Switchplace-logo.png
th-menu

Guest Resources Guide: Apartment Care

We want to ensure guests have the best experience possible. Also, we ask that guests prioritize proper housekeeping habits.

Maintain Healthy Housekeeping Standards

Each resident is responsible for maintaining good housekeeping practices and regularly dust, vacuum, and mop to keep the apartment free of dirt and debris that can contribute to pest infestation and mold growth.

Use the following guidelines during your stay:

  • Use household cleaners (Clorox, Windex, etc.) on hard surfaces. These items can be purchased at your local grocery store
  • DO NOT leave unsealed food items out on the countertops as this attracts insects. Tightly seal and store any food items in the pantry or refrigerator.
  • Fruit items that are ripe should be placed inside the refrigerator – leaving them out will attract fruit flies and ants
  • Remove garbage regularly and remove moldy or rotting items promptly from the premises (food, wet clothing, other materials, etc.)
  • Failure to maintain these standards may result in additional cleaning or damage charges

Moisture Control

It is important to control the moisture level in your apartment to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Use the following guidelines during your stay:

  • Use hood vents when cooking, running the dishwasher, or cleaning
  • Use exhaust fans when bathing or showering until moisture is removed from the bedroom
  • Use shower curtains inside the bathtub when showering or close the shower doors securely
  • Wipe up any excess water or visible moisture on floors and windows
  • Close windows and doors (when appropriate) to prevent rain or other outdoor moisture from coming inside the premises
  • Periodically inspect for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and around the washing machine to ensure there are no leaks
  • Ensure the clothes dryer vent is properly connected and that the lint trap is cleaned regularly.

Light Housekeeping Services

We do not provide housekeeping as a standard service with our apartment suites. Your employer or relocation company will notify Switchplace if they wish to pay for housekeeping services.

  • Information regarding your approved housekeeping services – the starting date, a list of services provided, and detailed instructions on how to prepare – will be included in your Arrival Instructions
  • All pets must be created or removed during housekeeping
  • All personal items must be put away and clear of all surfaces. Too many personal items left out will result in that area not being cleaned

If you would like to add housekeeping services to your temporary housing, please contact SWITCHPLACE for pricing and more information.

Damages vs. Normal Wear and Tear

Normal Wear and Tear

Over the course of your stay, minor changes will more than likely occur in your apartment just due to the fact that you are living in it. In general, you should leave the apartment in the same condition as when you moved in.

Normal wear and tear includes these items below, but is not limited to:

  • Faded paint/previous wall repair
  • Central drain flow variance
  • Worn out carpet/furniture marks
  • Burnt-out light bulbs
  • General dust in the apartment
  • General appliance malfunction
  • Minor scuffs or scratches on walls
  • Worn hinges on doors or locks
  • “Faded” curtains or blinds
  • Previous repair or patchwork

Damages

Damages are caused to items in the residence that you or your guests have incurred through use or negligence.

  • If a defect existed before you moved in, you should not be charged for that particular problem as long as it is recorded
  • Please use the inspection record process in your Arrival Instructions to list any pre-existing damages you wish to note
  • Record of pre-existing damages must be received by our office IN WRITING within 48 hours of move-in. If you do not send us this document (via fax or email), you will be responsible for those damages and no legal protection is provided in that circumstance.
  • Any maintenance requests pending should be submitted and completed before move-out

Damage may include the items listed below, but are not limited to:

  • Holes in wall
  • Burned or scratched countertops
  • Broken doors or windows
  • Broken or missing blinds/curtains
  • Excessive bathroom mildew
  • Excessive dirt or filth
  • Broken shelving
  • Damaged or broken appliances
  • Excessive wear and tear or irremovable stains on carpet
  • Clogged drains caused by resident’s misuse (for example: putting something down the drain that cannot be flushed out)
  • Insect or rodent infestations
  • Smoke damage from smoking in the apartment or burning candles
  • Excessive dust or dirt in the refrigerator vents
  • Personal items or furniture left behind in the unit

Basic Apartment and Appliance Troubleshooting

Bathroom(s):

If your toilet is clogged:

  • Shut off the water valve behind the toilet
  • Plunge to unclog
  • Submit a maintenance request if the problem continues

If there is a leak in your toilet or sink, or toilet overflows:

  • Shut off water valve behind toilet or underneath sink
  • Submit a maintenance request.
  • NOTE: All leaks should be reported as soon as possible to avoid damages to the Kitchen

Operating the stove/range:

  • Turn the desired knob (range eyes or oven) to the temperature you wish to use and wait for it to heat up
  • Gas stoves will have an electric igniter, and no pilot light. Turn the knob, wait for the clicking noise, and set to desired temperature.

Microwave safety tips:

  • NEVER place any metal object inside of the microwave
  • Cover your food to keep it from splattering and to keep the appliance clean

Countertop care:

  • Do not place hot items (pots, pans, etc.) directly on the countertop as this may result in damage or full replacement of the counter. Use hot pads underneath hot items to ensure your safety
  • Do not cut food items directly on the countertop as this may result in damage or full replacement of the counter. Use cutting boards instead to ensure your safety

Kitchen sink/garbage disposal:

If there is a leak in your kitchen sink:

  • Shut off water valve underneath sink
  • Submit a maintenance request

To operate the garbage disposal:

  • Located in the kitchen sink
  • Used to break down bits of food that get into the sink drain
  • Linked to a wall switch located near the kitchen sink. To turn on, simply flip the switch to the “on” position.
  • Keep the water running during use
  • NOTE: DO NOT place potato skins, celery, grease, rice, bones, or any large food item in the disposal unit as it may break and clog the drain.

If garbage disposal will not turn on:

  • Press the “reset” button located under the sink on the disposal unit
  • Submit a maintenance request if the problem persists

Dishwasher care:

  • DO NOT use dish soap in the dishwasher – this is meant for hand-washing dishes in the sink only
  • Please only use dishwasher detergents specifically made for dishwashers
  • If you experience hard water build-up (spotty dishes), you may use hard water tablets or Jet Dry. You can purchase these items at your local grocery store.

Hot Water Heater

  • Typically located in the storage unit on your patio/balcony. It may be located in an attached garage if you have one.
  • Shut-off valve is located next to the hot water heater
  • If you smell gas, turn the valve perpendicular to the pipe and submit a maintenance service request.
  • Please contact SWITCHPLACE directly if you have a loss of hot water in your apartment.

Washer/Dryer Care

To operate your washer/dryer:

  • Choose preferred settings (delicates, high heat, water temperature, etc.) and push or pull knob to start.
  • Clean the lint trap in the dryer before each use. Failure to do so could reduce dryer heat and may cause a fire.
  • DO NOT place comforters or large items or otherwise “overload” the washing machine. This may cause damages to the appliance.
  • If an appliance does not operate properly or if you smell excess gas, turn off the machine and submit a maintenance request.

Air Conditioning/Heating Unit Care

Most of our apartments are equipped with a central air conditioning and heating system.

Below are some tips for keeping it running effectively:

  • The A/C or heating unit will typically cool or heat your apartment an average of 30-35 degrees (Fahrenheit) from the outside temperature.
  • The ideal A/C setting in the summer months is 78-80 degrees.
  • The ideal heating setting in the winter months is 68-72 degrees.
  • NOTE: The A/C unit will FREEZE when the temperature is set too low, and may not operate correctly.
  • Should the A/C or heating unit not work effectively, or if you smell excessive gas coming from your unit, please submit a maintenance service request to SWITCHPLACE.

Carpet Care

Many of our apartments come with carpeted floors throughout the apartment or in specific areas.

Below are some tips for caring for your carpet during your stay with us:

  • Over time, stains and spills can permanently damage carpet or cause excessive cleaning at move-out
  • Clean spills immediately by patting the area with water and a damp cloth
  • Bleach stains, blood, Kool-Aid, wine, and burns are often only fixed by repair or replacement of carpet, which can be costly
  • DO NOT use self-cleaners as they may discolor or bleach the carpet, and may result in a complete replacement of the carpet.
  • Contact SWITCHPLACE to inquire about professional cleaning if necessary

Miscellaneous Apartment Care

Garage

Some apartments come with an attached garage.

To operate the door:

  • The electronic door opener will most likely be located on the wall near the entrance of the apartment
  • If the garage door loses power, try resetting the GFI/GFCI switch
  • Open the door manually by pulling the cord attached to the garage door
  • DO NOT force the door open or closed if it becomes jammed. This may result in costly damages
  • Contact SWITCHPLACE to submit a maintenance request if you are unsure what to do or need assistance

If your garage remote should fail:

  • Check the batteries if possible
  • Contact SWITCHPLACE for a replacement remote

Fireplace

Some apartments include a gas-operated fireplace.

To operate the fireplace:

  • Find the wall switch and turn it on
  • You should hear a clicking noise as the electric igniter engages
  • Once lit, you should see a small flame
  • If the fireplace does not ignite, turn off the switch and contact SWITCHPLACE to submit a maintenance request

Smoke detectors

All of our apartments should include smoke detectors, typically in the hallway and bedrooms.

  • DO NOT tamper with the detectors. They are there for your comfort and safety
  • If you hear a continual beeping noise, that means the battery may need to be replaced
  • Contact SWITCHPLACE to submit a maintenance request for battery replacement

Front door locks

Most of our apartments are outfitted with a deadbolt on the front door and other exterior doors. Peep holes are generally included in the front door for safety.

  • If your deadbolt is broken or is not secure, contact SWITCHPLACE immediately for repair

General Resource Information

How do I submit a maintenance request?

What if I have an emergency, such as a fire or flood?

How do I give Notice to Vacate for my apartment?

How do I book a new apartment with Switchplace?

I have another question not listed here. Who do I contact?

Some additional information in one line
Learn More