Tenant FAQ

 Question: What type of payment is acceptable for your first month’s rent? 

Answer: Utopia Management accepts Money Orders or Cashier’s Check ONLY for your deposit and 1st month’s rent.  Cashier’s checks can obtained at local banks and credit unions.  Money Orders are typically sold by third parties such as the united states postal service,  grocery stores and convenience stores. 

Question: Who has to be listed on Utopia Management’s rental agreement?

 Answer:  All persons 18 years or older that will be living in the residence.   If the property requires co-signers they will also be added to the rental agreement.

Question: Why do I need renters insurance?

Answer: Tenants need to acquire renter insurance to cover many liabilities that they are exposed to.  Renters are responsible for everything that happens inside their rental unit or on thier rented property.  Here are some examples of why you should have renters insurance. A flood destroys all your personal property.  A neighbor throws a ball through your window.  A criminal steals your personal belongings.  A fire burns down your unit.  A friend hurts themself in your property and sues you.   

Question:  If the property that I am renting goes into foreclosure, do I still have to pay my rent? 

Answer:  Yes, as long as you have possession of the property you are required to pay rent. 

Question: How do I dispute a late charge?

Answer: If you believe a late charge was charged in error on your account.  Please send a written request to review your account to:

Utopia Management c/o Late Charge Review 4617 Ruffner Street, San Diego, CA 92111. 

A written response to your request will be sent to you after your account has be reviewed.  Note: Managers do not have the authority to waive your late charge.

Question: When does my lease with Utopia Management expire? 

Answer: If you are trying to find out when your lease expires you need to look at the TERM section of your Utopia Management rental agreement. 

Question: What am I supposed to do when my rental agreement is set  to automatically renew and I can’t afford the new rate?

 Answer: You can send a request in writing to your individual property manager at least 60 days prior to your renewal date to request a reduced rental rate.  If your request for decrease is denied, then you will need to give notice per contract to move out. 

Question: What is considered a maintenance emergency?

Answer: Any immediate threat to life or property is considered a maintenance emergency. 

Question: Who do I call if I smell gas?

Answer:  If you think you have a gas leak, please call SDGE 800-411-7343 or your local utility company. 

Question: Who do I call if I lock myself out of my house?

Answer: If you lock yourself out during Utopia Management business hours, you can call your manager, assistant manager or maintenance department.  If we have a copy of your key on file we can make you a copy of your key for a $5 dollar charge.  We don’t guarantee the key will work as these keys are likely to be copies of copies thus reducing their quality. If you are locked out when Utopia Management is not open you can call a locksmith to let you in.  If for any reason you change you locks, please send a copy to Utopia Management.  

Question: Who retains the tenants security deposit? 

Answer:  The owner of the property retains the security deposit and is responsible for the return of the security deposit to the tenant, which may or may not be facilitated by Utopia Management.  Utopia Management will usually keep a reserve amount in our trust account to cover issues that might arise on the property. 

Question: Will I get charged if I call for maintenance?

Answer: You will only be charged for maintenance if the issue you are calling about is something you caused. Example: Garbage disposal is not working and  we find a large volume of potato peels inside. This would be charged back to the tenant.

Question: How do I reset a garbage disposal?

Answer: Most garbage disposals have a reset button you can use this button to reset the garbage disposal. An Allen wrench is needed to reset others. Please make sure to keep your hands out of the garbage disposal at all times and the breaker is off for the disposal. 

Question: What is a GFI Switch, and how do you reset it?

Answer: GFI outlets usually placed by sinks, bathtubs, hot tubs, spas, Jacuzzis or water sources in homes that need an electrical outlet within six feet of the source.  If the GFI is tripped, you can lose power to a whole room or part of the house. You can reset the GFI to restore power. The GFI outlet has a test button and a reset button. If the outlet is working correctly, you can press the test button and the outlet will be shut down until you press the reset button. The test button should be tested monthly to insure it is working correctly.