Current Sierra Vista Rental Information & Tenant FAQs

Q: What if I don’t pay my rent on time?

A: Your rent is due by  the first of the month. Rent is due on the first, if not paid by 5p.m.  on the third, and eviction processes begin on the fourth. Late fees are  as follows: Tenant agrees to pay a 10% (of your monthly rent) late fee  for any payments not RECEIVED by the Landlord on or before the third  (3rd) day of the month) NO Exceptions plus $5.00 a day every day after  that. Tenant understands that if payment is not received, by US mail at  the designated address on or before the 3rd day of the month, a 5-day  notice will be issued. If the rent is not received by the expiration of  the 5-day notice, an eviction will be processed. The landlord will not  pick up payments at the premise. The Tenant agrees to pay for all cost  involved in the eviction process, including but not limited to  reasonable attorney fees. REMEMBER THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO PAY THE  RENT ON TIME. IT IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT OBLIGATION.
 

Q: What if I send the Landlord a bad check?

A: Several things. First, your rent is now late (see  above for what happens if you don’t pay your rent on time). Realize of  course that “passing a bad check” is against the law. In the event  Tenant’s check is returned for any reason, a $35 returned check charge  will apply, AND the late charge as stated herein. Returned checks must  be redeemed by CASHIER’S CHECK, CERTIFIED CHECK or MONEY ORDER. The  SECOND TIME a check is returned, Tenant agrees to pay all future rents  and charges in the form of CASHIER’S CHECK, MONEY ORDER or CERTIFIED  CHECK. If the Tenant’s rent is past due and the landlord exercises  his/her legal right to seek a judgment against the Tenant in court.
 

Q: What is the process of moving out?

A: Call our offices and let us know as soon as you  are sure that you are going to need to move. We will send you a “Moving  Out Package” that will consist of the following: RECEIPT OF TENANT’S  NOTICE TO VACATE, MOVE OUT INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES. Refer to the  "Tenant Policies" page. These forms will give you a good idea of what to  expect.
 

Q: Can I hang up pictures?

A: You may hang pictures however you will be  responsible for filling ALL nail holes (and any other holes or wall  damage) and touching up the paint (paint is not supplied and may require  you to have a paint chip matched for touch up painting). We  highly recommend “Command Strip” hangers that do not cause damage to the  walls. The bottom line is that you legally have to return the premises  in the same condition as they were when you moved in so if you're going  to be hanging a ton of pictures using nails or putting in big anchor  bolts you'll not only have to remove them and fill in the holes when you  leave but also sand and paint the patches - and, if the paint patching  doesn't blend in correctly you'll be liable for the costs associated  with the repairs. 
 

Q: How long after I vacate will I get my security deposit back?

A: First know that in order to get your full  security deposit back, you must follow the Move Out Instructions that  would be sent to you after you give notice to vacate. Also anything that  needs repair may be deducted from the full amount. Remember, we only  expect you to return your home in the same condition as when you moved  in. Your security deposit balance and a disposition of deposit letter  will be mailed to the forwarding address you provide within 14 business  days after your Move-out Inspection has been completed.

Q: What if I want to get a roommate?

A: Not a problem. However you must follow the rules.  Your home has a maximum number of people who can live there. Only  people listed on your lease may occupy your home. All adult persons MUST  complete a credit application that includes criminal background checks,  and they must be approved by Landlord BEFORE (not after) they are  allowed to move in. The new occupant will be added to the lease, but  remember that EVERYONE is responsible for paying the rent, and  consequently, if the rent is not paid, EVERYONE will be evicted, and  EVERYONE will have the event recorded in their credit history.

Q: What if I want to get a pet?

A: Probably this too is not a problem, UNLESS THE  LEASE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS PETS. However, you must follow the rules.  The first rule is that some breeds of dogs are prohibited for any  reason. See your rental handbook concerning what breeds of dogs are not  allowed. If you obtain a pet that is on the prohibited list, this is  immediate grounds for eviction, so don’t do it. Next, you must contact  the Landlord in order to ad the pet to the lease and pay an animal  deposit.

Q: What if something breaks?

A: Remember first that this is your home. So if  something minor breaks, then fix it yourself. If something major breaks,  then by all means contact the Landlord. Remember that should any damage  to the property, including but not limited to broken windows, fixtures,  plumbing, heating and cooling systems, or appliances, beyond normal  wear and tear, be caused by Tenant, occupants, family member, guests, or  other persons related to or affiliated in any way with Tenant, Tenant  agrees to reimburse Landlord for costs of such repairs within FIFTEEN  (15) days of repairs being completed, or at the time of the next rental  payment, whichever comes first.

Q: What if I have bugs?

A: You have two choices. Either hire a pest company  to provide routine extermination for you OR do the routine extermination  services yourself. Note that Sierra Vista realty does not provide pest  control.

Q: So how clean do you want to place to be?

A: Ideally we would like your home to be the nicest  place on the block. Realistically, however, we want you to keep all  outside areas and hallways clean, uncluttered and broom swept. All  walks, yards, driveways and parking areas are to be kept free and clean  of all personal property, such as toys, bicycles, buggies, motorcycles,  etc. Tenant must keep the yard mowed, edges and weeds pulled in order to  maintain the outward appearance of the property. The yard, trees and  shrubs must be maintained regularly, either by the Tenant or by a  service hired by Tenant, or the Landlord will have the landscaping at  the Tenant’s expense.

Q: Can I have a party?

A: Of course! However, it is recommended that your  activities be kept in moderation, and it is also recommended that you  speak with your neighbors before you have your party. Remember they have  our telephone number too. Also remember that any excessive traffic or  frequent guests or visitors in and out of the dwelling is considered a  violation of this lease. Complaints from neighbors, other tenants,  police, city officials or anyone else about noise, late night (after  10:00 pm) activities, or any other nuisances are considered a violation  of your lease. If the premises are a condominium unit or a single family  home in a deed restricted neighborhood, Tenant agrees to abide by  the HOA Rules, Regulations and/or Declaration of HOA or the Association  covenants and agrees to pay for copies of said Declaration if desired  but in any event may read the Declaration at the office of the Landlord  during the Landlord’s office hours, provided reasonable notice is given  Landlord by Tenant for such reading. Also remember that you, occupants,  guests, family members, or other persons related to or affiliated in any  way with you shall not engage in any unlawful activity. In the event  that any of these parties violate this provision, Tenant shall be  subject to termination of lease and eviction.

Q: What about parking or working on my car?

A: Other than changing a tire, NO CAR REPAIRS OR  DISMANTLING IS ALLOWED, NOR SHALL INOPERATIVE VEHICLES, INCLUDING THOSE  WITH FLAT TIRES ARE TO BE PARKED ON THE PREMISES. Oil and gas spills  will be cleaned up at the Tenant’s expense. The Landlord has the right  to request Tenant to move vehicles to avoid hazard with lawn mowing or  any other maintenance activity, if such maintenance is provided by  Landlord/Owner. NO PARKING ON THE GRASS. No mobile homes, trucks,  campers, boats, trailers, or other recreational vehicles are to be  parked on the premises unless by prior written permission of the  Landlord.

Q: Can I paint the walls or put up wallpaper?

A: No (with the exception of touching up nail holes  when you move). We cannot allow you to paint, wallpaper, alter, remodel,  or structurally change any part of the property, nor remove any  fixtures there from, although you can ask and in some situations, we may  be able to make arrangements between yourself and Sierra Vista Realty  for a special project. In this situation, your request is all the more  likely if you are an excellent tenant!

Q: Will the Landlord drop in on me unannounced?

A: No. What may happen is that the Landlord will  want to perform routine maintenance on the house to keep it in good  working order. If this were to occur, Sierra Vista Realty would send you  a PROPERTY INSPECTION/ROUTINE MAINTENANCE letter, informing you of when  to expect the Landlord or affiliated contractors to perform the work.  If such work is required on the inside of the home, the Landlord or  affiliated contractors would set a time with you to do such work. No  work would be performed inside your home without you being present or  having your permission to enter.

Q: What if I mess up and do something in violation of the lease agreement?

A: You will receive a written notice explaining the  violation and prescribed number of days to comply OR the property  manager will fix the violation and bill you, the tenant, with the amount  due on receipt (not rolled into the next rent) OR if the violation is  egregious, the process of eviction will begin. Example of reasons why  you may receive such a written notice includes parking vehicles on the  lawn; grass/shrubs not cut; garbage in yard; garbage cans not picked up;  unauthorized and/or vicious animals; and parties and/or loud music,  among other issues. If you get such a written notice, then we recommend  that you take IMMEDIATE ACTION to correct the problem.

Q: What if I have an emergency?

A: Again remember, while this is a house, it is your  home. In case of emergencies, call the emergency service number,  227-6694, leaving your name, your address, and a brief description of  the emergency, along with your phone number. Please speak slowly,  clearly, and say your number twice.

Q: What if I have other questions?

A: Answers to most of your questions are contained  in the Rental Lease Agreement and your Tenant handbook. Read through  these documents first, and if you do not find your answer there, then by  all means please give us a call.
 

Q: Does my lease automatically renew?

A: Your lease automatically converts to a month to  month lease if you do not give a 30 day notice to vacate prior to the  end of your lease. You are required to give a 30 day of intent to vacate  at the end of your lease or if you are on a month to month lease.
 

Q: Can I use my security deposit for the last months rent?

A: No. If you don't pay your last month's rent,  legal action will begin on the 4th day of the month, just like any other  month. Even if you move out without having done any damage to your  dwelling, you might still have a judgment entered against you. That is  strictly a security deposit.
 

Q: Will I get my deposit back?

A: We hope so! We want you to move out with all of  your rent and fees paid, and leaving the property in the same condition  as when you moved in, excepting for normal wear and tear. That's all you  have to do to get a full refund of your security deposit.