INTERIOR MAINTENANCE

The home must be maintained to livable standards. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear is your responsibility.

• The home must be routinely cleaned and should not pose any safety risks to you or your neighbors.
• Exits must be accessible at all times, obstructions, or locks that prevent exit are prohibited.
• Maintenance issues must be reported to AMH upon discovery.
• For ongoing move out and cleaning requirements and costs, see Appendix B: AMH Cleaning Requirements and Appendix D: AMH Cleaning, Repair and Replacement Cost

The following sections provide key highlights and important considerations from each area of the home.

Kitchen

• Do not set hot pans/utensils on the countertops. Use a cutting board to chop food items.
• If coils are visible at the back or underneath the refrigerator, clean coils periodically to prevent buildup of dust and lint (this is a fire safety standard).
• Do not place fibrous material (such as onions and celery, pasta, potato peels, egg shells) or grease in the garbage disposal.
• Cooking grease in the sewer lines is a common cause of sewage back-ups.
• The use of adhesive-backed shelf paper damages surfaces when removed, and is not permitted in AMH homes. All shelf paper must be removed prior to the final move out inspection.

Bathrooms

• Even if labeled flushable, do not flush tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, baby wipes, small toys, and other similar materials down the toilets.
• In case of a plumbing stop-up use a plunger to attempt to clear. If this fails, contact AMH maintenance for assistance.

Light Fixtures

• Light fixtures must be kept in good working order and free from dust, grime, grease, etc. Residents are expected to replace all burned out bulbs, missing bulbs, and broken or damaged light covers.
• Burned out or damaged fluorescent bulbs, vanity bulbs, flood, and appliance bulbs, and some light covers can be exchanged at Self Help Center on a one-for-one basis.

Carpets and Vinyl

• AMH recommends that shoes/boots be removed at the door, and pets be kept off the carpet.
• Residents are encouraged to vacuum carpets frequently, and spot treat and shampoo carpet as necessary to prevent excessive soil buildup or staining of the carpet.
• AMH strongly recommends residents utilize runners and area rugs to cover high traffic/stain areas. Remove dirt, dust, smudges, and wax build-up from floor areas, all cove base, baseboards and trim.
• Vinyl floors should not be waxed.
• Urine or feces discovered on a carpet during final inspection does not constitute normal wear and tear.

Basements

• Unfinished basements and storage areas are not to be used as living space and are not typically painted during change of occupancy maintenance. Basements are required to be kept clean along with the living areas of the home.
• While some housing areas contain large basements, the basement area cannot be converted or otherwise used as a bedroom or living space unless there are two means of approved egress. Do not use unapproved rooms as bedrooms.

Windows and Doors

• Keep windows and garage doors closed when not in use, especially in the winter months as cold air can quickly cause pipes to freeze. Window limiters should remain locked at all times.
• Contact AMH maintenance to repair or replace damaged weather stripping.
• Aluminum foil is prohibited for use on any windows or doors.

Walls

• Use mild soap and warm water to remove stains and grease from your walls.
• AMH encourages the use small nails or picture-type hangers instead of adhesive materials.

Garages

• Garage doors must be kept closed when not in use.
• Garages must be broom clean; this includes removal of accumulated debris and trash, and sweeping of the area.
• Excessive accumulation of dirt, gummy materials, oil, and grease stains must be removed.

Heating Systems

• All homes include either a forced air (furnace) heating system or a radiant heat (boiler) system.
• Residents residing in units with an in unit forced air furnace are required to regularly change the furnace filter.
• Filters need to be checked monthly and changed at minimum every 90 days. Filters are available at the Self Help Center location on a one for one exchange basis.
• If your home base radiant baseboard heating, make sure beds, drapes, and furniture do not block heat registers, all furniture should be a minimum of 2-3 inches from walls for proper heat circulation.
• Contact AMH immediately via our emergency maintenance line should you notice a heating issue in your home (no heat, too much heat, not enough heat).

Roof, Attics, Crawl Spaces

• Crawl spaces and attics are not to be used for the storage of personal items.
• Do not allow pets in crawl spaces under any circumstances. Residents are not permitted on any roof area.

Appliances

• Ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers are furnished and serviced by AMH.
• AMH supplied appliances are for residential use and should not be used for commercial applications.
• Privately owned washers, dryers, and refrigerators may be used only if hook-ups are compatible.
• Electrical and/or gas outlets will not be installed to accommodate a Resident’s personally owned appliance.
• AMH furnished appliances will not be removed from the housing unit to accommodate a Resident’s personally owned appliance.
• AMH will not service personally owned appliances and damages to the home caused by personally owned appliances are the resident’s responsibility.

Outlets, Cable and Electrical

Alterations to cable outlets, electrical systems, etc is prohibited. Please contact AMH with any questions.

EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE

Residents are responsible for individual yards extending out to a point that is midway between adjoining units, or if fronted by a street, out to the street. The general rule of thumb is 75 feet from the unit’s permanent foundation, not including any common areas.

The following sections provide key highlights and important considerations for exterior maintenance.

Spigots and Hoses

• When not in use, hoses must be neatly stored
• Prior to the first hard freeze, remove and drain hoses thoroughly before storing them for the winter.
• Hose bib covers are available from the Self Help Center and must be used during winter

months. These covers provide additional protection to pipes from freezing temperatures. Hoses may not be attached to the unit’s hot water heater for any purpose.

Porches, Decks, and Storage

• Porches and decks are to be clutter free, not used for storage, and should not detract from appearance standards.
• Storage outside of the fenced area of your home is prohibited.

Appearance Standards

AMH maintains full authority to determine if items detract from appearance standard of the neighborhood. Items such as tarps, storage bins, toys, bikes, etc may not be stored in yards or left outside when not actively in use.

Screens

• Damaged screens can be brought into the Self Help Center for repair by the resident at no cost.
• Screens will not prevent falls from windows and are not designed to hold the weight of children or pets.

Siding and Foundation

• Report any damage to siding to AMH immediately upon discovery.
• Residents are not permitted to attach any item to the exterior of the home without an approved Special Modification Request Form

Fencing

• Extending, raising the height of, or installing additional fences or dog runs is not permitted.

Lawn Care and Gardens

Residents are responsible for the full maintenance of their lawn; yards should be maintained and mowed regularly and not exceed three (3) inches in height or should not be cut to less than two (2) inches.

• Trim grass around foundation of house, base of trees, and doorsteps as necessary. Lawns must be given adequate water to maintain a healthy state.
• Instructions and advice for maintaining pristine lawns are posted on our blog during summer months (www.AuroraMilitaryHousing.com/blog/category/self-help-center/).
• Residents should fertilize and apply lime to lawns each spring. Fertilizer, lime, and grass seed are available at the Self Help Center during the Spring and Summer Season.

Residents are responsible for all landscaping-bark, rock, planters, etc. that fall in their area of responsibility. Landscaped areas must be kept weed free and in good condition.

• If you wish to add or remove plants, trees, garden beds, or other landscaping items, a Special Modification Request Form must be submitted and approved prior to proceeding with the work.
• Landscape timbers or small border protectors, which are designed to be decorative in nature and do not exceed 20 inches in height, may be installed around flowerbeds provided they are neat and properly maintained. The decorative protectors cannot penetrate the ground more than 4 inches. Pointed pickets are not permitted.
• Vegetable gardens are not permitted in AMH housing areas except for in community gardens. Our community garden lottery occurs in the Spring annually.
• For repairs to lawn areas
  • Remove all foreign objects from the lawn: stones, pet waste, sticks, and other debris.
  • Add topsoil as needed to fill holes and cover eroded areas.
  • Utilize the resources at the Self Help center.

Grills, Smokers, Chimineas, Fire Pits, Firewood

• These items must be stored in the fenced in yard areas of AMH units. Small amounts of firewood can be stored inside fenced area if cut into lengths no longer than 24 inches and neatly stacked; firewood must be stored 10 feet from the building.

Sheds

• Residents are allowed one shed per unit. Authorization is required through Special Modification Request Form prior to installation. Sheds must meet the following requirements: placed within the unit’s fenced area, no larger than 8′ length X 8′ width X 9′ height, electrical or extension cords are not permitted.
• A small number of homes may have pre-existing AMH-owned sheds. AMH sheds will not be repaired or replaced should they become damaged, however we will remove them at our expense if requested.

Snow Removal

Residents are responsible for snow and ice removal within their individual driveways and sidewalks in front, behind or beside their unit. (This does not include communal sidewalks or mailboxes; AMH maintains these). Adequate emergency egress must be maintained from all exits.

• Within 24 hours of snowfall these areas must be shoveled edge to edge (no pathways).
• Snow and ice from the driveway and sidewalks may not be put into the residential streets. Residents are also responsible for removing any snow left alongside or around their vehicle after snow removal equipment has been through their area.
• Don’t have a yard to shovel snow into? Read this

Renters Insurance

Please reference your lease regarding renters insurance requirements. Your lease may require you to obtain a renters insurance policy. Regardless, liability and personal property coverage is highly encouraged.

Notice of Absence

When leaving the home for more than 5 days, please provide a notice of absence form to our office. This requires that you designate someone to watch your home while you are gone as you are responsible for the home the entirety of the time that you are a resident.

Notice to Vacate

Residents who are preparing to terminate their residency with AMH are required to give a minimum of 30 days written notice. For your convenience, we have a 30 day notice form on our website that helps guide you through the process.

• The military clause in your lease allows some exceptions to the 30 day timeframe (however notice and supporting documents still must be submitted to AMH as soon as the PCS is confirmed).
• A prefinal inspection may be scheduled prior to your move out date to help you prepare for the final inspection.
• The final inspection will occur on or after your move out date. AMH will attempt to schedule the inspection at a time that works for you, however please review the lease for additional details.

ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE

We need to know when things with your family change, always let us know of updates to your family so that we can better serve you.

• Contact Information: Residents should contact AMH using the contact form on our website should contact information in our system need to be updated.
• Eligibility Information: Changes in dependents, marital or military status, or Rank must be reported to AMH immediately. Please reference your lease for more information.
• Pet Information: Changes in pets in homes must be reported to AMH via a Pet Application.