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Tenant Resources

Real Property Management Key Response

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Moving In

  • Download your RPM Resident app
  • Submit your Utilities and Emergency Contact information
  • Create or Update your Animal Profile

Moving Out

  • Notice to Vacate
  • Submit your Final Utility Cancelation information

Current Resident

  • Resident Profile
  • Submit a Maintenance Request Online
  • Create or Update your Animal Profile

Apply Online to Rent a Home

If you’re interested in leasing a home from Real Property Management Key Response, it is best first to find a property you are interested in renting, then complete the online application.

Find a Rental Home and Apply

  1. Review the properties available to rent.
  2. Click on your desired property.
  3. Click Apply Online.
  4. Complete the Online Rental Application
  5. Pay Application Fee (part 2 of the Application).

Pest Assurance (powered by Pest Share) is a targeted and effective pest control solution.

RPM Key Response has partnered with Pest Share to offer this innovative pest control program, which provides a practical, on-demand approach to managing active infestations and replacing traditional preventative methods.

Requesting service is easy and just a click away, with no need for maintenance requests or office contact, as detailed in the links below.

*Pest Share reserves the right to limit total services requested by a covered property to (4) service requests within 12 months. Each service comes with a 30-day warranty from the day of completed services

How to submit a request
Pest Share FAQs

Tenant Resources

Every Real Property Management tenant who signs a lease with us gets their own online account. Your secure account is convenient and easy to access and provides useful features and information to maximize your rental experience.

  • Pay rent online
  • Request repairs and maintenance
  • Apply for a new rental property
  • Give notice to vacate
  • Access documents, forms, and checklists such as your lease and procedures
  • Communicate with the Real Property Management team

New Tenants

To access your account for the first time, click the red button above and follow the prompts.  Use the email address you provided during the leasing process and the address of the rental property. Your login information will be emailed to you. Contact our office if you need assistance.

The best way to pay your rent is to pay online. Paying rent online saves you the time and hassle of bringing a rent check to the office, assists you in paying on time, and is the most secure, accurate, and efficient payment method.

Simply log in to your tenant account and follow the prompts to make a single payment or set up recurring payments each month to ensure your rent will always be paid on time by the due date!

Pet Information

Some of our rental properties allow pets. Homeowner preferences and insurance policies generally determine what type and how many pets are allowed.

To find a pet friendly rental home, search our available properties and their Amenities to see if Pets are allowed, and if desired, a Fenced Yard.

Pet Application

Many Real Property Management rental homes allow pets. If you have a pet, please ask about our pet policy and complete a pet screening.

We welcome pets in rental homes that allow pets, however, we must ensure tenants are responsible pet owners and respect other residents in the area. Both landlords and tenants should be up-to-date on city ordinances controlling pet ownership and management. The following list of pet ordinances is not exhaustive, but it does cover the main questions pet owners and landlords are likely to have.

Real Property Management’s Pet Restrictions
Each rental home managed by Real Property Management may have unique restrictions for pets depending upon the type, number, and size of the pet. In addition, city pet ordinances limit the number of pets per pet owner, with exceptions to newborn pet litters. Most rental properties do not allow certain breeds of dogs including Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chows, and Pitbulls because property liability insurance policies will not cover injury caused by these breeds. Real Property Management tenants who have pets are asked to maintain their own liability insurance in regards to their pets.

General Rules and Regulations
Most cities and counties have pet ordinances that all Real Property Management clients must abide by as pet owners.  Below are common ordinances, however, check with Animal Control in your local area to make sure you understand and comply with all pet rules and regulations.

Normally, you must register your dog or cat with the city within a certain timeframe of acquisition, and the license tag must always be attached to your pet. Most pet licenses need to be renewed periodically.

Most city ordinances require a pet to be kept on a leash at any time the pet is off its owner’s residence, except when in officially designated off-leash city property. Dogs and cats in heat must be kept in a secure enclosure, preventing their exposure to any free-roaming males.

If your dog bites a person or another animal, city pet ordinances usually require you to notify the police or an animal control officer immediately, and not leave the scene until an officer has authorized you to do so. Always assist the victim as needed and give your contact information to the victim.

City pet ordinances also usually require you to control your dog’s barking at all times, both day and night, and the police have the power to impound your dog if it is barking incessantly and you can’t be reached.

Whether by law or not, tenants should always clean up after their pets as a courtesy to others and the surrounding property.

As you prepare to move in, here are a few items to help ensure a successful stay. When you sign your lease, we will provide you a manual detailing the information you need to enjoy and care for your new home, and login information for your own tenant account. Please keep this manual handy for easy reference throughout your stay.

Tenant and Owner Responsibilities

As a resident of a rental home managed by Real Property Management, we want you to treat the home as if it were your own and be respectful of your neighbors.  Taking good care of the property also leads to a faster return of your deposit when you move out.

Your lease outlines your full responsibilities however, below are some general responsibilities.

  • Keep the property clean and orderly, inside and out
  • Set up utilities in your name prior to moving in – electricity, water, gas, trash
  • Care for landscaping and exterior – lawn, and minor trimming and weeding of shrubs and flowerbeds, sidewalks (e.g., show removal), exterior light bulbs, window cleaning
  • Pest control
  • Complete minor and seasonal maintenance – changing light bulbs, furnace filters, refrigerator water filters, and batteries in detectors; maintaining water softener and purification systems, keeping vents clean
  • Comply with local, state, and Home Owner Association (HOA) property codes, rules, and regulations

Contact our office if you would like a referral for a vendor for the services listed above.

Owner Responsibilities

Real Property Management and/or the owner of the rental home you lease are responsible for:

  • Ensuring the rental property is clean, safe, and ready for occupancy
  • Re-keying all doors leading to the outside for security
  • Complying with state and federal laws pertaining to required detectors in the home
  • Providing residents with a copy of applicable HOA rules

Rent Payment

You will receive a login for your own online account, where you can pay the rent each month. We encourage you to set up automatic, recurring payments to ensure on-time payment and peace of mind.

Maintenance Request

We want to ensure every rental property stays in great shape, and we encourage you to request maintenance when appropriate to possibly prevent larger issues or costly repairs.  When maintenance or repair is needed, log in to your online account or call our maintenance hotline.

Before You Move In and Pick Up Keys

Before you can move in, please note that:

  1. All monies due (first months’ rent, prorated rent, administrative fees, pet fees, security deposit) must be paid with cashier checks
  2. All tenant utilities must be changed over

Move-In Condition

Within 5 days of moving in, go through your new home thoroughly, then email us a completed Inventory and Condition Form along with photos to visually verify the conditions you describe on the form.

If you were sent a link to an inspecting app and you submit an electronic you can skip the inventory checklist form.

Also note, the completed form or inspection stays in the leasing department and does not constitute a maintenance request. If during your assessment you find anything that needs maintenance, please submit a maintenance request through your online tenant account. We want you to enjoy your new home and will work with you to ensure the property is well-maintained.

Moving Out

SPECIAL NOTE ON RENTAL REFERENCES: If you are moving out, and wish for us to provide a rental reference, we request that you send the request via email and allow us 2 days for a response.  Also note, we will not answer questions about paying rent on-time, move-out condition, Security Deposits, or providing proper notice until such a time when these events have already occurred.  All we can answer are questions related to things that have occurred in the past.

Moving out can be a busy and sometimes stressful time.  Real Property Management provides checklists and guides to help make your transition smoother, faster and more organized.

You must give proper notice prior to vacating the property, as outlined in your lease.  Real Property Management will conduct a move-out inspection only after all of your personal property has been removed and the property is fully cleaned.  We consider you still living at the property until you return the keys (and garage door remote if applicable) to our office.  You will not be allowed to re-enter the home after all keys have been turned into the office.

To assist us in making refunds to you promptly, we ask that you review the security deposit section of the Residential Lease Agreement that you signed when you moved in.  This will clarify the refund procedure and explain any additional charges which you may incur.

The better the condition of the property when you leave, the faster the deposit can be returned to you, to the forwarding address you provide. If you vacate the property prior to the end of the lease term, you will still be responsible for paying the rent for the remainder of the lease however, we will do our best to try and lease the property.

Security Deposits and the Law

The law outlines some pretty clear guidelines that landlords must follow concerning security deposits.

In most cases, landlords may only apply the security deposit to the following:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Cleaning the rental unit when the tenant moves out, although only to make the unit as clean as when the tenant first moved in
  • Repairs for damages, other than normal wear and tear, caused by the tenant
  • If the lease or rental agreement outlines it, the cost of repairing or replacing furniture, other than because of normal wear and tear

Wear and Tear Vs. Damage

One of the most common causes of disputes regarding security deposits is the issue of damage vs. normal use.  While landlords can keep the security deposit for repairs, they cannot keep it for what’s considered to be normal wear and tear.  Not surprisingly, most landlords and tenants have very different ideas about what damage and normal wear and tear look like.

To help clarify, here’s a list of things that can generally be considered normal wear and tear. In most cases, the security deposit should not be held for the following:

  • Faded or chipped paint
  • Scuff marks
  • Faded curtains
  • Faded, worn carpet, or furniture marks in carpet
  • General dust
  • Worn hinges
  • Hole in the wall from a missing door stop
  • Leaking faucets, unless damaged by the tenant
  • Burnt-out bulb, dead batteries
  • Loose rails or banisters

On the other hand, if there are damages that are caused by the tenant or their guests, the deposit can be withheld and applied towards them.

Here’s a look at things (not a complete list) that go beyond normal wear and tear. The landlords can generally apply the deposit towards issues like:

  • Stained carpet, or flooring with holes, tears, animal stains, or burns
  • Odors, such as cooking odor, animal odor, smoke
  • Large holes or excessively damaged walls
  • Wall penetrations other than small picture hanging nails
  • Broken windows
  • Damaged or missing window screens
  • Damaged or missing window blinds
  • Broken doors and locks
  • Appliances damaged by misuse
  • Clogged drains caused by misuse
  • Broken fixtures
  • Damage caused by pets

Generally speaking, damage must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a decision should be made with the law in mind.

Getting Your Deposit Back

As a tenant, you can do several things to help ensure that you’ll get your deposit back.

Read the Lease

The first thing that you should do is to ensure that you’ve carefully read -and understand the lease. The lease will outline what’s expected of you in terms of maintenance, as well as the condition that you should leave the property in. It should also specify if there are any special measures that must be taken, such as having the carpets cleaned.

Leave the Property in Good Condition

Generally speaking, if you leave the rental in the same condition that it was in when you moved in, and ensure that you pay the rent and remain current on any other bills, then you should get your security deposit back.

Document the Condition at the Time of Move In

It doesn’t hurt to document the condition of the rental at the time of move in, and again when you move out.  Our property managers will usually perform a detailed inspection at the time of move in, noting the current condition , but you can do this step on your own as well. It’s a good idea to photograph any stains, marks, or damages when you move in, and date the photographs. That way, if there’s any dispute at the time of move-out, you’ll have photographic evidence.

Disputing Your Security Deposit Deductions

If you feel you have taken good care of the property and do not agree with deductions from your security deposit, there are steps that you can take to dispute the charges.

The first step would be to discuss the charges with your Property Manager. Clearly state your case and request a refund. If you’re still dissatisfied, then there are additional actions you should take.

Follow up your conversation with a letter sent by certified mail, keeping a copy for yourself.  In this letter, clearly state your dispute, provide photographic and physical proof of your claim, include all correspondence illustrating your approvals, and clearly document why you should not be charged.  Read your lease as most leases transfer security deposit disputes to between the tenant and the landlord directly, and not the property manager.

If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you could try third-party mediation. Some state and local agencies offer mediation services for landlords and tenants. Finally, if all else fails, you may have to file a lawsuit to get your security deposit back. Keep in mind, though, that your landlord can also file counterclaims for damages or violations of the lease.

While most of the time, landlords will handle the return of the security deposit properly, occasionally there’s an issue that involves a dispute. If you feel that you should get your security deposit back, don’t hesitate to reach out to your landlord or property manager, and present a clear case on why you believe that you’re entitled to it. A reputable landlord will be more than happy to hear your side of the story; and will strive to come to a peaceful and satisfactory resolution.

Long-Term Relationship

Our goal is to maintain positive relationships with both our property owners and tenants, and ensure you are satisfied.  If you are pleased with our service, please email us and offer to post a positive review or provide a testimonial for future marketing use.

Likewise, when you decide to move, buy a home or car, or get a new job, Real Property Management will support you by offering a payment history and providing you a letter of recommendation provided you have paid your rent on time and have taken care of the property.

What is Ordinary Wear and Tear?

Ordinary wear and tear generally refers to the expected deterioration of a unit caused by a tenant’s everyday use. This could include things like wobbly doorknobs, worn carpet, or small scratches on walls and flooring. Because minor wear and tear is unavoidable, tenants generally cannot be held responsible for damages that fall into this category.

Examples of Ordinary Wear and Tear

“Ordinary wear and tear” means deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling, including, breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but the term does not include deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the tenant, by a member of the tenant’s household, or by a guest or invitee of the tenant. The specific damages that fall under ordinary wear and tear can vary slightly by jurisdiction.  Below is a list of the most common examples of ordinary wear and tear in rental units.

  • Worn carpet from walking, or faded carpet color
  • Slightly torn for faded wallpaper
  • Nail holes, pin holes less than 1/8″
  • Cracks in wall from foundation settling
  • Worn or scratched enamel in old bathtubs, sinks, or toilets
  • Rusty Shower Rod
  • Partially clogged sinks caused by aging pipes
  • Dirty of faded window shades
  • Doors and windows sticking from humidity
  • Cracked window pane from faulty foundation of building settling
  • Scuff marks on hardwood and linoleum floors, or needing varnish
  • Warped door frames and windows
  • Sun-faded blinds and curtains
  • Dirty (excluding mildew) or loose grout around floor tiles or bathroom tiles
  • Small scuffs on walls from door handles
  • A few small picture hanger nail holes
  • Chipped paint, minor nicks in trim
  • Small chips in plaster or drywall, less than 1″

What is Property Damage?

Unlike ordinary wear and tear, property damage is caused by abuse, force, or neglect and can sometimes cost a lot of money to repair.  Including deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the tenant, by a member of the tenant’s household, or by a guest or invitee of the tenant.  Tenant damages can include things like flooded bathrooms, holes in walls or other surfaces, broken doors, fixtures, unauthorized wall anchors for mounting TVs or window coverings, paint damage from adhesives or attachments, and chipped or broken countertops. Depending on the timing and severity, property damage could cause tenants to lose their security, deposit, receive a notice to vacate, or face eviction.  Your lease and Resident Manual details additional rules regarding the care of the residence.

Examples of Property Damage

  • Burns, stains or pet stains on carpets.
  • Odors that require professional deodorizing
  • Gaping holes in doors, walls or other surfaces
  • Drawings, crayon markings, other markings or wallpaper not approved
  • Seriously damaged or ruined wallpaper
  • Chipped or gouged wood floors
  • Doors off hinges with damage
  • Broken windows
  • Missing or cracked tiles
  • Chipped or broken enamel in bathtubs, sinks, and toilets
  • Clogged or damaged toilet from improper use
  • Missing or bent shower rods
  • Torn, broken, stained, or missing window shades
  • Holes in ceiling from hooks or removed fixtures
  • Structural modifications or damage
  • Unauthorized paint or wallpaper
  • Damaged or missing curtains or blinds
  • Broken windows or missing screens
  • Broken enamel on sinks, toilets, or bathtubs

How Much Can the Landlord Charge a Tenant for Damages?

Your landlord can’t charge a tenant for ordinary wear and tear, however they can hold the resident responsible for any property damage inflicted while occupying the residence. How much they can charge a tenant depends on the cost of repairs. The landlord will consider things like original cost, age, and replacement value of an item when putting together your charge list.  The repairs may include the actual repair cost and the cost for the Manager to coordinate and oversee the repairs.

What Can a Landlord Deduct From a Security Deposit?

Security deposit laws generally allow landlords to deduct from the deposit for property damage and cleaning fees.  The landlord or its manager will send the tenant a detailed charge list that includes all repairs and associated costs.

Can the Landlord Deduct Cleaning from a Security Deposit?

In general, the resident must leave the property in the same condition as they received it at the start of the tenancy, less ordinary wear and tear.  If your lease included an agreement that the tenant will clean the property, then Cleaning is chargeable and is not considered ordinary wear and tear.

Are Nail Holes Normal Wear and Tear?

Both landlords and renters sometimes struggle to determine whether nail holes fall under property damage or normal wear and tear. Unfortunately, there isn’t always a clear answer. A few small holes from nails or tacks are generally considered normal wear and tear unless explicitly stated otherwise in the lease agreement. However, large screw holes or multiple holes that cause significant damage to paint or drywall could fall under property damage.

How to Protect Yourself.

At the beginning of your tenancy, your landlord should have provided you a Move-in Inspection document.  If not, you should take detailed photos and carefully document the condition when you move in.  Make sure the photos are dated.  If you moved in under a Real Property Management lease, the property manager provided you a multimedia inspection for you to review, add to, and sign documenting the condition.  If you do not have a record of the condition at move in, you are risking being assessed for damages.

In general, Manager will work with current Tenants to renew their Lease if so desired.  However, in accordance with the Lease and Manager’s policy, and subject to local laws, Landlord is not required to renew the lease and will not do so if the following conditions exist or have occurred during the lease Term:

The Tenant (or their guests):

  • Has had past due rent payments which exceed 3 days, more than one time;
  • Has had a material negative change in employment of income sources;
  • Has failed to pay any legitimate charges or Rent payments;
  • Has lease violations, received lease violation notices, or had a filed evictions against them;
  • Has violated the managers dispute resolution process as contained in the Lease;
  • Has repeated city or HOA/CIC violations;
  • Has violated any housing ordinance of building code;
  • Has refused to supply Photo ID, Social Security number, and date of birth, or emergency contacts for all adult occupants, or names and ages of minor occupants, or other relevant information requested by Manager;
  • Has kept or is keeping an animal at the Premises but has not completed a profile; or is keeping an Assistance Animal but has not submitted documentation to PetScreening; or any kept animal is not current on required vaccinations or not authorized under the Lease.
  • Has allowed unauthorized occupants to stay at the Premises;
  • Has materially damaged the premises or not paid for the repairs within 15 days of damage occurring, whether at the time, Landlord is aware of the damage or not;
  • Has refused to pay for maintenance or repairs of damage caused by Tenant or their guests;
  • Has failed to or refused to provide current contact information, perform a self-inspection, or complete a renewal profile form;
  • Has reported multiple unnecessary repairs;
  • Has disparaged the Landlord or Manager or, retaliated, been hostile to, threatening, cantankerous, or has used vulgar or threatening language, to/with Landlord, Manager, or neighbors;
  • Has posted negative public information about the Manager or Landlord:
  • Has misrepresented any material information to Manager or Landlord;
  • Has had repeated police calls to the Premises on them;
  • Is a lawyer, intends to practice law, a law student, is a psychotherapist, or who works for or is a property manager;
  • Has an occupancy change (i.e., new adult or minor occupant) that would not qualify under local ordinances;
  • Tenant would not currently qualify for a Lease under our current application policies (i.e., income, credit, references);
  • Has not cared for the Premises in accordance with the Lease or has not properly maintained the Premises in the condition the Premises was in at the start of the tenancy; or,

The Landlord:

  • Is retaking possession for any reason;
  • Has sold, or is selling the Premises/Property or preparing it for sale; or
  • Is planning to make improvements or repairs at the end of the current lease; or

The Landlord or Manager may require a re-qualification (require a new application) of all tenants if:

  • The Manager took over management after the start of the lease and does not have an application on file; or,
  • The Tenant has had a material change in their financial situation or criminal background; or,
  • The tenant group has changed or is intending to change under the new term.

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