Current Tenants

Safety, Insurance, and Solutions to Common Problems

Safety Information

I know it seems like common sense, but we just want to point out a few things you can do to be a little safer in your homes and apartments.

• Never open your door to people you don't know.
• Always lock your doors behind you.
• If you are in for the evening, and you have a security system, arm it!!
• If you see any suspicious people hanging around and you are worried, call 911.
• If you are going to be coming in after dark, leave one light on inside, your porch light on outside, and a radio or television on inside.

Renters Insurance

If you live in an apartment or a rented house, renter's insurance provides important coverage for both you and your possessions. Anyone who leases a house or apartment should consider this type of coverage.

If you are a college student, your parents' home owners' insurance may cover your items as well.

A standard renters policy usually covers:

• Personal property in cases of theft or damage
• Sometimes pays for temporary living expenses if your rental is damaged.
• Can also shield you from personal liability.

Your current automobile insurer may be able to give you more information on this topic, and some even offer discounts for multiple policies.

Local companies that offer this insurance include:

• Allstate, 4600 Chapel Hill Blvd, Suite 35, Durham (919) 402-9581
• State Farm, 1415 Watts St., Durham (919) 286-5602
• North Carolina Mutual, 411 West Chapel Hill St., Durham (919) 682-9201

Common Problems

Water Leaks

Most important -- Turn the water off at the source!

• Sinks: faucet handles or knobs under the sink
• Toilets: knob behind toilet
• Other: under the building or crawl space

Power Outages

• Check all your fuses and circuit breakers:
  • Fuses: Replace with a matching one from Home Depot.
  • Breaker: Just flip it off, then flip it back on.
• If the power comes on and the fuse or breaker blows again:
  • Unplug everything attached to the fuse or breaker
  • Replace the fuse or flip the breaker again
  • Plug each item in, one at a time, to see if any individual item is causing the problem
• If ALL your electricity is off, call Duke Power (382-3200). You may have forgotten to pay the power bill.

No Heat

• Central GAS heat:
  • If the fan is running, call to have your pilot light re-lit.
    • During office hours, call Bob Schmitz Properties (416-0393).
    • After hours, call PSNC (877-776-2427).
  • If the fan is not running at all, check the furnace fuse or circuit breaker.
• OIL heat:
  • Check your oil tank, by reading the gauge on it.
    • In all likelihood, the tank is empty.
    • Call your oil supply company to have some oil delivered.
    • Call Bob Schmitz Properties (416-0393) to have the line bled.
• RADIATOR heat:
  • Bleed your water line and check your water level.
    • Press the RESET button.
    • Check the fuses or circuit breakers.

No Air Conditioning

• Central Air:
  • Make sure the thermostat is set on "COOL".
  • Check to see that the motor is running outside.
    • See if the fan is spinning on the unit and listen for any strange noises.
      • If you hear noises, check to see if there are any leaves or other debris blocking it.
  • Check to see that the fan motor is running (under the house or near the furnace).
    • If it is not running, call Bob Schmitz Properties (416-0393).
  • Check the vents to see if any air is flowing.
    • If no air is coming out of the vents, check the filters.
      • Replace with matching filters from Home Depot.