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5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Tenants

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Spring Has Sprung!

With Spring here, it’s about time for a quick spring cleaning!

Here are our top 5 tips to help to ensure you’re on your way to receiving a 5 Star Inspection!

1. Clean Your Dryer Vent:

Your tumble dryer has been working hard over the winter months and it is likely that it’s in need of some attention to continue to run efficiently and safely. (Friendly reminder: Always remove lint from the lint catcher before every load)

  • ln addition to this general upkeep, you should thoroughly clean the dryer vent at least twice a year, as lint buildup not only makes your dryer less efficient, but it is also a fire hazard. 
  • To clean out the dryer vent, detach the tubing from the back of your dryer and vacuum it well or use a brush to dislodge any lint stuck inside. Finally, give your lint catcher a quick scrub with a soft brush (a clean toothbrush or scrub brush will work well) with soapy water, then rinse, air-dry completely and replace.
 

2. Dust Your Ceiling Fans:

Ceiling fans are notorious dust-collectors and sitting stationary for a few months in the winter really gives dust a chance to settle. Fortunately, cleaning your ceiling fan before you turn it on for the season is quick & simple!!

a. Gather dust with an extendable, microfiber duster. Pro-tip: before you start, place a sheet on the floor or over any furniture underneath the fan, to keep everything else dust-free!

b. If you are comfortable standing on a step-ladder, you can try this popular hack – place a clean pillowcase over one blade at a time and then carefully slide it off, trapping the dust inside the pillowcase. 

c. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust from other parts of the fan as well as the light bulbs or globes. If your fan has glass shades, soak them in warm, soapy water and dry completely before putting them back on.

 

3. Deep-Clean Your Kitchen Cabinets:

Whether your kitchen is the site of impressive culinary feats or mostly a place where you plate your takeout, this hard-working room is a prime place for dust, food, grease and fingerprints to collect. Since cabinets take up the most space, giving them a thorough clean will make the whole space feel fresh and clean! 

  • With Cabinets, gentle cleaning is best, so skip the abrasive products and use a solution of dish soap and warm water. First empty your cabinets and drawers. Then, using a crevice attachment, vacuum up crumbs and debris. Next, wet a soft cloth with the soap and water solution and wring it out until it is just damp. Wipe down the inside and outside of the cabinets, as well as handles or knobs. Follow with a cloth slightly dampened with plain water to rinse and then dry thoroughly with another soft cloth. *For glass cabinet fronts, use a glass cleaner*

4. Clean Your Small Appliances: 

All of your kitchen appliances work hard on a regular basis and even the smaller appliances, such as your toaster and hand mixer, can benefit from a seasonal cleaning. To banish dried-on batter, pasta sauce or from your hand mixer and blender base, unplug your appliances, then wipe the outside of your appliance until clean with a damp cloth. Don’t forget to wipe the cords as well, since they can also trap splatters of food.

 

5. Tidy Up Your Loo!

Our showers, sinks and toilets take a real hit over time when they are not cleaned properly. Here are some simple steps to keep your space tidy:

a. To clean your shower or bath-tub, use a soap-scum remover, hot water, and a scrub brush to loosen soap scum and remove any stains. You can use a toothbrush to get in the smaller crevices, corners and drain in your shower. Use a plastic cup or bowl filled with warm water to rinse away the dirt and soap from your shower or bath-tub. 

b. To clean your toilet (we hope you don’t need a ‘how-to’ for cleaning the inside of a toilet), use a disinfectant spray and paper towels (easy to throw away) to wipe the back and the base of the toilet, including the floor around the toilet. Using a clean cloth and disinfectant spray or clorox wipe, clean the lever, toilet lid, seat of the toilet, underneath the seat and the rim. 

c. To clean your sink, use warm water and soap scum remover together to loosen toothpaste and soap stains. Use a toothbrush to clean around the base of the faucet and drain. Rinse away all the soap scum and grime. Wipe the counter and surface around your sink. Voila! You can now enjoy your sparkling clean bathroom!

With these helpful cleaning tips, you and your family are sure to enjoy your spruced up space!

Frequently Asked Questions

Landlord FAQ's
  • How do we handle evictions?

    This is never the desired outcome but can be an unfortunate circumstance. Regardless of what city your property is in within West Volusia, FL, a concern of any homeowner is being stuck with a tenant who is breaking the terms of their lease. Greene Property Management always holds the tenant responsible for their legal obligation and will work for the homeowner to minimize any vulnerability.

    Should an eviction become necessary, we will do our best to reduce your risk as a landlord by following all state laws to ensure a rapid, minimal cost, decision. Staying abreast of local law changes and regulations is paramount to a successful eviction. If you want to know how to evict a current tenant at your property, even if it is not currently managed by Greene, we are happy to help. Please use the contact form here to submit your eviction inquiry.

  • How do landlords view documents and reports?

    Landlords need a place to securely access all owner statements and other important documents. Including the signed Management Agreement, HOA documents if necessary. Greene Realty provides all clients in any location throughout West Volusia a secure online platform to login, view and manage all their statements and reports.

    Using your online portal is easy and efficient. Take ownership of your property anywhere in and around West Volusia.

    All West Volusia property tax records will be mailed to you yearly. In addition, you get photos and a report of your home inspections (if added).

  • How do I check my account balance?

    Log in to your Resident/Owner Portal and click the Payment tab. This will show your payment history and charges in your ledger.

  • Does Greene Property Management inspect my rental?

    GPM does inspect each property. We inspect based on the Management Plan selected, which ranges from 2-4 times per year. Tenants are given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice prior to any property inspection. We take out and inside pictures for documentation. Additional inspections can be requested for a small fee.

Tenant FAQ's
  • How do we handle evictions?

    This is never the desired outcome but can be an unfortunate circumstance. Regardless of what city your property is in within West Volusia, FL, a concern of any homeowner is being stuck with a tenant who is breaking the terms of their lease. Greene Property Management always holds the tenant responsible for their legal obligation and will work for the homeowner to minimize any vulnerability.

    Should an eviction become necessary, we will do our best to reduce your risk as a landlord by following all state laws to ensure a rapid, minimal cost, decision. Staying abreast of local law changes and regulations is paramount to a successful eviction. If you want to know how to evict a current tenant at your property, even if it is not currently managed by Greene, we are happy to help. Please use the contact form here to submit your eviction inquiry.

  • How can I become a tenant with Greene?

    1. Work with Team Greene to find your perfect place to live.

    2. Complete and application on our website.  All those 18 years and older living in the property must complete an application and screening.  A $75 Non-refundable fee per application must be included. These fees are non-refundable. Our application process can take 3-5 business days.

    3. You must have proof of income.  Your income must equal at least 3 times the monthly rent amount.  Examples of income verification include, but are not limited to: a completed employment verification form, 3 consecutive paystubs, 3 months of payroll reports from employer, current proof of government income, proof of retirement, liquid assets (bank accounts, stocks), spousal support, legal verifiable income.

    4.  Background check. Credit must be at least a 600 credit score and no late payments in the last three months.  Provide 3 years of rental history with contact numbers. Criminal history will be assessed on an individual basis.  We base our decision on a concern for the safety of other residents and staff. Any conviction for the manufacturing and distribution of illegal drugs and or if the applicant is a registered sex offender will result in application denial.

    5. Completed and submitted Rental History Verification form.

    6. Be willing to start the lease within 30 days of applying. We will only process completed applications. Our application process generally takes three business days from the day you provide us a complete application and all required documents.  We make no guarantee as to the time it will take to process your application. This varies based on the responsiveness of your landlords and employers and other business demands.

    7.  Be honest and truthful in your application and answer all questions.  Falsification of facts or withholding information is cause for denial and or eviction later.

    8. We strongly encourage you to view the property prior to applying.

    9.  If approved, GPM will need a minimum of 2 days to prepare the property prior to move in.

    10.  Pets—Check to confirm pets are considered in the rental.  You must submit a pet application. No pet will be considered without a pet application.  Any guide dog or other assistance animal will be permitted upon verification. Be prepared to verify vaccination records and pets current weight.  If a pet is approved it is understood that the tenant will carry insurance to cover the animal.

    11.  Students/applicants who do not currently have income must provide a guarantor.  The guarantor must complete an application and provide all verifications necessary to qualify.  The guarantor must live in the USA and must assume financial responsibility of the lease, including property damage.  All roommates must have a guarantor or all qualify without guarantors.

    12. We must have a state-issued photo ID for each applicant.  Such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID for each applicant and co-applicant.

    13.  First qualified applicant to sign and pay $500 to hold the property, will be the first to rent. We will only hold properties with a $500 non-refundable deposit. This will be applied to your 1st month’s rent at the time of move-in.

  • How do I check my account balance?

    Log in to your Resident/Owner Portal and click the Payment tab. This will show your payment history and charges in your ledger.

  • If something needs repair in my rental what should I do?

    Log into your Resident Portal and enter a Maintenance Request. By explaining in full detail the situation, we can address this repair as quickly as possible. Your Resident Portal is the most direct way to get information to GPM.

  • What happens when I move out?

    90 Days before your lease expires, Team Greene will contact you to see if you intend on moving out or renewing your lease. You must let us know your answer at a minimum of 30 days before your lease expires. An email will be sent with move out procedures for you to follow in order to ensure you receive your entire security deposit back. The balance of your security deposit less any damages is returned within 15 to 30 days from the time at which the keys are returned to the office.

  • How do I get Renter’s Insurance?

    Log into your Resident Portal and sign up for Renter Insurance. The cost starts at $12 per month and is the most convenient way to receive coverage. You may seek outside insurance options but please call the office with proof of insurance. All Tenants renting with GPM MUST have insurance.

  • Does Greene Property Management inspect my rental?

    GPM does inspect each property. We inspect based on the Management Plan selected, which ranges from 2-4 times per year. Tenants are given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice prior to any property inspection. We take out and inside pictures for documentation. Additional inspections can be requested for a small fee.

  • Are pets allowed in our rentals?

    Some of our homes are listed as pet friendly and may have certain unique guidelines stipulating what pets are or are not allowed as per the home owners requests.

    If a home is pet friendly, the following requirements are to be met:

    A pet fee of $350 and a signed Pet Addendum to the lease must be paid and signed
    prior to an animal moving into the residence.

    A pet renewal fee of $150 is required each year that the lease is renewed.
    All approved restricted breed dogs must comply with the
    following insurance guidelines:
    1) Purchase Dog Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 per incident.
    2) Name Greene Property Management, LLC as “ADDITIONALLY INSURED” on this policy and provide proof. Recommendations: Conduct a Google Search for “Dog Liability Insurance” online and seek several quotes from insurance providers licensed in Florida for your pet. This must be completed and presented to your property manager prior to move in.

  • Are there dog breed restrictions?

    On a case-by-case basis, GPM will allow for Restricted Breed dogs that are all or are
    any portion of mixed with the following breeds:

     Akita
     Doberman
     Staffordshire Terrier
     American Bulldog
     German Shepherd
     “Wolf Dog”
     Great Dane
     Husky
     Bullterrier
     Bullmastiff
     Presa Canario
     Rottweiler
     Chow
     Pit Bull

    Tenants may be evicted for misrepresenting any of the above types of dog, as well as for being in possession of any poisonous, dangerous, endangered species, or otherwise unauthorized animal. Our animal policies are strictly enforced and can be grounds for eviction.

    Service Animals: Any requests to allow for certified service animals must be accompanied by current documentation and will be reviewed by an external Law Firm for accuracy.
    —We may require you to bring the animal(s) to our office in person for final approval—

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