TENANT RESORCES

Frequently Asked Questions for Tenants

Here you can find answers to some frequently asked tenant questions about our services. We want you to have all the information you need, so you can better understand our policies and procedures.

Where can I get a list of your properties for rent?

You will find a list of our properties for rent at our website – www.lighthouse-cove.com
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How can I view the inside of one of the rentals?

The first step to seeing one of our rentals is to drive by the property to see if it is in a location that is suitable for you. If the property is occupied, please do not disturb the current residents. Once you have driven by the property, you can contact the leasing agent to schedule an appointment to view the property.
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Do you require an application fee?

Yes. Each adult who intends to live in the rental property must complete and submit a rental application. The cost for processing the application is $36.00 per adult.
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What are the criteria used for approving an application?

When you submit a rental application you are allowing us to perform a background search. We are attempting to determine the likelihood of your paying the rent on time, and whether you will take proper care of the property and fulfill your lease obligations. The three main factors we consider are your credit report, landlord/mortgage history, and your employment and income verifications. While your credit does not have to be spotless, it is important that you do not show a pattern of paying your bills late or not at all. For more detailed information on our rental qualification requirements, please refer to our Applicant Guideline page
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Do you require a security deposit?

Yes. We require our residents to pay a refundable security deposit once the application is approved and at the time the lease is signed. In general, the security deposit will be equal to about 80% of one month's rent.
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Do you require a lease?

Yes. We require a written lease agreement on each of the properties that we manage. Our normal lease period is one year, however at certain times of the year, we can be more flexible with shorter term leases.
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How is a lease terminated?

At the end of the lease, or beyond, you may terminate the lease by giving LCPM a thirty-day written notice prior to moving.
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What if I need to move before the lease expires?

You should notify us in writing of your intent to move. We will make every effort to mitigate our potential loss by trying to rent the home as soon as possible. You will be held responsible for paying the rent and utilities through the end of your lease or until the home is rented (whichever occurs first), plus you will be held responsible for paying any advertising and leasing costs incurred by the property owner to re-rent the property, generally half a months’ rent.
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What happens if only one roommate wants to move out?

If your roommate moves out, a written notice must be submitted to LCPM by both the remaining tenant and the departing tenant. The remaining tenant must release the departing tenant from any financial obligation for the unit. The departing tenant must submit a notice to vacate. Remember that tenants are jointly and severally liable to ensure that the rent is paid. You must have written permission from LCPM to substitute a roommate. (It is not the responsibility of LCPM to arbitrate or mediate problems between multiple co-tenants.) Security deposit reimbursements to departing roommates are handled by the remaining tenants. No portion of the security deposit will be refunded individually.
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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 LCPM.
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Can the landlord force me to move during my lease?

No. The landlord cannot evict you from the home unless you breach the lease agreement that you sign. Even if the owner needs to move back in to the property, or sell the property to a buyer, your lease will be honored through the expiration date.
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When is my rent due and how do I pay it?

Rent is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late if not received in the office by the 3rd. Late fees are applied to all payments that are received in our office after the start of business on the 4th, and that is also the day that all 3 day pay or vacate notices are posted for those tenants who have not paid rent. Rent can be paid by mail or in person to:

Lighthouse Cove Property Management
10049 Kitsap Mall Blvd Ste106 Silverdale, WA, 98383

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Clear Creek Office building where we are located is open from Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is locked up on Sundays. If the office is closed, please use the drop box on our second door to leave rent or other correspondence. When paying rent please be sure the envelope is properly labeled. Please specify your rental address in the memo field of your check.
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What are acceptable forms of rent payment?

Acceptable forms of rent payment are personal checks (from a tenant), Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders or cash. We look forward to offering rent payments online or by automatic debit very soon.
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How do I put the utilities in my name?

Your lease will detail which utilities you are responsible for paying. You must put any such utilities in your name immediately upon moving in. Provide the utility company your lease start date along with any other information they require.
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Can I get a pet after I move into the property?

Not usually. For more information, please refer to your rental agreement or contact your property manager.
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What other pet policies are there

No property owners will approve an occupancy for the following breeds of dogs: Rottweilers, Pit bulls, Dobermans, Chows and German Shepherds.
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Can I install cable or satellite TV at the property?

Generally yes. However, you must first obtain written permission from LCPM. At some properties 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 complex. Any cost of installation (or damaged caused by the installation) will be an expense of the resident. Satellite dishes may not be installed on the roof.
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Can I paint or modify something in my rental property?

No. Unless you receive written permission from LCPM prior to making a change, you may not alter the property in any way. If you desire to alter the property you should submit your request in writing, and wait until you receive written consent before making alterations.
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How do I report a maintenance problem?

To report maintenance during regular business hours, you may call us at (360) 698-3829, or simply complete a maintenance request at our website. For after hours emergencies, the office phone is forwarded to a maintenance pager, so you may call and leave a message and someone will get back to you within 1 hour. For fire, gas or natural disasters, dial 911 before calling us!
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What is considered an emergency?

Examples of emergencies are active water leaks, flooding, sewer backups, sparks from appliances, gas odors, fire, etc.
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Can I be charged for maintenance at the property?

Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the maintenance problem, you will be charged for it. Also, you may be billed for a service call if you miss a scheduled appointment with one of our service technicians.
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How long should I plan to wait to hear back from someone regarding a maintenance problem?

In a non-emergency situation, please allow three days. If you have not heard from our office in five days, please contact us.
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What am I responsible for maintaining in my home?

You are responsible for maintaining heating filters and fresh smoke detector and CO2 detector batteries at all times. This may mean changing them at least twice each year or more frequently as needed. Light bulbs that are easily accessible also need to be maintained by the residents. In most situations, yard maintenance may be required. If your home has a fridge that contains a water filter; you are responsible for replacing it when it needs to be replaced. Please refer to your individual residential lease.
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Should I purchase my own policy of renters insurance?

It is highly recommended that all residents carry enough insurance to cover themselves and their personal property. Please consult with your insurance agent for specific details.
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This my first time paying rent late. Can you waive my late fee?

No. LCPM does not waive late fees. Fair Housing laws require that we treat all our residents equally. LCPM does not decide if one resident is more deserving than another of paying late fees. We enforce late fees across the board.
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What is the move out procedure to get back my security deposit?

If you are terminating the tenancy, you must give LCPM at least a twenty-day advance notice in writing. Once you completed the walk out requirements, on or before noon on the last day of the month, bring all keys to the property to our office. Leave all garage door openers in the house, in a kitchen drawer. We will conduct a final walk through within 1-2 days of receiving the keys. Deductions are normally for rent that is due, any past due monies owed, necessary cleaning of the premises, professional carpet cleaning, chimney cleaning if applicable, landscaping not done, utilities and damages above normal wear and tear. Rent is usually charged up to the date that you deliver possession of the premises to our office. This is usually the walk-through date.
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When can I expect to receive my security deposit refund?

Within 14 days after the last day of your leasing period, your deposit disposition will be mailed to your last known address. If you do not provide LCPM with a forwarding address we will mail it to the unit you just vacated. Your disposition will outline if any money was kept from your deposit and why, and will either contain a refund check for the remainder or it will provide you with an amount that you owe. You have 30 days to pay your balance or set up a payment schedule before we send you to collections.
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Do you offer Section 8 Housing?

Yes. We do have a few units that would qualify for Section 8. It is your responsibility to speak to your case worker at Section 8—I do not have the authority to decide if you are appropriate for assistance; only a case worker can do that. They will tell you how many bedrooms you need and your price limitations. It is also necessary that you fill-out a rental application with us. Being approved with the Housing Authority does not guarantee that you will be approved through us, but we will look at your application with the same regard as any other applicant.
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