CURRENT RENTERS FAQS

Can I invite guests to stay with me?

Your home is a private, single-family residence to be occupied exclusively by the primary resident(s)/occupant(s) approved and named in your Lease Contract. The HTPM must approve of persons present at the Premises for longer than five (5) consecutive days, or persons who for any given 14 day period, are present at the Premises for any seven (7) of those days. If a person maintains clothing or other personal effects (such as a toothbrush) they shall be deemed to be present at the Premises for longer than five (5) consecutive days.

Can people smoke in my home?

No. As set forth in your Lease Contract, all HTPM rental properties are NON-SMOKING properties and there is to be NO SMOKING inside your residence, the garage, carport, storage shed or within 20 feet of the home or any structures. This includes E-cigarettes and other vapor devices as well.

Can I use my home as a place for business?

No. You agreed in your Lease Contract not to conduct business or engage in commercial or industrial activities on the Premises.

What about parking?

You are welcome to park up to two cars on the property at your own risk. Oil-leaking cars, inoperable vehicles, and unauthorized or illegally parked vehicles may be towed by HTPM at your expense.

When does my lease end?

With the exception of seasonal adjustments that are clearly stated in your Lease Contract, the term of all HTPM leases is one year (12 months) or longer. At the end of your lease term, you may be offered a lease renewal.  Lease renewals are offered at HTPM’s discretion and may include rent increases or other changes to the previous lease.  If a lease renewal isn’t offered by HTPM, your lease will continue as a month-to-month contract until terminated by you or HTPM.

How do I terminate my lease?

Unless otherwise noted in your Lease Contract, your lease may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party after the original lease obligation has been met and subject to the following restriction: HTPM Lease Contracts may not be terminated during the months of October, November, December, January, or February.

What if my roommate leaves?

For qualification purposes, combined gross income for all roommates is reviewed collectively. However, if a roommate moves out, the remaining renters must continue to fulfill the terms of the Lease Contract. Each renter named on the Lease is fully responsible for the entire monthly rent regardless of who currently occupies the property. Security deposit refunds are one check payable to all parties on the Lease.

What if I lock myself out or lose my keys?

If you lose your key(s) and need a replacement, please submit a maintenance request online through your portal.  If you are locked out and in urgent need of entry to the home, call us at 208.551.2600 extension 2. You will be charged for the time and expense to replace the key(s) and/or unlock the home.

What if I need to change the locks or add a deadbolt?

As set forth in your Lease Contract, door locks and deadbolts can only be changed or added upon receipt of advanced written consent from HTPM. To request permission to change or add a lock or deadbolt, please submit a maintenance request online through your portal.

Who pays for new locks and keys?

At move-in, HTPM provides you with working door locks, keys, window latches, and garage door openers. From that point forward, the cost of all lock and key replacements (subject to advanced written consent from HTPM) is entirely yours for the duration of the lease.

Do I need to return my keys when I move out?

Yes. When you vacate the unit, return all keys to HTPM. If you don’t, you will be charged for the cost of new locks and/or keys that are not returned.

Can HTPM enter my home?

Yes. As the management company, HPTM has the right, subject to proper notice, to enter the Premises at all reasonable hours for the purpose of inspection, responding to your request, making repairs and/or preventative maintenance, pest control, showing to prospective residents, buyers, loan officers, or insurance agents, and for any emergency situations that may arise.

Do HTPM provide tenants with mailbox keys?

If your mailbox is in a locked cluster unit you will need to go to you lock post office and request the change out the locks. There is a charge for rekeying a box. HTPM does not have any access to your mailbox keys.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you see fire or smoke, witness an accident, or suspect/witness criminal activity (including vandalism, theft, burglary, or assault), dial 911 or call emergency response personnel. Then notify an HTPM property manager on call as soon as possible at 208.551.2600 extension 2.

What should I do in case of an emergency?

If you see fire or smoke, witness an accident, or suspect/witness criminal activity (including vandalism, theft, burglary, or assault), dial 911 or call emergency response personnel. Then notify an HTPM representative as soon as possible at 208.551.2600 extension 2.

Are my personal possessions insured?

No. You are fully and solely responsible for any loss or damage to all personal property stored in or on the Premises including vehicles and regardless of the cause or reason for the loss or damage.

What if someone gets hurt?

You are also fully and solely responsible for any personal injury that occurs on the Premises to anyone for any reason including existing or future defects or damage to the Premises.

Do I need renter’s insurance?

HTPM has no insurable interest in your possessions and strongly encourages you to obtain full coverage renter’s insurance for your personal property.

What if I accidentally damage or destroy my home?

All HTPM properties require tenants to have an insurance policy of at least $100,000 that covers accidental damage for things like smoke, explosion, backup or overflow of sewer, drain, or sump, and water damage.

How do I purchase this Insurance?

You may obtain this required insurance from any insurance agent or company. See section 1.8 of your Lease Contract for additional details.

HTPM also offers a low cost insurance option that will fulfill the requirements of the Lease Contract.  For $10.50 per month, you can be enrolled in our group insurance policy and the charge is automatically added to your tenant portal along with your rent.  There is no deductible and no credit check for tenants enrolled in the group policy.

How does HTPM know if/when I have this insurance in place?

You are required to furnish evidence of required insurance prior to occupancy and at each policy and lease renewal. Failure to be covered by the required insurance at any time will be deemed a breach of the Lease Contract. See section 1.8 of your Lease Contract for additional details.

Do I need to report damage or problems to HTPM?

Yes. As noted in your Lease Contract, failure to report damage or maintenance problems may result in your being held responsible for the cost of the repair. You have agreed to promptly notify us in writing of any conditions that pose a hazard to the property, or to your health or safety. Your online tenant portal is the best way to report problems.

How do I report damage or problems?

Maintenance requests can be made 24/7 through your online tenant portal. For emergency repairs that present an increased risk of significant or permanent damage to your home, call our emergency hotline at 208.551.2600 extension 2.

Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance?

In general terms, you are responsible to care for and maintain the Premises and HTPM is responsible for major repairs not caused by your negligence or not otherwise designated as your responsibility. See section 3.2 of your Lease Contract for additional detail.

What if I own a pet?

Pets are allowed on a case by case basis, subject to advance written approval from HTPM with a “pet deposit” of $400 per pet. See the applicable sections of your Lease Contract for additional details.

Can I get a pet after I’ve lived in my home for a while?

Yes, so long as the home you occupy allows pets, written permission has been granted from HTPM and a pet security/damage deposit of $400 per pet has been paid prior to the pet entering the Premises.

Can I get my pet deposit back?

Pet deposits may be refunded in part 1) after the expense of a mandatory carpet cleaning has been deducted and 2) if there are no other repairs or cleaning expenses to address (regardless of the cause or source of the damage, dirt, stain, or odor).

How does pet rent work?

Pet rent is $35 per pet in the home. Pet rent is nonrefundable rent paid each month with the rental rent and is subject to late fees just like regular rent.

Tenants requesting a reasonable accommodation or a reasonable modification must submit the request in writing to HTPM for review. 

When is my rent payment due?

The amount of your monthly rent payment is listed in your Lease Contract and on your online tenant portal. Rent is due in advance on or before the 1st day of each calendar month.

What if my rent payment is late?

There is a 4-day grace period. If payment is not received by the 5th day of each calendar month, including returned checks, a 3-Day Notice will be delivered to you, at which point you will have three calendar days to pay your rent in full, plus the late fee as outlined in your Lease Contract, and any other outstanding balance owing on your account.

What if my rent is due on a weekend or holiday?

Rents are due on the 1st of each month. The 4-day grace period was designed with weekends and holidays in mind. However, if the 5th day of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday, your rent must be deposited by 6:00 PM on Friday (before the weekend). If the 5th falls on a bank holiday, your rent must be deposited by 6:00 PM on the preceding business day. Late rent deposits will always incur a late fee. Late fees are outlined in your lease. Most late fees are 10% of rent price or $50, whichever is greater. By paying online through your tenant portal, you can ensure that your rent payments are always in on time, regardless of banking hours, holidays, or weekends.

What if my electronic payment is rejected or my check is returned?

A return check/NSF fee of $40 will be charged for every rejected electronic payment or returned check in addition to any fees charged to HTPM by any financial institution as a result of the failed payment. Late fees also apply if payment is not made in full by the 5th of the month.

Can I see my rent account?

Yes. Your account balance, payments due, any additional charges, and payment history are instantly available 24/7 through your online tenant portal. Maintenance requests can also be made through the tenant portal.

How do I pay my rent?

HTPM’s recommended method for rents to be deposited is online through the tenant portal. “E-check” is the best option as there are no additional fees. Credit and debit card processing are available but additional fees apply.  You can make one-time payments, split payments between multiple accounts, make multiple payments throughout the month (as long as the entire amount is in by the due date), pay a month or more in advance, and you can even setup an automatic payment to be processed each month.

Is there another way to pay my rent?

Rent payments are not accepted at our office or through the mail. As an alternative to online payments, rent payments may be deposited directly into HTPM’s Rental Account at Mountain West Bank at any of the following locations:

Mountain West Bank – Hayden Branch

305 W Prairie Ave, Hayden, ID 83835

Mountain West Bank – Ramsey Branch

1715 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

Mountain West Bank- Ironwood Branch

125 W Ironwood Dr, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Mountain West Bank – Post Falls Branch

709 E Seltice Way, Post Falls, ID 83854

Mountain West Bank – Sandpoint Branch

1323 Highway 2, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Mountain West Bank – Ponderay Branch

476655 N Highway 95, Ponderay, ID 83852

Mountain West Bank – Bonners Ferry Branch

7186 1st St, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

When is Mountain West Bank open?

Hours may vary from branch to branch, so please contact your nearest branch for exact times.  Generally speaking, hours are as follows:

• Drive up hours Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Lobby hours Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm/ Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
•  Hayden, Ramsey & Post Falls Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Sandpoint & Ponderay DRIVE UP ONLY Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Mountain West Bank observes all Idaho State Holidays

How do I pay my rent at the bank?

To deposit your rent in person, visit the bank during business hours and inform the teller that you want to make a deposit into Hometown Property Management’s RENTAL ACCOUNT ENDING IN 7108. Be sure to include your name and rental address on the front of the deposit slip in order to receive credit for your rent payment. The bank will give you a receipt as proof of your deposit.

Do you report to the credit bureau?

Yes. We believe that our residents should get credit for managing the payments for the place they call home. That’s why we’re working with Experian RentBureau to include rental payment data in Experian credit reports. If you have questions or concerns you can reach out to them directly. 1.888.397.3742.

Does HTPM provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

Yes. In accordance with state and local government regulations, your home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where applicable.

What if one of my smoke detectors malfunctions or is disabled?

Damaging or disabling any smoke detector is a violation of the Lease Contract and all smoke detector malfunctions must be immediately reported to HTPM.

What happens if I don’t pay attention to my smoke detectors?

You are fully liable to us and to others for any loss, damage, or fines resulting from fire, smoke, or water damage if that condition arises from a damaged or disabled smoke detectors or from your failure to replace a dead battery or report malfunctions to HTPM.

How much is my security deposit and when is it due?

The amount of your security deposit and pet security/damage deposit (if applicable) is listed in your Lease Contract and is payable in full prior to move-in.

How can I get my security deposit back?

Your security deposit, less any deductions, will be returned to you thirty (30) days after you vacate the Premises as long as each of the following conditions are fully satisfied

1. All rent due and owing is paid in full;
2. All utilities chargeable to you have been paid in full through the last day of your lease agreement;
3. The original lease term has expired;
4. Thirty (30) days written notice of intention to vacate the Premises was given to HTPM;
5. Premises has been cleaned and restored to the pre-tenancy condition, less normal wear and tear;
6. Tenant has returned ALL keys, parking passes, and garage door remotes to the Premises to HTPM;
7. All damage to Premises has been repaired or remedied to HTPM’s satisfaction.
8. Present HTPM with the receipt for a carpet cleaning on or before day of move-out inspection. Carpets have been professionally cleaned by a truck mounted steam cleaner

What if I don’t get my entire deposit back?

Any deduction from the security deposit shall be accompanied by an itemized statement signed by HTPM showing the description and amount of each deduction.

Are utilities included in my rent payment?

Not unless it is specifically stated in your lease. You are responsible to establish utility accounts in your name for all utility services provided to the Premises from your move-in date through the end of the Lease Contract.  HTPM provides contact info for utility and communication providers in your move-in packet.

What happens if I don’t pay my utility bills?

In the event HTPM must pay any delinquent or unpaid utility bills for services provided to your home, these amounts will be treated as additional rent to be paid with the next monthly rent payment or deducted from your deposit upon termination of the lease.