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WELCOME TO YOUR SUNWEST HOME!
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Whether you are moving across the country, or across town, the following information is to help you set up your new lease home in Dallas County.
We've compiled, from residents like yourself, information for obtaining a drivers license, electrical service, mailbox keys, water service, cable service, rentals insurance, telephone service, lawn service, and trash collection.
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These contacts do change from time to time. If you discover incorrect information on this page, please inform us so that we may correct it for the next new resident.
How do I purchase renter's insurance?
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Insurance can be ordered by phone. You are required to carry a Texas Comprehensive Form (HO-CT) policy with $100,000 in liability coverage. The amount of personal property coverage, above the minimum, is at the residents descretion but needs to cover the value of the personal property brought on the premises.
Renters insurance covers your personal property and household items in the event of a fire, theft, or other loss (e.g., the garge opener falls on your car). It also offers you financial protection if you damage the home you are renting (e.g., washer overflows and damages carpet) or if a visitor is injured in your home (e.g., is burned by your barbeque grill). For additional information, see "Why is a Policy Needed", published by the State of Texas, or Renter's Insurance.
A basic policy runs about $20+ per month. If you cannot find someone willingto underwrite you, Texas has a Market Assistance Program (MAP) that helps people find homeowners and renters insurance. For more information or to learn whether you’re eligible, call MAP (1-888-799-6277) or visit TDI’s web site.
State Farm and Farmer's Insurance (972-416-3272) are 2 leading insurers in the area. Your new agent may ask you the following :
- type of property [answer: duplex, triplex, 4-plex),
- county [answer: Dallas],
- personal laibilty [answer:$100,000]
- year the property was built [answer: 1983]
- type of roof [answer: composition],
- type of construction [answer: brick veneer],
- safety devices [answer: dead bolts, smoke alarms, intruder alarms],
- nearest water hydrant [answer: check location].
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How do I document the condition of my unit?
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You are strongly encouraged to provide an inventory and condition report to us. The inventory and condition report should itemize any irregularities or missing items, be provided in a legible format, and signed. The report must be sent to us within 48 hours of receiving your keys (postmarked or e-mail dated). You are encouraged to report any defect (cosmetic and functional) to the premises, no matter how slight.
We intend that all major systems will be functional and in good repair when you move in. Light switches, wall plugs, doors, windows, faucets, drains, locks, toilets, sinks, heater, etc. will either be in working order, will be repaired after receipt of your move-in service request (within 14 days of move-in), or will be mutually identified as a pre-existing condition for which you will not be liable.
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How do I register with the SunWest Homes service department?
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SunWest catalogs a complete file of your contact numbers for emergency and other communication purposes. Our primary communication venue is e-mail and we would like both home and office contacts. We need your phone, including cell phone, and fax numbers in the event of a service or other emergency. You can update your "contact file" using the form link below. SunWest Homes does not sell it's contacts lists or use the for promotional purposes.
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How do I register my pet?
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State law and Dallas City Code requires all dogs and cats (after 3 months of age) to be vaccinated for rabies and all dogs and cats (after 4 months of age) to be registered with the City of Dallas. This is an annual registration process.
To obtain a registration tag, the pet owner must present a certificate of rabies vaccination to the City of Dallas, and pay a registration fee. For more information, call PetData at (214) 821-3400 or visit PetData web site.
Note: All pets require prior management approval, a signed (resident and landlord) pet addendum in the lease, and a pet security deposit to be on the property. There are significant financial penalties for having unapproved pets on the premises and the pets are subject to removal without notice. Please see your lease for additional information.
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How do I purchase phone service?
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Call (972) 256-2511 or stop in. Hours are 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. A deposit may be required. Installation takes 2 days after deposit is received. Verizon is located at:
Verizon
210 South Main Street
Irving
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to purchase the optional "line insurance". SunWest Homes does not guarantee that phone lines will be in working order at move-in or during the course of your residency. You may cancel the insurance once you have determined the lines are in full working order.
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How do I purchase high speed internet?
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Comcast cable is the best high speed option on St. Christopher. Click below or call to order (972) 445-5555.
Verizon offers fiber optic sytems in some areas. These require installations on the building and drilling on the building and require pre-authorization and a deposit.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You need SunWest Homes written approval to install any new wiring or box locations. You will be liable for a $100 inspection fee and a $550 deposit deduction for any installations not authorized in prior to installation writting. Any ununapproved installation will be taken down without exception. Call us, we'll work with you!
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How do I purchase water service?
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Water service can be ordered by phone (usually next day service).
Dallas Water Department
City Hall 1 An
Dallas 75227
(214) 651-1441
The Dallas Water Department hours are 8:15 am - 5:15 pm. Their emergency number is 214-744-5005. During peak hours, it is best to call (214) 651-1441 and leave a message. A representative will call back.
A $70.00 deposit, plus a $7.25 startup charge will be added to the first invoice. The deposit will be waived if you meet the utility’s credit requirements. If the prior resident left a balance owing, you will need to fax over a copy of the first page of your lease before service is initiated.
Irving Water Department
825 W. IRVING BLVD.,
Irving, Texas 75060 (Near the Court House)
(972) 21-2411
The Irving Water Department hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. A $50.00 deposit must be paid within 10 days or service will be disconnected.
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How do I start electric service?
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Electric service can be ordered by phone (800-242-9113). TXU is open 24 hours a day. Allow two days in case a meter needs to be installed (e.g.; previous resident left an unpaid bill).
New service often requires a $60.00 deposit which will be added to your first month's bill. Bills can be paid by mail, credit card, or at Eckerds Drug Stores and Kroger Supermarkets.
If the prior resident left a balance owing, you will need to fax over a copy of the first page of your lease before service is initiated.
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How do I start gas service?
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Gas service can be ordered by phone (800-242-9113). TXU is open 24 hours a day. Allow several days for installation and you will need to be present wehn the service is turned on.
New service often requires a $60.00 deposit which will be added to your first month's bill. Bills can be paid by mail, credit card, or at Eckerds Drug Stores and Kroger Supermarkets.
If the prior resident left a balance owing, you will need to fax over a copy of the first page of your lease before service is initiated.
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What are the sizes of the refrigerator and washer/dryer hook-ups?
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St Chistopher lane has a 36" wide opening for a refrigerator.
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How do I get a key for the mailbox on the property?
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For Irving residents, your mailbox key is available from the U.S. Post Office located at:
US Post Office
Plymouth Park Shopping Center
2701 West Irving Blvd.
Irving, Texas 75015.
You must go to the post office or make arrangements with your postman. The post office is open M-F from 7:00 - 6:00 and on Saturdays from 7:00 amuntil 3:00 pm. A new mailbox lock and key can take up to three days. You may be asked to show a copy of your lease agreement.
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How do I order cable television?
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Comcast Cable installation is currently no charge and takes 3-5 days to install. Click below or call to order 972-445-5555.
Basic cable is about $50.00. Additional channels/packages are described here. Comcast is open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm). For repairs, call 972-445-5555.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You need SunWest Homes written approval to install any new wiring or box locations. You will be liable for a $200 security deposit deduction for unauthorized installations.
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How do I order satellite television?
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We generally discourage the purchase of satellite television for 2 reasons; high speed Internet is available on cable (phone DSL is not available in your area); we have had many destructive satellite installations that residents have been charged for upon move-out.
However, if satellite is your preference, we will work with you. Written approval from SunWest Homes and a $300 security deposit is required prior to making any satellite installation.
Our requirements are that the existing cabling and cabling junction box be used, that the dish be mounted to a pole in the yard, that the cabling from the dish to the junction box does not cause damage to the building, and that you supply us with a copy of the approval letter signed by yourself and the installer.
The deposit will be used to return all wiring to "cable ready" condition, remove any satellite specific cables, remove dishes, repair roofs/decking/siding, remove poles, and correct any other changes resulting from the satellite installation. If no corrections are required, the deposit will be refunded.
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When is trash collected?
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DALLAS: Residential garbage collection is provided in alleys on Tuesday and Friday. The City of Dallas has provided a 90-gallon polyethylene resin roll cart for automated garbage collection. The carts are emptied by means of a hydraulic grappler arm mounted on the side of the sanitation truck. Automated collection service does not allow for the collection of additional household trash not placed inside the roll cart. The use of plastic or paper bags to hold the garbage in the cart is required. A little detergent and a rinse with a garden hose will keep the cart clean and odor free and is considered part of routine household maintenance. Households are encouraged to participate in the residential recycling program to reduce the amount of waste taken to the landfill. Call (214) 670-3555 with any questions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please set out trash for collection only on assigned collection days by 7:00 AM. Do not set trash out earlier than 6:00 PM the day before collection (Dallas Ord.5516). The city will fine you.
IRVING: To determine if your collection days are Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday, click on the link below. The city of Irving requires 2 ml. sealed bags (available at hardware and grocery stores for $.10 a bag). Trash cans will not be emptied by collection crews. There is a 50 lb. weight limit per bag. Any bag weighing more than 50 lbs. will not be picked up by the collection crew.
The following items are picked up separately from household trash. They should be set out separately on your collection day and the Sanitation Division notified at (972) 721-2232.
* Paint
* Used Motor Oil
* Auto Batteries
* TV Sets
* Automobile Tires
* Spoiled meat
* Diabetic Syringes
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please set out trash for collection only on assigned collection days by 7:00 AM. Do not set trash out earlier than 6:00 PM the day before collection (Dallas Ord.5516). The city will fine you.
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How do I purchase lawn service?
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The front yard of all SunWest Homes are maintained by either SunWest Homes or the local Homeowners Association. Lawn service is provided at no charge on Thursdays during the summer.
If you have a "fenced in" yard, your backyard is your responsibility to maintain. Bent Tree residents backyards will be mowed as a courtesy during the summer months if: 1) the gate is open, 2) there are no obstacles in the yard, and 3) the grass is no longer that what would grow in 1 week.
Residents are required to maintain the flower and shrub beds. We encourage bed improvements but require that you not remove or add vegetation without permission. Resident are not to prune trees under any circumstances.
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How do I register to vote?
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You can register to vote by mail in Texas.
Bruce Sherbert
Elections Administrator
2377 North Stemmons, Suite#820
Dallas, TX, 75207
(214) 819-6300
There is a 30-day processing period before your registration becomes effective. You will automatically receive a new voter registration certificate every two years.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you move within the state, you must re-register.
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How do I apply for a Drivers License?
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If you have a current Out-of-State License and you own a vehicle, you should take proof of Texas registration, proof of insurance, Social Security Number, and your Out-of-State License to the motor vehicle offices.
The only exam required is the vision test.
If you have an expired Out-of-State License, you will be required to take both written and driving exams, and a vision test.
If you do not own a vehicle, you will not have to show proof of insurance, but you will be required to complete an affidavit of non-ownership.
You will be required to surrender your valid or expired Out-of-State Driver's License. Tuesday and Thursday are the best times to visit the motor vehicle department.
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How do I register my motor vehicle?
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First, you must purchase liability insurance. It is required in Texas before these services are provided.
Texas Department Transportation
1925 E. Beltline Rd., Suite #100
Carrollton, Tx, 75006
(972) 417-0884
(972) 416-4296 Fax
Your vehicle must then pass a vehicle inspection and an inspection of the vehicle identification number. These services are available at a state approved Safety Inspection Station (most repair service stations).
Finally, you must submit a form to the county tax office, along with an application for certificate of title. Title and registration fees are due at the county tax office at the time of application. The inspection facility will provide you with this form : Vehicle Identification Certificate (Form VI-30-A).
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