I assumed it was a smoke detector or sump pump battery, because this has happened before.

Now, we have enough batteries and chargers to make it not worth switching brands.If you decide to buy, look at the newer tool options where you can simply switch out the heads, and use a couple basic tool bodies.

Sometimes they've let small maintenance issues go; we find out after they move that a closet door is off the track, the garbage disposal doesn't work, some of the window blinds are broken or jammed, light bulbs not working, holes in the walls from picture frames, tub stoppers missing, smoke detector batteries dead.

Did they use used/reconditioned parts to save on costs?

So the boxes could have caused these minimum clearances to not be met.But as Rob K has said, it's going to be hard to prove that was the exact cause.Due to lack of common sense in many people - including homeowners (not just tenants) - I have some documents that I supply with the lease to explain some of the simplest matters that normally fall under common sense - like changing batteries in the alarms :)

Make sure you get the proper kind to meet code.Some are battery only; some are AC-powered with battery backup; some are "interconnected signalling" (one goes off and all alarms in the house go off).

You can move much faster that way than writing things down IMO.And if you visit REO properties that have no electricity turned on, a flashlight is a MUST.And a spare set of batteries for all of your electronics; having a dead battery at a site visit is terribly inconvenient.

Also consider a battery-powered backup in case the power fails.

Biggest challenge of keyless systems is battery replacement.2) PMC's - see bottom of answer3) Your PMC will cover this, but it is ALWAYS good to understand pricing, so you're not overcharged.4) We've not seen any benefits with different brands.5) Pretty standard to have a clause in your lease that you are NOT responsible for appliance repair or replacement.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

I spent this past 2 weeks applying for online lenders, and I've had millions (well, maybe a hundred) of phone calls from cash advance merchants that waste time and phone battery, and I'm pretty sure they will not stop calling me for at least 6 months.