premises without obtaining written permission beforehand. Those interested in residing in the property must adhere to the process of completing a Rental Application, submitting the Lease Modification Fee, and signing a Lease Addendum. An unauthorized occupant refers to anyone who resides on the premises for more than 10 consecutive days within a 6-month period, without obtaining written permission from the landlord. In cases of violation, the tenant may face a fine of $500.00 per occupant and potential eviction. To ensure compliance with this policy, please make contact with us prior to inviting any additional occupants. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Can the landlord enter the home at any time?

With reasonable notice, the landlord or agent is entitled to enter the premises for the following purposes:

Conducting inspections to ensure tenant compliance with lease terms.
Undertaking necessary repairs, alterations, improvements, or additions as deemed essential by the landlord.
Arranging viewings of the premises for prospective tenants or buyers.

In situations of health or safety emergencies or when the tenant is absent and entry is reasonably believed necessary to prevent property damage, the landlord or agent may enter without prior notice.

What if I want to extend my lease?

We kindly ask that you get in touch with us. To proceed with a lease extension, it is essential for us to obtain the landlord's approval and make the requisite contractual preparations.

What if I want to move before the end of my lease?

Upon signing the lease, the tenant commits to fulfilling the lease term by residing at the property until its designated end date. If circumstances require an early move-out, we encourage you to reach out to us for further discussion regarding lease terms. While the landlord will make reasonable efforts to re-rent the premises, it's important to understand that you remain responsible for upholding the lease obligations. This encompasses rent payments, utility charges, landscape maintenance, and all other financial commitments. These responsibilities encompass, but are not limited to:

Any unpaid rents and any future lost rent due to early termination.
Costs incurred by the landlord to re-rent the property, including commissions paid by the landlord to a licensed real estate agent.
Costs necessary to clean and repair the premises to its original condition.
Any legal fees incurred by the landlord.

It's pertinent to note that the lease will conclude either on the expiration date of the initial term or upon the commencement date of the new tenant's lease term, depending on which comes first. Your understanding and collaboration in these matters are greatly appreciated. Should you require additional information or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.

What if I want to move at the end of my lease?

Unless otherwise specified in the lease, the tenant is required to submit a written notice to vacate sixty days prior to the lease term's conclusion. Failure to provide such notice will result in the automatic renewal of the lease. In the event of renewal, the tenant has the option to terminate the lease by giving a written notice of sixty days. Once we receive this notice, the termination will become effective after the last day of the second full month. For your convenience, a Notice to Vacate form is accessible under the Tenant Forms section on our website. To gain further insights, kindly review the lease or reach out to the property manager.

When will I receive my Security Deposit?

According to the Tenant Security Deposit Act, we have 30 days to refund the Security Deposit and/or provide an itemized statement of deductions following the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession. The delay in immediate refund stems from the fact that certain damages may not be discernible during the initial inspection. Potential issues include factors like unhatched flea eggs, concealed stains that resurface post-inspection, the revelation of unclean air conditioner filters allowing debris into the air intake cavity upon examination by HVAC technicians, as well as lingering pet or smoking odors that may be temporarily masked but re-emerge later, among an array of other potential scenarios. Hence, our established policy is to retain funds until the approach of the 30-day period, even if the property seemingly displays exceptional condition upon inspection. In situations where the resolution of a claim pertaining to the deposit is not conclusive within the stipulated timeframe, we reserve the right to provide an interim accounting after 30 days, followed by a final accounting after 60 days. Upon vacating the premises, it is imperative for tenants to furnish a forwarding address. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of deposit-related processes.