Tenant Tools – A Guide for Renting an Apartment in Vermont

A Guide for Renting an Apartment in Vermont

1. If your Burlington apartment comes with a parking spot or garage space, you must have a current Hinsdale Properties parking pass on you vehicle to identify it to the towing company.
2. Should you car get towed from one of our lots for whatever reason, please call Spillane’s Towing at 802-863-7900.
3. If you live in one of our Downtown Burlington Apartments that does not include parking, and are interested in obtaining a city garage parking spot, please call 802-865-7545 for more information.

1. If you have aluminum storm windows, save heating costs by putting the storms down when the heat is on.
2. Our insurance company strictly prohibits putting plastic or tape on or around windows. Hinsdale Properties will supply rope caulk upon request.
3. You are responsible for broken windows. When raising a window, make sure it will stay up before you walk away. If a window breaks, do not throw any parts away.
4. If you have plants on window sills, be sure you have a plate under them to keep water from running through the pot. Please do not hang plants from the ceiling or woodwork. DO NOT hang plants from sprinkler lines.

1. Parts to refrigerators and ranges must be kept with the appliances. Occupants are responsible for dirty, damaged or missing parts.
2. When moving appliances, be careful not to damage the floors.
3. Do not use tape or decals on appliances.

1. Some of our properties have coin operated laundry facilities for tenant use only.
2. Please remember to follow the machine instructions, and not overload the washers or dryers. Putting too many clothes in either machine will result in incomplete cycles giving you wet/dirty clothes.
3. The laundry rooms are a privilege, not a right. If the facilities are abused access will be restricted.

1. Learn how to use your heaters. If you are not sure, call us.
2. Heat may not be turned off during cold weather. Pipes will freeze and break, devastating a the building. Apartments must be kept at 55 degrees or above at all times.
3. Be sure drapes, curtains, furniture and other items are not near or blocking heater vents.

1. We are not responsible for your possessions. Your lease requires you to have ‘Renter’s Insurance’. It is very worth it.
2. It is your obligation to make sure the smoke detector is working at all times and to replace the battery if it wears out. Fines will result if your smoke detector is not working at all times or if it has been tampered with. Replace the battery if it’s chirping.
3. Make sure your windows lock securely. Please call the office, if they do not.
4. Keeping blinds and curtains closed will deter theft.
5. If lights are out in the hallway of your building or outside your apartment, please contact Hinsdale Properties.

1. Report any problem to us at once.
2. Learn where your shutoffs are under sinks, etc. so in an emergency, water can be turned off.
3. Be sure shower curtain is closed when shower is in use. If water gets on the floor, it needs to be cleaned up immediately. You are responsible for any damage that may result.
4. If something falls or is put in a drain or toilet, please contact us immediately. Do not try to flush objects that have fallen in the toilet or down any drain. This will cause more damage resulting in repair costs to you.
5. If you let water run over, you are responsible for damage downstairs and in your apartment.
6. Tenant must clean up water spills or toilet overflows immediately. Tenant is responsible for damage.
7. It is your responsibility to contact us immediately of any running toilets, dripping faucets or any other malfunctioning plumbing. We are not responsible for any part of water bills when we are not aware of the problem.
8. Exhaust fan must be used at all times while bathing or showering. If you have a window instead of a fan, window must be opened to vent out moisture. If exhaust fan isn’t working, contact Hinsdale Properties immediately.
9. If you have a plunger handy, follow the directions in the DIY video to unclog a drain:

1. Report any problems to us.
2. When replacing fuses, never use one with a larger rating than the one you are replacing.
3. Extension cords are prohibited! Only surge protectors are allowed.
4. Do not run wires under rugs.
5. Halogen pole lamps are prohibited.
6. Use only 60 Watt light bulbs, unless the fixture states otherwise.
7. If you’re apartment has an accessible breaker box, follow the instructions in this video to safely reset a tripped breaker:

1. Be sure tables, chairs and other furniture have rubber or felt pads under each leg. Damage to the floor is your responsibility if you fail to protect them correctly.
2. Your carpets and floors are clean when you move in. They should be kept clean and cleaned before you move out.

1. Normal rubbish is removed by us. Furniture, boxes and other large items will be charged to occupant. Please call the office if you need to schedule extra trash pick up.
2. Make sure trash goes in barrel or dumpster and not on the ground. Garbage should be in plastic bags and securely tied closed.
3. Putting trash, furniture, etc. on your front lawn or on the city green belt is prohibited. The City of Burlington will fine tenants in Violation. If we find items on the front lawn or greenbelt, we will remove and charge you cost incurred.
4. Recycling guide:

   

    

1. Smoking is prohibited withing units, on porches, or in common areas.
2. In accordance with Vermont Law, smoking may only happen 25 feet from buildings.

• • Click here to see Burlington City code pertaining to smoking in and around apartment buildings, and store fronts.

• Most of our buildings under management were build before 1978, and were originally built using lead based paint. This is not a danger to any persons health, if they follow two simple codes:

1. Report any chipping or pealing paint found inside a rented space to Hinsdale Properties.
2. Do not ingest or inhale any paint chips or dust.

• • Click here to see an EPA pamphlet explaining the dangers of lead in your home and how to protect your family.

1. Never walk, climb, or sunbathe on roof. This is not only hazardous but can cause roof damage, which will result in leaks.
2. The City of Burlington strictly prohibits the use of barbecue or hibachi grills on porches. Please use them on the ground away from the building. Please do not dump ashes on the lawn.
3. Use caution with space heaters!