Discover
Resident Resources
Frequently Called Numbers
Electric
Tucson Electric Power
520.623.7711
tep.com
Trico Electric
520.744.2944
trico.coop
Gas
Southwest Gas
877.860.6020
swgas.com
Water
Avra Water Co-op
520.682.7331
Flowing Wells Irrigation
520.887.4192
Lago Del Oro Water
520.825.3423
Las Quistas Serenas
520.625.8040
Marana Domestic Water
520.682.5027
Lazy C Water
520.743.0758
Metropolitan Water
520.575.8100
Mt. Lemmon Co-op
520.576.1538
Oro Valley Water
520.229.5000
Ray Water Company
520.623.1332
Tucson Water
520.791.3242
Vail Water
520.647.3679
Winterhaven Water
520.327.0111
Phone/Cable/TV
Cox Communications
866.961.0027
cox.com/arizona
Xfinity/Comcast
800.934.64.89
xfinity.coom
Wholesale Satellite
520.888.5888
Centurylink
877.837.5738
centurylink.com
Dish Network
855.318.0572
dish.com
Solid Waste Management
Solid Waste
520.791.3272
tucsonaz.gov
Waste Management
877.843.9644
wm.com
Pima County Sewer
520.724.6500
Saguaro Environmental
520.745.8820
Republic
520.745.8820
Newspaper
Arizona Daily Star
800.695.4492
tucson.com
Tucson Sports
Arizona Athletics
520.621.2473
FC Tucson
520.334.1115
School Districts
Ajo USD
520.387.4322
Amphitheater SD
520.696.5000
Catalina Foothills SD
520.209.7500
Flowing Wells USD
520.696.8800
Marana USD
520.682.3243
Sahuarita USD
520.625.3502
Sunnyside USD
520.545.2000
Tanque Verde SD
520.749.5751
Tucson USD
520.225.6000
Vail SD
520.879.2000
Motor Vehicle Division
Pima County
Planning and Zoning
520.724.9000
Recorder's Office
520.724.4350
Treasurer
520.724.8341
Garbage Disposals
What can I put in the garbage disposal?
Cold Water(Not Hot)
Water should be running the whole time the garbage disposal is on. Cold water is best because it solidifies grease and fatty foods.
HOT WATER CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING.
Small Bits of Food
Small scraps of food left over on your plate after a meal is what a garbage disposal is intended for. Grind Away!
AVOID LARGE AMOUNTS OR BIG CHUNKS.
Breads
Breads break up easily and dissolve quickly in water. Use plenty of water to avoid turning to paste.
AVOID USING THE WHOLE LOAF.
Cooked Vegetables and Meat
Most cooked vegetables and meats are soft enough to grind up in the disposal with ease.
AVOID BONES AND STRINGY VEGGIES.
Egg Shells
This is a controversial subject, but they break up easily and are not heavy so they won't sit in your drain and build up. So go for it!
THE CARDON THEY COME IN IS NOT OK.
Ice Cubes and/or Rock Salt
Yes, it makes a horrible noice, but ice will beat the rock salt around the blades and will help scrape things off and keep things clean.
THIS WILL NOT SHARPEN THE BLADES.
Bones, Fruit Pits, Small Pebbles
Generally speaking if it is something that you can not chew up yourself then it should probably not go into your garbage disposal.
CAUSES: BLADE DAMAGE AND CLOGS
Grease, Oil, Greasy Foods
Grease and oil do not mix well with water, just ask your mechanic. It hardens when cooled and is very bad for septic systems.
CAUSES: CLOGS AND GUMS UP BLADES
Pasta or Rice
Large quantities of rice and pasta will soak up the water and expand in your pipes.
CAUSES: CLOGS IN THE PIPES
Stringy Vegetables
Things like celery or asparagus can wrap around the blades and stop them from spinning.
CAUSES: IMPEDE FUNCTIONALITY
Vegetable and Fruit Peels
The exteriors of most fruits and vegetables are harder than you think. A little at a time would be okay, by avoid a whole fruit salad.
CAUSES: BLADE DAMAGE AND CLOGS
Other Items to Avoid
Stems, shrimp shells, cigarette butts, glass, plastic, banana peels, onion skins, nut shells, artichokes, silverware, rocks, jewelry, wood
NEVER PUT YOUR HAND IN THE DISPOSAL
Renters Insurance
Protecting your valuables and everyday essentials
Renters insurance is an important yet often overlooked type of insurance made specifically to cover your personal belongings, and automatically includes $100,000 of liability to landlord protection. As your property management company, we are not responsible for your personal belongings. Renters insurance offers protection and replacement* of your valuables in the event that they are damaged or stolen. It's highly recommended that you consider this type of insurance and have a policy in place well before it's needed. For your convenience renters insurance is available through your online portal.
*Replacement cost coverage is subject to terms and conditions.
Rent smart and gain peace of mind knowing that your personal property is protected. Renters insurance covers a range of perils. Below are some of the most common ones.
Water damage from plumbing, furnace/AC or water heater.
Fire and Smoke
Windstorm or Hail
Windstorm or Hail
Sewer Smell Inside the House Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Rarely used bathtubs or sinks can raise a stink. The P-trap under a sink or tub holds water to stop sewer gas from escaping into your home. In a seldom used bathtub or sink, the P-trap can evaporate, allowing sewer gas to enter. If you have any rarely used plumbing fixtures, be sure to run water down the drain at least twice a month to keep the trap full.
- Check the toilet wax rink. When a toilet is set in place, a wax ring seals the drain beneath and prevents water seepage and sewer gas from escaping. Although the toilet wax ring is designed to not degrade, a loose toilet bowl can damage the wax seal. Check your toilet bowl to ensure it is secure. If the bowl is loose or wobbly, have the toilet reset with a new bowl wax.
- Caulk the toilet base. Water that gets stuck in crevices and can't dry will grow bacteria - which can smell bad. When there's no caulk seal around the base of your toilet, water and urine can seep underneath. Applying a bead of tub and tile caulk around the base of the toilet, where it rests on the finished flooring, is a simple answer to the problem.
- Get rid of bacteria growth in drains. Microbes feed on organic matter washed down the drain. If the opening of the drain contains build up of soap scum, it creates a place for bacteria to thrive. The secret to getting rid of the bacterial growth is multiple application of an enzyme drain cleaner like BioLine or Bio-Clean.
- Check the sewer cleanout caps. The cover plates that are used to hide cleanout caps in the wall are attached to the cleanout cap via screw. This screw may decompose over time. As a result, sewer gas can escape the cleanout cap. Check for these plates in your home under kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, behind washing machines and behind toilets.
Don't
- Put bleach or other household chemicals down toilet sinks, tub or shower drains. Bleach is a useful cleaner and disinfectant (although there are safer eco-friendly alternatives to bleach you should use instead). But pouring it down the drain will not do anything to help keep the drains clear. In addition, you could cause a dangerous chemical reaction if it comes in contact with other household products you might be using.
- Hesitate to call a professional if you can't remedy the sewer smell in a timely manner. Sometimes pouring some vinegar (or a more effective, BioLine or Bio-Clean) down a drain can help to get rid of a foul odor. But a sewer smell in the house should not be taken lightly either. A sewer smell is indicative of methane gas and bacteria being present in the air. Headaches can result, but if left untreated there can also be health consequences as well. If you smell sewer gas, act promptly.
- Pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain. The fats and oils will collect allowing bacteria to grow which could lead to a bad sewer smell.
Tenant Maintenance Tips
Often, there are simple remedies to your maintenance concerns
Please review the tips listed below before requesting service via your tenant portal.
If the air conditioner does not work: Check ALL circuit breakers. Often during hot weather or if a circuit breaker overloads, it will trip off the circuit breaker. A tripped circuit breaker is often difficult to see, and it could appear that it is not tripped. Therefore, you must turn the breaker all the way off and then turn the breaker all the way on. If you do not turn the circuit breaker all the way off, it does not reset itself to correct the problem.
If the electricity does not work in part of the house: Check for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) outlets, which are usually located in the garage, patio, kitchen, or the bathroom. Reset tripped GFCI outlets by pushing the small button in the middle of the outlet. Check the circuit breakers to see if any have been tripped.
If the circuit breakers continually keep going off: Check to see if too many appliances running at the same time (irons, microwave, toaster, curling iron, computers, printer, blow dryer, etc.) are causing an overload.
If the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide (CO) alarm does not work, check the following: First, replace the batteries. Tenants are responsible for the replacement of batteries. If a new battery does not work, submit a maintenance request. It is important to replace batteries and NOT disconnect the smoke alarm or CO alarm. Normally the alarm will emit a beeping sound when the batteries are not working or losing their charge. Test your smoke and CO alarms every thirty days. If the alarm is not working after replacing the batteries, submit a maintenance request immediately. Do not disconnect or remove a smoke or CO alarm.
Tenant Responsibilities for Routine Maintenance
Plumbing Blockages. The only items safe to put down the drains of the property are human waste and toilet paper. The following items are prohibited: paper towels, grease, tampons, sanitary napkins, food, condoms, paint, toys, and litter from pet waste. While the Landlord is responsible to repair the plumbing systems when they wear out or break in the course of normal use, the Tenant is responsible for repairs that are caused by Tenant's negligence. If Tenant puts any item down the drain other than human waste and toilet paper and causes a plumbing blockage, the resulting plumbing bill shall be paid by Tenant as additional rent upon notice by Landlord.
Garbage Disposal. Tenant will be charged the vendor fee fro unblocking a garbage disposal if any of the following is found to have blocked the garbage disposal: bones, banana peels, corn husks, pasta, corn meal, stringy vegetables, "twister" seals, screws, nails, cigarette butts, flower clippings, toys, coins, grease, shellfish shells, celery, onion skins, potato peels, rice, meat fats, artichokes, bottle caps, rubber bands, string, popcorn kernels, egg shells, coffee grounds, glass, utensils, fruit pits, washcloths, or sponges. If you cannot chew it, do not put it in the garbage disposal.
Basic Insect Control. Tenants are responsible for basic insect maintenance. If you have insects in the home, you may hire an exterminator or you may choose to purchase pesticides at a hardware store and use them yourself. When storing pesticides, be careful for the safety of children and animals at all times. Follow the instructions carefully for any product you purchase. If the insect problem persists, or it there is a major insect problem that existed prior to you taking possession, submit a maintenance request.
Rodent Control. If you have ordinary mice, you can purchase several common controls at grocery or garden supply stores. If you see rats or large rodents, submit a maintenance request.
If you have pets, keep them from causing damage and pick up all pet droppings on the property.
light Bulbs. It is the tenant's responsibility to replace all light bulbs.
Water Filtration Systems. If the home is furnished with a water filtration system, Tenant is responsible for changing any water filters and for purchasing new filters. If the refrigerator includes a water filtration system, Tenant is responsible for changing water filters and for purchasing new filters.
Always properly dispose of:
- Toxic waste such as oil, antifreeze, batteries, and solvents
- Place garbage in the proper receptacles provided and in accordance with city and/or county rules
- Christmas trees
Holiday decorations and lights.
- Hang lights and decorations properly and carefully without damage to the property
- Before hanging, check for bad plugs and loose wires. If you find defects, dispose of the lights
- Only use lights and decorations during holiday seasons; remove them immediately when the season ends and review HOA Rules and Regulations prior to decorating for the holidays
Other Maintenance Tips
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Filters
All the air in the home circulates through the HVAC system, to either heat or cool the home and will eventually pass through the air filter. This is why it is so VERY important to keep the air filters clean and change them regularly.
Dirty, clogged air filters can:
- Cause HVAC system malfunctions and equipment damage
- Reduce airflow inside the HVAC system, making fans work harder and wearing them out
- Cause particulates and contaminants not to be removed as effectively as they should, releasing these back into your indoor air (or the air that you and your family breath)
- Cause contaminates to build up in the duct work, make the HVAC equipment work harder, thereby increasing your home's energy usage and your monthly electric bill payments
- Air filters and furnace filters should be checked at least once a month. If they are dirty, they should be replaced
Garbage Disposals
There are several good practices to remember (and some bad ones to avoid) that will reduce the chances of clogs or slow draining with your garbage disposal.
Don't:
- Grind up potato peelings. Peelings from a starchy paste similar to mashed potatoes when ground up, which will clog your drain.
- Put coffee grounds or eggshells into your disposal. They create very tiny bits of granular waste that will stick to any sludge in the pipe and quickly create a clog.
Do:
- Maintain your disposal by regularly grinding pieces of lemon peel and ice cubes.
- Avoid odors by treating your disposal every month by mixing a couple of handfuls of baking soda with a half a cup of vinegar. Pour the mixture into the disposal hopper with the unit turned off. After the mixture is done foaming, rinse it down the drain with running water.
Toilet Do's & Don'ts
Do
- Flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. A toilet can handle a reasonable amount of toilet paper.
- Retrieve objects that can clog or bust a pipe from the toilet before you flush.
- Throw the toilet bowl cleaning brush away as soon as the bristles wear down and metal is showing. Or use a plastic brush, which is less likely to scratch the bowl.
- Flush approved toilet bowl cleanser regularly to help reduce clogs.
- Keep your toilet clean and free of unwanted odors. There are many safe cleaners on the market.
Don't
- Use your toilet bowl as a universal garbage disposal. Too much toilet paper can clog the drain. In fact, don't flush anything else other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet.
- Flush reactive products and chemicals down the toilet. Any "nasties" like hazardous chemicals, paints, thinners, or oils need to be disposed of properly.
- Use abrasive materials or cleansers when cleaning your toilet bowl. Once the bowl is scratched, it is impossible to keep clean, and you won't be able to repair the scratches.
- Use the toilet as a ladder, or stand or sit on the toilet tank lid. It will crack if abused.
- Ever hit your toilet with a hammer to break a fitting. It will crack and make the problem unfixable.
- Use hanging toilet bowl cleaners inside the toilet bowl. They can break off and end up stuck in the trap of the toilet bowl.
- Use cleaners containing bleach inside the tank. They will cause the rubber products to rapidly deterioration.
- Put a brick, water jug, soda bottle, or tank divider inside the toilet tank to try and save water. This will cause poor flushing which can lead to stoppages.
