Rental Terms & Conditions

1. Lease Agreement

All tenancies at Critter Creek Property are governed by a written lease agreement in accordance with the West Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (W. Va. Code 37-6A). The standard lease term is 12 months. Month-to-month arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the landlord's discretion and may carry a premium above the standard monthly rent.

2. Rent Payment

Rent is due on the first day of each month. A grace period of five (5) calendar days is provided. Late fees will be assessed as follows:

• A late fee of $50 will be assessed if rent is not received by the 6th of the month.
• An additional $10 per day will accrue for each day rent remains unpaid after the 6th.
• Returned checks or failed electronic payments will incur a $35 service fee.

Rent may be paid via the tenant portal (electronic ACH transfer), personal check, cashier's check, or money order. Cash payments are not accepted.

3. Security Deposit

A security deposit equal to one month's rent is required prior to move-in. In accordance with West Virginia law, the security deposit will be held in an escrow account and returned within 60 days of lease termination, less any lawful deductions for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or other charges specified in the lease agreement. A written itemization of any deductions will be provided.

4. Pet Policy

Critter Creek Property is pet-friendly. The following terms apply:

• A non-refundable pet deposit of $300 per pet is required.
• All pets must be disclosed on the rental application and approved by management prior to move-in.
• Tenants are responsible for pet waste cleanup, noise control, and any damage caused by their pets.
• Breed restrictions may apply on a case-by-case basis. Aggressive breeds may require additional liability insurance.
• Maximum of two (2) pets per household unless otherwise approved in writing.
• Service animals and emotional support animals are accommodated in accordance with fair housing laws.

5. Maintenance & Repairs

The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition as required by West Virginia law, including structural integrity, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Tenants are expected to:

• Report maintenance issues promptly through the tenant portal or by phone.
• Keep the premises clean and sanitary.
• Not make alterations or improvements without written consent.
• Avoid damaging the property or fixtures.
• Perform minor upkeep such as replacing light bulbs and HVAC filters.

Emergency maintenance requests (water leaks, heating failure, safety hazards) will be addressed within 24 hours. Non-emergency requests will be addressed within a reasonable timeframe, typically 3-5 business days.

6. Property Access

The landlord or designated maintenance personnel may enter the property with at least 24 hours' notice for inspections, repairs, or showings. In emergency situations, immediate entry may be made without prior notice as permitted by West Virginia law.

7. Utilities & Services

Tenants are responsible for establishing and paying for all utility services, including but not limited to electricity, water/sewer, garbage collection, internet, and cable/satellite television. Utility accounts must be transferred into the tenant's name prior to move-in and maintained throughout the lease term.

8. Lease Termination

Either party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days' written notice. For fixed-term leases:

• Tenants must provide at least 60 days' written notice of intent to vacate at the end of the lease term.
• Early termination may be permitted with a fee equal to two months' rent, subject to management approval.
• Failure to provide proper notice may result in forfeiture of the security deposit.

9. Insurance

Tenants are strongly encouraged to obtain renter's insurance to cover personal belongings and liability. The landlord's insurance covers the physical structure but does not cover tenant personal property, loss of use, or tenant liability.

10. Governing Law

These terms and all lease agreements are governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia, specifically the West Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (W. Va. Code 37-6A). Any disputes arising from the tenancy shall be resolved in the courts of Putnam County, West Virginia.

11. Fair Housing

Critter Creek Property complies with all federal and West Virginia fair housing laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or any other protected class under applicable law.

Contact

For questions about these terms, please contact us at "(304) 729-4916" or visit our contact page.