Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if a property is still available?
- How do I apply for a rental?
- Can I get a co-signer?
- Do you rent to students?
- How long will it take to process my application?
- When will I hear from you once I turn my application into your office?
- Can I get my application “Pre-Approval”?
- What if I have a special circumstance that I need to tell you?
- What is the best method of communication?
- When is my rent due and where can I pay rent?
- How do I get help for a maintenance problem?
- What do I do in an emergency?
- What am I responsible for maintaining?
- Do I need approval to paint or change something in the home I am renting?
- Do I need renters Insurance?
- What happens if I need to move before the end of my lease?
- What do I do if I need to move out?
- Why should I rent from Field Street Properties?
- How do I unclog my toilet?
- How do I remove crayon stains from my carpet?
- I have given my 30 days to move out, but I need to retract my 30 day notice, what am I suppose to do?
- Do I have to turn in my keys to the office when I move out?
- Do I get any rent back if I move early?
- I have given my 30 day notice, but I need extra week to move out, what do I need to do?
- Do you have a limit on the number of pets are allowed at a property?
How do I know if a property is still available?
If the property is listed on our website, it is still available. Please use the on-line application found on each listing to submit your application. It takes 24 to 48 hours for our screening company to provide the results.
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How do I apply for a rental?
The easiest and fastest is to apply on-line. Each listing has an Apply Online link. An application and fee must be paid in advance for each tenant over the age of 18 to be processed.
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What are your qualifications to rent?
A full description of our application qualification can be found at Rental Policy.
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Do you take co-signers?
Most properties will accept a co-signer if you lack either credit or rental references. If that is the case we will accept a co-signer that has verifiable income sufficient to qualify for both their living situation and for the property they are co-signing and the co-signer must have good credit. The co-signer must fully complete our application and pay the application fee, which is non-refundable.
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Do you rent to students?
Yes, and we treat students like anyone else. The student applicant must still qualify under the guidelines for the property being applied for. We will consider all forms of income, including student loans and grants. Some properties may take co-signers to qualify for lack of income in addition to lack of credit and rental references. Just like regular co-signers, the co-signer for a student must qualify in place of the applicant.
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How long will it take to process my application?
Most applications take 24 to 48 hours as we do verify employment, income, rental history, credit, and check for any criminal and eviction history.
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When will I hear from you once I turn my application in to your office?
If you use our on-line application process, we will be able to communicate with you more often and quicker. If you fax or personally submit your application, please be sure to include an email address as most of verifications come via email and it is much easier to email you updates. We will email or call and acknowledge receipt of your application within a day of receipt. Once you application is in process we will contact you either by phone or email daily. We need ONE CONTACT per household. We cannot call every roommate.
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Can I get my application "PRE-APPROVED"?
If you want to get pre-approved before you locate a property or even move to the area, write "Pre-approval Request" on the application in the "Desired Rental Address" section near the top. We will process your application and email or call you when complete. You can then select a property that you qualify for. You can switch properties up until the time you pay the security deposit. When pre-approved you will be issued a dollar rental limit you are approved for. Pre-approved applications do not receive a refund of any processing fees paid even if a suitable property cannot be located. Upon approval, your application will be valid for 60 days from the date your application was approved.
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What if I have special circumstances that I need to tell you?
Put your special circumstances in writing with your application. It does no good to explain your situation to our leasing agent or receptionist since they do not process applications.
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What is best method of communication during the application process?
We prefer that your use email at regina@fieldstreetproperties.com. We will reply within one business day. We normally will only communicate with one applicant in your party or family. You can also call 630-613-9390.
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When is my rent due and where can I pay my rent?
Rent is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late at 5 PM on the 5th. Late fees are $10.00 per month for the first $500.00 in monthly rent plus 5% per month for any amount in excess of $500.00 in monthly rent for the late payment.
Rent can be paid by mail or in person to:
Field Street Properties
2 E. 22nd St. Suite 105
Lombard, IL 60148
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM and on Saturdays from noon to 4PM. We are closed for lunch from 1:00PM-2:00PM every day except Saturdays. If the office is closed, please use the mail slot on the front door to pay rent or turn in keys, please be sure they are properly labeled.
Please specify your rental address in the memo field of your check.
Acceptable forms of rent payment are personal checks, Cashiers Checks or Money Orders. We are unable to accept cash at this time.
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How do I get help for a maintenance problem?
For faster service, please submit your maintenance request on-line. All other requests can be faxed to 630-613-9392.
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How long should I wait to hear back from someone regarding a maintenance problem?
If you submit an on-line maintenance request, you will here back from us within one business day. If the request comes via fax, please allow up to two business days. Phone requests are discouraged as we generally get incomplete information which delays the processing of your request. If you have not heard from our office or our vendor in three days, please contact regina@fieldstreetproperties.com or 630-613-9392.
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What do I do in an emergency?
If this is an after hours emergency, please call our 24 hour emergency at 888-329-3494. The calling service will continue to ring the maintenance call list in succession until someone picks up. (Examples of emergencies are active water flooding, fire, or anything you believe to be dangerous to your heath that can’t wait until the next business day.)
**For FIRE, GAS or Natural Disasters, call 911 First!**
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What am I responsible for maintaining?
Residents are responsible for maintaining heating filters and fresh smoke detector batteries at all times. Light bulbs that are easily accessible also need to be maintained by the residents. In certain situations, yard maintenance may be required. Please refer to your individual residential lease.
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Do I need approval to paint or change something in the home I am renting?
Any and all changes or modifications to the property must be pre-approved after receiving your written request at info@fieldstreetproperties.com.
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Do I need renter’s insurance?
Renters still have exposure to the same types of losses a homeowner has. That is why there is a special type of homeowner’s insurance called renter’s insurance. FSP nor the home owner’s insurance policies cover tenants personal losses or liability.
Tenants are responsible for obtaining insurance for their personal property if they want to be covered in the event of fire, theft, or other type of loss.
It is highly recommended that all residents carry enough insurance to cover themselves and their personal property. Please consult with your insurance agent for specific details. It’s cheap and we’ve seen far too many tenants not get reimbursed for personal property damages.
In addition to coverage for their personal property, a renter’s policy also provides liability coverage. Tenants may wonder why they need liability coverage when the landlord’s policy has it. The answer is simple: because the landlord’s insurance only covers landlord liability. It doesn’t cover the tenant’s liability. Renter’s insurance covers the tenant’s liability up to a set limit, as long as the tenant did not intentionally cause the loss. Liability coverage isn’t just limited to damage to others or others’ property that occurs inside the tenant’s residence. It also covers legal defense expenses and the renter’s liability outside the home. A common example we have seen is where a tenant moves in and hooks up the washer and dryer incorrectly, which floods the home. We have seen claims of up to $15,000. Because the tenants had insurance, the insurance paid it, instead of the tenants. Remember, it’s cheap and it protects you.
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What happens if I need to move before the end of my lease?
Please contact regina@fieldstreetproperties.com or 630-613-9390 after reviewing your rental agreement.
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What do I do if I need to move out?
It is required that you provide written 30-day notice using FSPs official notice form. You can mail, email, fax, or hand deliver this. If you do not get verification of receipt within 3 business days, please contact our office immediately as we did not receive it.
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What happens if only one roommate wants to move out?
Your rental agreement spells this out very clearly. Please read and then contact us atinfo@fieldstreetproperties.com to make the necessary changes.
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Why should I rent from your company?
We are a professional, knowledgeable, and courteous property management company. We work very hard to provide the highest quality resident services you'll ever experience.
1. We use professional vendors (painters, handymen, plumbers, carpet cleaners, etc) to ensure that your unit is in good condition. We inspect the work performed to ensure that everything is ready before you move in.
- We are available 24 hours a day to handle emergency maintenance repairs.
- We provide detailed Move-in and Move-out Inventory forms and photos for proper documentation of the condition of your rental.
- When you sign your lease, you have a meeting with your property manager to go over all parts of the lease to help ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities under the lease.
- We are a licensed Illinois Real Estate Brokerage in full compliance with any and all leasing and property management laws set forth by The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
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How do I unclog our toilet clean-out or by removing the toilet from the floor.
If the obstruction may be the result of an object dropped into the toilet, such as a toy or a washcloth, then it is best to try and retrieve it rather than force it farther along. Other clogs resulting from normal flushed waste may be cleared with the use of a plunger or closet auger.
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How do I remove rust stains, to include my dishwasher?
To remove rust stains use a solution of oxalic acid and water (refer to the manufacturer's instructions for strength and mixing information). Oxalic acid can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Before cleaning the dishwasher, secure the power by flipping the breaker to the OFF position. Be sure to wear latex gloves to protect your skin. Dip a non-metal scrub brush into the acid solution and scour the stains.
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How to remove blood from your carpet?
Call a professional carpet cleaner right away. If they can not get to you right away, keep the carpet wet until they can arrive. Field Street Properties using BK Office Cleaning Corp. at 630-272-6229.
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How do I remove crayon stains from my carpet?
First, scrape off and discard any extra wax that you can. Place a brown paper bag over the affected area. Rapidly move a hot iron back and forth over the area, switching to a new paper bag as needed. Remove as much crayon as you can in this manner. Allow the affected area to cool. Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball, or use a commercially available product like the Tide to Go pen. For particularly set-in stains, dry-cleaning solvent can also be used. When stain removal is complete, end with a light overall cleansing using a mild pH neutral dishwashing detergent
diluted with water, and a final clear water rinse to completely remove remaining cleaning residue and stain solutions. Blot dry or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess moisture. For particularly low dense piles, you may be able to follow ironing with the use of a high quality plastic eraser. Lightly rub the crayon mark with the eraser, and vacuum up the residue. Unless the eraser or crayon has left greasy marks remaining on the carpet, you do not necessarily have to follow with any overall cleansing.
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I have given my 30 days to move out, but I need to retract my 30 day notice, what am I suppose to do?
We’re so glad that you have chosen to stay. Just like your notice to vacate, your notice to stay needs to be in writing and sent to the office right away. The fastest approach would be to email your retraction to info@fieldstreetproperties.com, or you may fax it to us at 630-613-9392, or mail it to 2 e. 22nd St. Suite 105 Lombard, IL 60148. There is a chance that we may have already secured new tenants, so once you have sent your retraction, you may also want to call to confirm its receipt and to make sure that the lease can be extended.
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Do I have to turn in my keys to the office when I move out?
The best time to return your keys is during your move-out inspection. Contact regina@fieldstreetproperties.com or 630-613-9390 to schedule your move-out inspection. Although Field Street Properties’ highly recommends that you accompany the move-out inspection, if you choose not to, then you should hand deliver the keys. Our computer system charges rent until we enter in that keys have been received, so you do want to make sure that keys are surrendered to one of our employees.
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Do I get any rent back if I move out early?
If you move out prior to your lease termination date, you are still responsible for rent. It is Field Street Properties’ suggestion that you schedule a move-out inspection and allow us to do a turnover on the property and give us permission to advertise and show the property. If we find a replacement tenant before your lease terminates, any rents collected by the new tenant will be credited back to you. Our goal is to limit the number of lost rent days, so it is to our advantage and yours not to wait until the lease termination date to try to find replacement tenants. You benefit because we have found a replacement tenant which relieves you of any future rent and we benefit because we had no lost rent between tenants.
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I have given my 30 day notice, but I need an extra week to move out, what do I need to do?
Field Street Properties would be happy to accommodate your holdover. Please email us at info@Fieldstreetpropeties.com or call 630-613-9390 to make sure that we have not selected new tenants. If not, then you must submit a written request with a specific holdover date. Once such a request is received, you will receive notification that the extension has been accepted or denied. You will be required to maintain the property and all utilities during the lease holdover period.
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Do you have a limit on the number of pets are allowed at a property?
Each of the properties managed by Field Street Properties is owned by various property owners. Each owner has his own requirements. Some allow pets, while others do not. If you have pets, simply provide the number of pets, breed, and age and we will contact the owner and request permission to allow them. Most properties will require additional deposit for pets. Support and Companion animals are exempt from extra deposits. If you have a support or companion animal, please annotate in the appropriate field of your rental application that you request an accommodation for your support or companion animal.
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Is there anyway to negotiate the deposit? Can the deposit be split up?
An application from a tenant who is able to pay pro-rate move-in rent and the full deposit is a stronger application. However, each of the properties managed by Field Street Properties is owned by a different owner and each owner has their own opinion on this. If you would like Field Street Properties to ask the owner to accommodate such a request, we will gladly make the request to the owner and let you know their decision.
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Why is the cable deposit non-refundable?
Field Street Properties requires a cable fee, not a deposit because unfortunately the cable company uses independent contractors for their installations. Some contractors do a great job while others do a terrible job. Our recommendation is that you carefully read the cable authorization form and closely watch the installers as they install your cable. The cable deposit fee pays to restore the property back to its original condition.
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What happens if I auto renew?
All of Field Street Properties leases automatically renew themselves unless written notice is received otherwise. This is done as a convenience to our tenants and owners. If your lease has automatically renewed, there is no need to do anything other than to continue to care for the property and pay rent through the new term.
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When is my lease up?
Your lease states the termination date of your rental agreement. If would like to re-confirm the termination date, please email us at info@fieldstreetproperties.com and we’ll gladly provide this information.
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What will my rent be if I go month to month?
Since all of Field Street Properties’ leases automatically renew, the only way to go month-to-month is submit a written request at info@fieldstreetproperties.com or fax to 630-613-9390 prior to 30 days to your lease termination date. If the owner grants the request, they most likely will require a higher rent, which is typically an increase of about 5%.
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What is an auto renew and do I have to sign up?
Since all of Field Street Properties leases automatically renew, the only way to go month-to-month is submit a written request at info@fieldstreetproperties.com or fax to 630-613-9392 prior to 30 days to your lease termination date. If the owner grants the request, they most likely will require a higher rent, which is typically an increase of about 5%.
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How much will it cost me if I break my lease?
If done right, a lease break may not cost you a thing. If done wrong, it can cost you thousands. If your circumstances have changed where you think you may need to break your lease, contact regina@fieldstreetproperties.com or 630-613-9390. Regina will assist you in either staying or the proper procedure if you need to vacate prior to your lease termination. Additionally, she’ll explain the possible costs for breaking your lease.
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I am getting a new roommate do they have to apply?
Any additional occupants that are 18 years and older, must submit an application and application fee to be approved. Field Street Properties does this for your safety. We will conduct a full tenant screening. Neither you or us want you to inadvertently choose a roommate that may harm you or the property and can pay their rent. If the results of the screening are acceptable, we can email you the documentation that needs signed or we can schedule a time for all of you to come in and sign the authorizing paperwork. A fee to add or change roommates may apply.
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How do I take someone off the lease?
Any changes to the rental contract must be in writing. If you have someone that has moved out, it might be to your best interest to keep them on the lease, as they are as responsible for the rent payments as you are. However, if they have moved out or in the process of moving out, we simply need something in writing from both the departing tenant and the remaining tenant requesting the change. If the remaining tenants qualify on their own, we will gladly make the change. If they don’t, the remaining tenants may pay a higher deposit or keep the vacating tenant on the lease until it terminates. Field Street Properties can email you the paperwork or you can schedule a time to come into the office to sign the new documents. Please contact info@fieldstreetproperties.com for these requests.
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How does a lease take over work?
If you plan on vacating prior to your lease termination and have found replacement tenants, simply email us at info@fieldstreetproperties and let us know. Additionally, have the replacement tenants submit an application with an application fee. If they qualify, we’ll be happy to accommodate a new lease signing. The deposit and the move-in inspection report remain with the property, so the incoming and outgoing tenants need to resolve this between each other.
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When do I get my deposit back?
Per the rental agreement, your deposit will be refunded less any cleaning and damages, within 30-45 days of the time you vacated the property. If you fail to give proper notice and a forwarding address, your deposit will be mailed to your rental address with instructions to please forward.
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Can I get cable at my new house with-out paying a deposit?
Field Street Properties’ requires a cable deposit because unfortunately the cable company uses independent contractors for their installations. Some contractors do a great job while others do a terrible job. Our recommendation is that you carefully read the cable authorization form and closely watch the installers as they install your cable.
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Can I be approved with bad credit?
In most cases, depending on how bad your credit is, we may be able to approve your rental application with a qualified co-signer or by paying a larger deposit. If your credit does not qualify you for any of those options, unfortunately, your application will be denied.
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Can I pay all of my rent in advance?
Yes, you may pay all of your rent in advance.
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Do you rent to felons?
As a company policy, Field Street Properties does not rent to felons. However, under Fair Housing laws, some felons can request a reasonable accommodation and submit documentation supporting the request for this requirement to be waived. We suggest that you contact your parole officer to see if you meet the Fair Housing requirements for such a request.
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How much of an incentive do I get for renewing?
Field Street Properties likes to renew our good tenants with a renewal bonus. Renewal incentives change as the market conditions change. When you are about 2 months away from your lease renewal, contact us to find out what the current incentives are.
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How much is the application fee?
Field Street Properties application fee is $40 per adult occupying the property.
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Is the application fee refundable if I am denied?
Field Street Properties utilizes a 3rd party screening company to process all of our applications and the application fee goes towards those screening costs. Therefore, the application fees are non-refundable.
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What exactly does the co signer have to do to be approved?
If the applicant has credit or income issues that are unacceptable, many times if an applicant has credit or income issues that cause an application denial, a co-signer is an easy fix. The co-signer needs to complete an application (insert link) with an application fee. To qualify for a co-signer, they must have income that supports their current obligations plus the rental payment and strong credit.
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Can the co signer be taken off the lease once we sign?
If the co-signer wishes to be removed from the lease, contact our office about 3 months prior to the lease termination. We’ll review your payment history and credit report and if acceptable, you can renew without the co-signer.
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Do you take section 8?
Each of the properties managed by Field Street Properties is owned by a different owner and each owner has a different opinion. If you are on section 8, we recommend that you email us asking if this specific property owner accepts section 8. If they do, feel free to apply. If they don’t, we will recommend any properties that are currently available that do.
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What is a companion/ or support animal?
Some people require a support or companion animal to assist them. These animals are not considered pets and are exempt from any pet deposits. If you have such a need, please list on your application as a reasonable accommodation.
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I don’t get paid until the 10th and I’m calling to let you know it’s not my fault, do I still have to pay late fees?
Field Street Properties charges late fees and I am sorry, they cannot be waived. Please do communicate with us and keep us in the loop.
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I paid rent at 5:30 in the drop box on the 5th, why am I being charged late fees?
Per your lease agreement rent is due on the 1st of every month. If rent has not been received by 5:00 PM on the 5th day of the month (no exceptions for weekends, holidays, or postage delays), it is considered late and Tenant will be charged $10.00 per month for the first $500.00 in monthly rent plus 5% per month for any amount in excess of $500.00 in monthly rent for the late payment.
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How many people do you allow in a 2 bedroom? 3 bedroom?
Field Street Properties follows the Fair Housing guidelines when it comes to occupancy. The guidelines suggest 2 persons per bedroom plus 1. So that would be 5 for a 2 bedroom and 7 for a 3 bedroom. These are not steadfast rules, so if you have something different, please make the request and we will contact HUD for their recommendation.
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I’m going out of town and won’t be back until the 8th. Can I make arrangements to pay my rent upon my return? If not, what do I do?
Rent is due on the 1st and late fees are accrued for all rents received after 5pm on the 5th day of each month. To avoid late fees, you should pay your rent before leaving, but if can’t, please do contact us and let us know when rent will be paid so that we know and don’t serve an eviction notice.
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