Residents and their guests must comply with these "House Rules", the United States Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD) rules and regulations related to this building, standards of conduct and all other residence life policies.

Failure to comply with these policies will result in judicial action, including the loss of your rent subsidy and/or your apartment.

Building Security

For the resident's safety and protection, all residents must have picture identification cards. management provides these cards to all residents.

Security maintains a list of all authorized residents.

All visitors must sign in with security upon entering the building. All visitors must: Provide their name, name and apartment number of resident they are visitemng, relationship to the resident, and the purpose of their visit. Visitors must also sign out when leaving the building.

Residents are prohibited from allowing anyone into the building other than their own guests. Only security is allowed to permit entry into the building.

If someone tries to enter the building behind you, politely explain that security must let them in; do not "buzz" people into the building unless they are visitemng your apartment.

Do not let visitors to other apartments into the building, even if you know them.

Do not let someone into the building whom you do not know, even if they say they are coming to visit you.

Please let security screen all strangers, and all visitors to other apartments. If someone tries to visit you whom you do not wish to have visit you, do not let them into the building.

Please call security and explain that you do not want the person to visit you. If you wish to permanently prohibit someone from visitemng you, please inform security of the person's name, and also inform management. Please feel free to discuss, in confidence, the reason for the prohibitemon with management if you wish. management will help you with any safety and security problem.

No-one is permitted on the roof, except the owner and management or their authorized representatives.

Outsides solicitemng is not permitted in the building. If anyone comes to your door solicitemng services, or selling something, or requesting money, call security immediately. Describe the person to security.

Do not open your door to strangers. Do not "buzz" anyone into the building except your own visitors. this can endanger you and your neighbors.

Elevator

The elevator is equipped with a telephone which is connected to the front desk. this telephone should only be used if the elevator doors do not open or the elevator stops.

The superintendent has access to an elevator key which can release the doors and also has a phone number for 24-hour emergency service.

If you use the elevator and find it is not working properly, report the problem to security or the superintendent immediately. If there is a power outage, the elevator should work on the back up generator.

NEVER USE THE ELEVATOR IF THERE IS A FIRE.

Emergency

All residents must complete an emergency information sheet to be kept in residents files at the management office. It is essential that management knows who to contact in the event of any emergency.

Fire

MAKE SURE YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS ARE WORKING.

If there is a fire in your apartment: Leave the apartment, unlock and close the door, call the fire department (911) from a neighbor's apartment or the security desk in the lobby. Be sure to give your name and the street address.

Call the security guard and the superintendent.

DO NOT RE-ENTER YOUR APARTMENT.

If there is a fire elsewhere in the building: Stay in your apartment and keep the door closed.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR APARTMENT.

Residents are safer in their apartments than leaving them. Stay in your apartment until escorted out by fire fighters, police, or building staff/security.
If you are on an upper floor, tie a piece of bright cloth (or clothing) on the outside of your window, if possible.

DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR.

If there is a fire elsewhere in the building: If you spot or see a fire, or hear a smoke detector, note the location and immediately notify security at the front desk. Call 911. Avoid panic and curiosity. Staying calm can be lifesaving. If there is a lot of smoke, get down on your knees or stomach and crawl to a safe area, such as an apartment near you.

Residents who require that oxygen be stored in their apartments are not allowed to smoke in their apartments, or permit others to smoke. Smoking around oxygen is extremely dangerous.

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Medical

POST THE SECURITY PHONE NUMBER (999) 999-9999 NEAR YOUR PHONE.

If there is a medical emergency, press the emergency button in your apartment, and call 911, and/or call security at (999) 999-999.

If there is a medical emergency which involves a resident who is locked alone inside their apartment, use the emergency lockout procedure.

In the event of an emergency lock-out - a health and safety danger - call security at (999)-999-9999. Security will call 911, and will also notify the superintendent and management. The emergency key access system can be utilized under these circumstances. Security will access the emergency key, if necessary, to enable police, fire or other emergency personnel to enter an apartment

Avoid panic and curiosity. Staying calm can be lifesaving. Do not try to handle the medical emergency directly; get help from staff and emergency services.

Extermination

Pest control is an important issue in any residential facility. Contracted extermination services are provided monthly, generally every third Saturday . Residents must cooperate with the superintendent and ensure their apartments are available for extermination services.

Residents should sign up or notify the superintendent that they will be available for service.
Residents do not have to be present during routine exterminations. If residents will be absent, and want service, they should notify the superintendent so that the superintendent will accompany the exterminator. If you see a roach, make sure you put your name in the "bug" book for the exterminator's next visit.

Please do not feed squirrels or pigeons on the property. Both can be harmful pests which cause damage to the building and grounds.

Keys

Each authorized resident (person listed on your lease) is provided with one apartment key, one front door key, and one mail box key when they move in.

Resident's are urged not to 1) lose their keys, 2) give their keys to others.

If family members or others ask you for copies of the keys to your apartment, please remember to be careful. Providing keys to others could violate your safety and security, as well as the safety and security of your neighbors.

If replacement apartment keys are necessary, residents must contact the superintendent. Apartment keys may be replaced for a nominal fee.

Replacement keys for the front door are not easily obtained. These are special keys. The front door lock system is designed to provide you and your neighbors with maximum security.

Security is provided twenty-four hours, and a guard will answer the front door at all times. Residents and visitors do not need front door keys to access the building.

Only the manager may secure duplicate keys. These keys must be secured directly from the manufacturer and take as much as a month to be obtained. Front door keys may only be replaced on a case-by-case basis, and there is an expensive replacement charge.

Residents may install additional security locks on their apartment doors. However, residents must install additional locks at their own expense, and must install the locks with the knowledge and under the supervision of the building superintendent.

Once the additional locks are installed, the superintendent must be provided with keys to these locks. This is necessary in the event of an emergency or fire.

Residents who are permitted to park in the parking lots will be provided keys to the lots.

Residents who wish to enjoy the small garden sitting area in the back of the building should see the security guard on duty for the key.

Residents who wish to use the community room should see the superintendent for the key.

Laundry

Coin-operated on-site laundry facilitemes are available for residents in the basement 24 hours a day.

The machines are owned and operated by an outside firm. If the machines do not work properly, promptly report this to the superintendent, and/or call the laundry company's number posted in the laundry room. Refunds must be obtained directly from this company.

In order to provide the maximum convenience for all residents, clothing should be removed promptly from washers/dryers.

The Owner/Manager is not responsible for articles lost or damaged in the laundry room. To avoid possible loss or damage, closely watch items when machine are in use.

The laundry room is to be used by residents only.

No-one is allowed to play in this area.

Please leave the facility in a clean, orderly fashion so it will be neat for the next resident.

When using the laundry rooms late at night, please lock the door.

Lock outs

If you lock yourself out of your apartment, the superintendent must let you in.

Lock outs are not an emergency. If the superintendent is not available, you will have to wait until he/she is available to access your apartment.

Security cannot assist you, except in the case of an emergency. Security does not have keys to your apartment, and may only access keys in the event of an emergency.

In the event of an emergency lockout - a health and safety danger - call security at (999)999-9999. Security will call 911, and will also notify the superintendent and management.

The emergency key access system can be utilized under these circumstances. Security will access the emergency key, if necessary, to enable police, fire or other emergency personnel to enter an apartment.

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Mail

Your mailing address is 123 Fair Housing Way (YOUR APARTMENT NUMBER), New York, NY 112233.

Please make sure that senders include your apartment number on your mail. Your mail boxes and keys are assigned when you move in.

Mail boxes are located in the lobby on the first floor. Mail is delivered once a day. If you receive a package, the mail delivery person will leave a slip in your mail box. Please make arrangements with the post office for re-delivery. Packages may not be left with security at the front desk. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to have packages, furniture, equipment, etc. delivered to your apartment. Please notify security and the superintendent if you are expecting a delivery of a large item, such as furniture.

Notices

Resident notices are posted on the lobby bulletin board, on the elevator doors on each floor, the front entry area, the management office, hand-delivered and mailed.

Residents are encouraged to use the bulletin board for announcements and information. this is your bulletin board.

Orientation

All residents must participate in management's orientation program prior to and during move-in.

Orientation includes reading and understanding the provisions of your lease, all certification forms, HUD regulations and New York State law. These "House Rules" are a part of orientation. It is your responsibility to read and understand, and abide by, these rules.

Violation of these rules will result in warnings from management. If you receive too many warnings, you may endanger your rights and privileges as a resident and, in severe circumstances, can lose your subsidy and your apartment.

Peace and Enjoyment

Residents must not commit or permit any nuisance upon the premises, or any other act which may disturb the quiet enjoyment of another resident. Radios, stereos, TVS, and musical instruments should never be operated in a manner that will disturb others. TVS or radios should never be audible outside an apartment.

All sound equipment should be turned low after 10:00 pm, please.

Loud visitors or other excessive noise which may disturb other residents is not permitted.

Family gatherings and parties must be conducted peacefully and quietly.

Residents wishing to have large gatherings must contact management to discuss the possibility of using the community room for such events.

Pets

Residents are permitted to have pets subject to the limitations and requirements of the Pet Lease Addendum which state the Pet Rules, attached and a part of these "House Rules" and the provisions of your leases. Guests are not permitted to bring pets on the property while visitemng.

Playing and Loitering

All residents and visitors, including children, must abide by resident policies and be under the strict supervision of an adult resident.

When using building facilitemes all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult resident.

No-one, including children, is allowed to play or loiter in the garden area (for quiet sitting enjoyment only), entryways, hallways, stairways, lobby, laundry, community room, other building common areas, or parking lots or sidewalks.

Bicycle riding in the hallways, common areas, sidewalks or grounds is prohibited for safety reasons. Residents will be assessed damages caused to the building and apartments by their guests.

Rent

Rent is due on or before the first day of each month. Late fees may be assessed after the tenth day of each month.

If you do not pay your rent on time, you will receive notices from management, and management will meet with you to discuss and resolve the problem.

If you do not pay your rent for three months, and do not meet with management to resolve the problem, eviction proceedings will be initemated in accordance with State law.

Generally, management will schedule several days in the building to collect rents, for the residents convenience.

However, this is a courtesy. If management does not collect rents at the building, you must make sure that management receives your rent on time.

Rent payments may be delivered by mail or in person to:

Good Housing Co., 456 Service St., NY, NY 112233. The office is located between Community and Service Streets on the left side. Hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The office is located about one mile from Serendipity Senior Houses, and is on the No. 5 bus route.

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Renter's Insurance

For the most part, the building owner's insurance does not cover the tenants' personal property. The owner or manager are not liable for damage to the tenant's property if the damage was not caused by the owner's act or omission.

While there is no requirement that residents have renter's insurance, it is recommended you obtain Renter's Insurance to protect your property. You will want to weigh the costs and benefits of renter's insurance for your particular situation. The importance of comparison shopping cannot be overestimated. Rates and coverage will vary widely from company to company, so contact several different agencies. Look under "Insurance (Home)" in the yellow pages and begin telephoning insurance agencies. Here is a list of items you will want to check as you shop around:

Type of coverage:

Damage to your personal property from fire, smoke, vandalism, wind, hail, and water (caused by bursting pipes),
Theft of personal property on and off the premises, personal liability for lawsuits if, for example, your dog bites a neighbor or someone slips and falls in your apartment due to your negligence.

Amount of Coverage:

Cost and Deductibles -- The cost of a policy will depend on your living situation and is based on such factors as the number of apartments in your building, the construction of your building, whether you live alone or with others and your relationship to these other residents.

Non-insurable items -- Some companies will not insure certain items, such as stereos.

Repairs and Work Orders

management is responsible for the maintenance of the building and grounds, including common areas, and apartments and equipment (other than residents personal property).

For maintenance and repair requests, contact the superintendent, management, or place a written request in the "Suggestion Box" on the security desk in the lobby (see the security guard for suggestion forms).

Work orders are handled on a first-come-first-served basis in priority order based upon health and safety first; non-emergency repairs to equipment (including plumbing and electrical fixtures) and property, second; routine services which are annoying but not serious, third.

Resident Responsibility

management has the right to charge residents for repairs caused by their negligence or their guests. Residents will be informed before completing the repair if the charge will be the responsibility of the resident, the cost of the repair, and payment arrangements.

Repairs or projects relating to your personal property are your responsibility. The superintendent may be able to assist you with recommendations or assistance for personal work.

Residents are not permitted to make alterations to their apartments.

Any resident who causes a fire or damages an apartment due to the resident's negligence is responsible for the damage to the apartment.

Residents must report apartment damage promptly, and make arrangements with the superintendent to take care of the damage right away.

The Owner's insurance does not cover any resident belongings.

Resident Organizing

The owner and manager strongly support tenant organization. The manager, as a part of its community service, is involved in community tenant organizing and support services. Organizing is the best way for tenants to gain collective negotiating power, to share the responsibility of tenant action, make meaningful decisions about managing and maintaining the building. By working together as a group, tenants can share the work.

The best, easiest, most effective and most reliable way to make changes in your building is with an active, well organized tenants union.

It is a good idea to concentrate initemally on resolving a specific problem or meeting a specific need pertinent to the majority of the residents in their everyday lives. Try to use a committee structure for leadership, since this will prevent many different kinds of problems that come up when a single person is the leader. Make flyers to announce each meeting and be sure to put one under each resident's door as well as in common areas. Build an internal structure and a unity of strategy.

Educate yourselves about the need for direct participation is necessary to solve problems and produce resident strategies and long term group goals.

Meet with management at least monthly to discuss and decide problems and issues.

Smoking

No smoking is allowed in the common areas of the building, including the lobby, halls, stairways, community rooms, elevator, laundry or bathrooms.

Smokers must leave their apartment doors closed to ensure that smoke does not permeate the hallways.

Smokers are urged to use air filters and other devices to reduce damage to the apartments.

Residents who require that oxygen be stored in their apartments are not allowed to smoke in their apartments, or permit others to smoke. Smoking around oxygen is extremely dangerous.

Trash and Cleaning

Trash Disposal

Please dispose of trash in the containers provided for this purpose located in the basement.

Please be sure to recycle, in accordance with the City's requirements, and dispose of bottles, newspapers and cans in the appropriate containers in the basement. Flatten or break all cartons or boxes.

Items too large to fit in the trash containers must be removed from your apartment with the assistance of the superintendent.

Trash or boxes or any other refuse may not be left in hallways.

Littering in the building or on the grounds is prohibited.

Please ask the superintendent for assistance with trash disposal rules.

Cleaning

Apartments are clean and in good working order when residents move in.

Residents are responsible for keeping their apartments clean and orderly. In the event of health and safety violations caused by residents negligence, management may have the apartments cleaned. Residents will be charged if this occurs.

Utilitemes

Heat is included in your rent, however, you are required to pay for electric and cooking gas used in your apartment.

You must contact Always Light Utility Co. to establish an account. The superintendent will assist you with the information you need to provide to the utility company.

Apartment fixtures should have working light bulbs when you move in. Afterwards, you are responsible for replacing light bulbs.

If you wish to have telephone service, you must contact Always Connected Phone Co. and establish an account for telephone service. If you need assistance, please contact the superintendent.

Please conserve energy. Please don't leave lights or appliances on when you are not home (except those required for security). Unplug lights and appliances when you are away for an extended period of time. Promptly report drips, leaks, heating, appliance, and other maintenance problems to the superintendent. Please cooperate in keeping heating and utility costs down.

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Visitors and Live-In Aides

Visitors

Residents are responsible for their guests' conduct and adherence to all policies. Visitors must comply with the "House Rules". Residents must prohibit guests from visitemng who do not comply with the "House Rules".

Generally, residents may allow guests to remain overnight for no more than a two-week visit.

Exceptions, such as in the case of resident illness, are made on a case-by-case basis by management.

If you are expecting an overnight guest, you must notify security of the visitor's name and length of stay.

If you need an exception to the two-week visit policy, you must contact management and receive permission for longer overnight visitors.

Failure to notify security of a short-term (two weeks or less) visitor can result in security reporting to management that you have an unauthorized visitor.

Failure to request management's permission for a longer-term (more than two weeks) visitor can result in violations of the provisions of your lease, and can constitute a serious infraction of house rules. HUD regulations require that only eligible and authorized residents may live at Serendipity Senior Houses.

If residents violate the HUD occupancy rules by permitting unauthorized residents to live in the building, they risk losing their subsidies and their apartments.

Live-In Health Aides

If a physician decides that a resident requires a part-time or live-in aide to assist the family or household in fully discharging the responsibilitemes of tenancy, residents must follow certain rules and procedures:

management must be provided with the physician's authorization, and other required documentation;

management and HUD must determine that the resident meets the qualifications of a part-time or live-in aide;

In the case of a live-in aide, the tenant(s) must sign a lease addendum (Live-In Aide agreement) to the lease, which specifies the conditemons and specifications under which the aide may reside in the building.

Violations

Residents causing or responsible for violations to the "House Rules" will first be issued verbal warnings, followed by written warnings, and meetings with management. Serious and continued violations of the "House Rules" can result in eviction procedures under both HUD regulations and New York State law.

Window guards and decorations/alterations

Window guards have been installed in accordance with Federal and State requirements.

However, if you wish additional window guards, or do not have them, and wish them, you are entitled to have them. Please contact the superintendent.

You may hang curtains and/or draperies in your windows, but may not paint your windows in lieu of curtains.

To maintain aesthetic beauty, and keep residents safe, please do not hang clothing, towels, and blankets on window sills/ledges, or fire escapes. Door decorations are permitted. Residents may not store or keep belongings outside their apartments in the halls. Bicycles and other equipment must be kept in apartments.

Residents are not permitted to install washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and air conditemoners in the apartments.

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