Current Residents FAQ

When I call, why don’t I always reach a “live” person?

We love talking on the telephone, but often our call volume is high and we cannot answer every call that comes in immediately. Understanding the need for instant information for our residents, we have invested much time and capital into developing a fully encompassing website that answers most every routine informational request we receive.

For our current residents, we offer a fully integrated Resident Login where the account can be viewed. Maintenance requests can be submitted online and the answers to many commonly asked questions can be found on our website. Some of our Frequently Asked Questions include “What happens if I break my lease?”, “How do I submit a move out notice?”, “When is my rent due?” As an added convenience, rent can also be paid online!
For all of our residents, and prospective residents, there is an extensive forms sections with forms for virtually every situation that one might be needed.

Should the information you are looking for not be available on our website, we welcome your call to assist you in any way possible. If you do not get a live person, please leave a detailed message for the appropriate person and your call will be returned as quickly as possible.

When is rent due?

Typically, Rent is due on the 1st of the month and late on the 2nd. Rent must be in our office by the end of the business day on the 2nd of the month in order to not incur a late payment penalty. If you pay rent after the 2nd of the month, there is a flat fee of $25 automatically assessed, plus $10.00 per day commencing on the 3rd for each day that any portion of the rent is delinquent. All payments made after the 2nd must include the applicable late fees.

How can I pay rent after I move in?

Rent can be paid by check or money order until the second of the month (We do not accept cash). After the third of the month we may only accept rent in the form of certified funds. Additionally, late rental payments must include the late fees or they will not be accepted. We also offer you the ability to pay your rent online via direct draft of your checking account or via credit card. Convenience fees may apply.

What is the auto-draft option, and how do I sign up?

Download a copy of our ACH Authorization Form for more info.

I am signed up for your auto-draft service, when do you do draft my account?

We initiate the draft on the 2nd of each month.

What happens if my check or auto-draft payment is returned?

We will notify you and expect immediate certified payment. Additionally, you will be required to submit all of your future payments by certified bank check or money order. There are fees, as detailed in your lease, associated with returned items, as well.

What happens if I do not pay my rent?

If your rent is not received on or before the 2nd of the month, you will receive a Five Day Notice to Quit or Pay Rent notifying you that you are in breach of your lease and that your rental payment plus late fees must be made within five days of the Notice date.

What are the details of the eviction process?

Five days after the Notice to Quit or Pay Rent is deliver, a Forcible Entry and Detainer Action will be filed in the justice court, you will be served and a hearing date set; followed by the issuance of a Judgment for Possession thereafter which, you will have five days to vacate the property or be subject to removal by the sheriff through a Writ of Restitution. For more detail please consult the Arizona Landlord Tenant Act located on the following web link:
http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/publications/residential_landlord_tenant_act/

My lease is expiring soon. What’s next?

You will receive a lease renewal letter about 60 days prior to your lease end date. The primary purpose of this letter is simply to remind you of your lease expiration and to inquire about your plans to stay or move. You can expect your second lease renewal letter about 30 days prior to your lease end date. This letter will detail your renewal options. In most cases, you will have the option to renew under the then current market terms or continue on a month to month basis per the terms of the lease.

When my lease expires can I just move out?

No. Even though the initial term of your lease expires on a certain date, it converts to a month to month lease and is still in full force until proper notice is given by either party. Even when your lease continues on a month to month basis, you are still required to submit a written move out notice at least 30 days prior to your move out.

How do I terminate my lease?

You cannot terminate your lease in the middle of the term. The only exceptions are for Military personnel on active duty that receive orders of transfer to a military facility or vessel, release from active duty, or relocation to government quarters. In this instance, the resident agrees to give thirty (30) days notice. Assignment instructions for voluntary occupancy of government quarters are not sufficient for termination of the lease.

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

No. Residents shall not allocate or use any portion of the security deposit as a credit towards the payment of rent.

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

You will be subject to an eviction and collection efforts for the amount owing plus late fees, court costs and the landlord’s reasonable attorney’s fees in a suit to recover the rent.

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. When we receive your proper written move out notice, we will schedule a time to perform a move out walk through.

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

Keys must be returned by midnight on the date designated in your move out notice. You are not officially moved out until the keys are returned and you may be responsible for daily rent charges until the keys are returned.

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

Within fourteen working days after receiving all of the following; proper termination of the residency, delivery of possession (including keys & openers) and demand by resident, the Landlord shall furnish the resident with an itemized list of any and all deductions together with the amount due and payable to resident by first class mail to the resident’s last known address.

What if my security deposit does not cover my charges?

We will send you a letter notifying you of a balance due and enclose detailed documentation regarding your charges. Payment will be expected promptly to prevent further action.

What if I do not pay my outstanding charges?

Any outstanding charges not paid within thirty days from the date of invoice will be turned over to a collection agency for processing and will become part of your permanent credit history.

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

You must submit your dispute in writing within thirty days from the date of your security deposit disposition notice.

How do I submit routine maintenance requests?

All routine maintenance requests must be submitted in writing to our office. Requests can be submitted by one of the following methods:

Through our Web site
Download our maintenance request form and fax it to: 480 264-0668
Email it directly to your property manager
Mail it to: c/o Civic Asset Mgmt 8776 E. Shea Blvd., Suite B3A138 Scottsdale AZ 85260

What do I do in an emergency?

If your emergency is life threatening, dial 911. If a maintenance emergency occurs during regular business hours, please call our office immediately at 480 264-0668. For after hours emergencies, we have a 24 hour maintenance service that can be reached at 480 264-0668 Ext 4. You will be asked to leave your name, number, address, and nature of the emergency. Once you complete your message, our after hours staff will be notified and will return your call as quickly as possible.

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

No. Should you desire to be home when the service is performed, the technician will make 3 attempts to contact you and if not successful, the service request will be terminated and not re-activated. If the situation is deemed to be a risk to the property, the technician will be allowed to access the property.

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 contact you 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.

Can I perform the work myself and send you the bill?

No. Unauthorized repairs by residents will not be reimbursed.

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.

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

No. It is prohibited for a resident to withhold rent for failure to fix items submitted. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation.

What am I responsible for as a resident?

Typically, all residents are responsible for :

Securing all utilities for the home, unless otherwise provided
Lawn care, unless otherwise provided
Maintaining a clean and sanitary property
Promptly disposing of all garbage in appropriate receptacles
Supplying and changing heating and air conditioning filters at least once a month
Minor repairs to your home, including, but not limited to, to replacing light bulbs and clogged drains
Changing the smoke detector batteries during tenancy (these are new when you move in)
Taking all necessary precautions to prevent broken pipes due to freezing or other causes
Replace any lost or misplaced keys or garage door openers
Paying any periodic, preventative, or additional extermination costs desired by Tenant
Removing any standing water
Knowing the location and operation of the main water cut-off valve and all electrical breakers
Promptly notifying Landlord, IN WRITING, of all needed repairs
Complying with all Homeowner Association Rules
Following the terms of your lease

My utility bills seem high? What can I do?

Each utility company is different in regard to rates and charges. However, please explore the following links for some very helpful tips!
Electricity: www.lowerelectricbilltoday.com
Water: www.wateruseitwisely.com

Can I change the locks on my home?

No. Should you desire to change them 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. Download a Painting Request form.

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 thelate charges and fees as well as the monthly 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.

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