RENTER'S GUIDE

(USE THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU MOVE IN)

It is very important that you understand that although Temporary Housing Inc. will help you find a rental home, provide all your furniture and house wares, negotiate lease terms with your landlord and make sure everyone gets paid on time, you still have all of the other usual responsibilities of being a tenant. Please take the time to read this guide. It will help. Avoiding a problem is always better then solving one later.

If you have any questions during your stay "CALL US"

• Paperwork: Make sure you get and keep a copy of all your paperwork.
• How much time will you need: With insurance repairs there is no such thing as a firm completion date. You may need one or two extensions on your lease. Have your landlord change your lease so it can be extended, without change, a month or week at a time. If you can, remove the 30 day notice from your lease. If you need an extension make sure you call us. We will need time to contact your adjuster so you are not inconvenienced.
• Inventory lists: Your Landlord should give you an Inventory-Move-In-List that lists any flaws your rental unit may have. This should include marks and nail holes on the walls, missing screens, cracked or broken windows, chipped tile, damaged woodwork, counter top, floor damage, condition of the carpet in a %, kitchen and bath fixtures, light fixtures, doors and locks, closets and anything else that shows any damage or wear. You should add any other flaws you find to the list and get it back to your landlord within seven days. If your landlord does not give you an Inventory List, use the Inventory-Lists we have provided with this guide and send a copy to us after you sign and date it.
• Damages: If damages do occur with your rental while you living there you will most likely be charged for them regardless of how they happened or who caused them.
• Regarding your security deposit: With out exception you will need to give a security deposit. This can be handled in several different ways. Your Insurance Company may be willing to advance your Security Deposit. If this is a problem call us. By law this deposit remains your money. The landlord must return it to you within thirty days after you move out and detail any deductions he or she has made from it. You must let your landlord know within four days of the day you move out of your new address and object within seven days after you get your deposit return of any deductions.
• Appliances: If your rental unit needs appliances, keep in mind that electric appliances are much easier and safer to install. Most rental companies will not hook up gas appliances due to the liability. If your rental unit has both hookups, get the electric appliances regardless of what you are used to or except the responsibility for installing them.
• Furniture: Use the Furniture and Housewares Inventory Lists we have sent you with this guide to note any flaws you find with those items and send a copy to us after you move in. All this paperwork will be used to prove what condition these items were in when you received them. Damage disputes can be settled quickly if these lists are filled out and returned timely.
• Utilities: If the utilities are not included in your rent, have them put in your name. Make sure you read the meters yourself and record the readings the day you move in and the day you move out. Unpaid utility bills will be deducted from your rental deposit. In most cases your insurance company will reimburse you for these costs so there is no reason not to put them in your name. If this is a problem, call us.
• Pets and Burns: If you have a pet, make a special effort that it does no damage to your rental unit or the furniture. Under your lease, no damage done by a pet will be considered normal wear and tear. Putting bed sheets on the furniture will help. Do Not bring a pet into your temporary home that is not on your lease. This can lead to real problems later. Also burns of any kind [cigarettes, hot pans, etc.] will be chargeable against your security deposit.
• Out Side Care: If you are renting a house, you will, in most cases be responsible for mowing the lawn, snow removal and keeping the outside of the house neat and clean. Use our inventory list to note the general outside condition of your rental home when you move in. Send us a copy.
• Smoke Smells: Be careful what you bring from your home. If you have had a fire the smoke smell in most furniture and other items may be hard to get out of your rental after you move out. Also if any member of your family smokes, it would be best to ask them to do it outside. Cleaning for smoke smells can be chargeable against your rental deposit.
• Questions: If you have any questions regarding your security deposit or any unsolved problems you have with your rental unit call your landlord. Your insurance adjuster will only refer you back to them for answers and resolving problems. If this fails call us. We may be able to help. If you have questions about your rent call us.
• Moving out: When you know the day you will be moving back to your home don't forget to CALL US and the utility companies to have the services taken out of your name. Be prepared to have your rental unit cleaned and have all personal items ready to go on the morning of the last day of your lease. In most cases your landlord will charge you for any extra days you may need regardless of the reason.
• Following this Guide will take most of the lumps and bumps out of your temporary home rental.
• Lastly: It is a common mistake to believe that your insurance adjuster will handle everything concerning your claim. Although in most cases your adjuster is a great source for guidance and advice the greatest responsibility for expediting your claim is still yours.

Any questions or problems you have with your rental home, call us!