COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
Serving the San Gabriel Valley & the Monterey Peninsula
 

Helpful Information for Buyers

 

INSTANT HOME VALUE!

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information of if I can help you in any way.
  

  
  
   
Office:          626.331.1175 
 
Mobile:          213.926.5885
 
Facsimile:    626.331.1105
 

Email: jamiller7777@ca.rr.com

Email: jeffrey@jmillerbrokerage.com

  
   
 
 
LEASING A HOME IN THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY 

I manage over twenty single family residential properties in Covina, San Dimas, Glendora, Claremont, La Verne and Upland.  Please contact me if you are interested in renting a home in these or other San Gabriel Valley communities.  Check my Active San Gabriel Valley Homes for Lease to see whether any of  the homes I manage are available. 

Even if I don't have any availabilities, I would be happy to assist you in locating a home to lease in the San Gabriel Valley, so please don't hesitate to contact me for assistance by calling me or by completing all or part of the Contact Form at the bottom of this page. 


CONTACT ME FOR ASSISTANCE WITH LEASING

If I can help you in securing a lease of one of the homes that I manage or locating another property to lease in the San Gabriel Valley, please don't hesitate to contact me by telephone or by completing the Contact Form below:

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON LEASING

Length of Tenancy

Residential lease agreements specify an exact period of time, usually six months or one year, that tenants will occupy the home. Leases are not automatically renewed at the end of the lease period. Once the time period has lapsed leases may be renewed but in most cases they go to a month to month contract if tenancy continues.

Tenants may not break a long-term lease unless a landlord drastically breaches terms. If you must break a tenancy for any reason you'll be responsible to pay the remainder of the rent through the term date. However, some states allow flexibility to tenants with good reason to break a lease. For example, if you relocate for a job or if health reasons compel the issue. In this case your landlord has a legal duty to find a new tenant as quickly as possible. Once the new tenant has signed a lease your lease may be terminated along with your financial obligation.

Your landlord may also only break the lease agreement if you've significantly breached the terms or law. A few examples may include paying rent late or not at all, causing disruptive noise to neighbors, dealing drugs or having unapproved pets.  

Utilities 

Most often, residential leases will not include payment of any utilities.  In this case it will be your job to set up the utilities for your home and to pay them on time each month.

Rent and Late Fees

Your lease agreement should include the amount to be paid as well as the due date each month. It should also specify acceptable payment types (personal check, money order, or cash), where to send each payment, late fees as well as a grace period, if one is given.

Deposit and Other Fees

In California, the limit on the amount of a deposit is not to exceed two months rent unless the home is furnished, in which case the limit is three months rent. Most landlords usually require a deposit less than two months rent, however.

Within the agreement the deposit amount needs to be specified along with any details regarding how the deposit may be used and under what circumstances some or all of it will be forfeited. The deposit may not be used for normal wear and tear on the property such as a scratch on a counter, faded paint, hole or ding in wall from missing door stop, dirty blinds and pin holes in walls unless excessive. The deposit can be used for a tear in the carpet, animal stains, burn marks, broken windows or torn screens, excessive bathroom mildew and excessive filth or dirt.  Many don't realize this, but in California, a deposit may be used for last month's rent, as well, as long as such is identifed in the lease agreement.  

Responsibility as the Tenant:

Regular Cleaning

Most of us cringe at the thought of scrubbing a filthy bathtub or greasy oven, however, regular maintenance and cleaning helps maintain the value of a home. While you may not feel the need to maintain the value of a home for the owner, realize that it will help you salvage your deposit when you move to a different location. Further, it helps maintain a healthier living environment for yourself and family.

Advise Landlord of Infestations

Ants, termites, rats, mice and roaches are common infestations in homes and can often be avoided using preventative measures. Ensuring that food is sealed properly, trash taken out and the home cleaned regularly will help deter pests from invading your home. However, if you do think that there could be an infestation of any type that may need professional care, contact your landlord immediately. Infestations not properly attended can be costly. Termites and carpenter ants destroy wood, roaches spread germs and under the right circumstances bees may land you or a family member in the hospital. If it is determined that the cause is lack of home care or of advising your landlord in a timely manner, the cost of repair and extermination may fall in your hands. While extermination tends to be affordable, repair, depending on the extent needed, can really add up.

Report Water Leaks to Your Landlord

A water leak can be more than a simple nuisance. It can cause mold and mildew infestations which may present health risks to your family but it can also ruin the foundation of a home, warp hardwood floors, and increase your water bill significantly. If you notice any type of leak what-so-ever it would be wise to report it to your landlord immediately. If the concern is not addressed by your landlord within a couple days (depending on the severity of the problem, maybe sooner), request in writing that the problem be attended as soon as possible. Keep a copy of your letter for reference. Also be sure to clean up any water spills including an overflowed toilet immediately. To help prevent serious damage, learn to turn water off for the entire home as well as beneath sinks and toilets.

Smoke Detectors

While it is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure your home has proper smoke detectors it will be your responsibility to ensure that the batteries are replaced when necessary.

Responsibility of your Landlord:

Weatherproofing

Every tenant has a right to live in a home comfortably without harsh weather creeping in. Proper weather-stripped doors, windows, and roofs are of primary importance. If you notice a leak in the roof, notify your landlord immediately to ensure the proper action is taken to correct the problem.

Heat, Water and Electricity

While a fireplace may work to heat the family or living room, it won't likely heat the whole home. Be sure the heating functions properly. If you notice no hot air coming out of vents, request an inspection of the heating system and repair if necessary. It is also the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that the plumbing and electricity of your home functions properly.

Security with Proper Locks

Your home should be properly equipped with deadbolt locks on main entry doors that comply with state and city regulations. If there is reason to assume additional security measures are needed it will be the responsibility of your landlord to provide such measures as bars on windows. To further comply with State fire codes, it is essential that a professional install "quick release" latches to help you vacate your home quickly when necessary.

Lastly, be sure to go over each detail of the lease agreement to ensure you comprehend every rule and requirement. If you have questions or are unable to understand something, ask! Don't be afraid to clarify details as this will serve to protect your interests and to maintain a happy tenant/landlord relationship.

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