Frequently Asked Questions - Current Tenants

The following are questions frequently asked by current tenants. Click here to view Prospective Resident FAQ's.
   

How is Rent Credited?

Rent is credited to the longest outstanding balance first. If you have an outstanding balance of $150 on the last day of the month and pay your normal rent for the following month the next day, your payment will be credited toward the $150 delinquency first before being credited toward the following month’s rent. If you do not ‘catch up’ on this outstanding balance, your account will be subject to Late Fees each month.

What is the difference between a Sublease and an Assignment of a Lease?

A sublease is a lease from one tenant (lessee) to another (called subtenant or sublessee). The agreement between the landlord (the lessor) and the first lessee remains in force and governs the terms of the sublease. An assignment of a lease is a complete transfer of the right to be the tenant under the lease from one tenant to another. The landlord no longer holds the first tenant liable under the original lease. Our normal fee to the assignor (person assigning their lease to another) is one month’s rent.

When are Late Fees charged?

Rent is due on the 1st of each month. If Rent is not paid by 5pm on the 5th of the month a Late fee will be charged immediately. ‘Slow Mail’ and ‘Weather’ do not qualify as exceptions.

What happens if my check is returned?

We will notify you and expect immediate payment. Additionally, you will be charged with a NSF Check Fee and a $250 Civil Recovery Fee.

What happens if I do not pay my rent?

If your rent is not received on or before 5pm on the 5th of the month, you will receive a letter notifying you that you are in breach of your lease and payment must be made promptly. If you do not make payment in a timely manner then we will file an Unlawful Detainer or Warrant in Debt against you in the local court of jurisdiction in order to collect the debt due.

What is an Unlawful Detainer filing?

An Unlawful Detainer filing is the first step in the eviction process and should be taken Very seriously. A decision in favor of the Plaintiff (landlord) can stay on your record for 10 years and might make it difficult to obtain future housing and credit. An Unlawful Detainer filing is also expensive and will be the responsibility of the resident.

When my lease expires can I just move out?

No. Even though the initial term of your lease expires on a certain date, if you did not give us notice 60-days before the expiration of the initial term, it converts to a year to year lease and is still in full force until proper notice is given by either party.

Can I apply my security deposit to my last month's rent?

No. Your security deposit is held in a Separate Escrow Account and can only be used for outstanding charges after you vacate the property – NOT for your last month’s rent.

What happens if I do not pay my last month's rent?

You will be responsible for the late fee associated with the non-payment and be subject to the Warrant in Debt/Unlawful Detainer process if your account has an outstanding balance after all amounts due are processed.

How do I submit routine maintenance requests?

All routine maintenance requests must be submitted online through your Tenant Access account. Click here to continue.

My water bill was high. What do I do?

The number one reason a water bill is very high is due to a toilet running frequently or constantly a toilet can consume 25000 gallons or more a month. If you can identify the problem such as a toilet or leaking sink we will have it repair for you, upon completion of the work you can email Kyle@Matchboxrealty.com and request a copy of your invoice. This is required for an adjustment. You can download a copy of the form at
http://www.harrisonburgva.gov/fileadmin/user_upload/watersewer/files/Application_Forms/Adjustmetn_Application.pdf

What do I do in an emergency?

If your emergency is life threatening or could have serious consequences, DIAL 911. For other emergencies, please call our 24-hour Emergency Line at 540.434.5150.

Do I have to be present for a service technician to perform work?

No, you do not have to be present when work is being performed.

How quickly can I expect my request to be performed?

There are many factors that go into each request and we cannot set a firm schedule. However, we typically begin the process the same day we receive the request to assess the situation and determine the proper course of action. Our goal is typically no more than a 5 business day completion.

I do not like the way a repair was done, what should I do?

Please contact our office immediately so we may investigate the issue. You may be required to submit another work order request through Tenant Access.

Can I withhold my rent for items not being corrected to my satisfaction?

No. Under the VRLTA it is prohibited for a resident to withhold rent for failure to fix items submitted. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation immediately.

Can I change the locks on my home?

Should you desire to change locks during your tenancy, you must first receive written approval from our office. The work must be done by a licensed locksmith and three keys to each new lock must be provided to our office within 24 hours of the work being done.

Can I paint my home a different color?

You must first receive written authorization from us to paint any part of the property. Unless agreed to in writing, the property must be painted back to the original color by Tenant prior to vacating the property.

What do I do if I need to change the terms of the lease?

A lease is a legally binding agreement and cannot be changed without the consent of both parties. Should you breach the lease by leaving early, typically, you will be responsible for the advertising fee and rental payments until the end of your lease, or until the property is re-leased. If you need to change the terms of your lease contact our office to discuss your particular situation.

What do I need to do when I move out?

Your lease details the items that you need to accomplish to properly vacate your home. View Sample Lease

When do I have to return the keys after I move out?

Keys must be returned within 24 hours of vacating the property. You are not officially moved out until the keys are returned and you may be responsible for charges until the keys are returned. Make sure you provide us with your forwarding address when you return your keys. There is a $25 fee for non-returned keys.

What do you do with my security deposit after I move out?

Immediately after you vacate the property, one of our agents visits the property and performs a move-out inspection to assess the condition of the property in comparison to your move-in inspection. We then process your security deposit in strict accordance with the VRLTA

When can I get my security deposit back?

Under VRLTA we have 45 days from the date in which you moved-out to process the unit and submit any remaining Security Deposit back to you. Please make sure you provide us with your forwarding address when you turn in your keys.

What if my security deposit does not cover my charges?

We will send you a letter notifying you of a balance due. Payment will be expected promptly to prevent further action to collect the debt.

What if I do not pay my outstanding charges?

Any outstanding charges 10 days from the date of invoice will become Rent per you lease and will be turned over to our Accounts Specialist and will become part of your Unlawful Detainer/Warrant In Debt proceedings.

What do I do if I disagree with the disposition of my security deposit?

You must submit your dispute to Management in writing within 30 days from the date of your security deposit return form.