FAQs-Tenants

Q:

How do we pay rent? Who do we write checks out to? When is rent considered late?

A:

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, or you can drop off a check/money order (NO CASH) at our office 1512 E Superior St. Duluth, MN 55812. Write all checks/ money orders 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. 

Q:

When is my rent considered late?

A:

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.

Q:

What do I do with the move-in checklist we received?

A:

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.

Q:

There are some items left behind from the previous tenants, what should I do?

A:

A: Please contact us at (218)-340-5324 right away 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.

Q:

Who do I call for maintenance and repairs?

A:

We have a full-time maintenance team that you can call! Most issues are taken care of the same day, based on the urgency of the problem. Contact Messina Property Maintenance at (218)-349-1860, or submit an online maintenance request with the following link provided. https://www.messinarentals.com/request-maintenance/

Q:

Where do I get a schedule of alternate side parking?

A:

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.

Q:

Where do I need a parking permit?

A:

Parking permits are issued to residents in the vicinity of UMD, East and Denfeld High Schools during the  school year and Lincoln Park School year round. Residents are sent renewal applications in either June or July of each year. You can also call the City Clerk’s Office for more information.

Q:

Can I paint?

A:

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.

Q:

Can I use a space/portable heater in my rental?

A:

No, they are not allowed as they are one of the leading causes of fires in homes/apartments.

Q:

Can I install cable/Dish TV or high-speed internet?

A:

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.

Q:

I take care of lawn care but don't have a lawn mower... What should I do?

A:

We have contact information for local lawn care services if you would like to pay for a lawn care service, otherwise you will need to provide your own lawn mower.

Q:

I want to go home for the summer; can I sublease my home/apartment?

A:

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.

Q:

Can I have an Emotional Support or Service Animal?

A:

Yes, you are legally allowed to have a registered emotional support or service animal even if the property is not pet friendly. You will be required to turn in your note from your therapist or doctor stating that it is beneficial to your health to have a support/service animal, proof of updated shots, and you will be required to fill out a pet agreement/addendum.

Q:

Can I have a dog/cat or pet?

A:

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..

Q:

Things are not working out with my roommate…. What should I do?

A:

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.

Q:

Who sends me my CRP (certificate of rent paid)?

A:

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.

Q:

When will I get my security deposit back?

A:

After the move out walkthrough, we will determine if there are any maintenance/repair issues to deal with that have been caused, besides normal wear. The costs will be divided equally among the number of tenants. Likewise, any rents or bills that have not been paid will be withheld from your security deposit. You will receive your check within 21 days after we receive your forwarding address.

Q:

How many days do you require before I vacate my rental?

A:

30 Days for month-to-month leases, otherwise a five-month notice is required.

Q:

What is your smoking policy?

A:

All properties we manage are smoke-free. In accordance with Minnesota State Law, all common areas (hallways, foyers, laundry rooms, and so forth) are smoke-free also.

Q:

Do I need to get renters insurance?

A:

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.

Q:

My roommate’s friend broke a window, are we responsible?

A:

Any maintenance and repairs (including labor and parts/supplies) that are caused by tenants or their guests will be held responsible for the costs.