Home Services

Can A Landlord Refuse To Give You A Copy Of The Lease?

Moving in to a new place is very exciting. It is an opportunity to decorate a new space and reorganize your life. Once you pass the application process and get the keys to your new place you may think you have everything you need. 

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Did You Buy A Money Pit?

When you hear “money pit,” do you instantly think of the comedy classic starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long? (If not, it’s worth a peek for a lot of laughs -- or maybe a cautionary tale if you’re house hunting.)

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Who Is Responsible For Clogged Drains? The Tenant Or Landlord?

When I first got an apartment of my own, I didn’t know what to expect as far as responsibilities go. Even something as simple as fixing a pipe scared me, simply because I didn’t know if I was even supposed to fix my stuff. The division of responsibilities between landlord and tenant can be perplexing. Let’s talk about clogged drain responsibilities!

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What Is A Gas Meter Lock (And How to Remove It)

When you’re reading about gas meter issues, chances are that you’ve heard mention of a gas meter lock. However, you might not have actually seen a lock on your meter. If you’re like many people who are new to HVAC work, you’re probably wondering what the meter lock is, and how you should remove it. The scoop on this part of your meter reading might surprise you.

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Can I Install Central Air Myself? (Find Out Now!)

Central air is one of the most essential components of a clean and comfortable home. While it’s still viewed as a commodity, installing a central air conditioning system in new homes is pretty standard. However, if you have an older home and want to install one, this can prove to be difficult on your own.

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York Vs. Trane: Which Air Conditioner Is Better?

Your air conditioning system is one of the most appliances in your home. Having central air is much more convenient than using a window-mounted unit, too. Instead of keeping a single room cool, it keeps the entirety of your home cool and comfortable.

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How Does A Bladderless Pressure Tank Work?

Water supply is not always plentiful in all parts of the country. In some places, service is unreliable and there’s a chance you’ll be greeted by a lack of running water in the morning.

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Where Do Black Widow Spiders Hide?

Many people are understandably afraid of spiders, especially venomous spiders. Brown recluses and black widows are the only venomous spiders in the U.S., but the black widow is the most dangerous of the two. Because of that, it’s important to be careful if you live in a state where black widows are active. So, where do black widow spiders hide?

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7 Types Of Home Cooling Systems (With Photos)

Air conditioning, also referred to as cooling, is more intricate than heating. With heating, energy is used to create heat, whereas, air conditioning systems use energy to remove heat. While you may know how to turn on your air conditioning, do you know which type that you have? Although conventional air conditioning systems are what first comes to mind when you think of cooling, there are other alternatives that use less energy.

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5 Tiny Black Bugs In Florida Homes No One Talks About

In Florida, the state known for its marshy lands and wonderful beaches, bugs are prominent. There’s likely not a home in Florida that hasn’t dealt with an insect invasion. But there are some tiny black bugs in Florida homes no one talks about very much.

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Can Spider Mites Live Without Plants? (Find Out Now!)

If you have houseplants, it’s a common worry that your home may be infested with spider mites. These small creatures are often seen swarming around indoor plants, in the soil and across the leaves. Though, they can wreak havoc on both your houseplants and even plants in your garden. What begins as small yellow spots on leaves can transform to complete decimation of a plant if you have a large population of spider mites.

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Cost To Install A Shower Valve (Labor & Materials)

Your shower is one of the most important parts of your home. You wouldn’t be able to keep yourself clean without one. That’s why it’s important to prioritize the maintenance of your shower.

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Can A Boiler Explode? (Here Are Some Telltale Signs)

Boilers play an important role in any home. These units work by heating water and the house with steam. The steam travels through the house in pipes and radiators. Boilers are expensive to install, but have a long lifespan and are energy efficient.

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Facts You Must Know About Heat Pumps & Emergency Heat

Heat pumps are amazingly efficient for heating your home under most normal conditions. However, when conditions aren’t right, your heat pump depends on its emergency heating capability to keep the temperature in your house comfortable and stable. If you own a heat pump, there are some facts about emergency heating you should know.

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How Many Watts Does A Well Pump Use? (Find Out Now!)

If you get your water from a well, you probably already know that when your power goes out, your water does not work either. As if it isn’t bad enough to have no electricity, now you have no water either. You should consider getting a generator for the well pump then.

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Top Alternatives To Septic Tanks (8 Options to Consider)

For many homes, it’s impossible to have a conventional sewage system. The most common reason for this is the fact that sewage services don’t reach their property. There may be situations where a septic tank cannot be installed on the property do to logistical or geographical issues. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from if you’re facing this septic conundrum.

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How Does A Heat Pump Work In Winter?

Most people are familiar with heat pumps when it comes to using them as air conditioners. A unique feature about a heat pump is that it can be used during the winter to heat your home and not just during the summer to cool it. But how can a split system like a heat pump perform both of these functions?

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Furnace Keeps Shutting Off And Needs To Be Reset? (Do This!)

The reset button on your furnace is a quick method to solve any short-term issues. But if your furnace keeps shutting off and requiring resets, this is a sign of deeper problems. Given that this is a fairly common problem in oil furnaces, we will be focusing primarily on solutions for those.

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Swallow Bugs Vs. Bed Bugs: How to Tell the Difference

Although swallow bugs are not as prevalent, particularly in urban and suburban areas, they are commonly mistaken for bed bugs. Both pests are small and similar in appearance, and many assume that they are dealing with a bed bug infestation when they may have just found a swallow bug. For this reason, it’s important to understand the differences between them.

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2-Wire Vs. 3-Wire Submersible Pump: What Are The Major Differences?

The time has come to replace the submersible pump in your residential water well. There are a variety of options to consider. Of the options, there is one that confuses homeowners more than any other?  Which is the better option?  A 2-wire or 3-wire submersible pump.

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SimpliSafe Siren Beeping? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Protecting our homes and valuables is one of our highest priorities in life. That is also why so many people have turned to alarm systems for help. Popular security systems like SimpliSafe, for example, are one of those types of security systems. And with so many people now using security systems like SimpliSafe, there have come many questions. That includes questions like why is my SimpliSafe siren beeping and others.

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How To Fix Dry Air In A House

Dry air can be a real problem, especially inside your home during the coldest months of the year. Humidity already tends to be lower in the coldest weather, and as you raise heat in your home, you may actually continue to decrease the relative humidity. Before you start to get dry and itchy skin, or experience static cling every time you put on your clothes, you might want to address the humidity issue. But how do you fix the problem of dry air in a house?

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What Size Furnace Blower Motor Do I Need? (Find Out Now!)

If you’ve heard much talk about furnaces and their specific components, you’ve likely come across the term “blower.” The blower, or blower motor, is one of the most essential components of your furnace.

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Furnace Leaking Water In Winter? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

For those of us that live in colder climates, the furnace is arguably the most important feature of a home. When the temperatures drop into the single digits and below, staying comfortable and warm is of the utmost importance.

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Can I Sue My Landlord For Contaminated Water? (Find Out Now!)

Back when I lived in a different apartment (erm, warehouse), there was a short period of time when my water ran yellow. A call to my landlord fixed it. Afterward, I heard about the Flint water crisis and realized that contaminated water isn’t always an easy fix. Who should tenants blame when water is unfit to drink?

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How To Tell If A Condensate Pump Is Working (Do This!)

If you recently noticed a strange pool of water near your HVAC unit, then you probably have been thinking about checking out the condensate pump. Condensate pumps are a vital part of most air conditioning units. This is doubly true if you live in a humid environment prone to lots of moisture. It’s normal to wonder if your pump’s actually working. So, how can you tell if it is?

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What Is The Green Stuff On My Copper Pipes?

Finding an unusual coloration, namely green, on your copper pipes can be disturbing. You may have questions racing through your head, which is an entirely typical response to this. So let’s answer this question: what is the green stuff on your copper pipes?

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Does A Furnace Need A Fresh Air Intake? (Find Out Now!)

Heating makes up almost 30% of utility costs, so wanting to close vents that bring in cold air is normal. These vents are fresh air intakes for your furnace. Before you decide to block them, learn more about furnace fresh air intakes and how to fix common problems.

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Water Heater Keeps Tripping Breaker? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Very few people volunteer to take cold showers. So when the water goes cold AND your power goes, that’s a double whammy. You reset your circuit breaker, but it goes out again, and you’re not sure what to do about it.

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How Long Does A Termite Inspection Take? (Find Out Now!)

As a homeowner, keeping your home free of termites is a very important responsibility. Protecting your house’s structure from the little wood-consuming bugs can be a process. The first step in this is scheduling an inspection, but how long does a termite inspection take?

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Can I Sleep In My Bed After Bed Bug Treatment? (Find Out Now!)

Bed bugs can be a pain. Once you have them, it can be very hard to get rid of them. Luckily there are pest management professionals who can help you clear the bed bugs out of your home. After the exterminators have treated the affected area, is it safe to sleep in your bed?

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Can A Landlord Have A Spare Key? (Find Out Now!)

It can be challenging to figure out what rights landlords and tenants have when it comes to spare keys. For some renters, it can be disconcerting to think that their landlord could potentially enter their home at any time. So is it legal and acceptable for a landlord to have a spare key to their rental property?

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How To Solder A Copper Pipe With Water In It

Plastic pipes are more prone to cracking up; thus, copper-based tubes are the go-to pipes for plumbing applications owing to their ability to withstand corrosion.

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Should I Be Worried About My Neighbor's Termites?

Termites are a nightmare for any homeowner as they can quickly destroy a house. These invasive bugs multiply quickly and mature queens can lay up to 1,000 eggs per day. Even the wind can transport termites to your house. So, should I be worried about my neighbor’s termites?

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Why Is My House So Humid With The AC On?

You rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable when it’s hot and steamy outside. But what happens when your house is humid with the AC on, leading to excess moisture in the air? Isn’t your AC supposed to take care of that?

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Will A 40 Inch Wide Sofa Fit Through A 36 Inch Door? (It Depends!)

Getting new furniture is fun and exciting, as is moving (depending on the circumstances). But, what if you have a sofa that’s 40-inches wide? The standard clearance for a door is 36 inches wide, so would the sofa even fit through that small of an opening? If you don’t have an alternative way to get the couch in or out, like through a sliding glass door, will this be a problem?

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Should You Get A Home Inspection On New Construction?

Buying a new home is a huge investment, and for most people, it’s the largest purchase they’ll ever make. When you put an offer on a new house, it’s wise advice to get a home inspection to protect yourself from unexpected problems and costs. But when you’re buying a new construction property, is it necessary to get a home inspection?

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Why Does My Landlord Need My Driver License Number?

Finding the perfect apartment can feel like a full-time job. You have a list of necessities you require in a living space and you likely are trying to stay within a reasonable budget. When you find the perfect place within your budget you are probably eager to submit the application and move in right away. But when a landlord asks you for sensitive information, including your driver’s license number it is normal to feel apprehensive.

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Furnace Blower Motor Making Noise When Starting? (Here's Why)

Your furnace is a complicated piece of equipment. There are a variety of components within that run in tandem with one another to ensure that your home can remain comfortable and warm even when temperatures are below zero.

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Washing Machine Water Backing Up Into Bathtub? (Here's What You Can Do)

Watching dirty washing machine water back up into your bathtub can be a confounding experience for some. It can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the problem if you are not experienced with drainage systems. As a result, it is common for people to think that the problem is more serious than it really is.

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Does Termite Fumigation Kill Spiders? (Find Out Now!)

Getting the news that you have termites can feel like a death sentence, but could there be an upside? Fear of spiders is one of the most common phobias and also a very common infestation. So could you potentially kill two birds with one stone; does termite fumigation kill spiders?

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How To Keep Furnace Condensate Line From Freezing (Do This!)

Your HVAC system is a complicated piece of equipment. When it is functioning properly, delivering warm or cold air throughout your home, you likely won’t even recognize it. But when issues creep up, it is hard to notice anything but.

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How Many Motion Sensors Do You Realistically Need?

The continued boom of home security options has made it easier and easier to keep a home safe, and the owner informed. Smart technology allows you to see who is ringing your doorbell with a video on your cell phone.

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Do I Need To Move Furniture For Pest Control?

Nobody wants to live in a home with pests. So, we spend thousands of dollars trying to get rid of them with pest control services. But how do we prepare for services? And do we need to move the furniture for pest control or not? Here are your answers.

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When Can I Mop After Bed Bug Treatment? (Find Out Now!)

Finding bed bugs in your home can be sickening. These unwelcome guests can set up a camp in your home that is hard to shut down. Luckily, there are Pest Control Experts whose job is to send these bed bugs packing. After the exterminators have attacked the source with proper treatment, you will need to carry on the work by taking the correct steps. How soon is too soon to mop after bed bug treatment?

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Hot Surface Igniter Glows But No Flame? (We Have A Fix)

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have a hot surface igniter (HSI) that can occasionally stop functioning. One of the more common issues you may run into with this is having the HSI glow, but no flame appears. So what do you do when this happens?

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Furnace Tries To Start But Then Shuts Down? (We Have A Fix)

A furnace that isn’t working problem is more than just an annoyance. Any problem with your furnace can indicate issues that are potentially dangerous to you and your family. A furnace that tries to start and then shuts down requires immediate attention.

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Can My Landlord Take Pictures Without My Consent? (Find Out Now!)

Many tenants worry about how much privacy they’re entitled to when renting a property. This is especially true now, in the digital age, since it’s so easy to take and post photos. One common concern is whether or not your landlord can take photos of you and the property without your consent.

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Is Furnace Short Cycling Dangerous? (We Have The Answer)

When the weather begins to cool off furnaces start to warm up. Most of the time, the sound of furnaces waking from hibernation reminds as above spending the cold nights of winter in the warmth and security of our homes. Sometimes, however, the sounds were here are a bit less comforting.

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Can A Condo Association Force An Owner To Sell? (Find Out Now!)

Condos are a unique type of real estate. On one hand, it’s like an apartment that you can rent. On the other hand, you have to deal with condo associations, which almost can act like a landlord. They can cite you, they can make your life a nightmare…but can they actually go so far as to force a condo owner to sell?

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Mobile Home Water Heater Vs. Regular Heater: What Are The Differences?

Imagine a situation where you just installed a water heater, but you found a mobile home that is much more in your price range. You don’t want to lose the value you put into this water heater, but you also can’t use it in your mobile home. When it comes to a mobile home water heater vs. regular heater, the two have significant differences.

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What Is The Difference Between Foam Core And Solid Core PVC?

Foam core (or “cellular core”) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has small air pockets embedded in the composite, whereas solid core PVC is solid plastic. If you run your thumbnail over the end of foam core PVC pipe, you can actually etch it. You can’t do this with solid core.

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Can A Running Toilet Cause A Flood? (Find Out Now!)

Running toilets are toilets that continuously cycle through water, and they’re a pest. A typical running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day. When you hear that running noise echoing from your bathroom, you might be wondering if it can cause a flood. You might be surprised at the answer.

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How To Tee Off An Existing Gas Line

Many homes use gas, such as natural gas, for stoves, water heaters, and more. If your home uses gas, you may wonder how to tee off an existing gas line. This guide will show you exactly how to do that!

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How Long Will A Spider Stay In Your Room? (Find Out Now!)

Arachnophobia refers to the irrational fear of arachnids, particularly spiders. There are roughly 100 million people in the United States that suffer from arachnophobia, and it effects 3.5 to 6.1 percent of the global population. Even if you are just mildly afraid of spiders, you’re not alone. So, if you recently spotted a spider and you’re wondering “how long will a spider stay in my room,” we’re here to help.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Hydro Air Heating?

In the winter months, your heating system is one of your home’s main energy users. Since your home’s heating system has such a huge impact on you and your family’s comfort, it’s important that you consider all of your options. While you may already be familiar with forced air or hydronic heating systems, hydro-air heating is a less common choice. However, they are slowly gaining popularity largely because of their flexibility and reliability.

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Can My Boyfriend Evict Me From His House? (Find Out Now!)

Living together is great until problems arise. You and your boyfriend are not getting along, and now he wants you to leave his house. You have nowhere else to go and can’t afford your own place. Can your boyfriend evict you from his house?

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How To Get Rid Of Rats In Walls And Ceilings

Imagine drifting off to sleep at night and hearing scurrying and scratching sounds. It’s undoubtedly unsettling, to say the least, when you know you have critters living within your walls. Understandably, you want to know how to get rid of rats in the walls and ceilings once and for all.

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Bee Removal?

Honeybees, even though they do great things for the environment, may cause a lot of harm in a short amount of time to your home. You could end up paying hundreds of dollars in repairs if bees are not eradicated or relocated immediately. So, who do you reach out to? Will homeowner’s insurance cover the cost to remove the bees?

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How To Hide A Trail Cam For Home Security (Do This!)

Home security is a huge issue and the market for security cameras reflects that interest. Many homeowners have turned to trail cams as security cameras. In many instances, these game cameras work as well as much more expensive security cameras. One challenge is how to hide a trail cam for home security.

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