Tenant FAQ

How can I pay my rent?

Rent can be paid by dropping a check or money order in our drop box or at our office during normal business hours. Rent can also be paid via Paylease.com. Paylease accepts checks and credit cards. Credit Cards carry a 3% surcharge. You can also set up auto payments through Paylease. Cash is NOT accepted in the office. If you prefer to pay cash, contact the office and obtain a CheckFree Pay card and you can pay at any Walmart, Kmart, Checksmart or the Route 18 IGA.

What happens if I am late?

If you are going to be late, please contact us and let us know. That does not stop the eviction process and late fees will still apply, but it is important to stay in communication with us. Rent is considered late after the 6th of the month. On the 10th we apply a $100.00 late fee and a$10.00 per day rent surcharge until the rent is paid. All fees must be paid for the rent to be considered paid in full. The eviction process will continue until all rent and fees are paid in full.

What is the Eviction Policy?

Our eviction process is as follows:

  1. Between the 6th and the 10th of each month we will mail late notices for the tenants who have not paid their rent. This notice is a 7 day notice to pay or vacate as required by KY State Law (in Ohio this is a 3 day notice)
  2. The letter will specify that you have 7 days from the date on the letter to pay the rent and any fees, or vacate.
  3. If you do not pay or vacate, we will file a “Forcible Detainer” with the District Court in the county where you live. “Forcible Detainer” means you are not returning possession of the home to us as requested in the letter you received.
  4. You will be served a notice by the County Sheriff’s office notifying you of the court date. You still have an opportunity to pay us your rent and any fees
  5. On the court date if you have not paid your rent, the judge will find that you are guilty of Forcibly Detaining the property. At this point, we will not accept payment unless all fees are paid and the rent for the following month is paid.
  6. 8 days after receiving the judgment, we will file a Warrant for Possession with the Sheriff’s office and schedule the eviction. Within 3 days of receiving the Warrant for Possession the Sheriff and our representatives will arrive at the home and complete the eviction process.

What happens if my check is returned?

If we receive a check back for any reason, a $50.00 returned check fee is added to your account and your rent is considered unpaid. You must bring the funds, including the fee to the office in the form of a Cashier’s Check or Money Order. After 2 checks have been returned by your bank for any reason, we will no longer accept personal checks from you and your Paylease account will be deactivated. What if I decide to get a pet after I move in? You would be responsible for contacting the office and completing a Pet Agreement and paying the non-refundable Pet Deposit. You would also being paying the $25.00 per month per pet fee. Failure to inform us of the pet could result in additional measure up to and including eviction

What are tenant responsible for?

Per the lease agreement, tenants are responsible for all utilities (electric, gas, water, sanitation, storm water, trash pick-up). Tenants are also responsible for making sure the lawn is mowed and the yard is kept picked up, and gutters are clean and flowing away from the foundation. Furnace filters need changed every 30 days and smoke detector batteries need changed every 6 months. Tenants are also responsible for making sure the walls, carpets, fixtures, appliances are kept in good repair and clean. Any issues caused by tenant neglect or more than reasonable wear and tear will be the tenants’ responsibility.

Why do you conduct inspections?

The reason we do inspections is twofold. One is we want to make sure any maintenance needs are taken care of. What tenants may perceive as a little drip may actually cause several hundred dollars in damage down the road. We also want to make sure the tenants are properly maintaining their property as stated in the lease agreement. We don’t expect spotless, however, we do expect that the furnace filters are getting changed, the yard is properly cared for and the home is in general good repair and appearance. If deficiencies are noted, you will be sent a letter and given 30 days to correct the deficiencies. Failure to correct the deficiencies could result in Eviction.

What if I need maintenance?

Please call the office at 859-647-9990 during office hours. If no one is available, leave a Message in the Property Manager’s voicemail. You can also email the Property Manager at deniganproperties@gmail.com. If it is an Emergency (no heat, no hot water, flooding

Can I paint the interior of my unit?

We do not allow our tenants to paint the interior walls any color other than Sherwin Williams Shure Scrub Flat Softer Tan (Eg Shel for kitchens and baths). If you do chose to paint you will be responsible for the returning the walls back to the above listed color. If you fail to return the walls to the original color, the charges to do so will be deducted from your Security Deposit.

Can I have Satellite service installed at my home?

Hillcrest does not allow Satellite companies to install their hardware on any exterior surface of our homes. This includes roofs and exterior walls. Equipment may either be installed on a pole in the yard or on the deck supports. If there is existing hardware installed the new provider may use the existing brackets but may not install new ones. All equipment must be removed when you vacate the property.

Can I have additional cable/phone lines installed?

Yes, as long as there is no exposed wiring on the outside of the home and the installation is done in a professional manner and appropriately fished through the walls with an appropriate cable/phone jack.

Can I remodel the home?

Any and all modifications to the home must be approved by Hillcrest before any construction takes place. All work must be done in a professional manner and according to all building, plumbing, and electrical codes. Any damage done to the existing structure of fixtures as a result of modifications you have made will be repaired at your expense.