Tenants are responsible for replacing light bulbs as needed. 

If you are unsure what bulb to purchase, you can take the old one with you to Lowe's, Ace, Walmart, etc. and they will be able to get you the proper replacement. Standard light bulbs should be replaced with 60 watt daylight bulbs.

Never use a regular light bulb in an appliance!

Video Link How To Remove A Dome Light Fixture

If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

Our maintenance staff will only replace fluorescent, candelabra, disk lights, and appliance light bulbs at no charge. They will also replace a bulb that is extremely high (lofted units or vaulted ceilings only).

Tenants are responsible for replacing batteries as needed. Batteries can be found in smoke detectors, door keypads, thermostats, TV remotes, garage key pads, garage remotes, etc. You can take out the old battery to see what it needs replaced with, most are AA or 9V batteries.

Video Link How To Replace Door Code Batteries

Video Link How To Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

Video Link How To Replace Thermostat Batteries

If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

If your smoke detector is chirping or beeping that means the battery needs to be replaced.

Do not tamper with, disable, or deliberately remove smoke detectors. Any detectors found as such or missing entirely will be subject to a charge to repair or replace them. 

Fridge filters (if applicable) we provide the appliance but if the tenants would like filtered water it is their responsibility to provide/replace the filter as needed. You can remove the old filter, take a picture, go to Lowe's/Menards/Ace/Amazon/etc. to get the corresponding replacement.

If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

It is your responsibility to have ALL keys on you at all times when leaving the apartment. This includes building keys/fobs, unit keys, laundry keys, mail keys, etc. Even if your unit has a coded lock you should always have your key on you in case the batteries die. It is your responsibility to know all ways to access your building (key/fob, code, call in, etc). If you are locked out of the building or your unit, we will come let you in, but you will be charged. If you are locked out after business hours, the rate is increased. Our on call staff charges us every time they pick up the phone for an after hours call.

If your fob is not working, check it on all doors first so we can narrow the problem down. Call our office first, we will need the 5 digit number on the back to troubleshoot the system. You also have access to a building code that can be used if your fob is not working. At some properties you can also call yourself into the building by finding your name and dialing on the call box.

If you lose your fob/key there is a replacement fee. If you lose one of these contact the office and we will get you a new one. Make sure you call us immediately, do not wait until the end of the day if you lose it. Do not copy your keys yourself.

If your stove model has drip pans it is your responsibility to clean these regularly or replace them. If you clean them regularly they should not need to be replaced. If they are not cleaned regularly they will build up grease/debris  which can cause a fire. If you chose to replace them this is your responsibility to purchase, they can be found at Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Menards, Amazon, etc. 

Video Link How To Replace Drip Pans

If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

If you have a front loading washing machine there is a gray rubber boot seal in your machine. This should be checked (catches coings, socks, etc) and cleaned regularly. Because it is made to catch objects it can also collect water causing moisture. This should be checked and wiped after every cycle to avoid moisture build up. We also recommend leaving the washing machine door open when not in use to allow ventilation. Failure to do this regularly will cause build up. If the build up gets bad enough it will no longer able to be cleaned and will cause the part to need replaced, which is extremely costly.

If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

Tenants are responsible for pests when they are only found in their unit and not surrounding units or when pests are discovered as a result from tenant's activities (liquor bottles above cabinets can be a big culprit). Ant traps, ant spray, wasp spray, etc. can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Lowe's, etc. If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

This applies to birds as well if you have a patio/deck. It is the tenant's responsibility to clean their patio/deck area regularly like their unit. If you submit a mainteanance request for it, a charge will be added to your portal including labor and parts for the request.

 If there is a bird nest on your patio or deck maintenance will remove it for no charge (keep in mind that if there are eggs in the nest they will have to wait until they have hatched due to DNR restrictions).

Internet is not handled by maintenance, but by the provider itself. Please contact the appropriate provider listed above and in your welcome packet. Many of the providers provide outage maps on their website as well that you might want to check prior to calling them. If you have a technician at your apartment during business hours that needs approval from management please call the office so we can approve what is needed while they are there.

Do not submit internet issues as a maintenance request.

Do not call the emergency number regarding internet or you are at risk of being charged back.

If you have a utility outage (electricity, water, gas), that is not something our team can fix. The utility provider will be the one working to get the service back up and running. You can check their website for outage maps if one occurs in the area! If there is not an outage check that your bill has been paid and your account is in good standing. If you have an electricity outage check your breaker box to make sure no breakers are tripped as well as GFI outlets to make sure they don't need to be reset. 

The City of Ames flushes hydrants once or twice a year. They will post about this on their social media accounts. When this happens it will cause your water to be discolored. Run cold water through your tap until it comes out clear then you can resume normal use. 

Utilities you are responsible for (you can check your lease agreement) should be in your name for the entirety of the lease. Even if you are gone, or on vacation utilities must stay on! If you do not have utilities set up under your name, or turn them off during your lease term and it goes into our account you will receive a utility charge including an administrative fee. 

Unique Apartment Homes is not responsible for any mail/packages including lost or stolen packages. 

Carriers will place packages by the mailboxes or your unit door. Each carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc) delivers items differently. Make sure to include delivery instructions as this helps with correct deliveries. We also highly recommend deleting any old addresses through any delivery services/providers to avoid sending something to the wrong address. If you are unable to locate your package you must check with the carrier, we are unable to assist you. If you get a package delivered to you that is not yours please contact the carrier service or place it in the mailbox area. 

Make sure you have notified the post office with your address.There may be pieces of mail that get sent to you throughout the lease year that are not addressed to you. If you do receive items in the mail that are not yours pleae write "DOES NOT RESIDE AT THIS ADDRESS RETURN TO SENDER" on the piece of mail and drop it in the outgoing mail box. If there are multiple items you can repeat this per item or bundle them together and take them to the post office. 

Parking is dependent on the property you live at. Information regarding your parking was provided at move in. Parking information can also be found in your lease. 

Some properties have designated visitor parking while others do not. This information was also provided at move in. It is your responsibility to inform visitors where to correclty park. 

Any person, tenant or visitor, parked incorrectly is at risk of being towed at their own expense. Tenants are able to call the towing company for vehicles parked incorrectly. Unique Apartment Homes does not tow and is not responsible for towing, you will need to contact the towing company directly. Central Iowa Towing 515-290-4188.

At the majority of our properties snow removal is included in your lease (you can always double check through the online portal). Depending on the type of snow fall, wind conditions, etc. crews may go out while it is snowing and complete multiple trips, or they may wait until it has completed snowing. They take care of the lot & sidewalks. They are not able to clean out every individual space and will not clear in between cars parked in the lot. We recommend you have a shovel available if needed during blizzards. After heavy snow falls/blizzards you may be notified to move your vehicle for an alloted time frame in order for snow removal crews to clean up the lot and remove as much snow as possible while it is cleared out. 

If you have a garage, it is the tenant's responsibility to change remote and keypad batteries. 

We recommend keeping your remote on you at all times, especially in the winter! When the keypads get cold, especially in extremlely low temperatures, they get very finicky and sometimes do not work. It is important to keep your remote on you so you will still have access to your garage!

The Mortensen Heights pool is accessible to Mortensen Heights tenants only. The estimated opening seasong is Memorial Day and the estimated closing season is Labor Day. This is fully dependent on weather and other conditions and is subject to change at any time. The pool hours are 10am-7pm.

It must be a minimum of 70 degrees outside in order for the pool to be open, if the temperature is lower than 70 degrees the pool will be closed until it warms up.

Chemical levels must be in an acceptable range in order for the pool to be open. Levels can become unbalanced if it rains, something is spilled in the pool, etc. The pool will automatically be closed if it is or beings to rain at the start of the day. Once the rain has stopped our pool team will assess and regulate the chemical levels, once they have reached a safe range the pool will be reopened. 

Glass is not allowed inside the pool area. If glass falls into the pool the entire pool must be drained to remove glass then completely refilled. 

Pool rules are listed in your lease agreement, a reminder is sent to tenants prior to the pool opening, and they are posted at the pool itself. These must be followed at all times. 

Do not call emergency maintenance regarding the pool, it is not an emergency and would only be shut down due to one of the above reasons or rule violations. If you call emergency maintenance regarding the pool you are at risk of being charged.

Each apartment needs to purchase a plunger to have on hand and ready if/when needed. (You will be charged for maintenance if only a routine plunging is needed).

Video Link How to Plunge A Toilet

Toilet paper is the only acceptable product to flush through the system. Do NOT flush any sanitary napkins, diapers, wipes, facial tissues, cotton swabs, etc. or you will be charged for maintenance if these products cause a sewer backup.

If your toilet is running excessively, contact us right away so we can repair the issue and avoid excessive bills!

If your toilet is running and is going to overflow turn off the valve attached to the wall connecting the toilet to the water line. This will prevent the toilet from overflowing until the blockage can be removed. 

Video Link What To Do If Your Toilet Is Overflowing

Make sure you are cleaning the entire toilet (including the bowl & base) regularly to avoid mold and build up in your toilet causing possible damages or repairs needed.

If your toilet is running continuously and you neglect to notify the office or submit a maintenance request you are at risk of being charged the difference in the water bill due to high water usage.

The proper way to use your garbage disposal is to clear off the plate and remove ALL large food items, and as many food items as possible. The garbage disposal is only for small amounts/pieces of food. ALWAYS turn on your water, and run it into the correct sink before turning the disposal on. Once water is turned on and running then turn on your garbage disposal. When you are done turn the disposal off first, then turn the water off.

You will be charged back for maintenance if any foreign objects or excessive amounts of food have been jammed into the disposal. (Examples include: fats & greases, oils, bones, excessive pasta or rice, fibrous food waste, fruit peels, glass, silverware, etc)

If your garbage disposal is not working and is not clogged, check your breaker box first to make sure it has not tripped. Then reset the garbage disposal by going into the cabinet under your sink and pressing the reset button. If it is still not working then submit your request to maintenance.

Video Link How To Use Your Thermostat

Do NOT run your air conditioning when the outside temperatures are below 65 degrees! This will cause the lines to freeze up and will result in hefty charges to repair/replace the unit which is thousands of dollars. Open your window, and run your fans instead!

When running your system make sure it is on AUTO not ON. By leaving the system in the ON position it will run continuously causing higher billers, and excessive use of the equipment. 

When running your heat your thermostat should not be set above 75 degrees. 

If one room in your apartment is colder than the others make sure you are leaving the door open. Air/heat cannot flow into the bedroom when the door is closed and the temperature will not regulate properly. 

If your heating & cooling is not working, check your thermostat and make sure that batteries are not dead, if they are please replace them first. If it is still not working submit it into maintenance right away. 

We try our best to repair the issue as fast as possible. Air conditioning is not considered an emergency, please do not call the emergency number regarding no A/C. No heat in cold temperature is considered an emergency.

If we have to call a subcontractor we are at the mercy of their schedules, as well as weather (units cannot be worked on when raining). We also cannot control how long it may take if we need to order parts. We have a great relationship with our subcontactors and they will still do their best to get us on their schedule within 24-48 hours. 

Tenants must shut windows any time it rains, snows, or there are high winds. Leaving them open can cause leaks, rotting, mold/condensation, or damage from wind. 

Make sure you are closing them properly and not pushing too hard causing the locks to break. Do not engage the lock until the window is fully shut as far down as it can go. If you engage the lock before the window is shut it will leave a gap in the window, or cause the lock to break. Once you have shut and locked your window test it by trying to lift up and see if it still opens, if it does it has not been closed properly.

Be careful with pets (if applicable) to not damage screens or blinds. Make sure you are using the blinds properly, especially the slat style. Slat style blinds should be in the open position before moving them to the side. (If blinds are broken from misuse or damage you will be charged back for replacements).

Video Link How To Use Vertical Blinds

In extremely cold temperatures (negative) windows can become frozen shut. Please do not attempt to open them until they are thawed. Your windows will become colder, you can place a blanket or towel around them to help prevent drafts!

It is the tenants responsibility to use and take proper care of the appliances, if not you are at risk of applicable fees to replace parts or the unit itself. 

If one of your appliances is not working, check your breakers first to make sure none are tripped. 

Make sure to submit a maintenance request immediately, do not continue to use if it is not working properly as more damage may be caused. 

Always rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher and if using regular dish soap be sure to rinse the soap off thoroughly.

Make sure to always use dishwashing detergent only! We recommend Finish Quantum or Cascade. Do not use regular dish soap or it will cause suds and leaking!

Be sure items/food do not get stuck in the bottom of the dishwasher. This can cause drainage issues regarding chunks of food and burning of dishware or the appliance itself. 

If your dishwasher is not working/not cleaning very well, check the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher. You can search a YouTube video for how to find this/take it out as it varies slightly between brands/models. Usually they are in the bottom towards the center and there is a small cap you need to twist off before removing. This gets clogged with food/debris and should be cleaned occassionally. 

Video Link How To Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

It also helps to run a cleaner (we recommend the Glisten dishwashing cleaner) every once in a while to make sure the appliance is clean and working as well as it should!

Make sure that the inside and outside of your fridge is clean. There are vents on the bottom of the front side and/or on the back of the appliance that get dusty and can obstruct airflow. Not cleaning the interior can result in stains or smells. 

Do not over stock your fridge or freezer, this can block your interior vents and prevents proper air circulation as well as prevents the correct cooling temperatures. 

Do not slam the doors or drawers of the fridge. The drawers are made of plastic and break easily when not used correctly. If these are broken and require replacement you are at risk of being charged. Also make sure to not overload your side shelves with too much and be sure to shut drawers before closing the door. 

We provide the appliance but if the tenants would like filtered water it is their responsibility to provide/replace the filter as needed.

Clean this appliance as you go and on a regular basis! If grease, oil, or food continues to build up and harden over time it is very difficult to clean/remove. (We recommend Easy Off Oven Cleaner! Spray it, leave it for 10 minutes, use warm water to wipe the cleaner out, then dry with towels/paper towels.) Oven liners for the bottom are also a great idea and are very inexpensive! Don't forget to clean the racks as grease builds up on those as well!

Always be sure to turn your oven off immediately after using it. If you cause a fire you are responsible for any damage to your unit, other units, or the building. 

Never slam the oven door as it can cause the inner pieces to break. 

Do not replace a burnt out oven light bulb with a regular light bulb. There are specific appliance light bulbs used to replace these.

Keep your stove top clean throughout the year! As food, grease, or oil continues to build and dry up the harder it is to clean! This also often results in burn marks (on flat tops) that are unable to be cleaned up. If you have drip pans make sure you clean or replace them regularly or it could cause a fire. Stove tops with drip pans also lift up, so make sure you regularly clean underneath as well. 

Video Link How To Clean Under Your Stove Top

DO NOT use steel wool for cleaning! This causes scratches that are unable to be repaired/cleaned out. We recommend CermaBryte (glass top only), they sell kits that work great!

If you have an older model and take the burners out for cleaning, make sure you re-install them all the way back in and correctly or they may not turn on. 

Your vent/exhaust above your stove has a filter that may require cleaning occassionally for better use and ventilation. If you have a microwave above the stove it is located under the microwave.

 If you cause a fire you are responsible for any damage to your unit, other units, or the building. 

If your microwave stops running please check your breaker box for a tripped breaker before submitting a maintenance request. 

Never place aluminum or metal in the microwave. This may cause a fire or explosion!

Video Link How To Clean Your Microwave Filter

Washer

• Overfilling your washing machine is the largest error we see. This can cause leaking, spin cycles not to work, belts to break, and your machine may get off balance and stop the cycle completely. It also prevents clothes from getting thoroughly cleaned. 
• If your machine is shaking or making a loud noise check to make sure it is not out of balance. Take some clothes out if needed, rearrange them then start the cycle again. 
• Make sure you are regularly cleaning the machine. Wipe down the exterior, lid, interior, seal, and detergent trays. With front loaders especially, mold can easily grow on the lid/seal so make sure you wipe that down regularly. We recommend leaving it open when not in use to prevent moisture build up. We recommend Affresh  for cleaning the inside!
• Video Link How to Use & Maintain Your Washer

Dryer

• Do not overfill your dryer! They will not dry/tumble properly in one cycle and it can cause the belts to go bad very quickly. 
• Make sure you are cleaning the machine regularly! Dryers especially collect a lot of lint that can clog the machine and it will not dry properly. Clean the lint filter after every cycle. Clean the vent in the inside of the machine towards the back regularly. Clean out the dryer vent on the back of the machine itself, if your clothes aren't drying properly. If you have pets you will need to do this very frequently as hair builds up very fast.
• Video Link How to Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap

Tenants are responsible for cleaning and maintaining their unit at all times. This includes vacuuming carpet, cleaning kitchens & bathrooms regularly, etc. If this is not done it can cause permanant staining, mold, etc. If we see that an apartment is excessively dirty and needs to be cleaned we will notify the tenants and come back for a reinspection in a few days or the following week.

The return air vent cover should be cleaned multiple times a year. Use a vacuum hose attachment and/or microfiber cloth. We will change the air filter itself 3-4 times a year.

Excessive trash in the apartment can lead to pest issues. Make sure to remove your trash regularly. Trash should never be left in the hallway, patios/decks, etc. Do not leave cans/bottles for a long period of time unless they have been washed out (wash them thoroughly if you plan on using them as decorations). Check your trash for leaking & double bag if needed before leaving your apartment. If it leaks onto the hallway carpet it will require the carpet to be cleaned and you may incur a chargeback for this. All trash should be placed INSIDE the dumpster, not on top or surrounding the dumpster, and the lid should be shut. When the lid is left open outdoor critters can find a way inside and get stuck.

Painting in your apartment is not allowed. 

Links to videos with tips & how tos are included in the above sections! Here are links to additional videos with helpful tips:

Video Link How to Tighten Your Cabinet Knobs

Video Link How to Install Shower Rods(Tenant is reponsible for providing them)

Video Link How to Fix a Leak From Your Kitchen Faucet Head

Video Link How to Fix a Leak Under Your Kitchen Sink

Video Link How To Check/Reset A Tripped Breaker

Video Link Exhaust Fans