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Can I get a pet?

Pet policies vary for each rental. DO NOT get a pet until you get approval from us. Unfortunately some units do not allow any pets and others may have limits to the amount and kinds of animals allowed. Also there may be additional deposits/fees required so please contact us so we can look at your personal account.

Do I need to put the utilities in my name or will they be included in my rent?

This will depend on your rental agreement. Most of our single family homes and duplexes have separate meters so utilities become the responsibility of the tenant. The tenant must put all utilities in their name upon moving into the unit. In some cases the tenant will have to provide an additional deposit to the utility company to create an account if there is a prior balance or credit is less than ideal. Because we provide property management services for Western Maryland and Southern Central Pennsylvania our rentals utilize many different utility companies. HMC will let you know what company services your unit.

Do you have any rentals that are Section 8?

Yes, sometimes we do have City and County Section 8 rentals available. Please view our available rentals and Section 8 will be listed in the description. If you decide to call our office please mention you are looking for Section 8 housing and if you have a City or County Voucher, and the amount of your Voucher. We can let you know if we have any available rentals.

How do I find out what the school district is for my rental?

You will have to contact the Board of Education for that information.

Is there a fee to apply for a rental?

Yes, there is a $30 non-refundable fee per adult (18 years or older) that will be a full time resident in our rentals. This fee covers the costs for our screening process. We will review each adult's national credit report, criminal background, verify rental references and verify incomes. Please click here to apply for a rental.

Will HMC provide my unit with replacement light bulbs or heating and air conditioning filters?

No, all lights should be working when you move in and also when you move out. Tenants are responsible to provide their own light bulbs, heating and air conditioning filters, pest control and snow removal.

Can I install Direct TV, Dish Network or Cable into my rental unit?

We will usually Give approval for a Dish if it is to be placed in the yard on a post. But, this is determined on a case by case basis. DO NOT install Direct TV, Dish Network or Cable before getting approval from HMC. If the tenant installs any of these items without the permission of HMC then the tenant will be responsible to pay for all repairs when they vacate the unit.

How many people can occupy a rental?

There are state and county laws that determine how many occupants can reside in one dwelling. If you have a large family or have multiple roommates and are searching for a rental–contact us so we can make sure to abide by the law and match you with the right property. No one can move into a property without being added to the lease and filling out an application for approval first.

Can I paint, put up a wallpaper border or install a ceiling fan in my rental?

ANY changes to your rental must have approval from HMC in writing. For example painting, wallpaper and borders, or adding large fixtures such as ceiling fans are considered remodeling which will require the permission of the property owner. If approved each tenant is responsible to paint the unit back to a neutral color, remove wallpaper and borders and leave the walls in the same condition they were in when they moved in as the tenant is vacating the unit. If the tenant receives permission to install a ceiling fan then removing it may more damage so you will be expected to leave it in the unit. If you have any questions or are seeking approval to proceed with changes to your rental contact us.

Does HMC do a "Move-In" inspection with the tenant?

Each tenant receives a "Move-In" inspection sheet which they are responsible for completing and returning the Hagerstown Management. If the tenant return this document to HMC within the first two weeks of the tenant's occupancy then HMC considers the unit to be in good shape with no problems. HMC will not accept photographs as evidence of damage during vacancy since we do not have any way to verify dates.

I moved out of my HMC rental, when can I expect my security deposit?

After taking out damages and unpaid rent, HMC will send its tenants the list of damages and/or the full or partial security deposit no later than 30 days in Pennsylvania or 45 days in Maryland.

Help I'm locked out of my rental, can I get a key from HMC or should I call a locksmith?

If you can come into our office during normal business hours we will give you a key to take across the street to make a copy. If you can't make it office, HMC can provide a key to its tenants for a $25 fee during regular business hours. If you require a replacement key after our regular business will charge a fee of $50 for delivering the key. These fees are due upon delivery and must be worked into our schedule. Tenants always have the choice and pay a locksmith - RJ Locksmith 301-797-7878. HMC is never responsible for these charges.

Can I change the locks to my rental?

No, in most cases if a tenant changes a lock or locks without the landlord's permission then your lease is being violated.

If something breaks in my rental what is considered an emergency?

HMC has a 24 hour answering service. Call 301-791-6060. If you reach our office after hours you will be asked to dial ext. 2 to reach the answering Emergency situations are anything that could cause damage to the rental or potentially pose danger to the tenant. Examples include broken hot water any leaking water, broken heating unit or a broken refrigerator. If your refrigerator breaks during a weekend or holiday we will do our best to have as soon as possible but we would recommend moving your food to a friend's refrigerator or gathering a few coolers to make sure your food doesn is not the responsible of HMC to replace any spoiled food.

Will I be charged if something breaks in my rental?

This depends–if the tenant causes damage to the rental or its appliances then it will be the responsibility of the tenant to pay for these damages. If something breaks because your child stuffed toys in it, then YES you will be responsible for that plumber's fee. Please make sure your child does not put the toilet to damage it which happens quite often (plastic easter eggs are the worst). If one of your appliances breaks due to normal wear and tear is responsible for those charges. We have been in the business for a long time and have seen it all, so please DO NOT break something and tell us from wear and tear.

Can I burn candles in my rental?

If you have a question about candles and the damage they can cause, please ask. We do not recommend burning candles in any of our units. Many popular scented candles today are made by mixing oils into the candle wax. More oil also means a higher potential for soot, which will eventually walls, carpets, drapes, and furniture making it very damaging to a property. Also, candles are a fire hazard so remember to NEVER leave a candle unattended, especially if children and/or pets are in the unit.

I have carpet in my rental, whose responsibility is it to have the carpet cleaned

It is the tenants responsibility to have their carpets cleaned, unless it states otherwise in your lease. The tenant must have the carpets cleaned before they move out out and if this process is not performed may be considered damage and deducted from the security deposit. If the carpet cleaning is the responsibility of the landlord as stated in the lease, then HMC will take care of it.

When can I expect to receive my payment?

Currently HMC disperses rent payments to owners via direct deposit, unless otherwise directed, on the 15th of each month. Some of our competitors hold back your payment for the first month, but at HMC we pay you the same month we collect rent for your properties.

How often do you send out owner statements?

We send our owners a monthly statement via email, or by regular mail upon request. This statement will contain information about rents collected for your properties and expenses related to your properties and maintenance.

Will HMC send me a 1099?

Yes, once a year we will be sending you a 1099, required by the Internal Revenue Service. We recommend that you consult with your financial advisor regarding the tax deductibility of expenses involved in your property management.

What happens if one of my tenants has to be evicted?

HMC will handle the eviction process for you. We file all required paperwork, schedule evictions, schedule dates with sheriff’s office to deliver the necessary paperwork and represent the owners in court.

Does my rental need to be compliant with all of the Local, State and Federal Lead Poisoning Prevention Program?

If your residential property was built prior to 1950, it must inspected for lead-based paint and registered with the Department of the Environment (DE). HMC stays current with all rules and regulations and will advise you of your options as a property owner (and as a first time renter). We will let you know your safest choice as an owner of rental property and provide all of the forms for you to stay legal and up-to-date with the ever-changing laws and rules. The goal is to make this process easier and save you from fines and penalties.

What are your property management fees?

Our property management fees are tailored to your needs. We will perform a portfolio analysis for you (number of units, age of units, rents, locations, compliance, etc.) to determine a fair and agreeable amount of leasing and management fees that apply.

If you have any other questions, please call this number 301-791-6060, or email us at info@hagerstownmanagment.com