You, as the resident, and we as the community managers, have responsibilities to each other. Hopefully, by clarifying these responsibilities at the very beginning, we can better achieve our objective, which is to provide quality housing to each of our residents and contribute positively to his or her lifestyle. We believe that service is the foundation of all business.
Please contact the Property Manager if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
OFFICE HOURS
Hours of office operation are posted in the rental office. Please feel free to visit our office, call regarding service requests, or to obtain assistance. When the office is closed, a special emergency number is provided. This is for emergency service calls only.
Our employees are dedicated to doing the best job possible in serving you. However, they also enjoy time with their families. Therefore, consider their time when calling after normal working hours.
The Rental Office is Located at 5355 Rome Drive. It is open Monday,
This online Resident Handbook will allow you to read through each section and learn about your community. At the end of the handbook, you will be required to initial that your read, understand and agree to the information provided.
PAYMENT OF RENT (As noted in #5 on lease agreement)
Rent is due on the 1st of each month. You may mail your rental payment or drop it off at the rental office. A late charge of $50.00 must be paid if the rent is not received by the 5th of the month in which it is due. By dropping off a voided check and signing an authorization form, you can have your rent automatically deducted from any bank account each month. This is a courtesy we extend to our residents; no fees apply. Contact management for further information. Checks that are returned for any reason (insufficient funds, written incorrectly, no signature etc.) will be charged a return check-processing fee of $50. You may also go to our website www.malenohomes.com and pay your rent with a credit card, debit card or check. You can make a one-time payment or sign up to have your payment withdrawn each month. The charge to use this service varies with the card used.
SECURITY DEPOSIT (As noted in #2 on lease agreement)
Your security deposit is not rent but a deposit to ensure the fulfillment of lease conditions and as a contingency against any damages to the apartment. It shall not be applied to your last month’s rent. If you fulfill your lease according to its terms, only charges for carpet cleaning and damages will be deducted from your security deposit. Following are the conditions for
INSPECTION REPORTS (As noted in #3 on lease agreement)
Upon your lease signing, both you and a management representative will inspect your new apartment. To facilitate this inspection, and to establish a record of the condition of the apartment upon your move in, a Move-In Inspection Report will be completed by the management representative and signed by both of you. If you notice any additional items within the first 5 days of move-in, please contact the rental office. Items that cannot be corrected will be noted on the inspection report. It can then be used in the move-out inspection, at which time you should also be present. This “before and after” inspection can avoid misunderstandings in the future. Maleno Development is not responsible for any personal items left outside where they could be damaged by plows, landscapers and etc.
LEASE
OCCUPANCY (As noted in #3 on lease agreement)
Please identify and register all persons who live in your apartment. Only those residents named on the lease and lease application are permitted to occupy your apartment. Please contact the rental office for the procedure to add another occupant to the lease. No more than 2 adults and 2 children are permitted in each unit*
RESIDENT INSURANCE (As noted in #5 on lease agreement)
A Renters’ Insurance policy will cover your personal belonging against vandalism, fire, burglary, and certain water damage as well as personal liability. The policy taken out by Maleno Development does not cover your personal belongings or liability. You will be held liable for any damage or injury caused by you, your family or guests.
Waterbeds are permitted in all apartments, providing you have proof of $10,000 insurance to cover damages. Waterbed insurance is generally available as an Addendum to Renters Insurance. This coverage is included in the policy offered by Maleno Development. Proof of insurance is required at the time of move in and at lease renewal or at the time you obtain a waterbed after moving in.
UTILITIES (As noted in #15 on lease agreement)
Those utilities not furnished by us will require a transfer from our name to the name(s) of the new resident(s). The utility company requires the
LEASE TERMINATION (As noted in #20 on lease agreement)
If, and provided you have complied with all the terms of your lease, including the payment of all rent, additional rent and any other charges due, then in that event only, you shall have the right to terminate your lease as of the 1st of any month. Notices received after the 1st of the month are subject to deferring to the following month. You must give Management 30 days prior written notice on the 1st of any month and pay rent to the date of termination plus an amount equal to two months' rent. This must be received by Management at the same time the
MOVE OUT RESPONSIBILITIES
Before the inspection with Management, you should thoroughly clean the unit making it ready for the next resident. A detailed list for
KEYS AND LOCKS
The leasing office supplies a key to each dwelling unit and mailbox (if applicable). You will also be given a garage transmitter to open your garage. If a second transmitter is needed for an extra vehicle, one will be provided at no extra charge. An access code will be provided to allow entry into the Exercise Room, Laundry Room (if provided) and pool area. If any of these items are lost or misplaced, a fee will be assessed to obtain a replacement (see management for replacement fees). Please contact management if a change of lock is necessary. Residents are not permitted to alter locks or install new locks, knockers, or other attachments to their doors. Whenever leaving your apartment, take your door key with you. If you lock yourself out, the maintenance or office personnel will unlock your door during office hours. After business hours, we will unlock your door at our convenience. If we are able, we will unlock your door for the first time as a courtesy. We will charge $25.00 for any lockouts after that. We are not able to respond to
GENERAL
The purpose of these policies is to enable you to enjoy your apartment, the entire community and to maintain the appearance of the community. As a resident
CHILDREN
Residents are responsible for the conduct of their children and their guests’ children. Please do not leave bicycles, toys or tricycles on sidewalks. For their own safety, we recommend that children be closely supervised. Children may not leave toys lying about. Strewn toys can be a potential hazard to children’s safety, are unattractive and are an inconvenience to neighbors. Toys, bicycles, tricycles left unattended will be removed from the area. The parent may claim these items. Any item not claimed in 30 days will be disposed of. Close supervision by a parent is required when children visit the pool area.
PETS (As noted in #7 on lease agreement)
Resident agrees not to keep or allow a dog, cat or
AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS
All cars and trucks must be registered with the rental office. If a garage is provided with your apartment, please utilize it! Ample parking has been provided for each apartment and is available to residents and guests on a
OTHER VEHICLES
All motorcycles, mini-bikes, recreational vehicles, campers and semi-rigs must be approved by the rental office and registered. Fire regulations prohibit parking of a motorcycle and/or mini-bike on walkways, porches, balconies, in apartments, etc. All vehicles must be currently registered with the state, licensed and in operating condition or they will be towed away at the owner’s expense. All bikes must be stored in your garage. Commercial vehicles are prohibited, except for service or delivery purposes.
TRASH DISPOSAL AND REFUSE
Trash containers are conveniently located throughout the community. Please take all trash to these specified pick-up areas. Please do not permit small children to take trash to these areas. Place all trash in plastic bags or other secure containers to keep the trash areas neat, clean, and relatively odor-free. Plastic bags must be tied to prevent papers and other items from falling out. Please place all trash inside of the containers and not on top or beside them. Lids must be kept closed at all items. Trash is prohibited on balconies, at front
RECYCLABLES (As noted in #9 on lease agreement)
What can be recycled? Newspapers or magazines (must be tied or bundled), boxes or cardboard (must be broken down), plastic bottles, tin, aluminum cans (must be in clear or blue bag.) Any of the recyclables mentioned above can be placed in the same recycled dumpster. We are all required by law to recycle, so please do your share.
DISTURBANCES
Social gatherings of residents and their guests are welcomed and encouraged provided that they do not become boisterous, obscene or generally objectionable to other residents. Noticeable drunkenness will not be tolerated. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests in the apartment or outside in the common areas. Stereos,
Since this apartment community is your home, we ask that you treat it in that way. We are proud of our community and want and need your pride in the community as well. In this way, it will be an attractive and safe place in which to live and to entertain your guests. We ask that you abide by the following policies to maintain an attractive community, a safe environment and for the protection of property.
*Please be respectful of cigarette butts over balconies and other outside areas.
YOUR SAFETY
Adequate protection of your property is of great concern to us. However, your security begins with your own actions. Please use any locks or other security devices provided to ensure that uninvited persons cannot gain access. Close and lock your door at all times. Be suspicious of unexpected deliveries of flowers and telegrams. These are some of the tricks used to gain entry into your apartment. The patio or balcony sliding glass door should be securely locked since this is a favorite means of unlawful entry. Although we install an industry approved lock system, a professional can override all security devices.
The best security is the individual concern of each resident for the safety of himself and his neighbor. Report suspicious persons to the rental office. Ask for identification of anyone not known to you who claim to be an employee of Maleno Development. Office personnel
VACATION
We recommend that you notify the mail carrier, newspaper carrier, and all other routine delivery people when you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time. The Post Office or a neighbor can hold your mail and other deliveries until you return. A growing pile of newspapers lets too many people know you are absent. Before leaving on vacation, cupboards should be checked for unwrapped foodstuffs and garbage should be emptied. Leave a check to cover rent if the rent will be due during your vacation. Your rent is due the first day of each month, whether you are here or away. Please keep all windows locked during your absence to prevent rain damage to draperies, carpeting, etc. Please check all electric appliances (i.e. stove, coffeepot, etc.) to be certain that they are unplugged or off. A timer that is connected to a light and/or radio will often deter a potential intruder. It is advisable to notify the office if you will be away for an extended period of time.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS
Please empty waste and trash containers and dispose of newspapers and magazines regularly. Please store all matches in tightly closed containers. Clean grease and spilled food daily from cooking range and oven and store cooking grease containers away from
Please refrain from smoking in bed. Have plenty of ashtrays for smokers to use. Never empty ashtrays in wastebaskets until ashes have been soaked. Always keep household equipment clean and in good repair. Have worn and frayed electrical cords replaced
No outdoor fireplaces are permitted in any area. No gas grills are permitted to comply with the International Fire Code. Gas grills may be stored in your garage.
SERVICE REQUEST PROCEDURE (As noted in #13 on lease agreement)
During office hours you may request service by phoning the rental office or you may go to our website www.malenohomes.com and submit your request online. The explanation of the needed service should be clear and complete. This will help us to give better service and ensure that we fully understand the request. Our goal is to satisfy your request within 24-48 hours. If this is not possible, either our rental or maintenance personnel will notify you as the reason and the expected date of completion of the service. In some cases, a part may not be available. Every effort will be made to satisfy your request as soon as possible. We do not schedule maintenance appointments. Please notify us promptly of any needed repairs to equipment or fixtures.
Residents are notified of semi-annual inspections via a
In the case of an emergency, please telephone the rental office or main office immediately. If the emergency occurs after the office is closed, please telephone the office at 814-833-6516 and select option 9. Examples of items that are considered an emergency are as follows:
We ask that you be considerate of our employees during off-hours and only call upon them for service in an emergency situation. We sincerely hope that our service request procedure will provide fast, courteous and efficient service. If you have any questions regarding our service request policy, please contact a member of the rental or maintenance staff.
PEST CONTROL
We provide pest control services. Please contact the rental office if you have a specific problem. Please do not leave any food open or dirty dishes lying around. These attract insects. Soft drink bottles should be rinsed after use. Garbage and waste should never be left in the apartment.
LIGHT BULBS
All lights are fully bulbed when you move in. Replacement is your responsibility including appliance bulbs.
REDECORATING (As noted in #12 & #22 on lease agreement)
Your apartment has been cleaned and painted prior to move in. It is painted off white so that it is neutral. We suggest that it remain this color, with decorating ideas to offset the white. Alterations made without written permission will be chargeable to you. Please do not use sticker type hangers since the adhesive is difficult to remove from the wall without leaving a mark or damaging the wallboard itself. We prefer the suction cup type only on the front door. Strippable wallpaper and contrasting paint colors may be used with prior permission. However, walls must be returned to their original condition prior to move out. No “contact paper” may be used in the cabinets. Please use shelf liner.
CARPET CARE (As noted in #12 on lease agreement)
The care and maintenance of the carpet
FLOORS
Regular cleaning and the application of regular floor finish best protect tile floors from damage. Maintaining a coating of floor finish over a tile floor also enhances the appearance of the room. Floor finish companies claim that their product helps to prevent slipping.
COUNTER TOPS
The counter tops in your kitchen are of
WATER SUPPLY
If the water supply is not hot, please report it to the rental office immediately. If there are any leaking water pipes, dripping faucets or continually running toilet tanks, please report it and we will have it repaired
COMMODES
The sewer system is sufficient to handle all normal drainage. The following items will result in chargeable damage: paper towels, facial tissue, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, etc. These and similar items must not be flushed. Care should be taken to avoid dropping foreign objects into the commode. Please don’t dispose of grease in the sinks or toilets. All grease should be disposed of with garbage in the proper receptacle. Damage caused by negligence must be charged to the resident. If your commode overflows, immediately stop the flow of water by turning the handle located under the tank in a clockwise direction. Then please call the office.
PLUMBING LEAKS - BURST WATER PIPES
If you discover a water leak or
ELECTRICITY
During your original move in inspection, the management representative explained the location of the circuit breaker box in your apartment. If the lights go out, please check this circuit breaker box. A tripped breaker must be tripped to the OFF position and back to RESET. However, only one appliance should be on the same circuit. Otherwise, you risk damage to the wiring and fuse box. Please check for any condition that may be overloading the circuit, i.e. too many appliances on the same circuit. Ground fault interrupters (GFIs) are located in the kitchen, bathrooms, and garage. If an outlet is not working in these areas, you will see a yellow light illuminated on the outlet. Please push small button in
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING (As noted in #12 on lease agreement)• When changing a thermostat from HEAT to COOL, or vice versa, always put the switch
SNOW REMOVAL (As noted in #8 on lease agreement)
On weekdays, snow plowing and salting will begin at 7:30 AM if
APPLIANCES
At your move in inspection, if there is any piece of equipment or appliance that you are not yet familiar with, please address with management representative as to ensure proper use and familiarity. In case your appliance does not operate,
RANGE
MICROWAVE
Do not operate with
REFRIGERATOR
The inside can be kept fresh smelling by using baking soda and water. Any failures should be reported immediately to the rental office.
DISPOSAL
The disposal must not be loaded too heavily. The safety overload in the motor will shut off the unit if it is overloaded. To reset the safety overload, wait three or four minutes for the motor to cool down, then push the red button on the motor under the cabinet under the sink. Any time the disposal is being used, the COLD water should be running as fast as possible. Even after the disposal is empty, let the water run a few minutes to clean the line. If the motor will not start, check the reset and then call the rental office for service. NEVER PUT YOUR HAND DOWN THE DISPOSAL WHEN IT IS TURNED ON.
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL
Water is necessary to wash the food waste down the drain. Cold water, besides being economical is necessary because it prevents the overheating of the disposal motor.
PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD THE FOLLOWING ITEMS DOWN YOUR DISPOSAL:
metal, plastic, grease, paper, cigarettes, bones, banana peels, oyster or clam shells, tea bags with
DISHWASHER
Food particles left on soiled dishes will jam the dishwasher. Please make certain dishes are scraped and rinsed under running water prior to placing them in the racks. This includes cups and glasses. Do not crowd dishes, cups, glasses or silverware, so water can circulate freely over each piece. Avoid covering the center hole in the lower rack for maximum efficiency. Please use only dishwasher detergent products. Do not use soap or laundry detergents under any circumstances. You will save power and cut down on your electric bill by waiting to run your dishwasher until you have a full load. However, do not leave soiled dishes in
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Energy conservation results in lower utility bills that benefit both you and the owner regardless of who directly pays the utilities. Energy conservation is also consistent with the nation’s goals.
WATER
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (As noted in #12 on lease agreement)
KITCHEN
LAUNDRY
MISCELLANEOUS
Please turn off lights when not needed for a period of time. A 40-watt bulb burned for 10 hours uses 4,640 BTU’s.
CLUBHOUSE
If you desire to reserve the clubhouse for a private function, please request a reservation at the rental office. The community clubhouse is located at 2330 Lakeview Dr. The manager will explain the rental fee, damage deposit, size limitations and other policies regarding use of the clubhouse. Smoking is not allowed in the clubhouse or any area of the building.
SWIMMING POOL (If provided)
Please observe the following policies that are designed to make your pool use enjoyable and safe.
EXERCISE ROOM (If provided)
The Exercise Room hours of operation are posted on the door. Before undertaking any type of exercise program, please consult with your physician. You will be exercising at your own risk; we urge caution - do not over exert yourself. Please observe the following policies to increase your enjoyment and safety while using the exercise room.