Tenant Rules & Regulations

1.1 Welcome to Northern Pass Properties

We are pleased to have you as our tenant and we would like your experience with Northern Pass Properties to be a great one. Along with your rental agreement, this tenant handbook is a very useful reference tool. It contains helpful information that will make your tenancy a satisfying one. This tenant handbook is designed to outline our responsibility to you and your responsibilities to us and the home. It is our sincere belief that when you as a tenant, understand our policies and procedures, we can better serve your needs.

1.2 The Property

You have rented a property so please care for it as your own. During the term of your lease agreement, you are responsible for the home and the yard. Your obligations are similar to those of the owner, and you are expected to care for and maintain the premises accordingly.

1.3 Rental Payments and Late Fees

All rent payments are due on the 1st of the month; however, per Texas state law, you have a three-day grace period. Thus, your rent is not considered late until the 4th of the month.

Payment options:

1. Paying online via your tenant portal. You can use a credit or debit card or your routing and account number for a small fee.
2. Use your unique payslip to pay at one of our partnered locations: ACE Cash Express, Walmart, and CVS Pharmacy.

We do not accept payments at the office unless your account is under "Certified Funds." If you are under "Certified Funds," you will make your rent payment via money order or cashier's check, at the office. Our office is located on 1317 Montana Ave. El Paso TX 79902, and is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Payments brought in after hours can be dropped off via the slot on our front door. Include your name and address on all payments. There is a $2.50 processing fee per money order or cashier's check. Failure to include this will result in the fee being added to your account. Rents remaining unpaid after the 3rd are subject to additional late fees.

1.4 Returned Checks / EFTs

The amount of any NSF checks or EFTs must be paid in certified funds within 24 hours of notification. A $35 returned payment fee will be added to your account. If the returned check makes your rent payment late, additional late fees will also apply. All amounts must be paid in full at the time of notification.

1.5 Contact Number & Email Addresses

All tenants are required to provide Northern Pass Properties with their home, cell, and work numbers. Please notify us of any changes to your contact information or email address.

1.6 30-Day Written Notice

1.7 Keys & Locks

Alterations or replacement of locks, installation of bolts, knockers, or other attachments to the interior or exterior of the doors require written approval by Northern Pass Properties and you must provide us a key to each lock on the home. All keys are to be returned to Northern Pass Properties upon vacating the premises. Management is not responsible for replacing lost or stolen keys, if keys have been lost or stolen, a maintenance request will have to be requested for a change of locks, tenant will be financially responsible for cost of service. Management does not provide lock out service, if you are locked out of your unit, you will need to call a locksmith. If mailbox keys are needed, they may be obtained from your local post office or HOA. A copy of your lease agreement may be needed to provide proof of residence; any fees related to this cost are paid by tenant.

1.8 Disturbances, Noise & Nuisance

All tenants and their guests are expected to conduct themselves in a way that will not offend or disturb the neighbors. Any activity that causes extreme or excessive noise, traffic or disturbance of any kind may be cause for eviction. This includes loud or offensive music, vulgar or profane language, gathering in the driveway or front of the home drinking alcoholic beverages, etc. If music or other sound can be heard outside the perimeter of the premises leased, it is considered too loud. All illegal activity is prohibited and will be dealt with police intervention. Social gatherings in common areas, including but not limited to patios, stairwells, corridors and pool area are not permitted.

1.9 Move-In Condition

When you rent a home from Northern Pass Properties, we make every effort to see that all items are in good working condition. Please make sure you list all deficiencies in the home on your Move In Inspection Report and that the inspection report is submitted within the first 7 days of possession. Please make sure you go through the home thoroughly and test all mechanical items to assure they are functioning properly. Please keep in mind that the Move In Inspection Report is not a repair request form.

1.10 Property Inspections

Northern Pass Properties may conduct an inspection of the premises to report its condition to the owner. You will be provided with sufficient notice prior to inspection. You will be notified of deficiencies if any that are tenant responsibilities and you will also be instructed to correct the deficiency in a timely manner. Failure to correct deficiencies once you have been notified could be considered breach of lease agreement and grounds for termination.

1.11 Parking / Vehicles

All vehicles need to be parked in assigned areas (garages, parking lots, driveways, etc.) or curbside on public streets where allowed by controlling ordinances. Parking on the grass, sidewalks and any other area not specifically designated for parking is strictly prohibited. All vehicles must be registered and operable at all times. Repairing of any vehicles on the property is not allowed. Any oil/fluid stains on driveway, garage floor, walkways or any other area on property must be cleaned up immediately. If your vehicle leaks oil or fluids please place a protective covering or pan underneath vehicle to catch leaks.

1.12 Guests

A reasonable amount of guests may occupy the premises without prior written consent if the stay is limited to 7 days or less. If you have a guest that is staying over 7 days, you must notify NPP before the guest stays. Only those listed on the rental application have permission to occupy the premises. You are responsible for the behavior of any and all guests.

1.13 Insurance

Northern Pass Properties does not require tenants to have renters insurance, however it is strongly urged that you obtain a renters insurance policy. Tenant should understand that the Home Owners property insurance does not cover tenant’s personal belongings or protect tenant from loss or liability. A renter’s insurance policy is very in-expensive and will cover the tenant’s personal belongings against loss or damage. However, if you have a pool at your property, or a pet who is considered an aggressive breed, a renter’s insurance policy must be obtained with a minimum liability coverage of $300,000.00. Please upload a copy of your insurance policy to your tenant portal.

1.14 Pets

No pets, animals, snakes or birds, etc. of any kind are allowed on the premises, regardless of whether such pet or animal is owned by tenant or guest, unless you have specific written permission from Northern Pass Properties in the rental agreement (pet addendum), and tenant has paid a pet deposit. Should Northern Pass Properties find that a pet is being or has been kept on premises without the required permission and executed pet addendum, a pet removal fee defined in your lease will be assessed immediately. Tenant will be charged for spraying for fleas, pet enzyme for carpets, and/or any repair for any damage caused by pet, if need be. As a tenant you must be responsible for your animal at all times. Having a pet is a privilege and permission to have your pet/s on premises may be revoked at any time. If the tenants have paid a pet fee/deposit, the tenant is under the understanding that the home owner’s insurance may cancel the policy because of an aggressive style animal at the home. If this is the case, the tenant must remove the animal and the lease is not interrupted nor will the pet fee/deposit be returned. The tenant’s take full responsibility for their animals in any liability case. Under city ordinance No. 16229, it is unlawful for pet owners to allow their pet/s to waste on public or private property. Residents must pick up after their pets at all times. Additionally, all pets must be leashed and supervised while out on the property

1.15 Pest Control

Tenants are responsible for the spraying of any pests. Northern Pass Properties assumes no responsibility for the control of roaches, mice, rats, ants, fleas or other pests. Northern Pass Properties may refer you to a pest control company if needed; if you mention that you were referred to that company by Northern Pass Properties you will receive a discounted price. Any company of your choice may also be used.

1.16 Smoke Detectors

Check to make sure that all smoke detectors are operating properly upon move-in. Notify Northern Pass Properties if you are unable to operate them. Please check the battery regularly and replace the battery as soon as it begins to lose charge. Disabling a smoke detector is a violation of your lease and the law. It is your responsibility to make sure they are up to code and working properly during your lease. If not, please notify NPP as soon as possible so we may address the issue.

1.17 Painting & Decorating

Tenants are not allowed to make any alterations to the house décor (paint, shelving, light fixtures, adding fence, etc.) without prior discussion and consent from Northern Pass Properties. The cost(s) of returning the property to the original condition, if any, is the responsibility of the tenant.

1.18 Maintenance Request

Maintenance request can be submitted through Property Meld at nppelpaso.com, (submit maintenance request tab or directly at propertymeld.com once set up) be specific about the problem. If you need help getting set up on Property Meld, please give us a call at 915.219.9158.

1.19 Maintenance Scheduling

If a maintenance request has been submitted to Northern Pass Properties you will be contacted to set up an appointment time for our maintenance technician to go out to your home. Propertymeld.com is used to handle all of our incoming work orders, this site can be reached directly or you may go through our website and click on Submit Maintenance. Keep in mind that someone over the age of 18 must be present to allow access to our maintenance technician to the premises. Northern Pass Properties does not provide our maintenance technicians with keys to the premises. If an agreed appointment time is missed, the tenant will be charged a $35 trip charge for the missed appointment.

1.20 System Failures

All breakdowns, system failures and structural defects must be reported to Northern Pass Properties immediately. If an urgent repair is needed (i.e., water leak), tenant is responsible for stopping further damage from occurring. This can be done by simply turning off certain fuses, shutting down the main water line or doing whatever action necessary to stop further damage. As a tenant of the property you are required to know how to perform these simple operations.

1.21 HVAC

The A/C vents inside the home should be kept clear of obstruction, such as furniture, décor or clothing. If home has refrigerated air and unit is located on the outside premises of the home please make sure you keep the area around the unit clean and clear. Do not allow grass or weeds to grow up around the unit. The tenant is responsible for changing out all the filters for the HVAC system, at minimum every 2 months; by not doing this damage may occur which you would be held liable for.

1.22 Lawns & Grounds

Tenant is expected to care for the lawn and grounds, keeping them in good condition. This care includes watering (grass, trees and shrubs), cutting the grass, trimming shrubs and trees, edging all driveways, walkways and curbs, removing all weeds, treating ant mounds and treating lawn pests. Tenant is responsible for reporting any condition which can cause damage, permanent or temporary, to the grounds immediately to Northern Pass Properties.

1.23 Plumbing / Septic Systems

Tenant is responsible for keeping all sinks, tub/shower, lavatory and toilet drain lines open. Do not deposit anything into the plumbing system or use it for any purpose other than for which it is designed for. After first 60 days of tenancy, NPP is not responsible for the maintenance of such items.

1.24 Walls & Ceilings

Please keep the walls and baseboards of the home clean and unmarred. You are welcome to hang wall décor with appropriate hanging hardware. Do not wallpaper any of the walls. Change in paint requires prior discussion and permission from Northern Pass Properties. Keep ceiling free from cobwebs and dust. Please keep in mind that all walls, ceilings and baseboards must be cleaned prior to vacating premises. There is absolutely no smoking inside the home, if you violate this, you will be held responsible for any smoke/tar residue, odor and/or damage to the premises that result from smoking.

1.25 Vinyl & Ceramic Tile Flooring

Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring may be cleaned with appropriate cleaning solutions. Do not apply varnish, lacquer, shellac or wax to the tile flooring. Tenant will be held responsible for damage to the flooring such as broken tiles, torn vinyl or improper cleaning procedures.

1.26 Hardwood Flooring

Dry mop, sweep or vacuum floors regularly. Do not wet mop floors, standing water can dull the finish, discolor and damage the wood. When mopping is needed, use a wood cleaner applied lightly with a cloth or mop and buff dry. Do not slide or drag furniture across the floor. Tenant will be held responsible for any damage caused to the floor.

1.27 Carpet Care

Routine carpet care requires a thorough vacuuming at least once a week to remove the soil from the carpet. Heavy traffic areas require more frequent vacuuming. Carpets are professionally cleaned prior to move-in, so therefore you must have them professionally cleaned upon vacating. A receipt is required at the time the keys are returned. Tenant will be held responsible for any damage caused to carpet. If receipt is not given when vacating the property and the carpet is not noticeably clean, tenant will be charged a professional steam cleaning charge by NPP.

1.28 Appliances

Any appliances that are included with the home are deemed to be in working condition prior to the tenant moving in. Appliances should be treated as your own and should be regularly cleaned. Northern Pass Properties will not replace any appliances that stop working during the time of your lease agreement. The owner of the home will be notified and it will be left to his/her discretion whether the appliance is to be fixed or replaced. Tenant is more than welcome to provide an appliance of their own if the current appliance stops working, only after NPP is properly notified and instructions are given for the disposal of the appliance currently in the home.

1.29 Cleaning Standards

1. Keep windows clean inside and out.
2. Wash between windows and screens at least every 4 months, clean dust, dirt and debris from upper and lower sliding glass door tracks.
3. Clean stove, drip pans, under drip pans, oven racks and drawer, hood filter often.
4. Keep all floors clean and free of debris.
5. Dust and clean all baseboards, window sills, ceiling fans, light fixtures, doors and walls as needed.
6. Blinds, if provided should be dusted and cleaned as needed.
7. Bathrooms should be cleaned weekly. This includes toilet bowl and base, sink, vanity, floor, mirror, bath tub and shower. Caulk tub as necessary.
8. Sweep out garage as needed, keep free from trash and debris.

1.30 Countertops & Cabinets

Always use cutting boards and hot pads when chopping, cutting or placing hot items on counter tops. Do not use abrasive cleaners on counters as they will scratch. All cabinets must be vacuumed out and the drawer/door fronts cleaned before vacating.

1.31 Kitchen Appliances

All kitchen appliances should be cleaned regularly. Please clean the outside surface of the refrigerator and washer/dryer regularly. Not cleaning all these items on a regular basis can cause excessive wear and tear, for which tenant will be held responsible.

1.32 Fireplaces

Before any use of a fireplace, please check with NPP to determine if your fireplace is ready for use, unfortunately some fireplaces are not ventilated and could cause harm. If there is a fireplace in your home, do not burn pine or any other sappy wood. This causes a buildup of residue in the chimney and increases the possibility of fire. The fireplace is not a place to burn cardboard, paper, pine needles, etc.

When using the fireplace in your residence:

1. Close the fireplace screen or door to keep sparks from flying out
2. Do not put anything closer than three feet to the fireplace while it’s in use
3. Never leave fire unattended
4. Burn only dry seasoned wood. Do not use green wood, treated lumber or painted wood
5. Never use combustible liquids such as kerosene, turpentine, lighter fluid or gasoline to start or accelerate the fire
6. Do not dispose of burnt logs or ashes until they are completely cooled
7. RNotify Northern Pass Properties of any problems with the fireplace

1.33 Moving Out - Giving Written Notice

Your notice to vacate must be in writing, it can be submitted via your tenant portal, dropped off at our office, mailed in or emailed. The notice must include the property address, your name, the date you plan on vacating the premises and your reasoning for vacating the property. This notice must not be less than the 30 days before your vacating date.

1.34 Move-Out Procedures

Upon moving out, it shall be tenant responsibility to:

1. Clean the whole interior and exterior of the home including all kitchen appliances. This includes pulling out and cleaning under and behind the appliances.
2. Dispose of all garbage and trash; this includes ensuring that the trash containers must be emptied. They cannot be left full of trash or overstuffed.
3. Close and lock all windows and doors.
4. The carpet must be cleaned by a professional cleaning company and receipt must be provided when turning in keys. If pet/s were present, a pet enzyme is required.
5. Cut lawn, pull weeds, edge and trim all trees, bushes and shrubs.
6. Leave refrigerator and freezer doors open if electricity has been shut off.
7. If mini-blinds or vertical blinds are in bad condition, it is your responsibility to replace them.
8. Return all keys and openers to NPP on your termination date.
9. Provide a forwarding address to expedite deposit return.
10. Provide a forwarding address when leaving keys or as soon as you know your address, this is important to receive your security deposit back in a timely manner. This can be mailed, dropped off, emailed or text in, please get a verification of receipt.

1.35 Move-Out Process

Once the tenant has vacated the premises and keys have been received by Northern Pass Properties, we will begin the move-out process to determine and expedite return of the tenant’s security deposit. Keys must be returned to Northern Pass Properties and not left at the premises, per your lease agreement. Tenant is fully responsible for all rents until the keys have been given to and received by Northern Pass Properties. It is your responsibility to ensure that someone at NPP has received your keys if left in the drop slot.

1.36 Return Of Security Deposit:

Upon moving out, it shall be tenant responsibility to:

1. The security deposit may not be used for any rent due. The security deposit will be refunded 30 days from your move-out and return of keys and garage door openers if any. Return of security deposit is subject to the following:
2. Resident has given 30 day written notice prior to vacating. The full term of the lease agreement has expired.
3. All charges due including rent and fees and any other fees or charges that may be required to be paid by tenant have been paid in full.
4. No damage to premises or its contents beyond normal wear and tear is evident. All walls are clean and unmarred. Tenant understands that any expense incurred to return premises to the same condition as when tenant moved in, allowing for reasonable wear and tear shall be paid by tenant.
5. The entire dwelling, including but not limited to carpets, bathroom and fixtures, floors, window blinds, ceiling fans and light fixtures, all appliances, closets and cupboards are thoroughly clean and free of insects.
6. All debris, rubbish, and personal belongings have been removed from premises and disposed of properly.
7. The lawn has been cleaned, cut, trimmed and edged and debris properly removed from premises.
8. Trash cans are empty and clean or closed and left at the curb if trash remains inside. Overstuffed trash cans that are not able to close will result in a trash out fee.

1.37 Our Personal Message to You

Congratulations on selecting a home with Northern Pass Properties. We are looking forward to having you as a tenant and want to make your new association with Northern Pass Properties a pleasant experience. Our goal is to provide you with superior management service. In return we look forward to you being a responsible tenant who pays rent on time, takes special care of the property and enjoys the home you have rented. We look forward to having you be a part of the Northern Pass Properties tenant family, and hope your rental experience with us will be a long and pleasant one.