Landlords, a friendly reminder . . . don’t forget about the photo ordinance and the new smoke detector ordinance . . .
TOP FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW DURING MADISON MOVING WEEK 2009, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE TENANT RESOURCE CENTER
Here are five great tips for tenants and important reminders for landlords in the moving season.
5. Landlords may not require tenants to pay in advance for carpet cleaning or perform the cleaning themselves before move-out. It is the landlord’s responsibility to prove that the carpet was soiled or stained beyond normal wear and tear—and not already in that condition when the tenant moved in—and then deduct the actual cost of cleaning from the deposit if appropriate.
4. Tenants are encouraged to take pictures of the apartment before turning in the keys. Landlords are now required to provide photographic evidence of any claim of damage that can be documented in a photo if making deductions from the security deposit. But just in case they don’t, the tenants will have their own photos, making it very difficult for the landlord to make false or exaggerated claims about damage to the apartment.
3. The Tenant Resource Center (TRC) has some great brochures that quickly sum up rental rights and responsibilities, useful for tenants in a rush and overwhelmed with moving. Check them out (and more) on our website.
2. Another one for the landlords: a new smoke detector ordinance is on the books and will be in effect beginning on August 15. There should be one smoke detector in each sleeping area and one within 6 feet of each door outside each bedroom or sleeping area. The “old” kind with batteries that can be removed will be illegal after Saturday. For a detailed description of exactly where the new smoke detectors should be placed, what type of detectors are required and other maintenance requirements, see the fire department and building inspection websites.
1. TRC will have extended office hours and information tables at community festivals this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Just drop by our main office at 1202 Williamson Street (open both Saturday and Sunday), AFRICA FEST at Warner Park (Saturday only), or TRIANGLE ETHNIC FEST at the “Triangle” at Braxton Place (Sunday only)—all from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Please visit TRC at any of these locations if you have moving-related or other rental problems over the weekend.
