Avoiding Fees: Common Tenant Mistakes and How to Prevent Them
Matt Profaizer • May 7, 2025
Practical Tips to Keep More Money in Your Pocket
As a tenant, avoiding unnecessary fees is an important part of managing your rental experience. Many fees arise from simple mistakes that are entirely preventable with a little knowledge and effort. Below are some of the most common mistakes tenants make and actionable tips to help you avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Change Furnace Filters
- Why It’s Important: Failing to replace your furnace filter regularly can cause the HVAC system to work harder, leading to inefficiency or even damage.
- Potential Fee: You may be charged for labor and materials if a dirty filter leads to repairs.
- How to Prevent: Change the filter every 1-3 months as recommended. Keep track of the schedule to ensure it’s done on time.
2. Not Reporting Maintenance Issues Promptly
- Why It’s Important: Small problems, like a leaky faucet or dripping pipe, can escalate into major damage if left unreported.
- Potential Fee: Tenants may be held responsible for damages resulting from delayed reporting.
- How to Prevent: Submit maintenance requests as soon as you notice an issue. Most property managers, like BMP Property Management, offer an online portal for convenience.
3. Ignoring Move-Out Cleaning Requirements
- Why It’s Important: Failing to clean thoroughly before moving out is one of the most common reasons for deductions from a security deposit.
- Potential Fee: Charges for professional cleaning or repairs to restore the unit to its original condition.
- How to Prevent: Review your lease’s move-out checklist and address all required cleaning tasks, including carpets, appliances, and walls.
4. Misusing Fixtures or Appliances
- Why It’s Important: Improper use of fixtures or appliances, like overloading a dishwasher or pulling adhesive hooks off walls, can cause damage.
- Potential Fee: Tenants may be charged for repairs or replacements.
- How to Prevent: Use appliances as intended, and opt for tenant-friendly upgrades like thumbtacks over adhesive hooks that can damage painted surfaces.
5. Leaving Utilities in the Landlord’s Name
- Why It’s Important: Overlooking utility transfers at move-in or move-out could result in additional charges.
- Potential Fee: Reimbursement for unpaid utility bills or transfer fees.
- How to Prevent: Ensure utilities are switched to your name upon moving in and properly canceled when you leave.
6. Neglecting Yard Maintenance
- Why It’s Important: If your lease requires you to maintain the yard, neglecting this responsibility could lead to fines or additional landscaping costs.
- Potential Fee: Charges for professional landscaping or lawn care services.
- How to Prevent: Follow your lease requirements for mowing, weeding, and snow removal. Keep a regular maintenance schedule.
7. Allowing Unauthorized Guests or Pets
- Why It’s Important: Violating occupancy limits or pet policies can result in fines or even lease termination.
- Potential Fee: Pet deposits, additional rent, or fines for unauthorized occupants.
- How to Prevent: Notify your property manager of changes to your household or pet situation in advance.
Conclusion
Avoiding fees as a tenant comes down to understanding your lease, staying proactive, and communicating effectively with your property manager. BMP Property Management is committed to working with tenants to create a positive rental experience, but it’s important for tenants to uphold their responsibilities as well. By taking these simple steps, you can save money and maintain a good relationship with your landlord.
Fostering Good Relationships While Knowing When to Take Action
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Tips for Tenants to Keep the Air Flowing Smoothly
Saving energy as a renter doesn’t just help the environment—it also keeps utility bills in check. Fortunately, small, consistent changes can lead to big savings. Follow these practical tips to improve your energy efficiency without compromising comfort. 1. Replace Furnace Filters Regularly One of the simplest and most effective ways to save energy is to maintain your furnace filters. A clogged or dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy use and utility bills. Check filters monthly during peak heating and cooling seasons. Replace filters every 30-90 days or as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean around the furnace to ensure proper airflow. Not only will this improve energy efficiency, but it also prevents unnecessary strain on your system, saving you potential repair costs down the line. Remember, failing to change filters could result in tenant charges for HVAC damage due to neglect. 2. Optimize Thermostat Settings Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer to reduce energy consumption. Use a programmable thermostat, if available, to adjust temperatures while you’re away. Layer clothing or use blankets to stay cozy without cranking up the heat. 3. Seal Drafts and Leaks Drafty windows and doors can significantly impact energy use. Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers to seal gaps around doors and windows. Close blinds and curtains at night to retain heat and open them during the day to let sunlight naturally warm your space. 4. Be Smart with Lighting Lighting accounts for a significant portion of electricity use. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Turn off lights when leaving a room. Use natural light during the day to brighten your home without extra energy. 5. Unplug and Power Down Electronics and appliances use energy even when turned off. Unplug devices like chargers, toasters, and coffee makers when not in use. Use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices at once. 6. Be Efficient with Appliances Only run the dishwasher and laundry machines with full loads. Clean refrigerator coils to keep it running efficiently. Keep the oven door closed while cooking to prevent heat loss. Saving Energy is a Win-Win By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can lower your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. Start with furnace filter maintenance and build from there—you’ll save money and enjoy a more efficient home in no time!
Protecting Your Security Deposit Starts Here
As a tenant, one term you’re likely to encounter is “normal wear and tear.” Understanding what this phrase means can save you from disputes with your landlord when it’s time to move out. Let’s break down what qualifies as normal wear and tear, what doesn’t, and how you can protect your security deposit. What Is Normal Wear and Tear? “Normal wear and tear” refers to the natural and expected deterioration of a property over time due to regular use. It accounts for minor issues that occur without negligence, misuse, or abuse. Examples include: Slightly worn carpet in high-traffic areas Small nail holes from hanging pictures Faded paint from sunlight exposure Minor scuff marks on walls These are considered normal because they happen as a part of everyday living and aren’t the result of tenant carelessness. What’s NOT Considered Normal Wear and Tear? Damage caused by negligence or misuse goes beyond normal wear and tear and could result in charges against your security deposit. Examples include: Stains, burns, or large tears in carpets Broken or missing blinds Large holes in walls or excessive paint damage Missing or damaged fixtures Mold or water damage due to lack of reporting maintenance issues These types of damage typically require repairs that go beyond routine maintenance and could be deducted from your deposit. How to Protect Your Security Deposit Document Everything: At move-in, fill out an inspection checklist and take photos to document the property’s condition. Be thorough—this will protect you from being charged for pre-existing damage. Report Maintenance Issues Promptly: If something breaks or needs attention, notify your property manager immediately to prevent further damage. Perform Routine Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean regularly to avoid buildup that could cause damage. Replace furnace filters as required. Follow lease guidelines for yard care or snow removal. Communicate at Move-Out: Before moving out, review the lease’s move-out requirements, clean thoroughly, and make minor repairs (like filling nail holes). At BMP Property Management, We’re Fair Unlike some management companies, BMP Property Management does not aim to profit from security deposits. Our goal is simple: to restore the property to its original condition (beyond normal wear and tear) and promptly return the remainder of your deposit. By understanding what normal wear and tear really means and taking proactive steps, you can avoid unnecessary deductions and ensure a smooth transition at move-out.
Protect Your Comfort, Your Home, and Your Security Deposit
Simple Tips to Maintain a Healthy and Tidy Outdoor Space
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