FAQs-Tenants
HOW DO I PAY RENT?
You can pay online through our website www.messinarentals.com (click on the red “Pay Rent” button in the middle of the main webpage)
Via mail | Drop off at check/money order (NO CASH)
Messina 1512 E Superior S
Duluth, MN 55812.
Checks to be made out to: Messina Property Management, LLC. You must pay on or before the 1st of each month.
Anything from the 4th until the end of the month is considered late and there will be a late fee of 8% of the total monthly rent.
WHEN IS MY RENT CONSIDERED LATE?
Rent is expected to be paid on or by the 1st of every month. Any rent received after the 3rd of the month is considered late and subject to late fees.
WHAT DO I DO WITH THE MOVE~IN CHECKLIST THAT I RECIEVED WHEN I MOVED IN?
Please fill out the move-in checklist as completely as possible. This is so you are not accidently charged with previous tenant damages! Once completed, sign & date the last page and drop off at the Messina office (1512 E Superior St. Duluth, MN 55812.) You have one week from your move-in date to complete.
THERE ARE ITEMS LEFT BEHIND BY THE PREVIOUS TENANT, WHO SHOULD I INFORM?
Please contact us at (218)-340-5324 immediately, so Messina can take care of it before the previous tenant’s security deposits are returned. Any items left behind and not reported within 3 business days will automatically be considered current tenant belongings and will be the new tenant’s responsibility to dispose/ get rid of during their move out.
WHO DO I CALL OR TEXT FOR REPAIRS?
We have a full-time maintenance team!
CALL 911 for:
- Fire
- Personal safety Issues
Call 218-349-1860 or Text for an emergency of:
- Loss of Utilities
- Water Pipes
- Hot Water Issues
The team will respond ASAP
For all Non- emergency-Go to the Website and Click the Request Maintenance Button!
If you have a question for the team call or text 218-349-1860 during regular business hours.
Our team will respond within 48 hours of your request.
WHERE DO I FIND THE ALTERNATIVE SIDE PARKING SCHEDULE?
Alternate side parking is in effect during the entire year if you live in the city of Duluth. You can also go to: www.duluthmn.gov and view or print off the on-street weekly alternate side parking calendar.
WHERE DO I NEED A PARKING PERMIT AND WHERE WOULD I GET ONE?
Click the link below for all the current information.
CAN I PAINT?
Only with written permission from the owners. The cost of paint and materials are generally your cost. In some instances, the owner may require you to paint the rooms back to the original color before your lease expires.
ARE SPACE OR PORTABLE HEATERS ALLOWED?
No, they are not allowed as they are one of the leading causes of fires in homes/apartments.
CAN I INSTALL CABLE/DISH TV OR HIGH SPEED INTERNET?
If changes are to be made to the property, we would need to obtain written permission from the owners of the rental. Tenants are responsible for all costs of installation and billing. All other optional internet provider companies can be set-up by tenants. You are not required to have cable & internet.
I TAKE CARE OF THE LAWN MOWING BUT I DON'T HAVE A LAWN MOWER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you are responsible per your lease, you will need to purchase a mower. A great resource is Facebook Market Place or eBay.
Messina has lawn service vendors if you would like to pay to have them do the work. Just call the staff and we will arrange the lawn care at your expense.
IMPORTANT INFO: The City of Duluth requires a lawn to be mowed when the grass is more than 4 inches tall.
I WANT TO GO HOME FOR THE SUMMER, CAN I SUB-LEASE MY RENTAL?
With written permission from the owners you may do this, depending on the property. If not, you would still be responsible for the rent while you were away.
CAN I HAVE AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT OR SERVICE AMINAL?
Yes, you are legally permitted to have a registered emotional support or service animal, even in properties that are not pet-friendly. To do so, you will need to provide a letter from your licensed healthcare provider stating that the animal is beneficial to your health, submit proof of up-to-date vaccinations, and complete a pet agreement or addendum.
MAY I HAVE A PET?
Any pets that are to be allowed are at the discretion of the owner with written permission, given it is a pet friendly property. There is typically a pet deposit required that is non-refundable & an additional monthly pet rent charge. No pets/animals are allowed on the premises other than the pets included in the documented pet addendums. If a pet is on the property/premises without permission or proper documentation, tenants are violating such provision and will be charged an immediate fee of $500.00 which does not include charges to cover damages due to the pet. If need be, necessary action will be taken immediately to remedy violation of the pets provision..
THINGS ARE NOT WORKING OUT WITH MY ROOMMATE. WHAT CAN I DO?
If anyone needs to proceed with breaking a Lease, please keep in mind per your Lease, you are still responsible for the Lease until you find a replacement which includes showing and advertising your apartment, room, or house. There is also a $300.00 Lease break fee which the tenant or group leaving would be responsible for paying to Messina. If there are legal issues, please refer to your Lease or Landlord & Tenants Rights Booklet/link, or you can visit the free attorney at the courthouse located on 100 N 5th Ave W #101, Duluth, MN 55802.
WHO SENDS ME MY CRP CERTIFICATE?
Messina Property Management will do that! Please leave us a forwarding address if you are moving from your current residence or the CRP shall be redeemed undeliverable to you.
WHEN WILL I GET MY SECURITY DEPOSIT BACK?
These are important steps to follow to receive you deposit on time.
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After your move-out walkthrough, we will assess the unit for any maintenance or repair issues beyond normal wear and tear.
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If damages are found, the cost will be divided equally among all tenants on the lease.
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Any unpaid rent or outstanding bills will be deducted from your security deposit.
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Your remaining security deposit will be returned within 21 days after we receive your forwarding address.
HOW MAY DAYS DO YOU REQUIRE BEFORE I VACANT MY RENTAL?
30 Days for month-to-month leases, otherwise a five-month notice is required.
WHAT IS YOUR SMOKING POLICY?
Messina follows the MCIAA guidelines. All of Messina properties are NON-SMOKING.
DO I NEED RENTERS INSURANCE?
Renter’s insurance can cover repair or replacement of your personal property damaged, destroyed or stolen as the result of various types of peril — fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism, theft, damage by glass, electrical surge damage, and water-related damage from home utilities, and more. Renter’s insurance is optional for our tenants to obtain. There are several different insurance provider companies that you can research the best renter’s insurance option for yourself if you choose to do so.
MY ROOMMATE'S FRIEND BROKE A WINDOW, ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT?
Any maintenance and repairs (including labor and parts/supplies) that are caused by tenants or their guests will be held responsible for the costs.
Click Maintenance Request to have the tech come to the property.
WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY?
A) 🔧 What Counts as an Emergency in Your Rental?
If it’s dangerous, damaging, or makes the place unlivable, it’s an emergency. That includes:
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No heat in winter ❄️
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Major water leaks or flooding 💧
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Electrical issues sparking or out ⚡
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Sewer backups or toilet overflows (if it’s the only toilet) 🚽
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Broken locks or windows after a break-in 🔐
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Fire or gas smell (call 911 first!) 🔥
🚫 What’s Not an Emergency in Your Rental?
These issues are important—but they don’t require after-hours attention:
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A dripping faucet or running toilet 🚽
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Burnt-out lightbulbs 💡
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No hot water (unless it’s also causing damage) 🚿
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Appliance malfunctions (fridge, stove, etc.) 🍳
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Locked out (unless you lost your key during an active emergency) 🔑
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Slow drains or minor clogs 🛁
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Pest sightings (unless posing immediate health risk) 🐜
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Noise complaints or neighbor issues 🔊
📅 Report these during regular office hours—we’ll take care of it promptly!
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