Resident Responsibilities & Maintenance Guide
What residents are responsible for during the lease term — from move-in condition to maintenance requests, utilities, and move-out expectations.
Move-In Inspection & Condition Report
At move-in, a property walkthrough and inspection report is completed to document the condition of the home. Residents are responsible for reviewing this report carefully and reporting any additional concerns promptly.
Resident Responsibilities at Move-In
- Review the move-in inspection report carefully
- Report any additional issues within 72 hours of receiving keys
- Take photos of any existing damages or concerns not noted in the report
72-Hour Reporting Window
Items not reported within the 72-hour window may be considered in acceptable condition at move-in and may be assessed at move-out. Do not wait — report any concerns immediately after receiving keys.
Important: Items not reported within 72 hours of move-in may be considered in acceptable condition and could result in charges at move-out. Review your inspection report the same day you receive keys.
Move-Out Condition Expectations
At move-out, the property should be returned in similar condition as received, excluding normal wear and tear. The following standards apply:
- Clean interior — floors, appliances, bathrooms, and kitchen
- No trash or personal belongings left behind
- Walls in good condition — no excessive damage or unauthorized paint
- All fixtures, appliances, and systems in working condition
- Yard maintained if applicable under the lease
Failure to return the property in proper condition may result in charges deducted from the security deposit in accordance with the lease and applicable state law.
Maintenance Responsibilities
Residents are expected to take reasonable care of the property during the lease term. Some maintenance items are the resident's responsibility as part of basic upkeep.
- Replacing air filters regularly
- Keeping the property clean and sanitary
- Properly disposing of trash
- Maintaining yard areas if required by the lease
- Cleaning up after pets including waste removal
- Preventing pest issues caused by cleanliness
Do not make repairs or hire outside vendors without prior management approval. Unauthorized repairs may not be reimbursed and may result in lease violations. Contact the office or submit a maintenance request through the portal for all repair needs.
Submitting a Maintenance Request
All non-emergency maintenance requests must be submitted through the resident portal. This ensures your request is logged, assigned, and tracked properly.
- Provide a clear description of the issue
- Upload photos when possible
- Be available for scheduling vendor access if needed
Do not delay reporting issues. Unreported maintenance problems that worsen over time may result in additional charges if the delay is found to be due to resident negligence.
Emergency Maintenance
Emergency issues must be reported immediately. Examples of maintenance emergencies include:
Call 911 first for any life-safety emergency, then contact our after-hours line.
- Major water leaks or flooding
- Electrical hazards
- No air conditioning during extreme heat
- No heat during cold conditions where applicable
- Fire or safety hazards — call 911 first
- Gas leak — call 911 first, then contact us
After-Hours Emergency Line: (855) 740-2300 ext. 700
Lockouts are not emergencies and are the resident's responsibility per the lease agreement.
Utility Responsibilities
Residents are responsible for placing all required utilities in their name prior to move-in and maintaining active service throughout the lease term.
- Transfer or activate all required utilities before your move-in date
- Maintain active utility service throughout the lease term
- Pay all utility bills on time
- Do not cancel utilities before your move-out date
Failure to maintain utilities may result in lease violations or service interruption charges. Cancelling utilities before your move-out date may also affect your security deposit.
Pet Responsibilities (If Applicable)
If pets have been approved under your lease, the following responsibilities apply at all times:
- Pets must be properly supervised at all times
- Residents must clean up pet waste regularly
- Any damage caused by pets is the resident's financial responsibility
- All pet policies, breed restrictions, and terms outlined in the lease must be followed
Property Care & General Expectations
As part of your lease agreement, residents agree to:
- Use appliances and systems properly and as intended
- Avoid misuse or negligence that could cause damage to the property
- Notify management promptly of any issues, damage, or needed repairs
- Follow all lease terms and community rules
- Maintain a safe, clean, and habitable living environment
Communication & Work Order Documentation
All maintenance activity is tracked and documented through the resident portal. Residents may receive:
- Status updates on open work orders
- Photos of completed work
- Vendor notes and completion confirmation
Residents can track all open and completed work orders through the online resident portal or app at any time.
Questions about maintenance responsibilities or property care? Contact our office during business hours at (855) 740-2300 ext. 3 or email management@rcarealtygroup.com. For after-hours emergencies call ext. 700.
Proper care of the property helps avoid additional charges and ensures a smooth move-out process for everyone.
Submit Requests & Track Your Home
Log into your resident portal to submit maintenance requests, pay rent, view your lease, and track work orders.