Care of Fixtures and Appliances

Furnace: Familiarize yourself with the operation of the thermostat. The fan switch should always be set to auto and the other switch should be set to the appropriate heat or cool. Be sure to clean regularly and/or replace the air filters. Please remember that heat pumps do not circulate warm air as gas furnaces do unless they are run on the .emergency heat setting which activates the resistance heat mechanism.

Central Air Conditioning: A property’s air conditioning system can only lower the inside temperature from that of the outside air temperature by about 10 to 15 degrees. Keep that in mind on hot days do not set the thermostat below 70 degrees.

Window Air Conditioner: This equipment is susceptible to icing, so please use them conservatively.
 

Stove/Oven: Familiarize yourself with the bake, broil, time bake and self-cleaning controls. For continuous-cleaning ovens, use soap and water and never use oven cleaners or abrasives, as they will ruin the finish.

Microwave Oven: Be sure to use only microwave safe cookware to avoid melting. Never place a metal object in the microwave and keep all inside surfaces clean.

Refrigerator: From time to time, it is a good idea to remove the front grill and vacuum the coil area and clean the drip pan. Also, you will want to move the refrigerator periodically to clean underneath, but be careful not to damage the flooring when you move the appliance.
 

Dishwasher: Only use dishwasher detergent, never laundry detergent or other soap. Always rinse the dishes before washing them in the dishwasher and keep the strainer at the bottom of the machine clean and free of debris. Water should not flow out of the air gap and into the sink during the drain cycle. If this does happen, the air gap may be clogged and you will need to contact the Management office.

Garbage Disposal: Run cold water when you use the garbage disposal. You should avoid putting these items in the garbage disposal:

            • Onion skins

            • Celery skins

            • Potato skins

            • Corn husks

            • Raw meats

            • Bones

            • Any other hard or stringy items

Exhaust Fan/Range Hood: Clean the filters regularly and keep the unit clean and free of any buildup.

Counter Tops: Counter tops are easily burned and scratched, so do not put hot objects on them and use a cutting board to slice foods.

Washer: Only use laundry detergent, never any other kind of soap. Do not overload the washer.

Dryer: Clean the lint filter after each use. Do not overload and do not dry sneakers in the dryer.
 

Light Fixtures: Do not use a light bulb of a higher wattage than the fixture was intended to have. This may damage the fixture and is a potential hazard. 60 watts is generally the highest wattage recommended for any light fixture.

Fireplace: Be sure that the damper is completely open before use. Remove ashes regularly  

Reporting Maintenance

All maintenance requests should be made in writing (except in emergency situations).  Maintenance request forms are also available in our office and on our website at www.homerentalfl.com; they may be faxed or e-mailed to our office.

Emergency Maintenance

Please contact our office for emergency repairs. After-hours maintenance emergency calls can still be directed to our regular phone line.
 

Note: Plumbing, hot water issues, heating or AC issues should be called in as soon as noted. Waiting to the end of the week may result in a Monday call back.  Weekend calls to repairmen may result in additional cost to the tenant due to overtime/weekend charges from the vendors.

Inspection/Appointment

At various times throughout your tenancy Management will require access to your property. We may need to perform periodic inspections, you may have requested an inspection or repair or we may have scheduled an appointment to show the residence upon notice of you terminating your tenancy. These are just a few scenarios that could require Management to arrange an appointment to visit your home. We do not want to make appointments that unduly burden you, and we will work around your schedule for that reason. If, for any reason, you make an appointment with Management and we are unable to enter the property you will be charged additional rent.

Grounds

All trash, yard debris and personal items must adhere to community regulations regarding care, storage and maintenance of such items.   
Trash must be placed out for removal only on the specified days, failure to do so could result in a fine from the community or Home Owner's Association.

          NOTE: Tenant must make proper arrangements with waste services for removal of larger
          items.

Please make sure that firewood is not stacked up against the home. If there was firewood on the property when you moved in, then a like amount should be left at your departure.

All shrubs should be neatly trimmed and flower/shrub beds should be clean and free of weeds and leaves.

Regularly cut and edge the lawn, debris should also be removed.
Walkways should be clean & edged.

Beware of any oil leaks on the driveway.  Oil stains are hard to remove and oil stains must be removed prior to move-out.

Gutters and downspouts should be kept clean and free from debris.

Emergency Procedures

An emergency is defined as a serious situation that occurs unexpectedly and demands immediate action. Some examples of emergency situations are: flooding, no heat during winter, a gas leak, a fire or any such issue that must be addressed immediately to avoid damage to the property or for your personal well-being.

If you experience an emergency situation please contact our office right away and follow the procedures below if possible. Keep in mind that air conditioning and appliance failure as well as drain stoppage are not considered emergency situations.

HEATING SYSTEM FAILURE 

Electric Heat

            1. Check the thermostat to make sure that the controls are set properly.

            2. Check the fuses and the circuit breaker.

            3. Be sure that the access panel to the blower compartment is securely closed, because it will not operate otherwise.

Gas Heat

            1. Follow the same guidelines as outlined for Electric Heat.

            2. Test any other gas appliances to determine if your service has been interrupted.

Oil Heat

            1. Make sure that the emergency shut off switch is in the on position.

            2. Check the oil level in the fuel tank.

            3. Look at the thermostat, fuses and blower compartment panel as outlined in Electric Heat.

Electricity

1.      loss of electric- be sure your bill is current

2.      check electric panel for thrown circuit breakers

3.      Check the GFI circuit to be sure it’s not tripped. It can be found in the garage area, bathroom and kitchen areas. Press reset button. If problem continues call our office.

WATER RELATED 

If water is running onto floors from any appliance, fixture or pipe, close either the shut-off valve for the appliance/fixture or the main shut-off valve for the property.

If you reside in a condominium with on-site management, contact them right away. If you do not have on-site management, contact the Management office immediately.

FIRE - In case of an emergency call 911

Your home is equipped with smoke detectors, which should alert you of the presence of fire or smoke. Pursuant to your lease agreement, Tenants are required to test the smoke detector within on hour after occupancy and inform the Management immediately if detector(s) are not working properly. Tenants are required to maintain the smoke detectors by replacing batteries and notifying Management in writing of any defects. We recommend that you keep a fire extinguisher on the property at all times and that you familiarize yourself with how to use this device. Should you experience a fire on the property, contact the fire department immediately.