Resident Handbook

LAUNDRY
For your convenience, laundry facilities have been provided for use between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The laundry equipment in the laundry rooms is owned and maintained by CoinMach Automated Services, therefore, our maintenance staff cannot make repairs to them. Please report any inoperative machines to Coinmach Automated Services at their toll-free number, 1-800-888-7837 and give the machine number with a description of the problem. Please do not use the washers and dryers before 7:00 AM or after 9:00 PM. Doors to the laundry rooms should be kept closed at all times.

Please note:
1. The Laundry Room is a fire exit and cannot be used for storage of any kind.
2. Laundry Room trash cans are not for household trash.
3. Please do not install clotheslines on patios or balconies.

*Use of personal washers and dryers are strictly prohibited in any apartment.
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LAWN
We appreciate your efforts in helping us maintain our community as a source of pride for you and your guests. Please report any bicycles etc. stored or parked on the lawns as this detracts from the beauty of WestWind and cannot be permitted. Motorized vehicles of any kind are not allowed on the grass areas for any reason. Damages resulting from this will be charged accordingly. Due to the contracted lawn care, a specific day for mowing cannot be guaranteed.
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MAIL DELIVERIES
As a registered resident of the community, a mailbox and one mailbox key is assigned to you. If your mailbox key is lost, check with the Welcome Center for the cost and payment; duplicate keys cannot be issued due to Postal regulations.
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ENTRY TO APARTMENTS
To protect your privacy and your property, we must maintain a policy of not opening your apartment for children, domestic help, or delivery people. If you anticipate a delivery of goods to your apartment (furniture, movers, etc.) or the arrival of friends or relatives in your absence, the Welcome Center must have your permission, IN WRITING ONLY, to issue a key for entry. The person you are leaving the key for will need to show photo I.D. when picking up the key. WestWind will not be held accountable if keys are lost or not returned.

ANY TIME THE MAINTENANCE OR RENTAL STAFF ENTERS YOUR APARTMENT, THE DOOR WILL BE LOCKED WHEN THEY LEAVE.
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NON-REFUNDABLE REFURBISH FEE
In conjunction with the security deposit, a $100.00 non-refundable refurbish fee is also required. The fee specifically covers the basic carpet cleaning and basic cleaning of the apartment home at vacate.
 
The fee is not a security deposit therefore will not accrue interest. The fee does not include damages that exceed normal wear and tear. Please refer to the Standard Vacating Checklist for additional details. Additional charges above the Non-refundable refurbish fee will be charged.
 
It is strongly suggested that each resident schedule a vacate inspection appointment with the WestWind staff (appointments are to be scheduled two weeks in advance of the vacating date).

TRASH
Trash containers are located in close proximity to each building. All large boxes should be cut up before being thrown away. If your trash container is ever full, please use an available dumpster at another location to deposit your trash and contact the Welcome Center.

The garbage disposal in your kitchen is to be used for food waste only. If you have any questions regarding its use, please call the Welcome Center and refer to instructions for proper use of your garbage disposal. See Appendix 3.

Resident trash left on landings, under stairs, placed in laundry room trash cans, placed in the third floor storage areas or otherwise improperly disposed of will result in a fine to the resident if removed by our staff.
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TELEPHONE
NUMBER PLEASE!! For your protection and convenience, please furnish the Welcome Center your home and business telephone numbers. On occasion, we need to contact you for emergencies or other reasons. Since your address and telephone numbers are handled as confidential information by our staff, please tell your friends of your move, we cannot furnish them with this information.
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WATER BEDS
When installing a waterbed, please consider they have the potential for serious damage and inconvenience to your neighbors. We require each resident carry the proper insurance coverage and notify the office of your installation in case there is an accident.
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PIANOS/INSTRUMENTS
Pianos/Instruments are allowed in the apartments only with the consent of the Owner/Owner's Agent. Owner/Owner’s Agent may also direct placement. If noise complaints result from use of a piano or any other musical instrument, the resident may be requested to remove it from the property.
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STORAGE AREA
- Additional storage space is available on the third floor of each building. Storage is provided with the clear understanding that neither the Owners of the building nor the Owner's Agent is liable for any loss, damage, or injury to the articles stored therein. Periodically, bins, which are not registered, will be opened and the contents destroyed. Please do not use more than one bin. PLEASE make sure that you put your items in a bin matching the letter of your apartment. Items cannot be placed in the aisle way of the storage area. Any items that are improperly stored in the aisles will be discarded.
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DOOR MATS
Proper sized, standard doormats made of rubber or hemp should be used at apartment entrances.
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VENETIAN BLINDS
For your convenience, we have installed blinds at all windows and the patio door in your apartment. If you have any trouble with the blinds, please call the Welcome Center. Upon vacating, be sure to leave them clean and in place. You will be responsible for the cost of replacement if they are removed or damaged. Blinds should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid cleaning charges at move-out. This may require taking the blind down for washing; the blind in the kitchen will get greasy/dirty from cooking. Residents who wish to use their own draperies or blinds may do so if the draperies/blinds have a white lining or backing.
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VACUUM CLEANERS
A vacuum cleaner is available from the Welcome Center for your use Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on first-come first-served basis. Please limit its use to two hours. It is necessary for the resident to sign a statement of liability. After the bag is emptied and the roller is cleaned, the vacuum cleaner should be promptly returned. SPECIAL NOTE: Fridays are usually very busy for vacuum checkouts; perhaps you would like to choose another day to eliminate the rush.
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HANGING PICTURES
You may hang pictures, mirrors, etc. on the walls of your apartment provided you use picture-hangers. All holes must be properly filled and sealed with spackling compound at move-out. PLEASE do not use glue/foam stickers as they create extensive damage to the wall.
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HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING
During the heating season, move the lever on the thermostat to HEAT. During the air conditioning season, move the lever to COOL. For normal satisfactory operation, it is recommended that the thermostat be set at 65 degrees in the winter and 75 degrees in the summer. When you are changing from cooling to heating or vice versa, allow about five minutes to elapse between the time you turn one OFF and the other ON. The unit will have time to energize itself, otherwise, the unit will be damaged. Please keep the cold air return vent in the hallway or dining room clean and unobstructed. Accumulation of dust or an unobstructed air flow can affect the efficiency of the system.

FIRE AND SAFETY REGULATIONS DO NOT ALLOW KEROSENE HEATERS

For most efficient operation many manufacturers recommend operation 24 hours a day. If you prefer to shut the equipment off in late evening and use natural ventilation, the cooling equipment should be started very early the next day before the outdoor temperatures become uncomfortable.
 
Do not turn your heat off if you are away during the winter months due to the risk of your pipes bursting and causing excessive damage to the building and to your personal belongings. While away, maintain your thermostat at 60 degrees or above.
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BALCONY OR PATIO
Your balcony was designed according to safe building construction practices and in accordance with the 1978 BOCA (Building Officials & Code Administration) CODE, SECTION 706, PROVIDING FOR 40 LBS. PER SQUARE FOOT LOADING. You should be aware this provides a structure for no more than 10 persons of average weight and sundry furniture for a maximum of no more than 2500 lbs (TOTAL).

Private balconies or patios are provided with each apartment so you may enjoy indoor-outdoor living. In consideration of your neighbors, please do not dump ashtrays, empty vacuum cleaners, or shake mops or rugs from your balcony or patio. Plants or other accessories should be storm weighted. CLOTHESLINES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE BALCONY OR PATIO, NOR MAY CLOTHING OR OTHER ARTICLES BE HUNG FROM OR PLACED ON BALCONY RAILS, WINDOW SILLS, SIDING OR EAVES. In consideration of your neighbors, we ask that wind chimes not be placed on the balcony or patio.

Furthermore, we ask that items such as motorcycles, boats, signs, doghouses, cat litter boxes, etc., not be kept on your balcony or patio. These areas should be maintained in a neat and orderly manner at all times. No upholstered furniture or indoor furniture is allowed on balconies or patios. Flammable items such as gas, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc. should not be stored on your balcony or patio. Tiki torches are also prohibited. Seasonal lighting is allowed but WestWind reserves the right to ask resident to remove the lighting if inappropriate.
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GAS OR CHARCOAL GRILLS
Propane gas grills cannot be allowed anywhere within the confines of any apartment building balcony or patio. According to the Roanoke City Fire Marshall's code, charcoal grills may not be used anywhere within the confines of apartment building’s balconies or patios. They may be used on the grounds at least 10 feet outside the confines of your building. Section 402.4 and Section 307.5 of the 2000 International Fire Code Commentary.
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EQUIPMENT
The Owner/Owner's Agent reserves the right to move, relocate, or alter provided equipment (where applicable) such as dumpsters, bike racks, storage, etc. without notice.
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COUNTERTOPS AND TUB SURROUNDINGS
Formica and/or fiberglass have been installed to minimize work in cleaning. Please do not use an abrasive cleaner. For stubborn stains, use a good all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner with a brush. If a stain persists contact the Welcome Center and one of our cleaning or maintenance staff may be able to advise you.
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WALLS
The kitchen and bathroom walls are semi-gloss paint. To clean them, use a mild soap or detergent or recommended wall cleaner, do not use steel wool or other abrasives. Please do not wallpaper or paint any areas in your apartment without written approval from the Resident Manager.
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ALTERATIONS
Most alterations to the apartment cannot be permitted, as most will result in charges for the expense necessary to return the apartment to its original condition. See Appendix 2.
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CARPETING AND FLOORS
We would appreciate your caring for the carpeting as if it were your own. Regular and proper cleaning is required (shampoo twice a year). Liquid or dry shampoo may be used, but dry shampoo is usually ineffective. Carpets should be vacuumed twice a week--sometimes more often in traffic areas. Spots should be cleaned immediately. The carpet must be clean upon vacating. If you have shampooed the carpet, but it is still dirty, you will be charged for cleaning. If the carpet is extremely dirty, you will be charged for more than one shampooing. If the carpet is damaged beyond repair you will be charged for the replacement of the carpet.

Your kitchen and bath floors are vinyl. Solvents should not be used because such fluids loosen and soften the mastic undercoat. They can be cleaned most successfully with a non-abrasive household cleaner or with soap and water. Contact the office staff for advice concerning proper care.
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GLASS AND SCREENS
For your convenience our maintenance staff will replace any broken window or torn screen with charges for material and labor, due with your rent.
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ELECTRICAL FIXTURES
Each apartment is equipped with a circuit breaker in case of power overload. If you lose the electricity in your apartment, check to see if the circuit breakers are all in the "ON" position. Wait approximately five minutes before you reset the breaker (Turn "off", then "on"). In case of a general POWER FAILURE, please report difficulties to American Electric Power (1-800-956-4237).

Light bulbs will be supplied upon initial occupancy, but replacement bulbs are the residents' responsibility.

For your safety, please check with the Welcome Center before installing chandeliers or other permanent electrical fixtures. Do not use multiple outlet plugs or overload a circuit creating a fire hazard.
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PLUMBING FIXTURES
All plumbing fixtures should be used only for the purpose intended. Therefore, no solid articles, disposable diapers, rags, rubbish, or feminine hygiene products should be placed in them. All such waste should be placed in trash containers.
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KITCHEN FIXTURES
It is best to clean the cabinets and the countertops with a non-abrasive household detergent or all-purpose cleanser and water, especially around the handles. Please do not place hot skillets or other hot objects on the countertops, and always use a cutting board for chopping or slicing food to prevent countertop damage. See Appendix 3.
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EXTERMINATOR
Your apartment will be treated against pests approximately every twelve weeks. Special requests can be handled through the Welcome Center. See Appendix 4. Most exterminations are mandatory in order to prevent a problem in the building. However, if you need to reschedule your extermination, please contact the Welcome Center.
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PAINT AND REDECORATION
To fulfill our goal of keeping our residents satisfied, after three years it is our policy to paint your apartment upon request. Our office has only four requirements. First, all requests should be made between November and April. Second, the requesting resident should have one full year remaining on the lease. Third, the resident should move all furniture away from the walls, remove pictures and wall hangings, and cover all personal belongings. Fourth, at least one resident has to be present during painting.
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FILTERS
The maintenance staff will periodically change the filters* in the heating and air conditioning systems. A schedule of this operation will be distributed throughout the community. Any articles that might interfere with the maintenance staff's efforts to do the job must be moved. * Please note that it is against fire regulations to store any items in your heating and air conditioning closet.

While changing the filters, the maintenance staff will check your apartment and do preventive maintenance work. Such work includes checking for dripping faucets, improperly flushing commodes, and the general condition of the apartment. Work orders will be written and a maintenance person will return at a later date to repair the noted items.

*It is imperative that the filters be changed, as it greatly improves the efficiency of your heating/air conditioning system and the quality of the air you breathe. If filters are not accessible on the filter change date, a charge will be made for the filter to be changed within the following two weeks. It is recommended that furniture not be placed in front of the heating and air conditioning closet to ensure accessibility to our staff in the event of an unexpected maintenance issue or a scheduled filter change.
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