Tenant FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
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What am I responsible for maintaining?
Residents are responsible for changing HVAC air filters on a regular basis, replacing smoke detector batteries as needed, replacing burned-out light bulbs, replacing sink faucet aerator washers as needed, keeping landlord-provided appliances clean, and the yard maintained and watered, unless otherwise specified in the Lease. If you are not sure of your responsibilities as a resident, please refer to your Tenant Handbook which contains a copy of your Lease and addenda, and other important documents, or call our office.
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What happens if I can’t pay rent?
You should notify our office IMMEDIATELY by calling 407-933-5478. Failure to communicate with our office can and will typically cause you to receive a Lease Violation Notice which is the first step in the eviction process. -
Can I have a satellite dish?
Yes, if allowed by any Homeowner Association in place. If you live in a subdivision that has a HOA, you must install the dish in accordance with the HOA’s Declarations and Covenants, no exceptions. This may require that you get permission from the HOA as well. The dish may not be installed on the roof or any other part of the structure. You must submit a request to MDPM and sign an agreement prior to installing the dish. Consult your property manager for specific details regarding a satellite dish at your property. -
Who is responsible for pest control?
Tenants are responsible for pest control treatments unless it is for wood-damaging insects. You may consult with your property manager about specific details should you have an unusual pest control problem. -
What is considered an emergency and who do I call?
Emergencies are uncontrolled running water, electrical short circuit, the smell or presence of gas, fire or smoke, and carbon monoxide. Anything you believe to be dangerous to your health that can’t wait until the next business day.
For fire, medical or natural disasters always call 911 before you contact our office.
Should you have a property-threatening emergency after hours, call our emergency maintenance number 407-933-5478 to speak with a live person. This number is for maintenance emergencies - not regular maintenance calls.
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My roommate wants to move out but I want to stay – what do I do?
There are two ways to address this. 1) you can find a new roommate. This new roommate will need to complete an application on our website, send in their most recent paystub and valid driver’s license to be screened. If approved, a change is made. 2) You want to keep the unit by yourself. You will need to send us your most recent paystub showing you can afford the unit by yourself. If approved, then your roommate will be removed from the Lease. In both cases, the security deposit is handled between the roommates as the office won’t release any deposit unless all roommates move out. -
Can I do any work or make any improvements such as painting?
BEFORE YOU BEGIN any painting or modifications to the property – inside or out – you must submit a detailed request in writing. Failure to submit a request is a Lease violation and could result in deductions from your security deposit. -
I gave my 60-day notice to move but I need to retract my notice – how can I do this?
We are so glad that you have chosen to stay! Just like your notice to vacate, your notice to stay needs to be in writing. The fastest approach would be to email your retraction to info@innovationrentals.com. -
Can I make repairs and deduct them from my rent?
No, you should not make your own repairs and you should never withhold any amount from your rent, ever. Some minor repairs/troubleshooting should be done by the tenant, such as flipping a breaker or unclogging a toilet. But for the most part, tenants should not take the risk or liability in attempting their own repairs. For a list of repairs and troubleshooting that are approved, please visit our Maintenance FAQs. Since most repairs do require a professional who is licensed, bonded and insured, we ask that you submit a Work Order through your Tenant Portal. -
Locked myself out – what do I do?
You can call a locksmith at your own expense or call the office during business hours. This is not considered a maintenance emergency. To prevent getting locked out, you can keep a spare key in the glovebox of your car or give one to someone you trust. -
How do I get help for maintenance or repairs?
- Click here to view self-help videos on COMMON household issues such as:
- Toilet backups
- Slow draining tubs or sinks
- Garbage disposal malfunction
- Reset electrical breaker
- Smoke / CO2 detector battery replacement
- Pest control
- AC filter replacement (to be done every 60 days)
- If the DIY videos do not help – or there is no video that pertains to your situation, submit a Work Order explaining the issue, and attach a photo if that helps. The office may call you to see if we can help troubleshoot before assigning a vendor.
Important: Per your Lease, you MUST allow Innovation Property Management an opportunity to handle repairs rather than calling your own repairman or repairing a maintenance problem yourself (other than the common household repairs listed). - If the home you are renting is covered by a home warranty, our office has no control over when a vendor might contact you. Typically, if you do not have a call or voicemail from a vendor within 3 business days, please call the office and inform us.
- Click here to view self-help videos on COMMON household issues such as:
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What if I want a Pet?
Pets are permitted in homes in which the homeowner has given written permission (with the exception of medically necessary pet). If approved, there is a $300 per pet non-refundable fee (maximum of 2 pets) plus $25 per pet, per month rent. -
How do I pay rent?
Rent can be paid a number of different ways. 1) online via checking account (free), 2) credit card (fees apply from credit card company), 3) regular check or money order, mailed. If the rent is not postmarked by the 5th, it is considered late. 4) In person with a check or money order. -
General Information
Our offices are open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm -
How do I reach my property manager?
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When is rent due?
Rent is due on the first of the month and is considered late after the fifth. -
How long can I expect for repairs to be completed:
Below are the categories of maintenance established in order to manage expectations and provide tenants with a time frame for services to be rendered.
Category 1: Emergency Maintenance
Emergency defined: Anything relating to the property under the lease that is threatening to life, health, or the property. Fire (please call 911), flood, sewage back-ups, gas odors (please call gas company), broken water pipes, tree falling on house. Target: 5 to 8 hours
Note: during peak seasonal months, target response times for heat and air may be subject to delays due to contractor overload.
The Following are NOT Emergencies
Refrigerator out, locking yourself out of the house, power or gas off, a/c out and the property has two (2) a/c units, oven not working, water heater out. These issues may be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and aggravating, but they are not emergencies.
Category 2: Urgent Maintenance
Broken windows, plumbing repairs (Not clogged toilets. See notes below), loose railings, wobbly decks, electrical problems. Target: 2-4 business day service
Note: during peak seasonal months, target response times for heat and air may be subject to delays due to contractor overload.
Category 3: Normal Maintenance
Appliance repair, garage repairs, leaky faucets. Target: 4-8 business day service
Category 4: Non-Essential Maintenance
Fence repair, gutter cleaning. Target: 30 day service
Category 5: Not a Habitability Issue
Screens; broken lattice; power washing; broken window shade; broken tree limb; missing door stopper; missing door knob; all light bulbs including stove, chandelier, and refrigerator; and fireplace gas keys. Target: Point these items out during the next property visit or bring up at lease renewal time. These items may not be approved for repair by the owner. -
What if I need a repair but I work all week and don’t get off until after five and off on the weekends?
If you schedule with the contractor after normal business hours, you will need to pay any after hours premium charges. Our contractors work normal business hours and are only available after hours for true emergencies (and for additional compensation). They have families just like you and don’t want to be working evenings, weekends and holidays. -
What if I miss a scheduled appointment with a vendor?
You will be responsible for a $65 service call fee.