Firefly Housing Policies & Procedures
In order to clarify responsibilities of all parties and to avoid misunderstandings, this document sets forth the policies and procedures we apply in adhering to the requirements of the lease agreement you have signed. Your compliance with all the terms and conditions of the lease agreement is required for full refund of your deposit at the time you eventually move out.
(1) LEASE: The written lease you are signing constitutes the entire agreement for the property you are renting through our firm. Any verbal representations made by our agents or staff are not binding unless included within the written tenancy agreement you are signing.
(2) PROPERTY INSPECTION: Though we believe the property to be clean and ready for occupancy, minor items are occasionally overlooked. It is your responsibility to inspect the property thoroughly and provide us with a written list of any and all defects found within 3 days after lease commencement. If you believe any items need addressed by our cleaning or maintenance staff, we will attempt to correct such items promptly upon receipt of a separate written Repair Request. No repairs or maintenance (except for emergencies) will be authorized without a written Repair Request.
(3) PLUMBING MAINTENANCE: It is your responsibility to keep all drains running freely by avoiding items such as hair, tampons or sanitary napkins, eggshells, all pastas, vegetable skins (especially potato) and grease which can easily clog drain lines. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE DRANO OR SIMILAR PRODUCTS as these products contain acidic materials which destroy drain pipes over a period of time and also cause you to incur an additional “ACID” charge should professional drain cleaning service be required. Regular household bleach poured down all your drains once a month helps to keep drains running freely and also keeps them fresh smelling. If you are unable to clear a drain blockage yourself, you may contact our maintenance department but you will be billed for the cost of cleaning the blockage unless the cause is identified as a failure of the owner’s drain line system such as collapsed lines or tree roots.
(4) LOST KEYS: In the event you are locked out of your unit, you may come to our office during business hours and pick up a replacement key for $5.00. If you request our staff to meet you at the property to provide access during business hours, you will be billed a service charge of $45.00. During non-business hours, you will need to contact a locksmith to gain access at your expense, but under no circumstances may the locks be changed or re-keyed.
(5) REPAIR REQUEST: All requests for maintenance or repairs to your unit must be submitted in writing, by fax or by email through the REPAIR REQUEST on the Firefly Housing website. We make every effort to have our maintenance personnel at your unit within 7 working days (within 24 hours in emergency situations). When requesting maintenance, provide a “detailed” description of the problem to assist us in responding with the appropriate service technician. We try to respond to all reasonable service requests, however, some items are considered tenant responsibility including (a) most clogged drains, (b) jammed disposals, (c) tripped breakers, (d) furnace filter changes every 3 months, (e) torn screens, broken glass or door jambs, (f) gas pilot lights and (g) service calls for equipment found to be operating within normal parameters. Tenants in single family homes have additional responsibilities including (a) maintenance and trimming of shrubbery, landscaping and (b) keeping gutters and downspouts clean and clear. Maintenance costs for service to items described above as tenant responsibility will be charged to and payable by you, the tenant.
(7) PET POLICY: If your lease does not specifically allow pets then no pets are permitted!! We consider all animals as pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards “pretty much anything living or breathing” other than humans or plants. We will permit fish in a covered aquarium without additional deposit. The quickest way to forfeit your deposit and find yourself in court is to allow any animal into your unit without prior written permission. This means no pets, no strays and no pet sitting for your sister’s pet even for “just the weekend”. If you want to bring a pet into your unit, you MUST get permission in writing and pay the required deposit BEFORE bringing it home.
(8) PEST CONTROL: We do not provide extermination services for ants, spiders, silverfish, birds, squirrels, rodents or other wild creatures. We do not provide roach extermination services except in 4-plex or apartment buildings. We will treat for termites, carpenter ants or other wood destroying insects.
(9) RENTERS INSURANCE: Neither the owner nor our firm carries insurance to cover your furnishing or personal property against loss (regardless of the cause). To protect your property, you are strongly encouraged to purchase “Renters Insurance”.
(10) MOVING OUT: At the time you move out of the unit, we expect the unit to be surrendered just as you are receiving it today. Charges incurred to restore the unit to the same condition as that which you find it today will be billed to you and deducted from your deposit.
(a) Do not use nails or screws in any doors or trim. Do not use large nails or wall anchors in walls — only small picture hangers. If you have lived in the unit less than 2 years, painting expenses (other than minor touch-up) will be charged against your deposit. If you have lived in the unit more than 2 years, painting will be at the landlord’s expense except in the case of extensive abuse or wall repairs.
(b) Proper bulbs must be used in all fixtures — this means flood bulbs in recessed fixtures, globe bulbs in vanity light bars, appliance bulbs in appliances and standard 60w bulbs in standard fixtures. Improper, missing or bad bulbs will be replaced and charged against your deposit.
(c) Smoke detectors have been provided for your safety — it is your responsibility to maintain fresh batteries through the term of your tenancy and install fresh new batteries upon move-out.
(d) All keys and any garage operator transmitters must be returned to our office or left on the kitchen counter once you have completed your move-out from the property.
(e) The HVAC system has been serviced prior to your occupancy. Should you fail to change furnace filters at least every 3 months during your tenancy, the HVAC system will need serviced when you vacate and you will be held responsible for that cost plus any damages caused to the system by your neglect.
(f) Range top should be wiped down with new drip pans installed and the oven should be cleaned and wiped out. Refrigerator should be wiped down inside and outside, including top, back and underneath.
(g) Bath fixtures should be cleaned and disinfected, mirrors and light fixtures cleaned, cabinets and drawers wiped out and floors mopped.
(h) Wipe down ceiling fans, light fixtures, window sills, mini-blinds and woodwork. If your unit has a fireplace, be sure to clean out any ashes and wood.
(i) The carpeting in your unit is either new or was professionally cleaned prior to your occupancy. At the end of your tenancy it is your responsibility to have the carpets professionally cleaned by an approved carpet cleaning company, and it must be free of furniture imprints, stains and odors.
(j) If you had a dog or cat at the premises, it is your responsibility to have the residence and yard treated for fleas by an approved pest control company at the end of your tenancy.