Lease Explanation Made Easy
- 1. Welcome to Lease Contract Explanation Made Easy Hi, my name is Larry. I’m a Leasing Consultant at Camden Hummingbird Heights. Today’s Agenda: • Lease Functionality • Explaining the Lease Today’s session focuses on how to present Camden’s Master Lease Contract to your customer in a way that is easily understood.
- 2. Camden’s preferred method of signature is ESA (Electronic Signature Authorization).
- 3. Master Lease
- 4. Please talk with your supervisor or call the BSC if you have questions! Now it’s time to review the lease. A new resident, named Emily, has decided to call Camden Hummingbird Heights her new home.
- 5. We are so excited you will be living with us at Camden Hummingbird Heights, Emily. I am going to take some time to review your lease contract in detail. Please feel free to stop me along the way if you have any questions.
- 7. Cleaning fee? What does the cleaning fee cover? I’ve never heard of that.
- 8. The cleaning fee covers the cost of vacuuming carpet, mopping floors, and cleaning all countertops, tubs, toilets, refrigerator and oven. Oh, that makes sense.
- 9. Opening Paragraph “Joint and Several Liability” All parties signing the lease are obligated for all areas of the lease, both together and individually. • You have total possession of your home on the day that your lease starts, even if you decide to move in a little later. • Moving trucks come after 8:00 a.m. and leave by 9:00 p.m. • Note any concerns on the Camden Inventory and Condition Form and return it to us within 48 hours after you move in. Delivery of Unit
- 10. Term • We ask that you give our office a written 60-day notice if you decide to move out. • If you do not renew or give us notice at the end of this lease, your contract becomes month to month until you give a 30-day written notice to vacate.
- 11. Will my rent go up when it is time for renewal?
- 12. Unfortunately I can’t give you a solid answer on that at this time. Our market fluctuates regularly, but I CAN tell you our pricing stays competitive and we are always committed to providing you with living excellence.
- 13. Rent and Charges Rent & Charges: Rent & Other Charges • Rent is due in full on or before the 1st of each month – it’s considered late on the 2nd. • By logging into the Resident Portal, you will be able to pay your rent on time and online. • Also accept money orders, cashier’s checks or a personal check drawn on your personal bank account for payment. • Unable to hold checks or take post-dated or 3rd party checks. • If rent is being split with a roommate, the total amount must be paid together, as we are unable to accept partial payments. • One-time billing administrative fee that will be included with your first bill.
- 14. What does this administrative fee cover?
- 15. This is an administrative fee that covers generating legal documents and other administrative services involved in that process.
- 16. Rent and Charges Late Payments and NSF Fees: See State Addendum
- 17. • If anything is owed other than rent, our accounting system will credit outstanding balances first, with rent to follow. • If there is a remaining unpaid balance we may begin legal proceedings. Rent and Charges EXAMPLE: Damages 300 Rent +800 Owed =1100 Payment -1000 Balance =100 Application of Payments; Acceptance of Late Payments:
- 18. What exactly does that mean?
- 19. On or around the 20th of the month, if the delinquent rent has not been paid, we may begin proceedings to regain possession of the home. Note to self: Pay rent on the 1st!
- 20. Rent Increases and Lease Changes If there is an increase to your rent at the end of your lease term, we will give you at least a 65-day notice.
- 21. Security Deposit Security Deposit: • The deposit will be returned once you move out, return the keys, and the final inspection has been done. • If there are any damages or outstanding balances, these will be deducted. Additional Security Deposit: • Pets= pet deposit, fees, and additional paperwork.
- 22. How long does it take to get the deposit back?
- 23. You will receive your refund within thirty days of processing your move out paperwork.
- 24. Cancellation Option • We require a 60-day written notice. • Within 10 days of notifying us, you will complete a Cancellation Agreement. • Pay in full by cashier’s check or money order (paper or electronic) rent due through the termination date. • A cancellation fee equal to the monthly rent plus any specials you may have received at any time during your current lease term. • We consider you to have moved out when you turn the keys in to us.
- 25. Military Release • This explains what happens should you join the military or become active duty and be faced with deployment or a military transfer. • The “Service Members Civil Relief Act” (SCRA) governs your rights and obligations regarding terminating this lease. • Should you need to use this provision to end your lease; the termination date will be thirty days from the date that the written move-out notice is given.
- 26. Move-Out Procedures and Rules Notice and Cleaning Fee: Reminder of the proper notice needed upon move-out and the cleaning fee, which again covers vacuuming the carpet, mopping the floors, cleaning all countertops, tubs, toilets, refrigerator and oven.
- 27. Move-Out Procedures and Rules Condition of Unit Upon Move-Out: • Leave the unit in clean and rentable condition upon move out. • This includes removing all of your personal items, cleaning out the refrigerator and removing excess trash. • There may be additional costs involved if you are unable to move out on your scheduled date.
- 28. Move-Out Procedures and Rules Holdover: • At the time of move out, we ask that you return all keys, gate openers, and remotes. • Ensure that there are no outstanding charges on your account. • Please be aware that if you do not return the keys or vacate the apartment on the scheduled move out date we may continue to charge rent.
- 29. Move-Out Procedures and Rules Abandonment: • Apartment abandonment is when rent has not been paid and someone has been away from their apartment for more than five consecutive days. • If this happens management would need to move forward with legal action.
- 30. Transferring to Another Unit . • If you choose to transfer apartments after 90 days of living with Camden, we ask that you give a written 30-day notice. An apartment inspection is also required. • There may be a transfer fee, new application fee, pet fee, deposit, and administrative fee required if your current lease has not ended. • Upon transferring we ask that any outstanding charges be paid in full and that all concessions be paid back before your move. *See Current Transfer Policy on Inside Camden for proper procedure.
- 31. So, I could move to a larger apartment if my sister moves in with me?
- 32. Absolutely! That is not a problem at all, just as long as everyone meets the transfer requirements. If and when you are ready to make that transfer, I can go over the details with you.
- 33. Occupants • You are the resident responsible for this lease and the only person who should be occupying this apartment. • Should there be any changes to occupancy, please let us know so we can help make those adjustments.
- 34. Assignment and Subletting • If there is a future need for subletting, we ask that you make a request in writing. • We would then have the new resident sign all appropriate application documents, and once approved, we would then have them sign the appropriate lease documents.
- 35. Utilities and Services • We ask that all utility services be put in your name before move-in. • You could be charged a $50 fee if utilities aren’t put in your name or if you were to prematurely discontinue service prior to moving out. • We offer a technology package which consists of cable TV and WiFi. • If there is an increase in cost or we add additional Technology Package amenities, we will provide 30-day written notice of changes. • Please be aware there is a one-time technology package activation charge at the time of move in at those communities that provide this package
- 36. In addition to the Technology Package, I will also be paying for trash removal, right?
- 37. Yes, we do provide a service called Valet Waste.
- 38. Can you tell me what the schedule is for Valet Waste? How do I get rid of larger items that won’t fit into the Valet Waste container?
- 39. We will go over the guidelines for Valet Waste in our Community Policies, which we will review after the lease.
- 40. Pets • Complete a Pet Addendum and collect the deposit and additional fees associated with having a pet. • Visiting pets will need to follow the same guidelines. • Any violations to our Pet Policy could result in fines and/or removal of the pet.
- 41. Keys • We have a set of keys to your apartment. • If for any reason you need your locks changed, please put your request in writing. • There may be a charge for this service.
- 42. Permitted Use The Unit is to be used for residential purposes only.
- 43. Security Responsibility for Security: • Everyone, including guests, is responsible for their own security while at the Community. • Camden is not responsible for providing personal security services.
- 44. Security Security-related mechanisms in the Community: • If you choose to activate your intrusion alarm, you will be responsible for all charges for its use, including false alarms. • Please be sure to read the instructions we’ve provided. • Residents are responsible for all gates and remotes and should use them properly. • All entry codes are for residents only, so we ask that when you have guests visit, that you accompany them.
- 45. Lakes • Some of our communities have lakes for appearance purposes only, so we ask that you not swim, boat, or fish. • If fishing is allowed, it is on a “catch and release” basis.
- 46. Wild Animal Hazards • Some of our communities are near underdeveloped land and from time-to-time there might be wild animals nearby. • We ask that you not feed them.
- 47. Insurance • We ask all residents to carry renter’s liability insurance in the amount of $100,000 throughout their stay with us. • If you don’t have an insurance provider, we can direct you to a great company that we use exclusively at Camden called eRenterPlan. • They have really good rates and are conveniently available through camdenliving.com or through a toll- free number that I can provide to you.
- 48. Why do I have to carry insurance? Wouldn’t you be responsible for any damages?
- 49. You would be responsible for damages that might have been caused in the apartment. Let me give you an example… You are running bath water, the phone rings so you step away to take the call and forget about the water running. As a result, the tub overflows causing water damage to your apartment and your neighbor’s apartment. Your renter’s insurance would protect you.
- 50. Notice of Injuries • In the event you suffer damage or injury that you feel we may be liable for, we ask that you provide us with a claim within 10 days after the incident.
- 51. Conduct of Resident, Occupants, and Guests • In order to provide living excellence, we ask all of our residents to be respectful of their neighbors at all times. • We ask that your guests and occupants follow the same policies and guidelines stated in the lease.
- 52. Policies • We ask that you abide by all posted rules, regulations, and policies as well as our community policies, which I will be covering with you after we review the lease.
- 53. Fitness Roomand Other Facilities • Our fitness center and other recreational facilities are for the enjoyment of all of our residents and their guests. • Please know that we are not responsible for injuries that might result from the use of these facilities.
- 54. Satellite Dishes • should be no larger than 39 inches across • be fully contained in the space you have rented • not interfere with fire safety and building codes • use a tripod or brackets to mount the dish. • you are responsible for maintenance of equipment - when you move out, take all equipment with you.
- 55. Reimbursement • If at any time during this lease term you, your guests or pets cause any damage, you are responsible for the damage and we ask that you pay for any repairs right away.
- 56. Smoke Detectors • Part of our move in inspection included checking your smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly. • We know that the batteries can run low, so if you hear a beeping sound from a smoke detector please let us know so we can replace the batteries for you. • Please check your smoke detectors on a regular basis and if they are not working, let us know right away.
- 57. Can I just change my own batteries?
- 58. Of course, that is certainly an option. If you have difficulties replacing the batteries, just let us know and we will be happy to help.
- 59. Default by Owner • Our maintenance team is AWESOME, so don’t hesitate to contact us for any repair need! • You may go on line to submit a service request. • In the unlikely event we cannot complete your service request in a timely manner, please remember you may not withhold rent.
- 60. Why wouldn’t you be able to complete a service request?
- 61. Our goal is to complete most service requests within 24 hours, sometimes we may need to order a part or call a vendor to help. In these types of situations, it may take a little longer.
- 62. Default by Resident • All residents are required to pay all money owed on their account whether it is water, rent, or late fees. • Residents are not allowed to withhold rent for any reason. • Failure to keep accounts current could result in additional fees and/or legal action.
- 63. Entry • Please know that from time to time we will need access to your apartment, garage, or storage for reasonable business purposes such as service requests, notices, and emergencies.
- 64. Would you give me prior notice?
- 65. We most definitely will do our best to give you notice that we may need to enter your apartment. However, there may be times when this is not feasible as in the case of an emergency such as fire or flood.
- 66. Alterations • We ask that you not make any physical changes to your apartment, garage, or storage areas. • As a reminder, if you need to change a lock, please notify us in writing and we will change the lock for you.
- 67. Construction, Casualty & Environmental Issues A. From time to time, some areas of our community may be under construction. For your safety, we ask that you comply with all posted signs. B. If you see any signs of mold or mold related conditions, you should notify us right away in writing. C. Please follow any freeze alerts that are posted during the winter months to minimize damages to pipes and the apartment. D. If for some reason your apartment becomes unlivable, we will give you a 24-hour notice to vacate. If our Community becomes unlivable, we will give you a 30-day notice to vacate.
- 68. Why would the community become unlivable?
- 69. The community could become unlivable due to major repairs or rehabilitation not caused by fire or catastrophe.
- 70. E. Please note that certain smells from foods and other odors can penetrate walls. We have no obligation to prevent such odors from entering your apartment. F. There is no guaranty that the apartment will be quiet, safe, or peaceful. We have no obligation to prevent such noises from penetrating the walls, floor, or ceiling. G. Details for bed bug issues. Construction, Casualty & Environmental Issues
- 71. ParkingGeneral Guidelines: • Parking is first come first serve. • Please adhere to all posted parking signs as vehicles may be towed if not in compliance. • Your vehicle must work and the registration needs to be current. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you not work on your vehicle in the parking lot. • Some of our communities have a designated auto wash area. This is where you are able to wash your car. Garages and Carports: In addition, we ask that you not use your garage or carport for storage.
- 72. Almost done!
- 73. Owner’s Acceptance of Mail Packages• We are happy to accept any packages that you have delivered as long as they are not exceptionally heavy or overly large. • We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. • Packages not picked up within three business days may be returned.
- 74. Notices • Any notices delivered from our office could be by email, first class mail, certified mail, return receipt requested, overnight delivery, fax, or hand delivery to the apartment. • If you need to send a notice to us, please address it to our Community Manager.
- 75. Lease Subordination • If for some reason the Community is sold, you acknowledge any new ownership and will sign a new lease if necessary to support the new owner’s terms and conditions. • If the new owner does not require a new lease, than the one you are signing today is still binding.
- 76. Disclosure of Information • We are authorized to provide certain information as requested for law enforcement, governmental, or business related purposes.
- 77. Could you explain that a little more?
- 78. An example would be when the Census Bureau is conducting the census; we’ll need to provide them with the necessary information.
- 79. Verbal Representations and Waiver • As a representative of the owner, I cannot make any changes to this contract verbally. If any agreements must be made, we ask that you do so in writing and it must be approved and signed by the Community Manager.
- 80. Applicable Law The state that the community is in has certain property laws. These laws are the basis of our landlord/tenant relationship.
- 81. Partial Invalidity • If for some reason a portion of the current lease were to become invalid or illegal, this clause saves us from the nullification of the entire lease. *It basically states that if that happens, the rest of the lease is still fine.
- 82. Do you mind giving me an example?
- 83. Sure, let’s say that one day it becomes illegal for us to prohibit solicitation; that clause in the lease would become illegal; however, the rest of the contract is still legal and binding.
- 84. Liability of Owner’s Managing Agent • Camden Development, Inc. is the management company; however, it is not responsible for the contractual obligations called for in the lease. • Responsibility falls solely on Camden Hummingbird Heights.
- 85. Signatures Required to Bind Parties • Acknowledge that we have reviewed the lease and all applicable paperwork. • You agree to all terms, covenants, and conditions. • Signed the documents either electronically or manually. • If signed manually, we have initialed each page and selected provisions as required. • If signed electronically, your electronic signature is legally binding just as if you signed the original documents. • You can request an electronic or paper copy of your lease paperwork at any time.
- 86. State Addendum • This section refers us to the State Addendum to review any additional items not included in the lease. • We will be going over the State Addendum in just a moment. Before we continue, Emily, are there any areas of the lease that you would like for me to revisit with you? No, I think you covered everything. It looks like I am ready to get moved in and settled. Thanks, Larry!
- 87. The End
Editor's Notes
- #4: New pic