Things You Should Know as a Tenant
- We love our tenants at First Properties of the Carolinas, Inc. Here is some information that we want to be sure you know to ensure that you have a great experience. Some of this is in your contract. Tip #1. Read your contract.
- Your security deposit is not rent. Typically, our security deposits are $100 more than the rent just to make that point. Do not try to pay your last month’s rent with your security deposit. We will file papers in court. This can affect your credit.
- Anyone living in a property that is 18 and older must complete an application. We vet every adult that lives on a property whether they are responsible for the rent or not. Please do not invite someone to live with you ( new roommate) without permission from us.
- You need permission in advance to have a pet. Do not get a pet and then ask for permission to have it live with you. Pets are not only dogs and cats. Pets include birds, fish, turtles, rabbits, snakes, and other creatures.
- A pet fee is not for damage caused by a pet. It is a fee for the right for your pet to live at a property.
- We encourage you to contact the utility companies 7 days in advance of your lease start date to ensure that you have power, water, hot water, and heat the day you move in. The owner will be turning off utilities the day the lease starts.
- We encourage you to get rental insurance. It doesn’t cost much and could save you a lot of money. If the fridge goes out and your food spoils - the cost of replacing that food is on you, not the landlord. If the water heater breaks and water soaks your expensive purses, shoes, or other important items - the cost to replace them is on you, not the landlord. If you need a referral for insurance - we know some great insurance agents.
- We want your rental experience to be wonderful. We have a great staff that works full-time Monday - Friday during normal business hours. Our showing agent does show properties on nights and weekends by appointment only. If you have an admin or maintenance issue, please use your portal or e-mail. As much as we love our tenants, we reserve our weekends and nights for emergencies only ( this usually includes fire or water.) Calling us at night or on the weekend to make us aware of a non-urgent issue will not expedite the resolution.
