1. Notify Your Property Manager or Landlord

This is oftentimes a missed step. Alerting your Landlord that you are going on vacation is important for many reasons. First, in case there are any planned inspections that you are unaware of currently. The majority of communities perform annual maintenance inspections, for example. If you are planning on being away for a week or longer, you may not have been notified of an upcoming inspection yet.

Another reason to alert your Landlord is to ensure your packages are not stacking up outside of your apartment door. This can highlight that you are away and may open you up to becoming a victim of package stealing.

2. Housekeeping Items

Before leaving your apartment, remember to take care of minor cleaning items. This goes beyond just coming home to a fresh smelling apartment. You’ll be thrilled you avoided bugs, bacteria, and rotten smells when you get back. Clear out any food that could spoil while you’re away, take out the trash, wash dirty dishes, and sanitize your bathroom before you head out.

The only thing you should have to take care of when you get back is vacation laundry. Wouldn’t that be nice?

3. Parking

Road trip with your car? Then you can disregard this tip, but if you’re keeping your vehicle on-site, there are a few questions to answer. If your community has assigned a parking spot, underground parking or personal garage to you, you should park your car in that space. Otherwise, contact your property manager or Landlord and ask where is the best place to park your vehicle during your time away. They may have the perfect spot!

If you’re only option is to park on the street near your community, we have tips for you too! Remove any valuables from your vehicle ahead of time. Roll up all your windows, lock your doors and make sure your car is parked in a well lit area. It’s always a good idea to leave a spare key with a local friend or family member just in case, as well.

4. Electronics 

Save energy and money by unplugging some electronics before you leave. There are some exceptions! Do not unplug your refrigerator or turn off all of your breakers. The last thing you’ll want is to come home to appliances that aren’t working when you plug them back in. Even worse, having entire rooms that don’t have power because the breaker needs replaced.

5. Have fun!

The beauty of renting is skipping all the stresses of home ownership. There are tons of extra things you avoid just by living in an apartment home. Woo hoo! Let your community team handle the landscaping, maintenance, snow shoveling, and package collection. You just go have fun!

By following these easy tips before leaving your apartment for vacation, you can home happy and worry-free!

The post 5 Tips To Leaving Your Apartment For Vacation appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.

When Does Your Lease Expire?

During a lease signing, you have the opportunity to agree to specific lease terms. This provides the dates for both moving in and moving out of your apartment. Typically, leases are for a period of 12 months. There are other communities that offer month-to-month leases too. Highlight your lease end date in your personal calendar, or wherever you will remember it in the future. You should also have a copy of your lease agreement. Refer back to that to find your lease expiration date.   

Lease Renewal Communication

Our property managers contact each resident in advance. This contact happens 90 or even 120 days prior to the lease expiration date. Providing your apartment manager with notice at least 60 days prior, is a standard due date for most apartment complexes. Find out when you need to notify your apartment manager of your decision during your lease signing. If you have not communicated your choice to stay or move by the due date, your landlord may re-rent your apartment or your lease agreement may auto renew.

Lease Changes

Renewing your lease does not always mean everything stays the same except expiration dates. Before committing to another year, chat with your property manager about any changes in this new lease term. Is your rent rate increasing? Are there any new rules or policies you should be updated on? Any changes should be reflected in a new lease agreement provided in writing.

Our communities offer free carpet cleanings to all residents staying with us for another year. This is a great way to say thank you and provide our residents a little “refresh”. Ask if your property management company extends perks to renewing residents, as well.

Update Your Info

A lease renewal meeting is a great time to update your info with your manager or landlord. Perhaps you’ve purchased a new car or changed your phone number. Minor maintenance items tend to topics of conversation at this time too. Try not to wait until the end of your lease to discuss outstanding maintenance concerns with your landlord. Checking the availability for minor touch-up paint or nail holes to be filled are both great examples of minor maintenance to mention.

How to Renew Your Lease

If you have decided to renew your lease and agree to any changes, it’s time to sign a new lease agreement. Residents at any one of our properties enjoy the convenience of receiving these documents electronically. Meeting in person or communicating any questions over the phone prior to signing is recommended. Never assume there are no changes to discuss. Read your new lease carefully. Take note of your expiration date and rent price.

If you have signed paper documents, make sure you’ve received a copy for your records. For our communities, signed leasing documents are uploaded to the tenant portal and can be accessed at any time.

If you have questions about how to renew your lease or your lease terms, we’d love the opportunity to answer those for you! Another topic to ask about is transferring from one floorplan to another at the same property. We can also help with transfers from one community to another sister-property within our company. Give any of our property managers a call today and they’ll be happy to help!

The post Renew Your Lease appeared first on Morgenson Realty Company Inc.