Answers to Frequently Asked Property Owner Questions

Frequently asked questions

Maintenace

Setting up FAQs

General

A circuit breaker provides protection by stopping the flow of electricity if an overload or fault occurs. When an electrical fault occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the breaker on that circuit trips and interrupts the flow of current to that circuit. A tripped circuit breaker is still sometimes referred to as a "blown fuse" in reference to the older technology that circuit breakers replaced. If your home uses an actual fuse and not a circuit breaker, click here for information on fuse boxes.

Before electricity can be restored, the circuit breaker must be reset. However, even before you do that, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so. Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain no dangerous condition exists before restoring power. A Circuit Breaker which has been tripped will either be in the middle or "OFF" position. Locate the tripped circuit breaker and reset it by pushing it all the way to the "OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position. Often when you can't cannot reset the circuit breaker, it is because it must be turned all the way to the "Off" position first.

Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the circuit breaker trips again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, please submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc immediately.

If no circuit breakers were tripped and you still do not have power at an outlet, the circuit is probably on a GFCI. Click here.

A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is a device that adds a greater level of safety by reducing the risk of electric shock in locations such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and outdoors.

A GFCI outlet may be wired in a branch circuit, which means other outlets and electrical devices may share the same circuit and breaker (or fuse). When a properly wired GFCI trips, the other devices down the line from it will also lose power. Note that devices on the circuit that come before the GFCI are not protected and are not affected when the GFCI is tripped.

If you have an outlet that doesn't work, and the breaker is not tripped, look for a GFCI outlet which may have tripped. The non-working outlet may be down line from a GFCI outlet. Note that the affected outlets may not be located near the GFCI outlet, they may be several rooms away or even on a different floor. Pressing the "Reset" will restore the circuit. If the outlet doesn't reset, then whichever appliance that is causing it to trip, may still be plugged in. If after unplugging everything, checking the circuit breaker or fuse, and resetting the GFCI does not work, please submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc right away.

If you have an older home, you may have fuses as opposed to circuit breakers. Located inside or outside of your home is a fuse box that contains a fuse for each of your home's circuits. A fuse provides protection for each of your circuits. When an electrical short occurs or the load on your circuit becomes too great, the fuse on that circuit burns out and breaks the circuit; this is what is referred to as a "blown fuse". If your home uses circuit breakers instead of fuses, click here.

Before electricity can be restored, the fuse must be replaced with a new fuse. However, even before you replace the fuse, you must take steps to ensure that it is safe to do so:

Turn off or unplug all of the devices that are plugged into the circuit. Make certain that no dangerous condition exists before restoring power.
Replace the fuse with a fuse that is of the proper rating for the circuit. For instance, if the circuit is rated for 15 amps, use a 15-amp fuse. Never use anything other than a fuse of proper rating.
When removing or inserting a new fuse, NEVER touch the metal parts of the fuse. If your fuse box is equipped with a master switch to cut power to the fuse box, cut the main power prior to replacing the fuse.

Electricity should now be restored to the circuit. If the fuse blows again before you have turned anything on or plugged anything in, submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc right away.

If the fuse blows after plugging in or turning on a device, that device may have a short or may be placing too much of a load on the circuit.

If no fuses were blown and you still do not have power at an outlet, make certain that the switch, if any, that controls the outlet is turned on. If you can find no problem, the outlet, switch, wiring or some other component may be at fault. Also, the outlet may be on a GFCI branch circuit. Refer to the guide for checking a GFCI circuit.

Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
Some properties also have Hydronic Furnaces. This means the heat comes from the hot water in your water heater. To be sure the hot water is getting to the furnace check the water valves going from your water heater to the furnace. They both need to be on (turned the same direction as the pipe). Sometimes the hot water valve is turned off in the summertime in order for the A/C to work at the highest efficiency.
Check to see if the pilot light is on. If it is not you can follow the directions on the water heater to re light the pilot light.

Before calling in your problem or making a work order request, please check the below possible options:

Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
Check the furnace filter. If the filter is dirty it needs to be replaced.
Check the thermostat. Make sure the batteries are good and that temperature isn't set too low if the inside temp is high inside.
Check the outside unit to make sure the fan blades are moving and that the unit is not iced over.
Some AC units have a light switch right next to the furnace which turns the furnace and AC off. Because this switch is identical to a light switch, it gets turned off by mistake. Simply check any nearby switches. If they don't turn lights on and off, they may be turning the furnace and or AC on or off.

If after checking the above and you still do not have air conditioning, please submit an on-line maintenance request.

Before calling in your problem or making a work order request, please check the below possible options:

Check that a fuse hasn't blown or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Replace with the appropriate fuse or reset the circuit breaker.
Check that your thermostat is on, heat is selected, and set at a temperature that would call for heat (not too low)
Check that there is nothing obstructing the airflow from the heater or heater vents
Electric furnaces, not baseboards or cadet heaters, often have a light switch right next to the furnace which turns the furnace off. Because this switch is identical to a light switch, it gets turned off by mistake. Simply check any nearby switches. If they don't turn lights on and off, they may be turning the furnace on or off.

If after checking the above and you still do not have heat, please submit an on-line maintenance request. Within the request, please annotate the condition of your furnace filters and the status of any steady or blinking red lights.

If you have no heat for systems using gas heat, try these steps before submitting a maintenance request: 1. Check if a fuse has blown or the circuit breaker has tripped. Replace the fuse or reset the breaker if needed. 2. Ensure the light switch near the furnace is on. 3. Verify the thermostat is on, set to heat, and at an appropriate temperature. 4. Confirm your gas service is active and in your name. 5. Listen for any fans or blowers running. 6. Check for any blinking or steady red lights on the furnace. 7. Inspect and replace dirty furnace filters. 8. For Hydronic Furnaces, ensure the water valves from the water heater to the furnace are on. 9. Check the water heater temperature setting. If these steps don't resolve the issue, submit an online maintenance request in the resident portal, noting the condition of your furnace filters and any red lights.

Symptom	Possible Solutions
Dishwasher does not work - no sound, water or lights	Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker Check that the dishwasher is plugged in securely or Check the door latch
Dishwasher does not start but motor hums	Submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc
Dishwasher does not fill with water or it drains while filling	Check that the water supply is turned on. The valve may be located under the sink. Check the door latch If problem continues, submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc
Water does not drain from the dishwasher	Clean the drain Re-run an entire cycle and see if problem continues
Dishwasher is leaking water or soap leaks around the door	Check your garbage disposal to make sure the drain is not clogged. Make certain that your detergent is intended for dishwashers. Do not use liquid dish soap. If problem continues, submit a maintenance request to Coastal Group Inc.
Dishwashers not cleaning properly	Get cleaning agent product from WL May called Glisten
Door does not close or latch properly	Check for obstructions Check the door latch
Detergent cup does not open	Check and clean the detergent cup for obstructions
Dishes are not cleaned adequately	Clean the drain screen Spray off dishes before using the dishwasher Run several cycles with no soap to clean out soap residue.

All properties have smoke detectors. Properties with gas burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage should have a CO/Smoke combo.

They are usually clearly labeled if they detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke/fire.

Smoke detectors have 2 alarms that mean different things:

Beep/chirp approximately 2-3 times every 5 minutes most of the time means the battery needs changed. If that doesn't fix it, it may have lost power to the unit or have a loose connection. If you unplug the detector from the ceiling/wall, it will probably continue making noise because there is a back-up battery in most of them. If you take the battery out it still has enough power stored internally to beep 4-5 more times.
Beeping/chirping non-stop means there is smoke/fire or it's a false alarm.

See below for false alarms:

Most false alarms (chirping non-stop) are caused by dust in the sensor area of the detector. - Fixed by blowing out with compressed air or vacuum.
Some smoke detectors have an expiration (10yrs for example & usually labeled on back of unit) and after that time period they start having false alarms. - Fixed by replacing expired detectors.
Very rarely, false alarms are caused by drastic temp./weather changes, such as attic being 120 degrees and house at 75. - Fixed by pushing the silence button (if it has one) and after a short time it will reset and hopefully not falsely go off again.
Very rarely, false alarms are caused by air blowing directly on the detector (open window, ceiling fan blowing upward instead of downward, etc.). - Fixed by re-directing air movement away from detector.
Very rarely, false alarms are caused by a defective detector. - Fixed by replacing detector.

More Questions?

Coastal Group Inc's
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE GUARANTEES

1/1

We are committed to providing our clients with high-quality service for their rental property and we back it up with our service guarantees.

YOU WILL LOVE OUR GUARANTEES!

If we are unable to lease your home in 21 days or less we will give you the first 2 months of management for free!

We are proud of our screening process and tenant oversight, if at anytime we are in a position to have to evict your tenant we will cover the initial costs of filing for all of the court appearances involved with evicting a tenant. Attorney’s fees are an additional expense

If your tenant pays their lease rental payment in full by the 1st of the month in which it is due our accounting team will process those funds by the 10th business day of the month or you will receive a credit equal to that month’s management fee.

We offer a guarantee that any damage caused to the home, above normal wear and tear, resulting from the approved pet(s) that is not covered by the security deposit will be reimbursed by CGI Properties to make necessary repairs on behalf of the owner. This excludes any Service Animals per Fair Housing Guidelines. This Free Animal Guarantee is limited to an amount of $100 per pet. Additional coverages are available as well.

If for any reason you are not completely happy with our services and want to leave us, you can cancel your management agreement without penalty at the end of the current lease.

We don’t get paid until you get paid. With CGI you will have peace of mind, knowing that we are working hard for you and you will not need to pay us until you get results.

We certify that you will NEVER have to pay 2 leasing fees in the same 12 month period. Now, the only exception would be a federal military relocation, or any other early termination clause required by the state which are out of anyone’s control, but outside of that, we guarantee your tenant will stay 12 months, or we will find a replacement at no additional charge.

HOW IT WORKS

When it comes time to market your rental property, the last thing you want is to have your home unrented. Every day an investment property is vacant is a day of lost income and this is why we guarantee that we will find the right tenant for your home within 21 days or you receive two months of management fees for free when the 21-Day Rental Guarantee is added to your property management or leasing agreement.

Our conditions for the 21 Day Rental Guarantee are simple:

The home must be vacant.
The home must be ready for tenants, The 21 days begin from the day the home is move-in ready.
The home must be a pet-friendly property and allow a maximum of 2 approved pets.
21 Day Rental Guarantee must be included in your Property Management Agreement.
We will provide the Guaranteed Rental Price. (and accept it mutually)
Property must be available for self showings or on same-day short notice.

HOW IT WORKS

We understand how frustrating it is when a tenant violates their lease agreement and the financial implications for property owners. It’s an unfortunate fact that some tenancies end in eviction. With CGI’s Eviction Guarantee, you don’t have to worry about the costs for an eviction because when you have CGI Properties as your Property Manager you are automatically enrolled in our Eviction Protection Guarantee we not only handle the eviction process but we cover the filing fees associated with the eviction, up to $350.

How the Eviction Guarantee works:

New tenants with leases signed after Management Agreement is in place are immediately covered.
The Program does not cover lost rent, move-out costs, or damage to property.
The Program does not cover the Owner for the Tenant’s Attorney fees, or court-ordered fines, damages, or penalties.
The Eviction Protection plan must be specifically subscribed to in your current Property Management Agreement.

*This is a summary of terms or the Eviction Protection Plan, see your management agreement for exact terms.

Additional Coverages Available:

For a small charge of $8.95 per month you can be included in our Additional Eviction Protection Package which extends the protection to include the following:

Removal of Tenant Possessions (Cost $1,000+)
Lock Change Required by Law (Cost $150-300)
Initial Basic Cleaning of the Property (Cost $495)

When a tenant pays rent on-time we promise to have your owner’s payment processed within 10 business days. If not, we will give you back that month’s management fee.

HOW IT WORKS

Making sure you get your money as soon as possible is part of our job and the reason why we offer our On-Time-Rent Guarantee through CGI’s Express Pay. What this means is that we will get your payments to you by the 10th business day of the month when the tenant pays rent by the first of the month. If we can’t do this for you then we didn’t complete our job and we will pay that month’s management fee.

CGI will pay for any damages exceeding the security deposit caused by an approved pets up to $100/per approved pet.

HOW IT WORKS

Most property owners are unaware that there are benefits of having a pet-friendly property and that their real estate investment can become more valuable when tenants are permitted to bring pets. More high-quality applicants - Over 70% of renters are pet owners. Opening up your rental to the majority of the market significantly raises the number of applicants for a property. Longer occupancy period - Renters with pets have longer tenancy periods which means less turnover and few related owner expenses.

Happier Tenants - Studies have shown that owning a pet can improve happiness, well-being, and health. Increased rental rates - A property that allows tenants to bring their pets rents at a higher cost. Not only does making your property pet-friendly increase the profitability of your investment but you will likely end up with happier tenant overall which makes life better for everyone.

Still worried about allowing pets at your property?

Let’s talk about our pet screening and approval process and our $100 Pet Guarantee and that protects you from destructive animals. We guarantee our owners up to $100 in damage protection for any pet damage beyond what the security deposit covers.

The pet owner must be a tenant that signed a lease with us and that we moved into the rental property with a CGI Management Agreement that included Pet Protection. We allow a maximum of two (2) pets neither of which can be on the restricted breed list. We screen each pet and charge a reasonable pet rent to the tenant.

Additional Coverages Available:

For a small charge of $9.95 per month, you can be included in our Additional Pet Protection Package which extends the protection to a total of $500 total for the property.

CGI Transparency Disclosure - *The only exception is in cases of an Authorized Service or Emotional Support Animal.

HOW IT WORKS

If for any reason you are not completely happy with our services and want to leave us, you can cancel your management agreement without penalty at the end of the current lease.

We promise to produce results, we get paid when you get paid

HOW IT WORKS

Our results guarantee ensures that you have the peace of mind of knowing we are working hard for you and you will not pay us until a tenant is placed and has paid rent.

That’s right, you don’t pay us anything until we produce results for you. At CGI, we don’t collect management service fees until we have a renter moved in and rent is collected. We do all of the heavy lifting – market your home, schedule showings, screen applicants, draft the lease, and facilitate tenant move-in – all before being paid a dime.

HOW IT WORKS

If we are leasing your property for you, we do all the work up front and you don’t pay us until you get a qualified tenant and they move into your property. That means we aggressively market and show your property, screen the tenants, handle all of the paperwork and perform a move in inspection...all before we get paid anything.

Coastal Group Inc Transparency Disclosure - *The only exception is in cases of an owner’s contribution to pay for vendors to get a home “rent ready” in advance.

The conditions for our Leasing Guarantee:

We must have placed the tenants. This guarantee does not cover tenants we’ve taken over or inherited.
The guarantee does not cover tenants who have to break a lease due to military orders, military transfers, or any other legal cancellation of a lease.
The guarantee does not cover any tenants who have abided by the lease terms by paying appropriate lease breaking fees.

Need More Info About Our Services?

If you still have questions about property management or other services we provide, and how we can help maximize the return on your rental investment, feel free to contact us anytime.

Our Guarantees -- Our Brand Promise

Answers to Frequently Asked Property Owner Questions

Frequently asked questions

Utilities numbers for your convenience:

I lost power or need to reset the circuit breaker

I lost power to the bathroom, kitchen, or outside

Checking for a blown fuse

How to unjam my garbage disposal

How to properly use your garbage disposal?

What do I do if I smell gas in the house?

How do I light pilot light on gas fireplace?

What if I don’t have hot water?

How do I change my furnace filters?

My air conditioning is not working

No heat for systems using electric heat

What should I do if I have no heat for systems using gas heat?

How to patch a door knob hole in a wall

How to unclog my drain

Troubleshooting your dishwasher

How to turn off main water supply

Testing smoke detector / maintenance

Smoke detector FAQs

I put the wrong soap in the dishwasher -- now what?

Dryer Issues?

Refrigerator Issues?

Garage Issues?

More Questions?

Coastal Group Inc's PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE GUARANTEES

​We are committed to providing our clients with high-quality service for their rental property and we back it up with our service guarantees.

YOU WILL LOVE OUR GUARANTEES!

HOW IT WORKS

Our conditions for the 21 Day Rental Guarantee are simple:

HOW IT WORKS

How the Eviction Guarantee works:

Additional Coverages Available:

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

Still worried about allowing pets at your property?

Additional Coverages Available:

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

HOW IT WORKS

The conditions for our Leasing Guarantee:

Need More Info About Our Services?

Coastal Group Inc's
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE GUARANTEES

We are committed to providing our clients with high-quality service for their rental property and we back it up with our service guarantees.