TENANT HANDBOOK

 
 

Corwyn J. Melette and Associates
Welcomes You!

 

                                                                                           ●  Notify the US Postal Office forwarding address
                                                                                           ●  Notify current & new schools
                                                                                           ● Notify magazine companies
                                                                                           ●  Notify newspaper company
                                                                                           ●  Send “ Just Moved” announcement to family and friends
                                                                                           ● Notify Banks, Credit Unions, Savings and Loans
                                                                                           ● Notify doctors and dentist
                                                                                           ●  Notify the current electric company
                                                                                           ●  Notify the current gas company
                                                                                           ●  Notify the current water company
                                                                                           ●  Notify garbage company- Register to vote
                                                                                           ●   Notify DMV-Address change
 
This is required before moving in. The property management company or the owner shall not be liable or responsible for loss or damages to articles or property belonging to the tenant. It is advised that the tenant maintain fire and theft insurance for their personal property as well as liability insurance coverage. We are happy to refer you to an agent if you require one.
 

• Rent is due on the 1st of each month. It is considered late when received after 12:00 p.m. on the 5th of each month. Late fees are applied at 12:01 AM on the 6th.
• CJM will file for eviction on the 6th if rent is not received. A $65 filing & admin fee will be charged to the tenant. Our preferred Method of payment is through your tenant portal: cjma.twa.rentmanager.com. Rent may be paid by personal check ( $3 processing fee) cashier's check, and money order payable to: Corwyn J. Melette and Associates, LLC. (Return Item Fee $45 (this is charged for a returned or online payment by your bank for any reason.)
• We do not accept rent checks from anyone not on the lease. Partial payments and multiple checks are acceptable.
• Use of the US mail is at your own risk.

Adding a new tenant:
Before a new person moves into the property, they are required to complete an application pay a $50 application fee, and be approved by our office. They will then be added to the current lease via amendment with all other terms of the lease remaining the same.

Roommate moves out:
If you have a roommate wanting to move out, a 60-day notice to vacate form must be submitted to our office (see end of handbook). If a lease for a current term is still in effect, he/she will be legally responsible until that term expires, or a replacement is found. (There is a $100 lease amendment fee)
       

Whether or not to accept animals is always the owner’s decision. Some owners allow animals, while others do not. A non-refundable deposit of $300 for the first animal and an additional $150 deposit per animal must be paid by the tenant in order to have an animal in the rental unit.

Where animals are permitted, only small to medium-sized, non-violent, common domesticated animals should be considered. Certain breeds of dogs are not accepted because of liability considerations. Farm animals are not permitted. (Due to Fair Housing Laws persons with disabilities will be allowed a therapy pet without being charged a pet fee.)

To help ensure all of our residents understand our pet and animal-related policies, we use a third-party screening service and require EVERY APPLICANT to complete a profile (e.g.: No Pet, Pet, or Animal). If approved, there may be a fee required upon moving in.

For more information, please see the addendum attached.

https://corwynjmelette.petscreening.com/

Getting to know your residence

When you move into a property, it is helpful to know where important items are located. Take the time to know or locate the:

● Main circuit breaker in the event power goes out.
● Gas shut-off valve to turn off during emergencies/disasters for safety
● GFI plug(s) so you can check if your plug or appliance in the bathroom, kitchen, patio, or garage fails to work
● Electric and/or gas meters to check your utility bills
● The main water shutoff valve in case of major flooding ( usually in the streets) Water shutoff valves below the sink and behind toilets in case of water leaks.
● Method of cleaning the oven so you use the right products. Time bake knobs on the oven- in the event the oven will not work, and these may not be set properly.
  It is our policy that tenants do not make repairs or alterations. If you do want to make a special request for renovation or repair to the property:

❖ Submit your request in writing before making any changes.
❖ Do not proceed with any work until you receive written authorization to do so.
❖ Your property manager will consult with the owner to see if the request is acceptable to them. We
will notify you in writing of their decision.
❖ If you have a maintenance issue, log into your online portal to submit any issues or call the office at
843-970-9510. Our vendors schedule directly with our tenants to make all repairs. If you fail to keep
a scheduled appointment with a vendor, you will be responsible for the cost of service.
❖ If you have a maintenance emergency and our office is closed, call: 843-970-9510
❖ Emergencies include but are not limited to:
➢ Fire- call the fire department
➢ Flood- shut off water
➢ Immediate electrical danger- shut off the main breaker in the breaker box and call our office
➢ Backed up the plumbing- stop using it and call our office.
 
To prevent tub and shower drains from clogging, we suggest a product called "Hair Away". This will eliminate hair buildup in the drain. For kitchen sink drains with garbage disposals, please refer to "What goes down garbage disposal". Most maintenance calls can be avoided by having this knowledge. If the services of a professional are required, and if she/he determines that the problem is tenant caused, you will be charged for the cost of repair.

What Goes Down Garbage Disposals?

Items included but limited to:
     • Small amounts of leftover food from your plate
     • Small food bits
     • Carrot peelings

What Does Not Go Down Garbage Disposal?

Items include but are not limited to:
     • Anything that is not biodegradable food
     • Anything combustible
     • Plastic and metal
     • Bones from any animal
     • Hamburger
     • Spaghetti
     • Bacon grease or other grease
     • Eggshells
     • Potato skins or large amounts of potato
     • Corn cobs or husks, Lettuce, asparagus, fibrous Fruits & Vegetables, Pasta and Rice

Additional Notes:

Just remember, whatever you wash down the sink must make it to the road (city pipes). If it is doubtful that a piece of food will get that far without causing a backup, don't wash it down your sink. Anytime you put anything at your disposal, make sure you run water for about 30 seconds after it clears. This will make sure you get the longest life possible out of your rental disposal. Too much of anything is not good. For example, small amounts of potato peels might be okay, but if you put a lot, you're asking for a repair bill.

This old standby is right on: "When in doubt, throw it out". Consider running ice cubes in the unit as a means of "cleaning" the unit. The hard ice chips help knock down the scum layers that build up below the seal and in the grinder wheel. The only things that should go into garbage disposal are things that are left over after you scrape your plate into the garbage can.
  The safety of you and your family is important to our company and many things can affect it. Here are some tips to follow:

● Window screens are not a safety device. Do NOT LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED NEAR OPEN WINDOWS.
● Unplug all heat-producing appliances like toasters, irons, and coffee makers when not in use to prevent fire hazards.
● Never leave heating pads and electric blankets on indefinitely, turn them off when you leave the residence to prevent fire hazards.
● Never leave water running unattended in a plugged bathtub or when leaving the residence. If you have an upstairs bathroom and you see water in the ceiling below, particularly in the light fixture, report the leak immediately.
● Do not operate electrical appliances while standing or sitting in water.
● If you have small children, use child protector plugs when you are not using outlets. Do not overload extension cords with too many appliances. Place lamps on a level surface and use the correct wattage.
● Avoid running extension cords over walkways, under rugs, or any other place that could cause tripping. If you suspect an electrical problem, report it to our office immediately.
● Do not remove smoke alarms, particularly if they are beeping. Smoke alarms are for safety and removing them can endanger all residents and guests. Change the batteries if needed.
● Do not allow children to leave toys on walkways and sidewalks.
● Replace outside light bulbs so you can utilize lights properly when it is dark. Report and expose tree roots to our office.
● Keep a portable fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage; they are available in hardware supply stores.
● If you use a grill or BBQ, use common sense and Never leave the grill unattended. Do not set grills up against the house. You could start a fire.
● If you have a fireplace, be sure to store hot ashes and coals away from the residence. Do not place ashes in garbage receptacles unless certain they are cold.
● Do not store fireplace wood against the residence
● Always be certain the damper is open before starting a fire in the fireplace
● Do not build “ roaring” fires in the fireplace; build reasonable fires suited to the size of the fireplace. If you notice any pest within 3 days of moving in please contact our office immediately. We will have the issue assessed and remedied. If the issue persists or returns due to the cause of the tenant, the subsequent treatment will be at the cost of the tenant.
Inevitably, you will move, and we want you to be prepared when this is necessary. We require our tenants to give a 60-day notice prior to moving. You may contact our office for a Tenant 60-Day Notice to Vacate form or use the one attached to this handbook. Complete the form sign it, and return it to our office. The notice must be signed by all tenants living at the home. You can mail it to our office or fax it to: 843.225.3795. The 60 days commences on the day we receive the form in our office.
Rush move-outs will be charged a fee of $75. It is the responsibility of the tenant to deliver all keys to our office. Please make sure you include your name and the address of your rental property. Garage door remotes and any other MISC remotes, key cards, etc, can be left in a kitchen drawer.
 
After you have given notice to vacate, please remember to do the following:

      ➔ It is the responsibility of the tenant to deliver all keys to our office. We have a dropbox located at the entrance of our office suite. Please make sure you include your             name and rental property address. Garage door remotes can be left in the kitchen drawer.
      ➔ Do not turn off utilities until the move-out inspection is done! Please let us know if the utility company needs any additional information from our office.
      ➔ Please leave the property “ clean”. The property must be completely clean including carpets.
      ➔ If you are responsible for lawn maintenance/yard care, please return the yard to “ move-in” condition before you leave.
      ➔ Remember to stop your newspaper service at this address.
      ➔ If you were approved to install a satellite dish during your tenancy, please remove the dish from the property and take it with you.
      ➔ Your security deposit refund and statement will be forwarded to your new address within 30 days of vacating. We offer a rush return for a fee if the property is in
            the proper condition. A deposit refund check will be payable to all persons on the original lease agreement, unless notified otherwise in writing, and signed by all                  tenants.
      ➔ Upon receiving the Tenant Notice to Vacate form, we will commence marketing your home for rent and will notify you when we have appointments for showings.
           If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
  ► Late fees: $15 a day starting on the 6th. An additional charge of $50 on the 10th if an open balance continues.
► Application fee: $50 person (no exceptions)
► Returned Item Fee: $45 (personal checks and online payments)
► High-risk renters (credit score under 600) will be charged a 25-50% increase on security deposit.
► No Show Vendor appointments: meaning you the tenant do not show up for a vendor appointment. Late Cancellation fee: $35, in addition to the service fee charged by the vendor
► Move-ins are Tuesdays & Fridays between 10 AM -3 PM. There is a $75 dollar fee for any other weekdays.
► Rush Move-outs (less than 60-day notice): $75
► Rush Move-ins (1-2 days after app approval excluding weekends): $75
► Weekend Move-ins: $75
► After-hours Move-In or Move-Out: $75
► Rush return on Security Deposit: 15% of deposit (within 7 days business days)
► Weekend Inspections: $45
► Processing fee for personal checks: $3 (excludes Money Orders & Cashier's Checks)
► Lease Amendment / Change of Tenant Responsibility: $100
► Replacement Key: $25
► Open Door: $20 (if our office has to come and open the door for the tenant during business hours). If after business hours, the tenant contacts a licensed locksmith, all fees incurred will be at the cost of the tenant.
► Lease violations: $25 (please review your lease)
► Non Emergency requests: $25 (for example - call to pick up a package because the tenant is out of town)
► Eviction Fees: $65 filing fee, $35 court appearance fee (if applicable).
► Printed copy of lease $5 (if you misplace the original copy given at move-in)
► Maintenance charge (fees vary) - If it is found that the tenant is the cause of the maintenance issue, the cost of repair plus a lease violation fee will be charged to the tenant.
► Lease renewals are as follows:
         -  If the tenant renews for 12 months, the rent may or may not result in a rent increase depending on the market at the current time of lease renewal.
         -  If the tenant renews for 6 months, the rent will increase by $50 automatically regardless of the current market.
         - If the tenant opts for a month-to-month, the rent will increase by $100 automatically regardless of the market.
The only general restriction we have is that your animal must be two years of age or older. We are willing to work with some puppies and kittens, depending on age and training and the general application information of their owners; however this is handled on a case-by-case basis and you can expect to submit a $250 fee in addition to the pet rent you will pay on a monthly basis (pet rent will be charged according to the anticipated full-grown weight of your animal). If you have more than one pet, please call to make sure that we have a property suitable for many animals. Regardless of prior consent, CJM Properties reserves the right to have any pet removed from the property if it is determined that the pet poses a threat to the safety or condition of the property or any people in the property or the community.


CJM Property Management charges pet rent each month for each of your animals. The term “pet rent” is simply rent you will pay for the allowance of your pet to occupy the rental unit with you. Pet rent is charged on a monthly basis and is paid with your rent.
 
Dogs over 61 pounds $40
Dogs 41-60 pounds $35
Dogs under 40 pounds $30
Cats $20
Birds $15
Caged/Tank animals $15


TENANT 60 DAY NOTICE TO VACATE

Date: __/__-/___
Mail, Fax or Email this signed notice to:
P.O. Box 2175
Goose Creek, SC 29445 Fax:
843-225-3795
rentals@cornynmelette.com
Print all Tenant Name(s) ______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Property Address:_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Contact Name & Phone Number (for 24-hour notification of property showings)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
I hereby give a 60 day notice of my/our intent to vacate the above premises on the date of
___/ ___/___
Notice becomes effective on the date it is received by our office Corwyn J. Melette and Associates, LLC.
Keys will be returned to Corwyn J. Melette and Associates, LLC. Garage remotes and all other MISC remotes, card keys, etc, may be left in a kitchen drawer.
—--I/we understand that I/we/ are responsible for any and all outstanding rent or other charges to my
account.
—-- I understand that the Security Deposit is not applicable to last month's rent.
____I understand that the Security Deposit Refund and statement will be sent to my/our forwarding address within 30 days as required by law. A deposit refund check will be payable to all persons on the agreement unless notified otherwise.
The forwarding address is: ___________________________________________________________________
The Signature of each and every vacating tenant is required.

Tenant I:                                                                                                                                                                                                       Tenant 3:
Tenant 2:                                                                                                                                                                                                      Tenant 4:

   
 

 

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Helpful Links

Pet Policy (PDF)