Frequently Asked Questions

The rent is due on the 1st day of the month and should be paid on or before that day.

The easiest way is to pay rent is online through our secure Tenant Portal. Email us at

info@menkis.net to request access if you are not yet set up. Include your full name and the property you are renting in the email. We’ll email you back with a login to your own secure tenant portal. You then create a password and can start paying right away.

You may also mail a check to our office address. Make sure to include your name and the property address. If you wish, you may bring a check or money order directly to our office during normal business hours. If it is after hours, place payment in a sealed envelope addressed to Menkis Real Estate and drop it in the mail slot. Please call or email the office if you want to confirm its receipt. We cannot be responsible for missing checks. NO CASH ACCEPTED.

When the rent is paid later than the due date, the lease is technically in default. If you are having a problem paying the rent on time, please inform our office. Communication is very important!

If the rent is not received by the tenth day of the month, per the lease, you will be assessed a 5% late fee for the full amount of the monthly rent due.

There will be a $35.00 charge for each payment that is returned or not honored by the institution on which it is drawn for any reason, plus any late fees until Landlord receives payment in certified funds.

You will be in default of the lease and subject to the remedies provided under the lease, including being evicted from the property. If you wish to get a pet, please call our office to discuss how to amend the lease to allow for the pet (as long as the property is a pet approved property).

Occupancy will consist of the tenant or tenants and the occupants who are are included in the lease. Any changes would need to be reflected on an amended lease. Overnight guest are not permitted to stay on the Property longer than two weeks total in any given 12 month period without the Landlord’s written permission.

As a general principal, the landlord will make sure the systems (plumbing, electrical, etc.) are in working order, and will make repairs to those which cease to work due to normal usage. You are responsible for the environment you live in, therefore you are responsible to keep the property clean and sanitary, and use the systems properly as intended. If the information on how to address the potential issues below is not clear, or if you are unfamiliar with how to address repairs to these items, you may be able to find a video online with instructions.

If the Garbage disposal stops, clear all substances from the drain.

Never place your hand inside the garbage disposal to check for, or retrieve, objects!

Check for any small, hard particles caught in the bottom of the disposal. On the bottom of most disposals there will be a place for a Hex Key/Allen Key (you can pick one up at most any hardware store if there is not one in the property). Insert the key on the bottom of the disposal and move the parts in the garbage disposal around to dislodge the jam. After moving the inside parts of the disposal around, press the little “RESET”.

First, try using a plunger on a clogged toilet. For a clogged drain, try clearing what you can by removing the stopper and removing visible items such as hair, etc. If the clog persists, then call us and we will have a plumber come out to address the issue. If you are found to be responsible, the bill for the plumber will be passed onto you. Regarding toilets, REMEMBER: ONLY THE THREE P’s (Pee, Poop, and Toilet Paper). SEE THE NOTICE FROM WSSC.

https://www.wsscwater.com/contents/news/2013/pee-poop-and-toilet-paper-only-k.html

The filters should be changed at least every 3 months. This helps keep the air clean in the property and by replacing the filter the HVAC system will run more efficiently and keep your utility costs down.

You are responsible to check the smoke detectors regularly (monthly) and change the batteries once a year. If there is a 10 year battery, then you do not need to change the batteries, however, you do need to check them monthly. If you find a smoke detector not working, notify us IMMEDIATELY!

Please note, it is your responsibility to keep the bathrooms clean and sanitary, including cleaning all mildew and mold and keeping the caulking fresh. If there is a fan, please use it every time you shower or take a bath. If there is a window in the bathroom, open it slightly to allow air flow.

Remember, it is your responsibility to re-set tripped breakers. If the property has fuses, then you should replace the fuse with the proper amp fuse. Fuses can be purchased at most local hardware stores. DO NOT PUT LARGER AMP FUSES IN!

Clean out the dryer lint trap on the dryer every time it is used. If the dryer does not seem to be drying, then clean out the dryer vent. Build-up of lint can result in burning out the dryer motor and is a major cause of fires.

Yes, this is the tenant’s responsibility.

Unless your lease includes landscaping or you live in a condo unit, it is your responsibility to take care of all yard work. Make sure you are familiar with county or city ordinances to assure you are in compliance. Paper bags for leaf and brush collection can be purchased in supermarkets and hardware stores. For larger pick-ups, check with your local government for proper procedures.

If you live in a townhouse or single home, this is usually the tenant’s responsibility. Some HOA’s and Condo Associations will take care of public pathways but require residents to clear private walk-way. Each county/city has laws as to how soon after a snow event that clean up must be done. It is your responsibility to find out what laws apply to your specific situation.

Unless listed on your lease as included in the rent, this is the tenant’s responsibility. Gutters should be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year, and in some heavily treed locations, more often. There are usually landscapers or handymen who will do this for a reasonable fee if you are unable to attend to this yourself. Clogged gutters may result in overflow and erosion of the soil near the house, leading to potential water problems in basements. Gutters filled with debris can be responsible for rotted soffits, ice dams in the winter or even displacement of the gutters from the house. Should any of these events occur due to negligence in cleaning gutters, tenants will be responsible for all repair costs.

After the first 30 days, it is the tenant’s responsibility to take care of any problems. Keeping a clean kitchen and food properly stored in sealable containers will go a long way in preventing pests. Ant and roach baits can be very helpful when problems arise. If you have an infestation that can’t be handled with baits or spray, you should consider hiring a qualified exterminator to solve the problem. Please notify our office of any serious infestations.

Each landlord has a different policy, therefore give us a call first to discuss.

No one likes to be locked out and have their day’s plans interrupted. A locksmith will charge a hefty fee to unlock your door, especially if you need someone during non-business hours. During business hours, our office may be able to assist you, however there will be a $50 charge for this service and we cannot guarantee that we can assist or how quickly we can get there.