RESIDENT HANDBOOK



RESIDENT HANDBOOK

WINDOM HRA

RIVERVIEW APARTMENTS

and

HILLSIDE MANOR

The Landlord shall not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, martial status, age, handicap, or disability, familial status, or receipt of public assistance and shall comply with all nondiscrimination requirements of Federal, State, and local laws.

Updated May 2018

Welcome to your new home!!

The Windom HRA would like to welcome you and we hope that you will enjoy your new home. We have prepared this booklet of general information to help you become familiar with your home and the rules and regulations of the property. The office staff is available to answer any questions you have regarding your home or rent, so please feel free to contact us. It is up to you and your neighbors to make it the kind of community you can be proud of. Consideration and respect for your neighbors, and their consideration of you will make living here a pleasant experience for everyone.

This handbook is not meant to restrict your enjoyment of your new home, but to familiarize you with your community and certain regulations. We cannot hope to cover everything in this booklet.

INDEX

Welcome & Index Page 2

1. Contact Information Page 3

2. Emergency Page 4

3. Safety and Security Page 4

4. Occupancy Information Page 6

5. Maintenance Page 10

6. Housekeeping Page 12

7. Common Areas Page 14

Signature Page Page 16

1. CONTACT INFORMATION

Emergency

Fire, Police, or Ambulance 911

Non-Emergency Numbers

Non-Emergency Police 507-831-6134

Hospital 507-831-2400

Southwest Crisis Center 507-831-2244

Emergency Line 800-642-1525

Windom Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Windom HRA Office 507-831-1016

605 10th Street #104 507-831-3970 (fax)

Windom, MN 56101

Windom HRA Executive Director

Connie Clausen 507-831-1016

cclausenhra@

Windom HRA Operations Manager

Linda Loewen 507-831-1016

winhra@

Windom HRA Maintenance

Daytime Hours (M-F, 8-5) 507-831-1016

After Hours & Emergency 507-841-3453

Other Services

City Utilities 507-831-6129

Community Transit 507-847-2632 ext. 1

1-800-658-2480 ext. 1

Community Center Senior Meals 507-831-6161

Cottonwood County Family Service 507-831-1891

Cable TV Service (Internet) 507-831-6129

United Community Action Partnership 507-537-1416

Windom Sharing Center, Inc. 507-822-7210

Pull Cord Reset Notification (Hillside) 507-831-6134

2. EMERGENCY

In an emergency, call 911 for emergency services.

Fire Alarms:

1. If the Fire Alarm rings, close your doors and windows.

2. If the Fire is in your apartment go to a neighbor’s and call 911.

3. If the Fire is NOT in your apartment feel the door to see if it is hot. If it is hot, roll up wet towels and lay the towels across the bottom of the apartment door. The fire may be outside your door.

4. If the door is not hot, go to the nearest stairwell away from the smoke and exit the building.

5. When the fire alarm rings the elevator will automatically come to the ground floor and the doors will open until the system is reset. Do not attempt to use the elevator as a fire exit.

6. Notify Officials if you know someone is still in the building.

7. Gather in an area that is away from the fire trucks and emergency workers. Do not leave the site without notifying others that you are out of the building and safe.

IF YOU USE OXYGEN, A WHEELCHAIR OR A WALKER, STAY IN YOUR APARTMENT AND WAIT TO BE RESCUED (see 3 above).

Emergency Weather, Tornado or Severe Storm: A steady tone of 3-5 minutes on the public warning siren means a tornado has been sighted and is approaching the Windom area. Close all windows in bad weather and seek shelter in the stairwells or go to the lower level when you hear the warning. Go into the restrooms or the hallway next to the office or stay in your apartment in your bathroom.

Medical Emergencies: For all medical emergencies, call 911 and administer first responder’s measures only if you are trained. Do not attempt to lift or move someone who has fallen.

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Our buildings are equipped with many safety systems such as: a security entry panel, elevators, security cameras, a fire alarm system, personal emergency pull cords (Hillside only), smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and an emergency telephone located in each elevator; however, you are the best form of security available.

Precautions: Keep your doors closed and locked at all times. DO NOT open the entrance door to visitors who are not your guests. Door-to-door soliciting is not permitted so notify the police or the office if unauthorized persons are present in the facility.

Entry Phone System: When you receive calls from the lobby, answer your phone and talk to your visitor. Simply hang up to refuse entry. To allow entry, if you have a local number, dial 6 and then hang up. The entrance door will automatically unlock and your visitor can enter.

Automatic Door Openers: The front doors are equipped with automatic openers that assist individuals who may need assistance for one reason or another. If you use the automatic opener, please stay in the area long enough to see the door close and to ensure that no one else entered the building while the door was open. If you don’t need the assistance it is best to manually open the door and allow it to close directly behind you.

Pull cords (Hillside Manor): The units are equipped with emergency pull cords in your bathroom and in your bedroom on the wall. This pull cord is available if you have fallen and are in need of assistance. When you pull this cord, emergency services will immediately be notified to come to the building. If you accidentally pull this cord, push the switch up and call 507-831-6134 to report the error so that providers do not need to attend the building.

Elevator Emergency Phones: (Hillside Manor) There is an emergency phone in the elevator. If you are stuck in the elevator the phone is located behind the little door below the buttons. This dials the Sheriff’s Office. Tell them your problem and help will come. (Riverview Apartments) Push the alarm button on the panel in the elevator and it will automatically dial the Sheriff’s Office. Be patient, the dispatcher will talk to you and send help. If you push the button by accident wait until the call is answered and tell them it is a false alarm.

Security Cameras: Smile, you’re on camera. Security cameras are located in the Riverview Apartments building and record throughout the day and night. If you believe something took place in front of a camera that we should be aware of, please notify the office in less than 7 days so we may review for information. Anything older than 7 days old will be recorded over. We will need to know the approximate time, date and location of the incident.

Smoke Detectors: Each apartment is equipped with a smoke detector. If you alter the detector in any way you could be charged up to $100.00 and your lease could be terminated. Do not disengage the batteries of the detectors.

Egress Window Access: Each bedroom has one large window that is deemed as the best access into or out of your unit in the case of an emergency. You may NOT put beds, dressers or other blocking furniture in front of these windows if it restricts access to any part of the window that opens.

Locked Doors: Exterior doors to the building are locked and are to remain closed except when entering or exiting the building. DO NOT PROP doors open at any time. This includes the entry door to your apartment unit.

Suspicious Activity or Guests: Residents are the eyes and ears of the building. No one knows better than you what is normal for your building. Don’t hesitate to report suspicious activity or people to the local police department.

Staff Emergency Calls: For emergencies regarding the building (i.e. overflowing water, loss of heat, etc.) you may call the On-Call Number listed in the front of this booklet. Fire and medical emergencies should be reported to 911.

Staff Non-Emergency Calls: Non-emergency items are to be reported to the office and the office will create a work order for maintenance during regular business hours.

4. OCCUPANCY INFORMATION

Each resident is responsible for making sure they act in such a way that does not have a detrimental effect on other residents. The HRA has the right to evaluate whether a tenant is complying with all aspects of the lease. A deficiency in any of the following items may be cause for a termination of the lease: timely rent payments, respect of neighbors, and respect of property or proper housekeeping. If you find that it is difficult to adhere to any of the lease requirements you are urged to seek guidance from your Human Services Coordinator or the HRA office. There are many services available to assist you in helping with the tasks that are the most difficult for you. The Housing Authority is able to assist by granting reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.

Payment of Rent: Rent is due on the first day of the month and considered late if paid after the fifth of the month. If rent is not received or postmarked by the fifth day of the month, a late fee of 8% will be assessed. Direct deposit, check or money order is preferred. Direct Deposit payments will come out on the 5th of the month. A check returned for non-sufficient funds shall be considered non-payment of rent and a $30.00 returned check fee will be charged in addition to the late fee. If a check is returned two times the household will no longer be able to pay by check. There are multiple options and we recommend you consult the office if you’re considering this choice.

Keys and Locks: Residents are given one key to their apartment door (may request a second key at no charge but must sign an acknowledgement form), one key to the entry door and one key to the mailbox at move-in. Riverview residents will also be given a key card. Keys may not be duplicated under any circumstances. Keys and key cards are for the residents ONLY. If we see that someone else is using your key card we will deactivate the card. Please inform the office if you have lost any of your keys. You will be charged $15.00 for a replacement key. All keys must be returned upon move-out. If you do not turn in your keys at move-out you will not be allowed on the property and if you are seen you will be considered trespassing and turned in to the authorities. Duplicate keys can be issued to relatives only upon written request from the tenant and approval from the Executive Director. If you need your lock changed out, you will be charged $40 for this service.

Lockouts: We recommend that you pay close attention to your key and stress that key accountability is your responsibility. No keys will be given to minors or non-residents in your absence. If you lock yourself out of your unit, staff can unlock between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm only. If you lock yourself out between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am you can contact a locksmith or wait until the following day. Fees for daytime unlocks are $20 to be paid with your rent the beginning of the following month.

Air Conditioning: Each individual apartment in Hillside Manor has been supplied with a sleeve in the wall to be used for an air conditioner. It is your responsibility to purchase a rear exhaust wall unit style air conditioner and to call the office to have the unit installed or to have your air conditioner sleeve removed or put back on. Residents of Hillside Manor pay for their air conditioning on their own utility bill. Residents of Riverview Apartments have a PTAC (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) Unit. While your air conditioner is operating, make sure your windows are shut. You are responsible for the condensation removed by your air conditioning unit and it may not run onto the floor. Covers are to be placed by staff in the fall and removed by them in the spring. Please contact the office to request them to come remove and install covers for you.

Utilities: The Landlord shall provide for the following utilities as part of the lease agreement but shall not be liable for the failure to provide services if beyond its control: heat, water, sewers, electricity (Hillside Manor tenants pay electricity) and garbage removal. Residents responsible for putting utilities into their own name are responsible to do so within not more than 7 days from move in date. If you choose to not pay for cable services, you may not have a television in your room for any other use, as a hook up is available in every apartment. Telephone and internet services are not provided by the HRA and residents are responsible for contracting with an outside source for those services.

Excess Utility Charges Paid To The HRA:

Item Amount tenant pays to Landlord

Additional Approved Appliance 24.00 per year

Cable Television 16.00 per month

Minnesota Telephone Assistance Plan: The Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) is a program to lower the cost of local phone service for persons who have a disability and meet income guidelines or who are at least 65 years of age. You can obtain a form to apply for this assistance in the HRA Office.

Parking: Reserved spots are assigned by the office. All vehicles parked in the parking area must be in operating condition and properly licensed and registered with the office. Vehicles are not allowed to drive or park on the lawn. Please advise your guests that they are not allowed to park in reserved spots or in the front of the building which is reserved for emergency vehicles. NO VEHICLES are allowed to park unattended in front of the building entrance.

Automobiles: Each unit will be eligible for one reserved parking spot based on availability and as designated by the office. All automobiles must be registered with the office and must be in working order at all times. Any autos not in working order will be towed at the owners’ expense. No repairs or oil changes are to be done on the premises; however, it is important to keep your car repaired to prevent leakages.

Snow Removal: Winter in Minnesota provides a challenge for keeping parking lots clear. The staff do their best to clear sidewalks and public areas as quickly and as often as reasonable and your cooperation and understanding is appreciated. Always be very cautious of walking on any amount of snow or ice and use precautions during winter months.

Towing: Cars must be registered with the office to be parked in our reserved parking spots and any that are not registered are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense. Any auto not registered will receive a warning notice. Any vehicles not moved during snow removals are also subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.

Parking Lot Rules: Do not drive through the parking lot above 10 mph and always be cautious of pedestrians. No parking in front of the main entrance and always watch your footing, especially in fall and winter months. Reserved spots are assigned by the office and are available based on time and date of being added to the list. Staff have the right to move you to a different reserved spot if physical accessibility issues arise. You do not own your reserved spot and may not take action against another car that has mistakenly parked in your area. Always be certain your guests are not parked in a reserved spot. Visitor parking is available in the City lot or on the street.

Dress Code: All residents are to be clothed in all public areas at all times. Residents are not allowed in public areas in pajamas, housecoats or robes, without shoes, in socks or in swimwear. Shirts, pants and shoes (or slippers) are required. Residents are also expected to be dressed when they have been given notice that staff are coming to their unit.

Language: Residents are not allowed to use foul or threatening language in the common areas of the building. Anyone doing so is subject to lease termination for threatening behavior.

Extended Absences From The Building: If a resident is planning to be gone for more than 4 days we request that you report it to the office for your safety. Anyone absent from the building for more than 180 days will have their lease terminated as per federal regulation regardless of the circumstances.

Guests: Friends and relatives are welcome to visit you at any time. Tenants are responsible for the actions of their guests from the time that they arrive on the premises until they leave. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. All guests must be accompanied in all common areas by a resident unless entering or exiting the building. Only those listed on the Lease may live in your home on a permanent basis. All residents are required to notify the office of any overnight guests. The office must be informed of the number of guests, the anticipated length of stay, and the description of the visitor’s vehicle, including license plate number. You will also be required to notify the office of their departure. A guest who makes more than 3 visits of longer than 48 hours in any month, or who visits in for more than 14 days in a year may be required to be approved to be added to the lease. Guests may not be added to the lease without the prior approval of the office. Allowing guests to stay without notification to the office will be cause for lease termination.

Quiet time: You should always remember that you have an obligation to respect the personal rights and property of your neighbors. Residents are expected to be especially quiet from the hours of 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. Any noise during these hours must be maintained at a level that does not allow for it to penetrate the walls of another resident. You must always see to it that your guests conduct themselves in a way that will not disturb your neighbors or result in damages to any property. Always be considerate of your neighbors’ rights for privacy and peaceful enjoyment.

Complaints: Residents wishing to make a complaint against another resident must do so to the office and in writing. Forms are available in the office but any type of written notice will be accepted. No third party complaints are allowed. All complaints will be followed up on; however, residents making the complaint will not receive notification of actions taken as that would be a violation of data privacy.

Shopping Carts: The HRA has provided carts in the common lobby area for your convenience. Carts are to help with the transport of large, heavy or multiple items and are to be returned within the shortest amount of time reasonable. Please use them for transport, unload and return for others to use as soon as possible.

Moving out: You must notify the office in writing one month plus one day prior to your removal from the property as described in the Lease Agreement. If you do not give full notice, you will be responsible for rent to the end of the notice period or to the date the dwelling unit is re-rented, whichever comes first. Contact the housing management office as soon as you decide you intend to vacate.

Free Stuff: Each building has an area that tenants can put out items that they no longer want or need, for others to take. Please do not put any perishable food, clothing or bedding on the “free table” as this is a way to transfer bed bugs and other bugs or rodents.

Renters Insurance: The HRA does not carry insurance on the personal property of our residents. We highly recommend that you consider this option and investigate the benefits of renters insurance. Water beds are not allowed in our properties as they are not covered on our insurance policies.

Release of Liability: Management is not responsible for any damage or injury that is done to a Resident, their property or their guest unless caused by staff. Management is not responsible for the actions, or for any damages, injury or harm caused by third parties (such as other residents, guests, intruders or trespassers). Resident shall reimburse Management for: 1) Any loss, property damage, or cost of repair or service (including plumbing problems) caused by negligence of improper use by Resident, family or guest. 2) Any loss or damage caused by doors or windows being left open. 3) Costs to Management because of abandonment of the unit or other violation of the Lease by Resident, such as cost for advertising expenses. 4) All court costs and attorney’s fees that Management incurs in any suit for eviction, unpaid rent, or any other debt or charge.

Guns or Weapons: All guns or weapons must be cased and unloaded during transport into the building unless you have a current Minnesota Conceal and Carry Permit. Guns or weapons may not be used on the grounds of the HRA except in cases of self-defense.

Pets: Pets must be registered and a lease addendum must be signed in the office prior to bringing the pet to your apartment. Absolutely no visiting pets are allowed in the building (visiting service animals with certification are allowed). Residents with pets are required to pay a pet security deposit. A copy of the Pet Policy is available in the office and must be read before getting a pet. Owners of pets may be required to supply a kennel and may be required to kennel their animals when they are not in the unit and at any time that staff needs to be in the unit.

Dogs: Owners of dogs are expected to walk their dogs and to always have a bag to be used for picking up feces when / if the animal eliminates. Failure to produce a bag if asked by staff is a penalty of $10 to be paid with their next rent. Owners who continue to be penalized up to three times will be required to remove their pet.

5. MAINTENANCE

The HRA requests that you place a work order by calling the office as soon as you recognize a problem within your unit. Needed repairs or replacements are more manageable to deal with before a minor problem becomes a major problem. Your safety is also an important concern to us and some unreported maintenance problems may lead to unsafe living conditions. Non- emergency concerns should be reported to the office and emergencies should be reported to the on-call maintenance staff.

Smoking: There is NO smoking inside the building or within 25 feet of the building. Please request a copy of the smoking policy if you have further questions.

Trash: Please dispose of all trash appropriately. Recycling containers are provided for plastic, glass, metal cans, aluminum (includes foil and cans) or paper products. Recycling items must be carried to the recycling area on the main floor but items do not need to be sorted. All garbage shall be stored in appropriate rodent-resistant containers with liners. There is a chute door on each floor for the remaining refuse removal. All bags of garbage must be in a plastic bag and tied so no materials can escape the bag. Pet waste removal must be disposed of in a tied plastic bag and brought to the outside garbage can. This includes all kitty litter and dog waste. Throwing anything over the balcony if strictly forbidden and is cause for termination of your lease due to safety concerns. Pick up and properly dispose of any trash you see in the common areas and the parking lots. Littering is forbidden and penalties will be enforced. NOTE: If you have bio-hazard materials such as lancets, syringes and sharp instruments used for diabetic treatments, please contact maintenance for disposal information.

Appliance Disposal: There are additional fees for removal of all appliances. Do NOT put the following items into the dumpster: computers, microwave ovens, pizza ovens, televisions, gaming components, etc. To dispose of these items you must get approval from the office. You will be charged the current landfill fee that we get charged. If you are caught disposing of one of these items without paying for the tag in advance, you will be charged $50 for the item and it will be a violation of your lease.

Alterations to your Apartment: Residents may not make unauthorized alterations to their apartment. If you make unauthorized alterations you will be required to restore the apartment at your own expense. You must speak with the office before changing the color of your walls or before installing a ceiling fan.

Wall Hangings: Wall decorations are permitted but please use the smallest nails and nail type hangers. Do not use sticky back hangers. You may not hang anything from your water sprinklers and you may not cover electrical boxes with wall hangings.

Medical Oxygen: If you are required to use oxygen, please inform the office. A sign must be posted on the entry door of your dwelling which indicates that oxygen is in use within the dwelling.

Annual Inspections: Each unit is inspected on an annual basis by the HRA staff. In addition, the HRA receives notification from HUD (Department of Housing & Urban Development) for inspections on an every-other year or every-third year basis. HUD will only inspect 60% of our units but we are not informed which units so 100% will receive notice prior to any inspection. You will always receive not less than 48 hour written notice that we will be coming around for inspections but often we try to give you more notice when possible. We sincerely appreciate all efforts to prepare for our arrival by cleaning and organizing your unit before we arrive. Also, please notify us if there are any recent damages that have not been turned in to our maintenance staff previously.

Exterminations: The HRA has a professional pest company come to do routine preventative extermination services throughout the common areas of the buildings. Each tenant is responsible for maintaining their unit in a manner that does not encourage the opportunity for pests and bugs to thrive. Additional spraying for individual units may be the expense of the resident which will be determined by the HRA on a case-by-case basis.

Laundry Room: There is one laundry room in each building equipped with coin operated washers and dryers which are provided for use by all building residents. Laundry is not permitted to be cycled during quiet hours from 10:00 pm until 7:00 am. We ask you to use liquid laundry detergent only, no powder or pods. All washers and dryers are to be cleaned by resident after each use and residents are not allowed to wash items containing hazardous materials (human or animal excrement, blood, etc.). Do not forget to empty lint traps after each use. Each resident is responsible for their personal effects from the time that they bring them into the room until they remove them. If you begin a cycle and leave your clothes in the machines unattended, you are doing so at your own risk.

Schedule of Service Charges: The HRA has the responsibility to charge residents for expenses that should not have been incurred by the housing authority. Examples include but are not limited to: replacing torn screens, patching holes in walls caused by resident, plumbing for toilet blocked by personal items such as hairbrush, etc. If the HRA charges a tenant for reimbursement, they will provide a total that includes actual amounts charged to the HRA or they will charge for materials plus staff hours. Staff time will be charged at $25 per hour for non-routine maintenance needs.

Grilling: All grilling must be done in designated spaces only. Any tenant using the grill must stay with the unit until it has cooled. You are responsible for the grill when using it and are to clean it after each use.

Staff Responsibilities: Staff are not allowed to do work that is not authorized by the Executive Director. Non authorized duties include: working on a personal computer, programming a television, getting a remote control to work, general cleaning in apartments, etc. Residents are not allowed to direct staff, to follow or harass staff or to make any threatening comments to any staff. Inappropriate behavior towards any staff can be grounds for lease termination. If you have concerns about the work or behavior of any staff, please contact the executive director immediately. If you have concerns about the Executive Director, you may contact the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

6. HOUSEKEEPING

Maintaining a clean apartment is your responsibility as a resident. The cleaning may be done by you, by your family or friends, or by an agency that provides housekeeping services. The following describe the required housekeeping standards for your apartment. The standards are established to assure the continued good quality of your unit, to avoid any problems with bugs, roaches or rodents, and to avoid any health or safety risks to you or your neighbors.

Balconies (Riverview Apartments): The balconies are for all residents to enjoy as a place to admire the view or to enjoy the outdoors. The balcony is not to be used for hanging clothes or rugs, to shake the dust from your rugs, or to store your excess things. You may not throw items over the balconies; store or display personal items outside your front door or allow for water to run from your air conditioner unit onto the balconies. You may display personal items on the exterior of the door but not elsewhere outside of the unit. Please keep your area in front of your apartment clear of debris and litter.

Hallways (Hillside Manor): No items can be placed in the common hallways or on the walls without written consent of management. You may display personal items on the exterior of your door and within one foot of the door but not elsewhere outside of the unit.

Floor, Baseboards and Corners: Floors shall be free from dirt, grease and built-up wax. Carpet shall be free of the accumulation of dirt, litter, stains, gummy substances and food. They must be kept clean and sanitary at all times.

Walls and Ceilings: Surfaces shall be free from dirt, cobwebs, marks, mold, adhesives, grime and smoke. There must be adequate air circulation around the smoke detector.

Windows, Screens and Doors: Glass shall be free from dust, grease, dirt and smudges. The window frame, sills and tracks shall be free from dust, dirt and mold. Window coverings such as shades, curtains, blinds, etc., shall be clean and in good condition. The outside of your apartment door shall also be clean. Window coverings CAN NOT touch the heaters as this is a fire hazard. Do not use cleaners on the windowsills; clean with small amount of dishwashing soap in water and dry with towel. Windows are to be closed during rain or bad weather conditions to prevent damages. Do not pull shaded over the bottom of the window as this will cause mold. No heavy drapes, blankets or sleeping bags are to cover windows. Do not put any nails or screws into the window trim.

Electrical Fixtures, Outlets, and Cover Plates: Electrical equipment shall be free from paint, dust, grease and grime. If they are cracked, notify the office so they can be replaced. Some units have GFI outlets which have a red or a red and black button in the center of the outlet. If the power stops working, press the button to resume power.

Heat Registers: Heat register shall be free of visible dust, dirt, debris, food, residue, grease and grime. Nothing should be touching the registers as this is a fire hazard.

Offensive Odors: Apartments shall be free from offensive odors such as spoiled food, animal odors, litter box, dirty bird cage or urine odors.

Stove: The entire outside and inside of the stove and oven, including the knobs, drip pans burners, grates, trim rings, the area under drip pans, inside oven, racks and broiler pan, shall be free from an accumulation of grease and food crumbs.

Cabinets, Cupboards, Drawers, Counter Tops and Pantry Area: These areas shall be free of grease, grime, sticky substances, dust, paint, food spills and splatters. Do not use your counter tops as a cutting board.

Kitchen Sink: Sinks should be cleaned and free of grease, grime and food particles. Dishes should not accumulate beyond 2 days and no dishes should be in the kitchen area with exposed food which allows for mold to grow.

Refrigerator and Freezer: The entire outside and inside surfaces including the racks, trays, and shelves shall be free from accumulated food spills, sticky substances, and spoiled foods. Some refrigerator freezers need to be defrosted about every 3 months. Be careful not to damage door brackets or seals and pay special attention to cleaning seals regularly.

Food Storage: Perishable food shall be properly refrigerated. Non-perishable foods stored outside of the refrigerator must be in air tight containers. No food or other items except clean oven-safe cooking utensils shall be stored in the oven.

Plumbing, Faucets and Pipes: Plumbing fixtures shall be free from dirt, grease and grime. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean.

Shower, Bathroom Sink and Medicine Cabinet: These items shall be free from mold, mildew, dirt, grime or other residue. It is necessary to use cleaning products, such as Soft Scrub, or a water and vinegar solution.

Toilet: The inside and outside of the toilet bowl and surrounding floor area, tank and seat shall be free from stains, dirt, grime and odors. We recommend cleaners designed for toilet bowls for the insides of the bowl. NOTE: No paper towels or facial tissues are to be flushed down the toilet. “Flushable wipes” are not flushable with our plumbing design. Do NOT flush anything other than toilet paper.

Accessories: Towel bars, grab bars, shower seats, and faucets shall be free from dirt, grime or other residue.

Combustibles and Flammables: Gasoline, auto batteries, oil based paints and other similar combustibles or flammables shall NOT be stored in the dwelling units. No real Christmas trees or wreaths as they are fire hazards. No burning candles with an active wick within the units. Electric candle warmers that melt wax are allowed.

Apartment Passage: All personal property shall be stored in a manner to allow proper air circulation and swift exit in case of emergency. Property must be displayed and stored in a way that allows for not less than 32” of passageway throughout the unit.

Housekeeping Inspection Process: If your unit was found to be in a condition that alerts staff to a potential health or safety issue, you will be put on the housekeeping inspection list and be required to fix any concerns. You will be re-inspected on a weekly basis until you have passed three weeks in a row. Then you will be required to pass monthly for two consecutive months. If you fail to meet requirements you will continue to be re-inspected until you comply; however, if your unit continues to fail more than three inspections in a row, it is cause for lease termination.

7. COMMON AREAS

The common areas include the community rooms, community kitchens, waiting rooms, public restrooms, laundry areas, hallways, stairwells, entry areas and elevators. These areas are the responsibility of each tenant to maintain in a proper manner. They belong to the Housing Authority and are not to be controlled by any individual or group at any time. Do not open or close windows in common areas unless weather is impending and do not adjust thermostats.

Community Rooms and Kitchens: Any resident of the Housing Authority may reserve these common areas for their personal functions by notifying the office and placing their name on the community calendar which hangs inside the kitchen. You are responsible for all of your guests and any damages that they may cause. Community areas are to be kept to a volume that noise does not penetrate the walls of that room between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. You are responsible for all clean-up of the rooms and must restore it to the condition in which you found room when you entered it or better.

Entry Areas, Hallways, Stairwells and Elevators: You are responsible for helping to maintain these areas in a neat manner. Remove mud, dirt, snow and salt from your shoes before entering the building. Do not wipe anything on the walls and keep areas clean of gum, grime and dirt.

Tub Rooms: Each building has a tub room for residents use. While the staff of the HRA do clean these areas on a bi-weekly basis, each resident is responsible for cleaning the area before leaving the room. Be certain to lock the door from the inside when in use and quiet hours apply to the times available.

Theft: The HRA provides certain materials in the common areas and understand that use and replacement are our responsibility. You are NOT allowed to remove any property purchased by the HRA for your personal use. Commonly missing items include: pictures, decorations, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, batteries and toilet paper. Even theft of toilet paper will be reported to the authorities and your lease will be terminated if you’ve been found to have taken from the property of the HRA.

Storage: All personal belongings must be maintained within your apartment and my not be stored elsewhere in the buildings. Hillside Manor has additional storage; however, you must contact the office and go through maintenance staff to put items into storage and to take items out of storage. The staff has sole discretion on the amount that can be stored by one resident in the common room.

Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is not allowed in any common area or on the grounds of the housing authority and no one under the age of 21 is allowed to have alcohol within their unit. All other illegal substances are also not allowed anywhere on the HRA grounds whether belonging to a resident or a guest.

Resident hereby acknowledges receipt of the Resident Handbook on the date listed below and recognizes that not all questions for every scenario can be in one booklet. Resident acknowledges that communication between themselves and the office staff is the best option for getting information regarding questions they have and that they are responsible for understanding the information provided within the Resident Handbook and the Lease Agreement.

Changes and updates to this document may be made and will be put out in a newsletter or notice format upon such changes as designated by the Board of Directors.

__________________________________________ _____________________

Head of Household Signature Date

__________________________________________ _____________________

Additional Household Member Date

__________________________________________

Unit Address

__________________________________________

Windom HRA Staff Signature

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download