Seeking Advice from Previous Homeowner.

The best source of information for the continuing maintenance of your new home is the previous owner. Hopefully before closing takes place, you spent some time with the previous owner going through the house room by room to become familiar with all the aspects of the house. Most important would be the basic systems such as the roof, electrical, heating, and plumbing and the foundation. In addition, the previous homeowner can give you the names and phone numbers of contractors and other professional (electricians, plumbers, roofers and carpenters) who have worked on the house and what they did and when they did the work. You should try to obtain construction information such as wiring diagrams, blueprints or remodeling plans. It is important to know who picks up the garbage or trash and when. You should also know who the fuel oil supplier is and when fuel oil is delivered if you have an oil burning heating unit. You should be familiar with the location of the main shut off valves for water, gas, main electrical switch, fuse or circuit/breaker box and the operation of the hot water heater thermostat.

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Making Necessary Repairs.

The pre-inspection report you requested before buying the house will give you information related to repairs that may be needed now and in the very near future. There are minor repairs to the house that you will be able to perform such as a replacing a broken window, caulking tile in the bathroom, weather stripping or painting. For typical repairs you will need to have the following basic tools:

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• Hammer

• Straight blade and Phillips screwdriver (or combination screwdriver with interchangeable tips)

• Slip joint pliers

• Handsaw

• Wall scraper

• Tape measure

• Flashlight

• Plunger (one that works for both sinks and toilets)

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Other repairs will require the services of a contractor. You will need to know how to find a contractor who is reputable.

Here are a few guidelines you can follow to help you make the right selection:

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• Talk to people in your neighborhood to get the names of contractors suitable to do the repairs that are needed. You should also use local publications to put together a list of contractors.

• Arrange to have the contractors visit you for an interview and a discussion of the work that needs to be done. Ask the contractor for the address of a property where you can see what work has been done.

• Get free cost estimates from the contractors.  Ask them to give you an estimate in writing in the form of a firm bid with a date that work will be started and completed.

• A contract specifying what work is to be performed, all material and labor for the project, when payments are due, when work is to be completed etc., should be signed by you and the contractor you selected. It’s important to hold back about ten percent of the payment until after the work is completed.

• The contractor should be required to obtain the necessary permits and make sure the work is inspected, if required by local government.

• Be sure the contractor has liability insurance that includes bodily or personal injury, and property damage.

• The contractor should provide a reasonable time of guaranteeing the work that is to be performed. Thirty days is normal but, the type of work performed should be considered. Manufactures’ warranties could apply for a product that was installed by the contractor.

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Home Maintenance.

Now that you own a home of your very own you want to make sure it is maintained properly. Home maintenance requires some routine inspections for maintenance. We have provided you a Home Maintenance Checklist to help you become familiar with the items and systems that should be routinely inspected and cared for.

The purpose of this checklist is to help you identify the need for minor repairs or maintenance by walk-through inspections. These should be done at least twice a year because of seasonal changes – once in the fall and once in the spring. You should be able to recognize the evidence of a need for repairs at other times during the year based on your walk-through experiences. Major repairs and their cost will be avoided if you do proper inspections and take appropriate action. The checklist indicates the parts of the home, what indicators of a problem to look for and suggests possible causes.

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INTERIOR

Basement– Dampness or water following wet weather – check if ventilation to the basement is adequate, if sump pump is working, if leaders and downspouts are working properly and if drainage on the outside of the foundation is away from the house.

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Living Area – Water stains on the ceiling – check for missing caulk around the bathtub and tile.

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Attic or Ceiling Under Roof – Water stains – check for worn roof or missing shingles.

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Electrical System – Fuses that blow or circuit breakers that go off – check for overloads and employ an electrician to upgrade the system if the problem continues.

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Heating and Cooling Systems – Inadequate heating or cooling – check for dirt and dust around furnace. Clean or change any air filters and have heating and cooling system checked by a qualified service person.

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Plumbing System – Leaking faucets – check for worn washers.

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​EXTERIOR

Foundation– Pool of Water – check leaders and downspouts to make sure rainwater flows through properly and away from the foundation.

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Walls:  Peeling paint or decayed siding and trim – Check for lead-based paint if the house was built prior to 1978 and take corrective measures if there is a problem. Check drainage from leaders and downspouts.

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Roof– Missing or worn singles – Check branches of nearby trees to determine if they are too near the roof. Evaluate roof for replacement.

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Yard– Rotted or dying trees – Check for insect infestation and soil contamination from road salt, chemicals, etc.

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Saving Money Through Energy Efficiency.

Energy efficiency such as adding insulation without over insulating to cause dampness, having a thermostat timer and purchasing energy efficient items will result in lowering the expense of homeownership. You can contact your local utility or state agency for energy-saving tips and the availability of grants or low cost loans to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You should be aware of energy savers such as turning out lights when you leave the room, not letting water run unnecessarily, insulating your attic, having your furnace or heat pump serviced periodically, installing storm windows and putting weather stripping around your windows and doors.

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Securing Your Home and Family.

Safety issues relate to protecting your home by changing locks, installing fire extinguishers and listing emergency numbers near your phone. In addition, fire marshals recommended smoke detectors should be installed on the ceiling or hallway outside each bedroom door and in or near the living room. They should be checked periodically to make sure they are working. A chain link ladder should be considered for a way to escape from a second or third story window. It can be stored under a bed or in a closet. You can perform a fire-prevention tour of your home or have a fire inspector come to your home if the community provides the service. A first aid kit with band aids and medicines in an easy to reach place is very important for everyone in your family. Ways of making your home secure would include locking your doors and windows when you are not home.

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Getting Neighborly Advice.

Neighbors are a very important source of information. You should make it a point to meet with your neighbors soon after you move into your home. They will be invaluable should an emergency occur where you need their help and they will be most helpful in advising you of the benefits of being part of your community. For example, changes such as street widening, zoning changes on a nearby property and the location of a community center could have an impact on you and your home. Your neighbor can provide you with access to community organizations you may find helpful to getting involved in neighborhood activities. This might include a Block Watch or Neighbor Watch Association, child home care or play group, Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, Boys and Girls Clubs etc.

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Considering Hazard, Flood and Other Insurance Protection.

It is very important to keep hazard insurance complete and up to date. Flood insurance is also needed if you are located in a federally designated flood plain area. These are required by lenders before closing. You should make sure your hazard insurance policy contains an inflation rider which automatically increases the coverage as the value of the home increases. It is important to be sure replacement cost new is provided rather just value. Other insurance available would include a homeowners warranty and insurance from the place of purchase that extends the warranty period for new equipment. Mortgage life insurance pays off the mortgage at the borrower’s death. You may wish to consider all of the preceding insurance as good investments; however, you will have to include the cost for each in your expenses.

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Lowering Your Mortgage Payments.

It is possible to lower monthly mortgage payments by refinancing the mortgage on your home. The decision to refinance a mortgage depends on the interest rate available for a new mortgage, discount points and the amount of closing costs to be paid. Typically, there needs to be at least a two percent difference between your mortgage and the new mortgage that is available. Refinancing may not be a good idea for you if you have a prepayment penalty on your mortgage.

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Looking for Home saver Assistance.

You should contact your lender immediately if you are unable to make a mortgage payment. The main reason homeowners fail to make mortgage payments is usually due to a loss of income related to divorce or martial problems, death of a family member, job loss and/or the inability to replace income, major illness and/or large medical bills, etc. You should immediately contact a housing counseling agency for assistance in straightening out your financial difficulties and helping you deal with your lending institution.

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Seasonal Home Maintenance Schedule.

Fall Checklist – Outside

1. Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors; replace or repair as needed.

2. Check for cracks and holes in house siding; fill with caulking as necessary.

3. Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.

4. Take down screens (if removable type); clean and store.

5. Check storm windows and doors; clean and repair as needed; put back up (if they are removable).

6. Drain outside faucets.

7. Clean gutters and drain pipes so that leaves won’t clog them.

8. Check roof for leaks; repair as necessary.

9. Check flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys for leaks.

10. Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar.

11. Check chimney flue; clean obstructions; make sure damper closes tightly.

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Fall Checklist – Inside

1. Check insulation wherever possible; replace or add as necessary.

2. Have heating system and heat pump serviced; have humidifier checked; change or clean filters on furnace.

3. Drain hot water heater and remove sediment from bottom of tank; clean burner surfaces; adjust burners.

4. Check all faucets for leaks; replace washers if necessary.

5. Check and clean humidifier in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Clean refrigerator coils.

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Spring Checklist – Outside

1. Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors, especially if you have air-conditioning.

2. Check outside house for cracked or peeled paint; caulk and repaint as necessary.

3. Remove, clean and store storm windows (if removable).

4. Check all door and window screens; patch or replace as needed; put screens up (if removable type).

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Spring Checklist – Inside

1. Replace filters on air-conditioners.Check and clean dryer vent, stove hood and room fans; change or clean filters for furnace.

2. Check seals on refrigerator and freezer; clean refrigerator coil; clean burner surfaces; adjust burners.

3. Clean fireplace; leave damper open for improved ventilation if home is not air-conditioned. Check basement wall and floors for dampness, if too moist, remedy as appropriate.

4. Clean dehumidifier according to manufacturer instructions.

5. Check for leaky faucets, replace washers as necessary.

6. Check attic for proper ventilation, open vents

7. Clean drapes and blinds, repair as needed.

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Other Tenant-Landlord Resources

Find Your Local Clerk of Court.

See of Clerk of Courts page for a list of clerk of courts and the cities under their jurisdictions.

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Environmental Health and Housing Codes

Municipal Codes explain the rules that area residents are obligated to follow. They can include information such as when a landlord is responsible for utilities and trash pick-up, how much floor space is required per occupant (occupancy standards), and what health and safety standards are required in your area.

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Akron Environmental Health & Housing Code

Kent Environmental Health and Housing Code

Summit County Environmental Health and Housing Code

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Lowering Your Mortgage Payments.

It is possible to lower monthly mortgage payments by refinancing the mortgage on your home. The decision to refinance a mortgage depends on the interest rate available for a new mortgage, discount points and the amount of closing costs to be paid. Typically, there needs to be at least a two percent difference between your mortgage and the new mortgage that is available. Refinancing may not be a good idea for you if you have a prepayment penalty on your mortgage.

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File a complaint/request an inspection with the health department

Some municipalities (cities, counties, etc.) provide health inspection services of rental properties to tenants. These services are free. Typically, if inspectors deem any conditions in a rental property to be hazardous, they will contact the landlord and give them a deadline to correct the conditions.

Contact your local city or county to see if they provide an inspection service.

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These are a few agencies that provide inspections:

Akron Department of Neighborhood Assistance:

Housing Division – 330.375.2366 ext-0

Summit County Public Health – 330.926.5600

Kent Building Dept (Single-family Dwellings) – 330.678.8107

Kent Building Dept (Multi-family Dwellings) – 330.678.8100 ext-2

Ravenna Inspections (Bob Finney, City Engineer) – 330.296.5666

Stark County Health Department – 330.493.9904

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Foreclosure and Tenants Rights.

Foreclosure is the legal process a bank uses to repossess a home when the owner doesn’t make payments. If a landlord stops making those mortgage payments, the bank may foreclose on your landlord, and a tenant could be forced out of their home.

Should I pay rent to the new owner? Yes. If you can identify the new owner, you should continue to pay rent to the new owner to avoid eviction.

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See the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s “Renters in Foreclosure Toolkit”.

For more information or to see if you are eligible for legal assistance, contact

Ohio Legal Service (1.866.529.6446).

If you need additional help locating the appropriate resources, contact

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office (1.800.282.0515)

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Landlord holdings, property tax information, payment history, mailing address, etc.

Some counties provide this information online.

Summit County Fiscal Office
Note: When searching by address, do not include:

“St”, “Rd”, “Ave” etc., or “East”, “West”, etc.

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Legal Resources.

Community Legal Aid Community Legal Aid (CLA) is a non-profit corporation governed by local lawyers, members of the client community and others concerned about equal access to justice. They are devoted to providing free, high-quality civil legal services to eligible clients.

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Community Legal Aid serves the following Ohio counties: Columbiana, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Wayne.

Phone: 330.983.2528
Online application form
communitylegalaid.org

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Akron Bar Association
Akron Bar Association gives free legal advice over the phone every 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 9:00am-11:00am. The also offer 30 minute consultations for $30 provide lawyer referral services.

Phone: 330.253.5038
akronbar.org

Medina County Fair Housing
Phone: 330.722.9293
medinaco.org/fair-housing

Ohio Legal Rights Services
Ohio Legal Rights Services (OLRS) is the state protection and advocacy system for Ohioans with disabilities.

Phone: 614.466.7264 or 1.800.282.9181
disabilityrightsohio.org

Portage County Bar Association
Phone: 330.296.6357
portagecountybar.org

Stark County Bar Association
Phone: 330.453.0685
starkctybar.com

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Researching Code Violations.

Contact your city or county health department to inquire about any citations that may have been issued against a landlord. Having some of the following information with you may be helpful when you make your request:

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• Landlord’s full name or company name

• Address of property

• Landlord’s phone number or mailing address

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Researching Landlord Registration

Check with your local Health Department regarding registration requirements for landlords. The Health Department should be able to inform you as to whether a landlord has registered their property with them. Having some of the following information with you may be helpful when you make your request:

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• Landlord’s full name or company name

• Address of property

• Landlord’s phone number or mailing address

 

You can see if a landlord has registered a property as a rental by searching the Summit County Fiscal Office website. 

Note: When searching by address, do not include:

“St”, “Rd”, “Ave” etc., or “East”, “West”, etc.

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Setting Up Utilities.

Before signing a lease, tenants should make sure they have a clear understanding of their lease, including the terms and conditions of utility payment. Tenants should determine if the rental unit has its own utility meter(s) or if there are single meters shared by all units. If you do not have your own meter, ask the landlord how you will be billed for your portion of the utilities.

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For any utility account that is not in your name, you may request that the landlord have a copy of the bill mailed to you so that you may know the exact cost and the amount used. It is helpful to have this included in the lease.

State law prohibits landlords from making a profit on billing tenants for utilities.

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Water
A water utility account is required to be in the landlord’s name.

Contact the City of Akron Utilities Business Office for information regarding service and billing of water, sewer, refuse collection and recycling pick-up.

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Gas

If you are a new customer’s there is no set-up fee. No credit check is required.

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Dominion Energy
Phone: 1.800.363.7557
dominionenergy.com

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Electric
Ohio Edison/First EnergyPhone: 1.800.633.4766
firstenergycorp.com

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