How do I report a maintenance item?
For normal non-urgent maintenance items please send an email to maintenance@bigtproperties.com . Be sure to provide us with the best possible time to reach you. If the item is urgent and requires immediate attention, you may call or text Lena 703-677-0014, or Torge 571-286-0926 to report the problem. For police or fire emergencies, dial 911 before calling us.
What is considered an emergency?
The following are examples of maintenance emergencies. The main sewer line is backed up. A pipe broke and water is leaking into the home. There was a break-in and you have an unsecured entrance to the home. If it is after 7:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. and the call is not an emergency, you could be charged for the call.
Can I be charged for maintenance at the property?
Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the maintenance, you will be charged for it. Also, you can be billed for a service call if you miss an appointment with one of our maintenance contractors. Please keep in mind that changing light bulbs and batteries in smoke alarms fall under the category of tenant responsibility. You will be charged ridiculous amounts of money if you call us to do these things!
Can I install cable or satellite TV at the property?
Generally, yes. However, you must first obtain written permission from Big T Properties, LLC. At some units you may be prohibited from installing a satellite dish in any location where the dish is visible from the ground or from any other unit in the area. Any cost of installation is an expense of the resident.
Can I install extra telephone lines?
Generally, yes. However, you must also obtain written permission from Big T Properties, LLC to do this. All costs of installing extra phone lines are the responsibility of the resident.
What are my rights to privacy if the landlord wants to enter the property?
We will call you and also give you a written notice if we need to enter the home. All maintenance appointments are scheduled with you in advance.
What are my responsibilities if my company transfers me before the end of the lease?
Most leases are for a set period of time. If you are transferred, ask your company what assistance they will provide if you need to “break a lease”. Let your property manager know what is happening as soon as possible so we can begin marketing the property for a replacement resident. Please refer to our policy on early termination of Residential agreement, which you signed at lease signing for more details.
Can I sub-lease the property?
No. The lease agreement clearly states that the resident shall not sublet any portion of the property or assign the agreement without written consent from us.
Can I rent a steam cleaner and clean the carpets myself when I move out?
No. Your rental agreement provides that all carpets must be professionally cleaned using a steam process, with a copy of the invoice submitted to your property manager at check out.
Can I get a pet after move-in?
Not usually. For more information, please refer to your rental agreement or contact your property manager.
When and how should I give my notice to vacate?
It is important to refer to your lease for the specific terms in your own residential agreement. In most leases, notice to vacate must be received in our office in writing on or before the 1st of the month. Most leases require a minimum 30-day notice and run for a full monthly period.
What happens if my roommate moves out before the end of the lease?
If your roommate moves out, a written notice needs to be submitted to us. Remember that tenants are jointly and singularly liable to ensure that the rent is paid. You must have written permission from us to substitute a roommate. (It is not our responsibility to arbitrate or mediate problems with multiple tenant situations).
What happens to the disposition of a roommate’s security deposit after move-out?
Security deposits are collected as “security” for the property. Reimbursements to departing roommates are handled by the remaining tenants. No portion of the security deposit will be refunded individually.
I have always paid my rent on time. Why did I receive a 3-day notice when the rent was only 6 days late?
The rent is due on the first of the month. If the rent is not posted in our office by the fifth we serve a 3-day notice.
I am an excellent resident and take good care of the home. Can you waive my late charges?
No. We do not waive late charges. Fair Housing laws require that we treat all our residents equally. We cannot decide if one resident is more deserving than another of paying late charges, therefore we enforce late charges across the board.
My child would like a pet Ostrich/Elephant/Alligator. Would you have me deprive him/her of this privilege?
Yes, we absolutely would. Just checking to see if you read all the way to the bottom.