Move-in Instructions:

Below are some instructions that you should find helpful in making your move-in and as smooth as possible.

Please be aware that the following things must be done before keys to the property will be provided :

1.         Place and confirm all utilities (gas, electric, and water) into your name.  We advise doing this a minimum of 2 weeks in advance.  (You can schedule in advance to have utilities placed in your name effective on your move-in day.)  Please send us confirmation of the change of utilities before your move in date.  We must have a confirmation number on company letterhead from the utility company.   If we are unable to confirm at that time we cannot provide keys without proof of confirmation from each utility company on their letterhead with a confirmation number. The contact information for each utility company is listed below for your convenience.

            Gas (DTE Energy): 800.477.4747

            Electric (Consumers Energy): 800.477.5050

            Water (Grand Rapids): 616.456.3200

2.         Pay your first months’ rent.  This must be received by our office on the move-in day or first business day prior.

In the event that you have complied with the above requirements your keys will be available at our office located at 838 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 at 5:00 pm on the day of your move-in. (Please note, if you require special scheduling arrangements please contact the office in advance to work through the necessary details.) In the event you have not complied with the above you will not be provided keys until you have done so. Rents will not be pro-rated for non-compliance.

Helpful Tips:

Inventory Commencement Checklists: 7 Days after you move in please be sure to turn in your completed Inventory Commencement Checklist.  Failure to do so acknowledges that you have accepted your property’s condition as “perfect/new” and free from defect.

Maintenance Requests: In the event that you have a maintenance request, please go to our website at www.american-realty.net/Home/Contact , click on “maintenance request”, and follow the instructions for the fastest response time.  If you do not have access to the internet feel free to call our office at 616.913.9004 but please be aware the process may be slightly delayed as the information has to be passed from the receptionist to the maintenance dept.

Lawn Maintenance and Snow Removal:  Please be aware that it is your responsibility to keep your lawn and landscaping in good condition and the snow removed from the sidewalks and walkways around and to your home.  American Realty is happy to provide these services for you in order to have a hassle free year at your home.  We contract with a local landscaping and snow removal company for all of our homes.  We receive a flat rate of $600 per year for lawn care which includes 2 cuts per month as well as a spring and fall yard cleanup.  They will also provide snow removal for your driveway, sidewalks, walkways and porches for $300 per year.  This includes snow removal any time that over 2 in. of snow has fallen on your property.  Both of these costs are simply budgeted into your lease amount.  If you elect for only lawn care, the cost is simply $50 per month for the year, and snow removal is $25 per month for the entire year.  Both combined are an additional $75 per month for the entire year.  Please keep in mind that city ordinances require that your lawn and weed not exceed 6 in. in length, and that all sidewalks and walkways be removed of snow.  In the event that they are not kept up in accordance to the ordinances, the municipality may cite you, and send a company out to rectify the problem.  This can be very costly (up to $300 per occurrence).

Hardwood floor care and maintenance:  Many of our homes feature refinished hardwood floors.  These floors are very durable, however please note some of the care instructions listed below.

Please be sure to put protective pads on the feet of all of your furniture.  Moving furniture will scratch hardwood floors.  Also be sure that tenants and guests remove their shoes when entering the home.  Stones and sand from shoes will create scratches and gouges in the floor.

Please note that nicks, scratches and gouges in the floors are not considered “normal wear and tear”.  A general dulling of the finish in high traffic areas is to be expected over the course of a few years, but nicks, scratches, and gouges in the floors will be considered damage.

Holes in walls: Please be sure not do drive any nails or tacks into the walls.  This is also not considered part of “normal wear and tear”.  You can pick up many wall safe alternatives to hanging items on the walls at local hardware supply stores.  Nicks, scratches, gouges, and hole in the walls will be considered damage.

FAQ’s:

I have mice in my home, what do I do?

American Realty will quickly respond to any issues of mice entering a home.  If there are holes or access points where the mice are coming inside from outdoors we will quickly rectify this problem.  However, the mice inside the home are the responsibility of the tenant.  Please be sure that you do not leave food around, or pet food unsealed inside the home.  This attracts mice.  If you have mice, be sure to pick up some mouse traps from a local hardware store, and follow the instructions on the traps.

Mold/Mildew: When the humidity and moisture in the air is not controlled, surface mold and mildew may quickly arise. If you notice mold or mildew please call our office immediately so we can assess the situation and work together to solve the problem. In most cases this is a result of not properly ventilating areas where moisture is most evident (bathrooms/basements) and can easily be corrected with opening vents, dehumidifiers, and etc.

Rent: All rent is due on the 1st of the month.  If you elect to mail your rent to our office, please be sure that it is received (not postmarked) by the first.  Any rent received after the first is considered late regardless of the postmark date.

If you elect to drop off rent, and the office is closed, please use the drop box located to the left of the front door.  Any rent received in the drop box after 8 am on the 2nd will be considered late.  Do not put cash (or cash equivalent) in the drop box.  The drop box is not a secured drop box.

Move-out Instructions:

Hold Over: Please be aware that your lease ends at midnight of the final day listed on your lease.  After this time, you are expected to have all of your personal property removed.  In the event that there is personal property in the home at that time or if you are still occupying the property, you will be charged rent for that week, and any other weeks if applicable. Other charges may apply if costs/charges are incurred by future tenants moving in who are prohibited from doing so as a result of your occupancy past the lease term.

1st Walkthrough: Approximately 60 days before the termination of your lease, you will be contacted by an American Realty representative to set up a time to do your 1st move out walk through.  This will be to inform you of repairs or costs that would be charged to you if not addressed prior to move out.  Please be ware that this may or may not cover all items that may appear on the damage report, but is a courtesy attempt to inform the tenants on how to receive as much of the security deposit back as possible.  This appointment is not required, but encouraged.

2nd Walkthrough: The second walkthrough will be conducted immediately after move out. At this time your Inventory Termination Checklist and Damage report will be generated.

Security Deposit Return: Michigan State law requires the landlord to send Damage Reports to tenants within 30 days after move out as long as a forwarding address is provided in writing, delivered by mail to our office within 4 days after move out.  Please be aware that your Damage Report may be sent on the 30th day after move out.  If you have not received a Damage Report within 35 days from the expiration date of your lease it is most likely due to American Realty not receiving your forwarding address. We highly recommend confirming with our office that we have received your forwarding address to avoid any delays in this process. If you have a dispute regarding the amount of security deposit withheld, you must respond in writing by mail within 7 days of receiving your damage report.  Failure to do so relieves the landlord of any further action.

Be sure to pay your water bill on the day of your move out.  Unpaid water bills can be charged against the owner as a lien on the property and will be deducted from your security deposit along with any fees the City may charge for late payment. 

Return of Keys: Please return all keys on the day after your move out in an envelope with the property address written on the outside of the envelope. 

http://cridata.org/Neighb_GR.aspx

Grand Rapids Housing Policies

1. In the City of Grand Rapids not more than four unrelated persons eighteen years of age or older may live in a single dwelling unit.
2. Tenants should properly care for their property, which includes snow removal within 24 hours of snowfall and yard care. This is not only an ordinance but a way to be a good neighbor on your street.
3. Tenants should be responsible for properly disposing their trash and recycling. The city of Grand Rapids has weekly trash pick-up and bi-weekly recycling.
4. Tenants should limit on-street parking and obey all posted parking restrictions within their neighborhoods.
5. Tenants should be aware of their noise levels in their neighborhoods. Disturbance of the peace is prohibited 24 hours each day.
6. Tenants may only sleep in rooms deemed as legal bedrooms that are safe. Rooms must have two points of egress, finished surfaces and have a closet.

• Grand Rapids Housing Code (PDF)

• Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance (PDF)