House Rules

Welcome to your home. There are some things you should keep in mind while living here:

1) These units are renovated turn-of-the-century buildings. If you like wood floors and trim, high ceilings, and old-fashioned things like only one other tenant in your building, built-in dressers, 1/2 size gas stoves, you will like this place.

2) Related to old building; things have been updated and work fine, but please keep in mind:

AIR CONDITIONER: Window A/C are supplied with some of our units.  If you decide to place an air conditioner in a window, you are responsible for any damages done to the building or window if the air conditioning unit leaks. You are also responsible if any window parts (screens, windows, frames) are missing at the time of your moving out. Please do not nail or screw into the windows, sills or the window frames.

BUILDING PROPERTY: Any items which are the property of the building shall not be removed from the unit. This includes screens, storms, draperies, carpet, furniture, appliance, etc.

CEILING FANS (for winter and summer): All ceiling fans have a switch on the motor housing that changes the direction in which the blades turn.
IN SUMMER: When it's warm, the blades of a turning ceiling fan normally push air downward, causing cool air near the floor to travel outward and mix with air at the edges of the room. The process makes for more even cooling, and just the air movement in the room alone can make it feel cooler by four degrees or more! That means if you're using air conditioning along with your fan, you can set the thermostat at a higher than normal setting to save on energy.
IN WINTER: Instead of forcing air downward, the blades will push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises, and drive it back down around the edges of the room. That can result in more even heating. And better heat circulation will help to combat the problem of sweating windows that some homes experience in the wintertime because of condensation on the glass.
If you use ceiling fans in the summer, however, keep in mind that it does little good to run them when you're not around. The fan really isn't cooling the room. Like a breeze on a hot summer day, it's the blowing air moving across your body that makes you feel cooler.

CHECK-IN FORM: A check in form is provided to each new resident. You may inspect the dwelling unit and notify us of any pre-existing damages or defects by noting the conditions on the check-in form. The form must be completed, signed and returned within 7 days of move in as stated in your lease. Any itmes not listed on a check-in form returned within 7 days of move-in shall be presumed in good condition at the time of move-in.
All light fixtures will have working bulbs upon move in, these fitures must have working buldbs at move out. Non-functioning light bulbs in common areas should be immediately reported to the landlord.

DAMAGES: You are responsible for all damages and repairs beyond normal wear and tear. This includes, but is not limited to clogged drains and toilets, fires, water damage, broken appliances, carpet damage, and scratches/gouges on hardwood floors.

EXTERIOR APPEARANCE: Porches and balconies shall not be allowed to detract from the apperance of your building. The permises shall not be defaced with signs, advertisements, antennas, etc. The cost of removal of such items shall be incurred by the resident. Porches and balconies are not to be used for storage of any type of motor vehicle, furniture, or trash. No grilling or flammable material is allowed or stored on any deck. Also, NO smoking is allowed on the upper deck of 1025 E Johnson.
No towels, sheets, tin foil etc may be used as drapery material. Tenant shall use drapery rods if provided by owner. Only with landlords permission may this be altered.

GUESTS: Overnight visitors should be on a limited or occasional basis only. Only tenants on the lease should be living at the unit. Tenant may have guests residing temporarily in Premises if their presence does not interfere with the quiet use and enjoyment of other tenants, AND if the number of guests is not excessive for the size and facilities of the Premises. No guest may remain for more than two (2) weeks without written consent of Landlord which will not be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall be responsible for all acts of negligence by Tenant’s guests and invitees, and to be responsible for any resulting property damage or injury.
Tenants of 302 W. Wilson, Units 2F, 2W and 2N: You should not have more than one overnight guest at a time.

HEATERS: Space heaters ARE NOT allowed in any of the units.

INSURANCE: You will need your own policy to protect your belongings in case of fire or
theft. We recommend Steve Garvoille:

Get the coverage you need at the price you can afford.
At SG Insurance we work with several, top rated insurance companies to offer you the best coverage for your auto and renters needs at the best possible price. Renter’s insurance is not required by all landlords but highly RECOMMENDED.
Cover all your valuables from computers to bikes, TV’s to stereos, and all your furniture and clothes. The renters policy doesn’t stop there. It also protects you from accidental damage. Whether you slice a golf shot and take out a house window or burn candles and accidentally cause fire damage to the landlords property, you’ll be covered. All this for as little as $8.00/month.
Give us a call and let us help you out with all your insurance needs. 608-835-7300.
Ask for Steve.

NAILS AND PICTURE HANGING: Use only small nails for hanging items on the walls. Most walls are plaster, so be very careful not to break wall plaster. Never use tape, adhesive or glue. Never nail anything to the woodwork or doors.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES:
Two of our units have washer and dryer: 15 N Baldwin, Apt.1 and 1025 E Johnson, Apt. 1
Also, laundry mats are located within a few blocks of all our units.

LOCKS and LOCKOUTS: Keep entry doors closed and locked AT ALL TIMES. When coming and going, make sure you lock your apartment door. Make sure the building entry door closes and latches completely behind you. DON’T disarm or tamper with entry door closures or locks. Propping doors open or tampering with door closures is counter-productive to keeping you safe.Residents who lock themselves out should call a locksmith. Residents may not change the locks without written permission. Residents will be liable for any damages caused by break-ins or attempted break-ins, or vandalism that is not reported to the local police. Only signed parties to the lease may obtain or hold keys to the premises, receive mail or have their names on the mail box.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR:  If your apartment needs repair (for example: door knob fell off, screen/window broken) please contact us.  If you have an emergency (water pipe froze, water leak) please call us at 608-212- 5940 or Lori at 608-215- 7231.
Tenants may not deduct from the rent nor expect to be reimbursed for any purchase or charge to the landlord any supplies, repairs or work done by the tenant or other parties without the landlord's prior written permission. Landlord shall not be responsible for any such costs incurred prior to obtaining such written permission. Also, tenant is responsible for repair cost done by tenants who attempt to remodel the unit.

PARKING: Driving and/or parking on the lawn is not permitted. Where parking is assigned you must only park in your assigned space. If a parking space is provided on your lease, the parking space may not be leased out by residents for any reason. Violating vehicles may be ticketed and /or towed at the vehicle owner's expense and the landlord shall not be held responsible for any damages to such vehicles and/or their contents.
- 1036 and 1038 E Gorham St.: Each apartment is permitted one off the street parking space.  Please park your car as close to the front of the parking space as possible.  Doing so, will make it easier for others to pull out of their parking space. Blocking the driveway should be limited to loading and unloading only.
-15 N Baldwin: Shared parking in the driveway. Please coordinate with the other tenants.
-302 W Wilson: Parking with permit only. At all times!

PETS: No pets are allowed in any apartment without landlords specific written permission. No dogs or visiting dogs are allowed in any of the units or properties. This means NO DOGS ALLOWED, EVER. Pleae do not ask if dogs are allowed. Each unauthorized pet on the premises for any amount of time shall cause the monthly rent to increase $100 and acceptance of such payment shall not constitue permission to keep the pet on the premises. These pet rules will be strictly enforced. Pets will be considered on the lease (additional $10-$25 per month). Please be considerate of other tenants regarding your pet included on your lease. Pet waste should be picked up and disposed.

RENT PAYMENTS: Rent is due and payable on the first day of each month. Make payments payable to the landlord and mail to 123 E Doty, 3rd Floor, Madison, WI. Payment should not be made in cash. Please use money orders, cashiers check or personal check. Any check returned NSF or otherwise not clearing the bank after inital deposit will be assessed a $25.00 fee. If a check comes back twice you will be requied to pay rent with a money order. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PAY RENT ON TIME. Paying rent after the first day of the month will result in a late payment penalty of $25.00. Please remember the owner must meet his mortgage and other obligations and cannot do so until all rent receipts are collected.

SECURITY DEPOSITS: Security deposits cannot be used by the resident as a rent payment.

SMOKING: Smoking inside the units is not allowed. Please be considerate of the other tenants.

SNOW REMOVAL: 1036 and 1038 E Gorham St.: Snow removal will be provided for the driveway, sidewalk and the decks. Tenants are responsible for snow removal in and around their individual parking spaces.
Back Decks during the winter: During the winter, to make snow removal possible, remove all items on the back decks.  Any item(s) stored on the back decks during the winter will be discarded.
15 N Baldwin: Tenants are responsible for snow removal. Please check your lease.
1025 E Johnson St.: Snow removal will be provided for the sidewalks.

STORAGE:    Please do not store items outside or on the decks.

SUBLET: Any sublet must have written approval of the manager prior to occupancy by new resident. Resident understands and acknowledges that the manager's approval of a sublease shall not release the resident from his/her obligations set forth in the lease. There will be a $100 sublet fee due at the time the sublet agreement is signed. If the landlord elects to terminate the existing lease and start a new lease with the sublessee, the sublet fee will still be charged.

TRASH REMOVAL: All tenants are expected to comply with the City of Madison rules regarding trash removal and recycling. A tan Trash bin and a green Recycling bin are provided for each duplex. 
Each duplex (except W Wilson*) will share the responsibility to place and remove bins at the curb. Failure to remove empty bins from the curb can result in a fine.
 The tan Trash bin may be taken to the curb on Wednesday evenings. Empty bins must be removed from the curb 24 hours after pickup, which means before 7am on Friday.    Recycling is picked up every other week, so should be taken to the curb on every other Wednesday evenings.
* We have a resident at 302 W Wilson who will take out the bins.

Recycling and trash calendar

City of Madison Streets and Recycling

WINDOWS AND SCREENS: It is the owner's responsibility to provided windows complete with storms and screens. Upon your move-in, it is your responsibility to note any deficiency or need of repair on the check-in form. DO NOT remove storm windows or screens from window frames at any time. All costs for replacement of removed windows or screens and damages to windows and screens will be charged to you. All windows and screen must be in their proper place at check-out.

• Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
• Sweep or vacuum wood floors regularly.
• Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue. Clean wood floors with lightly damp mop with water only.
• Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly dampened towel (wipe dry).
• Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
• Remember: cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
• When moving heavy furniture, protect wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg with a heavy sock or half of a milk carton.
• For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
• Take precautions to avoid standing moisture. Water and wood floors do not mix. Never wet mop a wood floor, and always clean up spills and standing water as soon as possible. A damp mop is fine as long as the moisture is limited to an amount that will evaporate almost immediately. Moisture that is allowed to seep into the seams between the planks may cause damage to your flooring. Do not allow soiled mats or rugs to stay on the floor as they can trap moisture on the surface.