house rules book for tenants

[Tatyana M.]

hello BP!

im in process of compiling "house rules" book and looking for suggestions - what do you include in yours?

some of the items i want to put in:

- reminder of life expectancy for certain items - carpet, appliances etc -no less than 5 years (based on 5 year depreciation, defined by IRS publication 527 )

- cold weather advise - what to do for water pipes not to freeze 

- defying emergency and ways to communicate issues

- garbage removal and upkeep of the outside 

- im looking for proper wording on  "not clogging the drains or proper use?", especially given that some of my properties have grinder pumps

please share yours!

[Nicole A.]

This list will probably grow, but I've used this list so far:

• During cooler-weather months, never set the thermostat below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Never turn off the HVAC (thermostat) when leaving the house for longer than 24 hours.
• No grease and oils down drains.
• No coffee grounds down drains.
• No hair down drains (try a hair catcher in showers)
• No nail clippings down drains.
• No wet wipes/baby wipes down toilets, even if they say they’re flushable.
• Max allowed vehicles in household = 4
• No pets of any kind.
• No salt or salt-based products on driveway and walkway.

I also list out all the issued items for the house (most of this pertains to my SFH, not my other smaller units):

• House key(s) (2)
• Mailbox key(s) (2)
• Garage door opener(s) (2)
• Sliding door key(s) (2)
• Living room ceiling fan remote control (1)
• Bedroom ceiling fan remote controls (2)
• Gas fireplace remote control (1)
• Large outdoor trash bin (1)
• Large outdoor recycle bin (1)
• Indoor trash/recycle bins (2)