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Frequently Asked Questions

• What do my condo fees pay for?

ANSWER: The cost of managing the affairs of the Association (including payroll for Association employees, management and legal fees) and the repair and maintenance of common elements (includes contracted services like trash removal and landscaping and routine repairs). Please refer to current year budget for a line-by-line list of expenses.

• What are the hours of the management office?

ANSWER: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. Some occasions the office may close prior to 5pm. In that case we do apologize if we missed you, so please stop by when the office reopens. The office is closed on weekends and most holidays. The office is staffed with a General Manager, Assistant Manager, and Maintenance Technician, to address common area repairs. Contracted staff includes one full time porter.

• How do I rent the Clubhouse?

ANSWER: Contact the management office to see if the date you have in mind is available and to get a copy of the Rental Agreement. The rental fee is $200 for residents and there is a deposit of $300.

• Does my plan to remodel need approval?

ANSWER: Owners may not alter the exterior of any building in any way without prior written approval from the Board. Common exterior changes that require approval include: installation of new windows, screen doors, and storm doors. Interior remodeling requires approval IF your plans include removing and/or relocating interior walls (to make sure they are not load bearing), plumbing or electric. Examples of items that DO NOT require approval are: bathroom or kitchen remodeling that follows original layout or the installation of new carpet, wood or tile flooring (NOTE: installation should not disturb or remove the layer of gypcrete originally installed by the developer and if found to be damaged during installation of your new flooring, your contractor should repair or replace as needed). If you are remodeling, we ask that you show courtesy to your neighbors and not allow contractors to start work before 9am on weekends. Also note that construction debris MAY NOT be disposed of in community dumpsters (charges to you may apply).

• What do I do if my neighbor is making noise or violating other community rules?

ANSWER: Maintaining neighborly relationships with those around you is key to condo living. If comfortable approaching your neighbor, try that first. If not (or, that didn’t work), we will need a written complaint to start the enforcement process that includes a warning letter followed by a notice of hearing for repeat or continued violations. If a hearing before the Board is required, you would need to attend and provide the Board with details that would assist in their determining the appropriate course of action. Calling the police is another option to resolve noise issues as they can cite individuals for violating County noise ordinances (“Quiet Hours”).

• Who do I call for repairs?

ANSWER: For the repair of common elements, call the management office at 301-770-1357. Owners who rent their units should provide tenants with their contact information to facilitate repairs inside the Unit.

• What are my maintenance responsibilities?

ANSWER: Unit Owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of everything inside the unit as well as water supply lines, drains, and utility wires that serve just their unit (including electric and refrigerant lines for HVAC units). Unit Owners are also responsible for maintenance and repair of the Limited Common Elements they enjoy exclusive use of (i.e. patios, balconies and fireplace flues/caps). See below for suggested maintenance:

ITEM	FREQUENCY
HVAC Service	Twice a year - Spring and fall (or as you change from AC to heat). Spring service should include clearing of condensate drain lines (using a plumber) and treatment with algaecide. FAILURE TO CLEAR DRAIN LINES WILL RESULT IN WATER DAMAGE. Service should also include check of power attachment at building and it’s a good idea to write your unit number on the inside of small metal box that houses the fuse for the outdoor unit (note: management does not otherwise know which fuse goes with which unit).
Water Heater	Annual service by a reputable plumber should include inspection of pressure relief valve and look for any signs of leaking. If you need to replace your water heater, make sure to include a pan underneath it.
Wood balcony	Every year or two, wood needs to be sealed (no colored stains permitted). Routine cleaning (i.e. power washing to remove mold/algae/dirt) and snow removal (do not use ice melt chemicals).
Concrete patio or balcony	Power washing to remove mold/algae/dirt (concrete sealer may be applied) and snow removal (use one least harmful to concrete). Otherwise routine caulking around perimeter and small cracks.
Fireplace	Annual inspection BEFORE winter use
Dryer and bathroom vent openings	Dryer vents should be cleaned and inspected once a year to prevent fires. Cleaning should be done from inside at hose connection AND at the vent on the outside of the building. Birds’ nests and lint should be removed from the vent opening (failure to keep the end of the vent clear could cause a fire and/or mite infestation)
Windows & Doors	Caulk, paint or replace as needed. Any exterior paint must match existing. All windows, doors and frames are the responsibility of the Unit Owner. Complete window replacement or the installation of a storm or screen door must be pre-approved by the Board.

• What do I do if I find a leak in my unit?

ANSWER: Determine the source. This may require a visit to a neighbor’s unit and/or cutting a hole in your drywall to see where the water is coming from. Most often, the source will be from your unit or a neighbor’s. Common sources of leaks here include condensate drain lines in the warm months, water heaters, toilets, bad caulking in showers and tubs and condensation on vent lines caused by blocked dryer vent openings. Repair of such items is the Unit Owner’s responsibility. Occasionally, the source is a roof leak or a main supply line in which case the Association will make the repair. Most of the time, the Unit Owner is responsible for the repair of damages. NOTE: REGARDLESS OF THE SOURCE, THE ASSOCIATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES INSIDE UNITS THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY A MASTER POLICY CLAIM (Page 13 of Bylaws). Damage inside units must be covered by an insurance claim (yours or the master policy).

• What utilities are included in my condo fees?

ANSWER: Water is included in your monthly fee. Please contact PEPCO to start electric service. If using Verizon for FiOS service, box MAY NOT be installed on building exterior.

• Why doesn’t the contractor clear snow off my patio?

ANSWER: Unit Owners are responsible for clearing patios and walkways that serve just their unit. The Bylaws prohibit the use of common funds for the benefit of individual owners so the Association does not assume this responsibility for homeowners.

• What do I do if I get locked out?

ANSWER: If outside of business hours, you will have to call a locksmith. If you would like to leave a key with the management office for emergencies during business hours, please bring your key to the office. All keys left on file are kept in a locked box using a key code (not filed by address).

• Can I grill on my balcony or where can I grill?

ANSWER: Montgomery County law prohibits grilling within 25 feet of any multifamily dwelling so you CANNOT grill on balconies or patios. The Bylaws prohibit grilling anywhere on common areas but the Association has provided grills for residents to use at the clubhouse. Or, there is a county park within walking distance that has grills.This is set up as no extra charge.

• How do I get my pool passes and/or a key to the tennis courts?

ANSWER: The pool and tennis courts are part of Penbrooke Association, which is managed by Quantum Realty, Inc. The pool issues new pool passes every year with the application for passes mailed to Unit Owners in March. Passes are then mailed to residents. For more information, contact Quantum at 301-941-8040.

• What number do I call for emergencies?

ANSWER: If you have a fire or medical emergency, call 911. Calling the office number (301-770-1357) will give the emergency number: 301-585-0088.