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Frequently Asked Questions for Tenants

Once I apply, how long will it take for my rental application to be processed?

Once an application is submitted through our website it normally takes 2-3 days for the verification process. If the leasing agent has not contacted you after three days please follow up with them directly. All application fees are charged by a third party company and are therefore non-refundable.

What is the non-refundable turnover fee?

Simply put, it is a small share in the administrative costs associated with the turnover of one of our rental properties and is established on a per-property basis.

When is rent due?

Rent is due on the 1st of the month. Any rent posted after 5 days will be subject to a 10% late fee*. Rent will be considered late even if you make a partial payment and fees will be calculated on the full rent amount not on the rent amount still owed.

How do I pay rent?

Set up payments online by going to the home page, see Resident Login. If you have already set up your Resident account, simply sign in. If you haven't registered yet, below the “Sign In” box, find the First Time Visitor? Register Online link. Once logged into account, you may pay rent using your checking account and routing numbers. You can even make it a reoccurring transaction so it will make the payment every month for you. Just set up the amount and the frequency.

Do I need renter's insurance?

Yes. MVP requires proof of rental insurance from tenants. In the event of a break in, fire, tenant liability, damage to personal property, flood or other loss issues, the tenant's losses will not be covered without renters insurance. The policies are fairly inexpensive and worth the small investment. Please note: you MUST report any animals you have and make sure they are not excluded from your policy. If you cancel or allow your policy to lapse, MVP has the right to purchase a basic policy on your behalf and you will be responsible for payment in your Resident Center, along with your rent payment.

How do I request a non-urgent maintenance item?

Maintenance requests can be submitted through the tenant portal is preferable. This will alert all MVP staff to your request. You can also call our office at 360-339-8539 or email Rent@MVPPropertyPros.com during business hours 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, if you do not have access to your portal.

What if it's an emergency maintenance situation?

For police or fire emergencies, please call 911, and then call your property manager to report the incident. (360) 339-8539. If no answer, leave a detailed message describing the emergency. The message will be routed to the on-call Property Manager for prompt attention. These include fire, flood, uncontrollable water, backed up sewer, electrical problem endangering life or property, smell of natural gas / propane. IF THE EMERGENCY IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, PLEASE CALL 911.

For emergencies causing immediate danger, such as fire, call 911.
For emergencies involving gas, call Puget Sound Energy at (800) 225-5773. If necessary, call 911.
For emergencies involving immediate electrical danger, call the utility service, such as PSE and if necessary, call 911.
For emergencies such as backed up plumbing / flooding, notify MVP.

Can I be charged for maintenance on the property?

Yes. If property damage is caused by tenant neglect or improper use, we are required to charge for the maintenance service. Any broken windows or clogged plumbing will also be repaired at tenant's expense. Please refer to your lease for more specific items not covered by the Landlord. If an emergency visit to the home was requested and the trip was not an emergency, an $100 trip fee will be added to your next months rent.

For more EXAMPLES of normal wear and tear vs damage, click HERE.

What is your animal policy?

Each property is different. Animals will be permissible only when approved by the landlord. If animals are allowed, additional security deposit and fees will apply. All animals must be licensed in accordance with State and City regulations. We need proof of rabies vaccines and proof of on-going flea treatment, as required in lease. If animals are brought into the home without approval, there is a $350 fee PER UNAUTHORIZED animal.

What if my animal is on the restricted animal list with my insurance company?

Dog bites are the most common homeowners insurance claim relating to pets. According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 17,000 dog bite claims are filed each year. Home insurance companies have put certain exclusions into place with regard to dog bite incidents—depending on the insurer, certain dog breeds with higher bite rates may be restricted from home insurance coverage entirely. There are insurance companies out there that WILL insure your animal. You must have full adequate coverage without any animal exclusions.

Are there fees associated with renting a home with MVP?

There are occasions when there are additional charges to a tenant. Nearly all of them are a non-issue with tenants who take care of the property. For a summary of fees that could be charge, scroll down to fee section by CLICKING HERE.

What happens if I need to move before the end of my lease?

Resident(s) shall have the option to terminate the remaining responsibility for rent due for the balance of the lease term by providing Landlord with WRITTEN NOTICE, SIGNED BY ALL TENANTS, of not less than thirty (30) days, together with payment of an early termination fee equal to TWO (2) MONTHS RENT. The Agreement will be considered terminated upon Landlord's receipt of a proper written notice (signed by all Residents) and payment of the early termination fee and all rent and other charges due through the date of the Resident(s) vacating the Premise. If Resident(s) fails to timely vacate, pay the early termination fee, or pay any other charges due through date of vacating, the attempted early termination permitted by this provision shall be deemed void, and the other provisions of this Agreement shall apply.

When and how should I give notice to vacate?

Notices to vacate must be received by your property manager, in writing and signed by all tenants, at least 30 days before the end of your lease. 

When can I expect to receive my Security Deposit after my lease ends?

After termination of the lease agreement and keys have been returned to the MVP office (showing you are completely out), the property manager will do a thorough inspection of the property. A disposition of Deposit and an itemized statement will be mailed to the Resident in the time frame allowed in RCW 59.18.280 (currently 30 days as of 2023).  In order to receive a full deposit refund please review and complete the items referenced in the Tenant Cleaning Check List. If the cost to repair damage caused by Resident exceeds the deposit, Resident agrees to pay the same.

 

EXAMPLES of Normal Wear VS Damage

The security deposit can only be used to fix and repair any damages caused by the tenant. Normal wear and tear is not an allowable charge. So, what is “Normal Wear and Tear”? We define “Normal Wear and Tear” as normal deterioration or wear based on natural causes use without regard to negligence, abuse or carelessness by the tenant or their guests during the time of possession. Damage would be anything caused by the tenant or their guests through negligence, abuse, or carelessness either accidental or on purpose. 

Keep in mind that some items, like replacing light bulbs or AC filters may be inexpensive to fix for the tenant while they are there but will cost them much more when a vendor has to come out and charge a service call to do so. And some instances like a small hole in the carpet may be expensive to fix due to the extent of the work that has to be done in order bring it back to its original condition or may require full replacement.

Here are some examples of normal wear and tear and what can affect the security deposit. . Each property and its conditions are different. Notes of existing damage should always be included in the official Move-In Report, which is the sole record relied upon for pre-existing conditions.

Electrical

Normal Wear and Tear: Worn out electrical switches

Tenant Caused Damage: Cracked or painted over outlets or switches.

Windows & Window Coverings

Normal Wear and Tear: Frayed or broken pull strings on blinds; Faded drapes, blinds, or curtains; Heat blistered blinds; Sticky windows.

Tenant Caused Damage: Broken drapery rods; Torn or missing blinds, curtains, or drapes; Blinds with bent slats; Torn or missing screens; Broken windows.

Walls

Normal Wear and Tear: Plaster cracked from settling; Faded, cracked, or chipped paint; Peeling or loose wallpaper; Small pin holes from penny nails or thumb tacks; Scuffs on walls that did not damage sheetrock.

Tenant Caused Damage: Holes in the walls from large nails/screws/wall anchors for shelving or hanging pictures; Repainted walls to a significantly different color; Holes in walls; Unapproved paint job; Ripped or marked-up wallpaper; Unfinished patch work.

Ceilings

Normal Wear and Tear: Stain on ceiling from rain or plumbing.

Tenant Caused Damage: Stains on ceiling from overflowed bath tub; Stains from unreported leaks, Large nail/screw holes left behind.

Doors

Normal Wear and Tear: Worn out keys; Loose or stubborn door locks; Loose door hinges or door handles; Closet doors off track, Sticky or stubborn door jambs.

Tenant Caused Damage: Lost keys; Broken or missing locks, Damage to doors from forced entry; Damaged or missing doors, Damage to door jamb or trim.

Floors

Normal Wear and Tear: Worn carpets; Carpet seam unglued; Scuffed up wood floors; Linoleum worn thin.

Tenant Caused Damage: Torn, stained, or burnt carpeting (from food, urine, or colored liquids); Badly scratched, chipped or gouged wood floors; Water stains on wood flooring near windows left open; Vinyl with tears or holes, Animal odors.

Kitchen

Normal Wear and Tear: Worn countertops; Worn appliances due to use over time; Worn enamel in sinks; Loose grouting around tiles.

Tenant Caused Damage: Burns or cuts in countertops; Dented appliance due to negligence.

Plumbing

Normal Wear and Tear: Toilets run or wobble; Loose or inoperable faucet handles.

Tenant Caused Damage: Broken toilet seats or tank tops; Broken or missing faucet handles; Clogged drains from misuse.

Misc

Tenant Caused Damage: Intentional alterations to the premises, including moving appliances or fixtures that are on-site, without written authorization; Eliminating Flea infestations caused by animals; Eliminated odors for smoke damage or burning candles, incense or smoking; Excessive bathroom or appliance mold and mildew.

It is important that you report any repair needs to your property manager as soon as you notice them. Do not do any repairs to the property without WRITTEN authorization. If repairs are done to the home without authorization and they are done poorly, tenant may be responsible for damages. 

If you are not happy with cleanliness, landscape or other conditions of the home, alert your property manager at the move-in inspection - before taking occupancy. If we do not know about issues prior to you taking occupancy, there will be no record of that issue and you may be responsible for the situation when you move-out.

Leaving the home dirty or leaving landscape unkept because "that's how it was when you moved in" is not considered normal wear. Please refer to the Move Out Checklist for the best chances of receiving your deposit back.

 

Summary of Fee Schedule*

(May be revised - see your signed lease for the most up-to-date version of fees)

Non-Business Hours for Move-in Walk-Through Inspection

$100.00

Rent Payment by Check, Cashier's Check, or Money Order – Avoid by paying online

$10

Rent Payment Late Fee*

10% of Rent

NSF or Returned Payment Fee

$50.00

Accidental Lock Out Fee

$50 during business hours; $100 evenings/weekends

Replacement Key After Initial Move-In

$50.00 per key

Failure to Switch Utilities – Tenant is responsible for transferring utilities on the beginning lease date. Fee per utility company missed.

$75.00

Notice Posting Fee – for non-payment of utilities, lapse of renter insurance, or other lease violations by the Tenant (charge per incident)

$75.00

Lease Modification Fee – Example: addition/removal of Tenant or other minor revisions, as approved by Landlord.

$75.00

Unauthorized Animal Fine – If found on premise, NOT previously approved.

$350.00 Per Animal

HOA Violation Fee – Any time HOA sends landlord a Violation Letter that needs compliance.

$75.00

Landscape Charge – Tenant is responsible for all yard maintenance (mowing, watering, weeding, and other overall seasonal care. If Tenant is asked MORE THAN ONCE to care for landscape, there will be an AUTOMATIC INCREASE OF RENT TO COVER LAWN CARE SERVICES.

$100 added automatically as additional Rent

Missed Appt / Trip Charge – Charge if Tenant misses a scheduled appointment with a scheduled vendor or Landlord, or if Tenant denies access after proper notice has been given.

$150.00

Early Termination Fee – in addition to rent due.

Equivalent to 2 Mo Rent

Drywall Repair Fee – Tenant prohibited from using anchor (molly) bolts or other large holes for pictures, frames, shelves, TV mounts, etc.

$75 for 1st hole / $10 for Add'l. Charge per wall.

Coordination of Repairs or Cleaning – Charge if Tenant damages property or neglects proper cleaning at move-out and Landlord must coordinate remedy.

$100.00

Re-Issuance of Check – If Tenant requests a re-issuance of check due to slow mail or inadequate address provided, tenant will be charged a fee to cover the stop payment of the original check and re-issuing another.

$75.00

Tenant further agrees to pay for all charges incurred in the collection of rents, including but not limited to the costs for service of legal notices, attorney fees, legal fees and any other fees generated for breach of contract.

*Fees throughout lease are subject to jurisdictional restrictions.

 

THE MOVE-OUT PROCESS 

In preparation for your move-out, we wanted to send some helpful information to answer questions about the process.

If you have a recurring autopayment set up for your monthly rent, please log in to your Resident Center and cancel any future payments beyond your termination date. It takes 5-7 business days before we can provide any refund for overpayments.

Please refer to the “Cleaning Check List” below. Using your move-in condition report, try to leave the home in similar condition to when you moved in (available in the Resident Center). For some online information regarding wear and tear vs damage, see above.

We will consider a tenant fully moved-out of the property once we receive ALL house keys, garage opener remotes and mailbox keys (if applicable). Tenants must deliver these to the MVP office with forwarding mail address no later than midnight of the last day of tenancy. MVP has a locked drop box to the right of the main door for after-hours delivery. Use the enclosed envelope to gather all needed and fill out the label prior to dropping off. (Tenant is responsible for utilities and yard maintenance until the last day of their lease term, even if they move out earlier.) 

Once ALL keys have been confirmed received, MVP will assign a Property Manager to perform an inspection of the property. 

Any security deposits due back to the tenant will be mailed to the forwarding address tenant provides within 30 days of vacancy, in accordance with WA State Law (RCW 59.18.280). 

In the case that there are outstanding utilities bills or repair bids and invoices for damages deemed to have been caused by the tenant or tenant's neglect to report, rather than a refund, a Deposit Disposition report and explanation will be mailed to the tenant within 30 days of vacancy, and return of remaining funds or an invoice payable by tenant for additional damage not fully covered by the tenant security deposit shall be mailed to the tenant as soon as final invoices have been received for any necessary work. To expedite the process, the tenant may provide written confirmation from the municipality who provides utilities showing a fully paid account and is encouraged to notify MVP prior to move-out of any tenant damages which will require repair. 

If you have any questions, feel free to call or submit a request through the Resident Center.

 

CLEANING LIST FOR MOVE-OUT AND DEPOSIT 

KITCHEN 

Defrost and clean refrigerator inside and outside (do not unplug). 

Spray and clean oven, oven racks, stove drip pans, knobs, hood and fan. 

Clean all cabinets and drawers inside and out; wipe out all food spillage. 

Unload and clean dishwasher, inside and outside; clean around seal. 

Clean light fixtures, electrical wall plates, and replace light bulbs as needed. 

Clean and mop floor; clean floor molding. 

Wipe all walls and ceilings removing any grease, stains, food splatter or scum. 

BATHROOMS 

Clean bathtubs and showers, sinks, faucets, fans, medicine cabinets, mirrors, counters, drawers, woodwork, toilets, light fixtures, electrical wall plates, and replace bulbs as needed.  

Clean and mop floors; clean floor moldings. 

Wipe all walls, ceilings, windows and sills removing any mildew or scum. 

BEDROOMS, DINING & LIVING ROOMS, FAMILY ROOMS, ETC. 

Clean all closets, doors, door tracks, light fixtures & shelves; replace light bulbs as needed. 

Throughout Home 

Remove nails, etc, from walls. 

Clean all windows and screens; replace damaged screens and windows. 

Vacuum all carpet. Dust drapes / curtains / blinds. 

Where applicable, clean and sweep out fireplace or wood stove, hearth and mantle. 

Clean all remaining light fixtures, electrical wall plates; replace all burned-out bulbs. 

Clean all molding, shelving, and wood paneling, if any. 

Dust and vacuum wall heaters; check for and clean any cobwebs (floor to ceiling). 

Wash all walls and ceilings with clean soap, rinse thoroughly. 

Pick up, sweep and clean all balconies, patios, walk ways and driveways. 

Thoroughly clean out all garage, parking and storage areas. 

Pick up and dispose of all miscellaneous waste, debris, garbage, etc. 

Where applicable, mow, weed, trim shrubs so they are not touching any structures (as stated in lease). 

SPECIAL NOTES 

Drapes and carpets must not show water markings, stains, tears, burn holes, animal damage, or other neglect, not previously documented on the Move-In Report. 

New chips and scratches in enameled appliances, sinks, counters and woodwork will be assessed charges for damages. 

We need to confirm your final utilities payment to the City has been made before we can release your deposit. Please make your final payment to the City at the time you terminate your services with them. 

Do not paint or make repairs to sheet rock without approval of Landlord.