TIPS AND MARKET UPDATES DECEMBER 2009

By Lambert Munz MPM, RMP  Arbour Real Estate Management, Inc

TIPS

Here is a guide to file and have available for easy reference

“Wear and Tear” or “Damage”

This is a guide to show you the difference between normal wear and tear, which a tenant does not have to pay for, and damage, which comes out of your deposit. This list does not cover all situations, but it gives you a good sense of the difference between the two.

Normal Wear and Tear—caused by ordinary comings and goings (depends on how long the tenant has lived there. Damage—caused by abuse, thievery, mysterious disappearance, accident, rules violation or special request.
Well worn keys Missing keys
Sticky key Key broken off inside lock
Balky door lock Door lock replaced/re-keyed by tenant without permission
Depressurized fire extinguisher with unbroken seal Depressurized fire extinguisher with broken seal (not used to put out fire)
Worn pattern in plastic countertop Burn in plastic countertop
Rust stain under sink faucet Sink discolored by clothing dye
Loose, inoperable faucet handle Missing faucet handle
Carpet seam unraveling Carpet burn, non-removable stains, torn carpet
Threadbare carpet in hallway Rust marks on carpet from indoor plant container
Scuffing on wooden floor Gouge in wooden floor
Linoleum with the back showing through Gouge in linoleum
Rusty refrigerator shelf Missing refrigerator shelf
Discolored ceramic tile Painted ceramic tile
Loose grout around ceramic tile Chipped or cracked ceramic tile
Wobbly toilet Broken toilet lid
Rusty shower curtain rod Kinked shower curtain rod
Rust stain under bathtub spout Chip in bathtub enamel
Racks on door jamb where door rubs Hole in hollow-core door
Door off its hinges and stored in garage Missing door
Plant hanger left in ceiling Additional holes in ceiling
Stain on ceiling caused by leaky roof Stain on ceiling caused by popping beverage containers
Cracked paint Crayon marks on wall
Chipped paint (minor) Walls painted by tenant in dark color
Mildew around shower or tub Mildew where tenant kept aquarium
Discolored light fixture Missing light fixture or globe
Odd-wattage light bulbs that work Burned out or missing light bulbs
Light fixture installed by tenant that fits its location Light fixture installed by tenant that must be replaced
Window cracked by settling or high wind Window cracked or broken by tenant
Faded shade Torn Shade
Paint-blistered blinds Blinds with bent slats or inoperable
Drapery rod that won’t close properly Drapery rod with missing parts
Dirty window screen Missing, bet, or torn window screen
Ants inside after rainstorm Fleas left behind
Lawn sparingly watered due to drought conditions Neglected landscaping requiring replacement
Grease stains on parking/garage space Caked grease on parking space

Visit our web site www. arbourpm.com   Click on NEW and read Chapter One of our new book soon to be published  HOUSE INVESTORS’ MANUAL


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