Residents Handbook

GLASS AND SCREENS
For your convenience our maintenance staff will replace any broken window, patio door 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. However, we will be happy to replace any appliance bulbs or the florescent bulb that is above the sink. To schedule this service please call the Rental Information Center and they will have someone come into your apartment to replace the light bulb.

For your safety, please check with the Rental Information 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 two months. Special requests can be handled through the Rental Information 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 Rental Information Center. Please refer to your monthly newsletter for the exterminating schedule.
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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 leaks, 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. This preventative maintenance check is necessary to reduce any possibility of damages to the property.

*It is imperative that the filters are 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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CLUBHOUSE
This beautiful facility is provided for all residents to have parties and other social events. The center is made up of a multi-purpose room, bar, and fully equipped kitchen. We offer free aerobics and other social functions at the clubhouse. Please consult your monthly newsletter for a schedule.

To reserve the Pebble Creek Clubhouse you must come into the Rental Information Center and fill out the Pebble Creek Clubhouse Agreement and put down a $50 rental fee. On the day of the event you must bring in a $150 deposit (NO CASH). If there is no damage and the Clubhouse is left in its original condition, your deposit will be refunded M-F 10am-6pm. This facility is for residents and their private functions only. The resident must be present at all times during the function.
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WEIGHT AND EXERCISE FACILITY
We are pleased to offer you the use of the Pebble Creek Weight & Exercise Facility. It includes a universal gym, stationary bike, step machine, and treadmill. It is available for any resident 18 years of age or older. A key may be checked out at the Rental Information Center with a $20.00 deposit. You may keep the key during your residency at Pebble Creek. We also offer free aerobics up in the clubhouse. See your newsletter for dates and times. Please consult your monthly newsletter for a schedule.
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SWIMMING POOL
The pool season usually begins on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. This facility is provided for your enjoyment and relaxation. The pool rules and additional information will be provided in the monthly newsletter.
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TENNIS AND BASKETBALL COURTS
These facilities are on a first-come, first-served basis. With respect to all residents, we ask you not to hold the courts longer than one hour at a time. If no one is waiting, you may extend play until others arrive to use the facility. With due consideration, the Owner/Owner's Agent respectfully requests you give up the courts at that time.
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RESTRICTION OF PRIVILEGES
Outstanding charges such as non-payment of rent, late fees, damage charges and lockout charges warrant the discontinuation of such privileges as the use of the lockout service, use of the pool, vacuum cleaners, tennis courts, basketball courts, and the community center.
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CIRCLE BROOK NEWS
This is our community publication, which is distributed once a month. Included are community news, emergency maintenance and lockout numbers, policy changes, extermination schedule, notice of filter changes, special announcements, social events, etc. We ask for resident participation and appreciate all suggestions and contributions.
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
A fire extinguisher has been placed in each building for your protection. There is one on the 2nd floor You can remove air from fire by smothering it with an extinguisher or other means. You can slow the fire's progress by closing interior apartment doors to prevent drafts. See Appendix 5 for what to do should fire strike.

The fire extinguishers have been inconspicuously marked for identification should they be stolen. Misusing this safety device will require payment of all damages including recharging of the fire extinguisher. Reporting a violator might prevent the loss of life or property should a fire occur. Anyone found with a Pebble Creek fire extinguisher in his possession, other than for fire use, will be fined. If you have a fire and legitimately discharge the fire extinguisher, please report it to the Rental Information Center immediately so that the extinguisher may be recharged for future use.
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SMOKE DETECTORS
The smoke detector alarms are installed to provide early warning against lethal smoke. It consists of a photo-electronic cell to detect abnormal smoke accumulation and a horn alarm to sound the warning and alert the household to the presence of threatening smoke. If electric, occasionally the alarm signal may be heard for a brief instant in a random manner due to voltage surges caused by electrical storms, etc. If your alarm should go off and there is no smoke, please throw the breaker switch “OFF” and call the Rental Information Center during office hours. If battery operated, take the smoke detector down and disconnect the battery. Replace with a new battery or call the Rental Information Center to have the battery replaced.

Whether battery or electric, YOU, the resident, are responsible to maintain your smoke detector under Virginia Law 15.1-29.9. The smoke detector will be in operation at the time of move-in; thereafter, it is the residents' responsibility to notify the Welcome Center if the detector light goes out. This is for you and your neighbors' protection in the unlikely event of a fire.

DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR!! Since State Law requires that the detectors be in operation at all times, YOU, the resident could be held liable for unhooking this fixture during your residence while it is in operation. May we suggest you help us in maintaining the smoke detector for everyone's safety. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
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INSURANCE
THE OWNER'S INSURANCE POLICY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE BY FIRE, WATER, VANDALISM OR ANY OTHER CAUSE, TO YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN A RENTER'S INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER ANY DAMAGE, INCLUDING VANDALISM, TO YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY. THE OWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE TO THE PREMISES AS A RESULT OF NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RESIDENT.
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FOR YOUR PROTECTION
If you have occasion to be away from home on vacation or just out for a few days, please remember:

1. Do not leave a key hidden for any reason.
2. Do not allow the newspaper to continue to be delivered.
3. Do not forget to let the Rental Information Center know you plan to be away or where you can be reached. By law, if you are away seven (7) days without notice the premises may be considered abandoned.
4. Do not hesitate to contact the Rental Information Center if you notice unusual circumstances that might be of an illegal nature. Your observance of unusual occurrences or noises can prevent vandalism. If you call the police department emergency number, they will dispatch an officer in minutes.
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MODIFIED APARTMENTS
Some of our apartments are equipped for the handicapped with tub railings, wider door entries, open space under the kitchen sink without disposals, special bath sinks, mirror, etc. These items cannot be altered.
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CARPET SPOTS
Act quickly, remove spots and stains before they have a chance to dry or "set." Always have necessary cleaning equipment on hand. Before attempting removal, be certain that you can identify the spot or stain.

Cleaning Agents:

A detergent solution of one teaspoon neutral detergent to one teaspoon of white vinegar mixed in one quart of warm water will neutralize alkaline materials. Dry-cleaning fluid is a solvent useful in the removal of some spots, BUT MUST BE USED WITH CAUTION.

General Cleaning Procedures:
If you cannot identify a particular spot or stain, you may:

1. Remove excess materials with a blunt instrument; remove liquids with a clean absorbent material.
2. Apply detergent/vinegar/water solution. Blot gently with a clean, white cloth from soiled edge to center.
3. Dry the carpet.
4. Apply dry-cleaning fluid, again wiping gently from the edges of the stain to the center.
5. Dry carpet and brush pile gently to restore original texture.

With any type of cleaning, avoid getting the carpet too wet. Dry it as quickly as possible. Direct air blast from a fan, hairdryer or vacuum cleaner attachment is helpful when drying wall-to-wall carpet.
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STAINS
1. OILY MATERIALS (i.e., butter, hand cream, grease, pen ink, oil): Remove excess materials with blunt knife. Apply dry cleaning fluid, dry carpet surface and repeat the application if necessary. Dry carpet thoroughly and gently brush pile.
2. OILY FOODSTUFFS, ANIMAL MATTER (coffee, tea, milk, gravy, vomit, blood, ice cream, sauces, egg, chocolate, salad dressing): Remove excess material, absorbing liquids and scraping semi-solids. Apply detergent/vinegar/water solution sparingly. Dry carpet. Apply dry-cleaning fluid. Dry carpet again and brush pile gently.
3. FOODSTUFFS, STARCHES, SUGARS, (candy, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, fruit juice, urine, excrement): Blot up liquids or scrape off semi-solids. Apply detergent/vinegar/water solution if necessary. Dry carpet and brush pile gently.
4. HEAVY GREASE (tar, crayon, lipstick): Remove excess material. Apply a dry-cleaning fluid; apply detergent/vinegar/water solution. Reapply dry-cleaning fluid. Dry carpet thoroughly and brush pile gently to restore original texture.
5. HOUSEHOLD FINISHING AGENTS (varnish, shellac, paint): Blot excess with clean paper towel; apply a few drops of turpentine to a clean cloth and dab lightly, working from the outside to center of stain. Apply dry-cleaning fluid. Let dry.
6. CHEWING GUM: Hold ice cube to gum until it becomes cold. Remove material and sponge lightly with dry-cleaning fluid.
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SUGGESTIONS
In this handbook we have tried to include information, which we feel, will help you settle quickly and easily into your new way of living. We also have tried to include information, which will help you and your neighbors in your day-to-day activities. If the consideration of others is kept in mind, there should be no problems.

An additional helpful suggestion concerns insurance. If you do not have renter's insurance, we suggest you purchase a policy for your own protection in case of fire, vandalism, theft, etc. The small amount you pay each year could give you a great deal of peace of mind. Your apartment is totally your responsibility (doors, windows, screens, appliances, etc). PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF.

Any fire damage caused by your negligence occurring to your apartment, adjacent apartments, or public areas will be your responsibility.

Please feel free to contact the Rental Information Center with any suggestions or questions you may have. We want you to have a long and comfortable residency in our community.
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MOVING DAY
Be sure you notify the following people and agencies approximately two to four weeks before you move:

Post Office (for forwarding mail)
Magazine and Newspaper Publishers
Telephone Company (give them your lease expiration date)
Banks
Local Suppliers (milkman, laundry, etc.)
Insurance Company
Division of Motor Vehicles
Stores (where you have charge accounts)
Schools (for transferring children)
Friends
Employer
Doctors, Dentists, etc.
Electric Company (give them your lease expiration date)
Cable TV Company (give them your lease expiration date)

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO TURN IN YOUR KEYS AND FORWARDING ADDRESS!
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Pebble Creek Apartment Homes
3345-C Circle Brook Drive SW
Roanoke, Virginia   24018    
   
  
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