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Utility Bills and Related Topics
You will pay all utilities.This will include heating costs, electrical, water, sewerage, trash collection, telephone, cable / satellite, and internet connections.
- It is strongly advised that you set up automatic payments for all utility payments, to guarantee on-time history for all accounts.
- MyCheckFree.com and Bank of America are two excellent internet-based sites that you can use. Many local banks also offer ACH for automatic payments.
- Heating costs will vary, depending on the climate area in which your home is located, the number of floors and rooms you are heating, and your personal preferences in the comfort level for your thermostat. Other factors : type of heating unit ( natural gas, propane, or electric baseboard ) Additionally, your costs for cooling you home during the summer months will also vary depending on your personal preferences.
- Electric heaters, space heaters,and window air conditioners are prohibited during your lease.
- You can expect to pay a deposit when opening your utility account(s) if you have not had similar accounts ( with good pay history ) in your name before.
- Confirmation number(s) and / or account numbers for all utilities must be provided with first month’s rent and security deposit, due 10 days prior to scheduled closing.
- Any appliances that are in the house when it is purchased will be yours to use. You can purchase a new appliance to use instead, but the original appliance must retained until you convert to a mortgage. If the appliance is removed, the new appliance will remain with the house if you do not convert to a mortgage.
- Refrigerators, washers and dryers are not covered under the home warranty. Repairs are your responsibility.
- Alarm systems may be installed at your expense. Your alarm code must be on file, or it will be considered a lock-out, which violates your lease, and negates your option.
Maintenance and Repair
- Your home is protected by a Home Warranty, which covers major systems, such as plumbing,electrical, and heating/air conditioning. It is your responsibility to schedule repairs.You will be responsible for the deductible, usually $50.00 per call.
- Emergencies : call the Toll free number listed on your Welcome packet. Your contract number will be needed, so please have it handy. There will be a fee for the service call. It is your responsibility to pay for the service call. All minor repairs are your responsibility. Your home has been thoroughly inspected, and all heating, plumbing, waste, and electrical systems have been checked.
- Sidewalks :For all homes in the snow-belt, snow removal is your esponsibility. Many boroughs will impose a fine if your sidewalks are not kept free of snow. Steps and walkways may become icy when the temperature drops to freezing. It is recommended that you use a sno-melt granular product to melt ice buildup. This product can be readily obtained at any home store.
- Lawn / landscaping maintenance is your responsibility. Feel free to hire a landscaping / lawn maintenance company to keep your home looking it’s very best. The landscaping plays a large part in the appraisal value of your home. You can increase the value of your home by adding shade trees, perennials, a deck, etc. No construction can be done without written permission.
- Gutters and downspouts
- Heavy rainfall may produce more water run-off from the roof than your gutters and downspouts can drain. This will result in the excess spilling over the gutters. Additionally, a great deal of runoff will come through the downspouts. Some cities prohibit this runoff from being drained into the waste water system. If this is the case where your home is located, the excess water may create a puddle close to your foundation. This does not mean the gutters need cleaned. Plastic flexible drains can extend the water away from your home / sidewalk, etc. They are easily purchased at home stores and hardware stores in all areas.
- Winter Temperatures may drop below freezing. It is your responsibility to use preventative measures against frozen pipes in your basement ( laundry tub, drain, etc ) Clogged sinks, drains, and toilets are your responsibility to repair.
- Winter maintenance information is available upon request.
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