Frequently Asked Questions From Tenants
Below, find answers to some of our tenants’ most frequently asked questions.
Tenant FAQs
How do I report a maintenance item?
If you need maintenance during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), you may call the Russell Properties Florida office at (407) 339-2233 to report the problem or fill out our online form. To report emergency maintenance needs after business hours, call the monitored line (407) 339-2233 and leave a message. For police or fire emergencies, dial 911 before calling Russell Properties.
What is considered an emergency?
The following are examples of maintenance emergencies. The main sewer line is backed up. A pipe broke and water has leaked into the home. There was a break-in and you have an unsecured entrance to the home. Again, after hours, call our monitored line (407) 339-2233.
Can I be charged for maintenance at the property?
Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the maintenance problem, you will be charged for it. Also, you can be billed for a service call if you miss an appointment with one of our maintenance contractors.
Can I install cable or satellite TV at the property?
Generally, yes. However, you must first obtain written permission from Russell Properties. At some units, you may be prohibited from installing a satellite dish in any location where the dish is visible from the ground, or from any other unit in the area.
Can I install extra telephone lines?
Generally yes. However, you must also obtain written permission from Russell Properties to do this. All costs of installing extra phone lines are the responsibility of the resident as well as any damages caused by the installation.
What are my responsibilities if my company transfers me before the end of the lease?
Any marketing or loss of rent income between vacancies will be the resident’s responsibility. Most leases are for a set period of time. If you are transferred, ask your company what assistance they will provide if you need to “break a lease”. Let your property manager know what is happening as soon as possible so Russell Properties can begin marketing the property for a replacement resident.
Can I sub-lease the property?
No. The lease agreement clearly states that the resident shall not sublet any portion of the property or assign the agreement without written consent from Russell Properties.
Can I rent a steam cleaner and clean the carpets myself when I move out?
No. Your rental agreement provides that all carpets must be professionally cleaned using a company approved by Russell Properties. You should furnish a copy of their invoice to your property manager at check out.
Can I get a pet after move-in?
Not usually. For more information, please refer to your rental agreement or contact your property manager.
When and how should I give my notice to vacate?
It is important to refer to your lease for the specific terms and conditions in your own residential agreement. In most leases, notice to vacate must be received in the Russell Properties office in writing a minimum 30-day notice prior to its expiration and run for a full monthly period.
What happens if my roommate moves out before the end of the lease?
If your roommate moves out, a written notice needs to be submitted to Russell Properties. Remember that tenants are jointly and singularly liable to ensure that the rent is paid. You must have written permission from Russell Properties to substitute a roommate. (It is not the responsibility of Russell Properties to arbitrate or mediate problems with multiple tenant situations.)
What happens to the disposition of a roommate's security deposit after move-out?
Security deposits are collected as “security” for the property. Reimbursements to departing roommates are handled by the remaining tenants. No portion of the security deposit will be refunded individually.
I have always paid my rent on time. Why did I receive a 3-day notice when the rent was only 6 days late?
The rent is due on the first of the month and late on the second. If the rent is not posted in our office by the third we serve a 3-day notice.
I am an excellent resident and take good care of the home. Can you waive my late charges?
No. Russell Properties does not waive late charges. Fair Housing laws require that we treat all our residents equally. Russell Properties does not decide if one resident is more deserving than another of paying late charges. We enforce late charges across the board.
For nearly 30 years Russell Properties Inc. has managed all aspects of renting my investment property in Central Florida. As a long time, absentee rental property owner, living in faraway states, I have relied totally on the superior property management skills of Property Manager, Joe Torres. Joe has served as my eyes and ears for many years and has gone well beyond the ‘extra-mile’ to keep my property occupied and maintained at a high level. I greatly appreciate the professional style and added value that Joe and Russell Properties, Inc. bring to the investment property proposition. The services provided by Russell Properties Inc. are invaluable!
How Can R. Russell Help Owners Like You Earn More from Rental Properties?
If you’d like to learn more about what it’s like to work with R. Russell Property Management, fill out the form below. We’d be happy to talk more about our services, processes, and success stories.
R. Russell Properties, Inc.
498 Palm Springs Drive, Ste 210
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-7805
(407) 339-2233 | (407) 339-2238
info@russellproperties.com
