1.- What Is a home warranty?
A home warranty is a service contract that helps protect homeowners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs of their home* and the homes major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.*

2.- How is a home warranty different from homeowner’s insurance?
A home warranty covers the costs of repairs and replacements of major home appliances, systems etc*. Home systems, for example, include plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Homeowners insurance provides coverage if theft or any natural disaster hits. A homeowner’s insurance is hazard insurance, and only covers items damaged in fires, flooding, wind, and all natural disasters that occur. A home warranty repairs properly maintained household appliances, mechanical systems and other miscellaneous items that Citizen Home Warranty covers* that fail due to normal wear and tear.*

3.- How is a home warranty different from a manufacturer’s warranty?
The main difference is that a manufacturer’s warranty generally covers the failed part of a single appliance, but usually doesn’t include the cost of labor or repair. With a home warranty, one plan covers a variety of systems and appliances, making it a more cost-effective way to safeguard your home.

4.- Why is buying a home warranty a good decision for homeowners?
A home warranty protects the homeowner’s budget by removing the risk of fluctuating expenses when big ticket items break down. With CHW home warranty, the homeowner will pay for a monthly plan, along with a NO SERVICE CALL FEE* associated with any repairs, rather than the full retail cost of replacing or repairing any of their home appliances or systems. Please note that any service after hours or for same day service request are subject to an extra charge.

5.- Do I have to get a home inspection before getting a Citizens Group FL?
No, Citizens Group FL, doesn’t require a home inspection or any maintenance records. Also, we will not refuse coverage due to the age of your home’s systems and appliances, as long as it is in good working condition.* If there is a chance that the condition of the system, appliances or any other prospected areas that would be a candidate for a CHW warranty service be bad, we would provide service repair for a discounted price contingent that said customer signs up with CHW.

1.- Can I Choose my own service contractor?
No. It will make the most sense and save the most money by letting us use a CHW Certified Professional. All of our contractors are licensed professionals, and their work comes with a 60-day workmanship guarantee.

2.- How long does it take to fulfill a service request?
Citicens Group FL, will dispatch a licensed technician to your home within 24 – 48 (business) hours of your request. Extenuating circumstances do apply. (Please note, even though CHW doesn’t charge a service fee at all. If a CHA customer request a technician to come for a same day service or request service after hours. Customer must pay for: Same day charge of $125 and after hours – $79.99 to CHW

1.- When does coverage begin and when does it end?
Coverage begins 30 days after enrollment and receipt of applicable contract fees and continues for the period specified in your policy, typically 365 days.* If you are able to provide proof of prior coverage through another warranty carrier, showing no lapse of warranty coverage, CHW will be able to start your new coverage when your old policy expires.

2.- If an item needs to be replaced, and the replacement unit is unavailable, what happens?
If a covered item that needs to be replaced is not available, CHW will offer a cash payment for the amount of CHW’s replacement cost, which at times may be less than retail.

3.- Is there a service call fee?
No, you’re not required to pay a service fee per claim, no matter what the actual cost or the repair or replacement for your covered item.* Except for a CHW customer that calls for an after hour services and also doesn’t request for same day services.

4.- Can I renew each year or is it automatically renewed?
Yes, the plan is automatically renewed at the end of the contracted period.

5.- My mechanical systems and appliances are aged. Is this covered?
Yes, the age of a home or its systems and appliances does not matter. We cover items that are in good working condition and properly maintained

1.- What happens if I sell my home?
You can take your warranty with you to your new home, or cancel your warranty plan. To cancel your policy with Citizen Home Warranty, please call us at (954) 900-9294 or email us at info@citizensgroupfl.com

2.- Can I enroll a home warranty plan if I am not in a real estate transaction?
Yes, you can purchase a home warranty plan during home ownership. You do not have to be involved in a real estate transaction of any kind.

Property Inspection FAQS

1.- What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation and even lower. On average, single-family home inspections are moderate in time to complete, though this is heavily dependent on the size and condition of the home. After the inspection process, the inspector will send the client an inspection report (often within 24-48 hours) that covers their findings, complete with pictures, analysis and recommendations.

2.- What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components.

It is important to note that there may be some exceptions. If certain areas are inaccessible (locked door, tenant’s belongings in the way) or unsafe conditions (severely steep roofs, poor structural integrity) the inspector will explain the situation and note that they were not able to assess that specific area or system.

3.- Why do homebuyers need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment the home buyer will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before they buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding about their prospective house, which will allow them to make decisions with confidence. If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can give them the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

4.- Do the homebuyers have to be there?
It is not required for the homebuyer to be present for the inspection.

5.- Can a house fail a home inspection?
A professional home inspection is an examination and objective assessment of the current condition of a house. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. A home inspection is not an appraisal and will not determine the home’s market value. It is also not a municipal inspection and does not verify local code compliance.

6.- What if the inspection report reveals problems?
It is important to note that no house is perfect. Every home inspection will identify issues with the property and the inspector will communicate the severity of the issues found. The home inspector’s goal is to leave their clients with a deeper understanding of their prospective home, so the client can make a sound decision as they continue their home buying process. The client should be fully aware of any issues, risks, or health concerns that may impact the client’s decision. The inspector’s role is not to tell the clients if they should buy the house or not, but to help the clients understand the full cost of ownership. If major problems are found, homebuyers may wish to negotiate with the seller to make repairs or cover their costs.

7.- What if an issue arises with the home inspection or report?
In some cases, the homebuyer may be displeased with the service the home inspector provided. Often in these situations, the homebuyer is left feeling that crucial defects or details were missed during the inspection process or left out of the inspection report.

Sometimes, it may turn out to be a simple misunderstanding, with the inspector providing further explanation clarifying the issue. In many states, home inspectors are licensed and follow the regulations put forth by their state. If the homebuyer is not able to resolve their dissatisfaction with the home inspector directly, they are encouraged to contact their state governing body for information on how to proceed.

To file a complaint to ASHI, homebuyers can fill out this form. It is important to note that any enforcement or sanctioning is specifically reserved for state governing bodies.

Property Management FAQS

1.- Do I Lose Control of My Property Once You Start To Manage It?
No. We work for you and our written property management agreement sets the parameters.

2.- Do You Insure My Property When You Manage It?
No You maintain your own insurance agent.
We have a 24/7 Maintenance Emergency line to handle maintenance emergencies only.

3.- Can Citizens Group LLC’s Property Manage My Property and Save Me Money?
Yes. In most cases we have found that our fees are more than offset by our ability to obtain higher rents, less delinquency, and faster turnaround of vacating units. We also maintain a pool of qualified repair people who offer us the best price available due to the large volume of business we can offer them.

4.- What Happens to The Tenant’s Security Deposit? Do You Keep It?
Yes. In compliance with Florida law the tenant’s security deposit is kept in an escrow account. The move-out inspection and digital pictures document the condition of your property and any damages beyond normal wear and tear and are deducted from the security deposit, along with any other money owed by the tenant. The balance is returned to the tenant within the legal days as required by Florida Law

5.- Do You Advertise Vacancies?
Yes. We will place a sign on the property and list the vacancy on different marketing tools so that prospective tenants can view and receive all the details of the property.

6.- Do You Handle Problems Late at Night?
Yes. Our 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance Hotline will take all calls and will page us in case of an emergency. We will talk with the tenant to determine how best to proceed.

7.- Do I Know What Is Going on With My Property?
Yes. We will communicate with you throughout our contract. We will inform you when a qualified tenant is found; we will contact you at reasonable times to discuss repairs; we will notify you of the tenants vacate request. Plus, throughout the contract, we will keep you aware of any issues that may arise.

8.- Do You Manage Only Residential Property?
No. We specialize in management for residential properties and commercial properties.

9.- Do You Screen All Applicants That Want to Rent My Property?
Yes. Our online application is designed to generate complete information from each prospective tenant. We process all applications in-house and verify all information on each application. In general, an applicant must have good rental history (not from friends or relatives), have 3 times the rent rate in stable and verifiable household income, and possess an acceptable credit history.

10.- Can I Still Use My Favorite Plumber or HVAC Company?
Yes. We will gladly contact the company you specify as long as they are actually licensed, insured, and also comply with our policies.

11.- Do You Mail My Monthly Statement and Check as Soon As The Tenant Pays The Rent?
No. CG Property management deposits rents on a daily basis through our automated check deposit system. Rent is disbursed to owners or investors by the 10th of every month or following business day. Owners receive rent payments via direct deposit to your bank account.

12.- Do You Pay the Bills for Me?
Yes.

13.- Are Your Management Fees Competitive?
Yes.

14.- Does Your Management Agreement Give You Exclusive Right To Sell My Property?
No. We can help you sell your property if you would like us to, but it is not a requirement of our management contract.

15.- Do You Charge for Certified Mail?
Yes

16.- Are There Administrative Fees or Other Service Charges?
No. We don’t charge for copies, long distance calls, mileage or other incidentals, and we don’t mark up maintenance or repair costs.

17.- Do You Charge the Tenant A Security Deposit?
Yes

18.- What About A Pet Deposit?
Yes. Pets are not allowed without your permission and an additional non-refundable pet deposit is required. We may charge a higher pet deposit at the owner’s request. We do not allow aggressive breed animals.

19.- Am I Required To Make My Property Available To Section 8?
No, unless the law mandates it.

20.- Do I Get To See The Lease Or Sign It?
We will sign the lease on your behalf, and send you a copy once all the tenants have signed it.

21.- Can You Start Managing My Properties Today?
Yes. We can start the process immediately.