Although most maintenance requests are of a non-emergency nature and can be taken care of during business hours, you may eventually encounter an emergency situation in your unit during non-business hours. If this occurs, please call our janitorial staff: 708-878-6403
It should be noted that emergencies are very specifically defined.

The following situations warrant an emergency:

1. No heat. Please note that lack of air conditioning is NOT considered an emergency.

2. No water. If water that won’t run or won’t stop flowing, a burst pipe, a clogged drain that is causing a water back up.

3. No electricity. If ALL power is out to your unit and you do not have access to the electric panel it will be considered an emergency. Partial power loss, is not considered an after hours emergency, but will be addressed Monday-Friday 9:00 -5:00.

4. Exposed live electrical wires.

5. Burglary/break-in for which police have been called or which has rendered your apartment unsecured. (call 911 first). *See “LOCK OUTS AND BREAK-INS” additional important information.

6. Fire. which requires assistance from the fire department and has left your apartment unsecured. (call 911 first)

7. Gas leak.

If you are locked out during business hours, someone may be able to let you in. If it is not possible for someone from our office to let you in, or if you are locked out on a weekend or holiday, you must contact a locksmith in order to gain access to your apartment. This is at your expense. If any property (window, door, lock, etc.) is damaged as a result of your attempt to regain access to your apartment, it will be repaired at your expense. If locks are changed by someone outside of Oak Park Property Management so that we no longer a key or the lock is no longer mastered, the cost of correcting this will be yours. Most unit keys can be copied so make a spare set.

Cold Weather
When leaving town for the holidays or vacationing during winter, DO NOT TURN YOUR HEAT OFF WHEN YOU LEAVE! It is very important that the heat remains on in case of extremely cold weather to insure that the pipes do not freeze and burst. You should not set your thermostat any lower than 55 degrees.

If the temperature drop below zero degrees, some precautions should be taken to prevent the freezing of pipes, particularly if your kitchen or bathroom plumbing runs along an exterior wall. You should leave your kitchen and bathroom sinks cabinet doors open in order to allow the circulation of warm air around the pipes.

For the most efficient heating, change (if a paper filter) or clean your furnace filter regularly. Dust and dirt causes a furnace to work harder, consume more energy and eventually stop working.

If your apartment has a wood-burning fireplace, when not in use close the flue when it is not in use to prevent drafts.

Make sure you do not leave your window A/C unit installed in any windows during the winter months.

Heat
FURNACE HEAT: If you have gas forced-air heat, you are required to change your filter every other month. This will help the furnace run more efficiently (and save you utility costs and keep your unit cleaner). The filter is usually located either in the fan compartment or in the access panel to the cold air duct. Before buying the filters, confirm the size you need. It is of no use if it not the correct filter size. You can ask your manager for help if you cannot locate the filter.

Do NOT store anything in the furnace closet. It is a fire safety issue.

RADIATOR HEAT: If you have radiator heat, your heat cycles on and off regularly. Your radiators will not necessarily always be hot. If you are too warm and want to turn a radiator off (they can not be turned down, just on or off) then turn the valve to the left (counter-clockwise) to turn it ON and turn the valve to the right (clockwise) to turn it OFF. This should not be done when the radiator is hot or running or warm because water may get trapped in the radiator and cause it to make banging noises when it is on. Please report all radiator leaks to maintenance immediately. It may only be a little bit of water on your floor by the valve, but it can make a very big mess in the unit downstairs.

City of Chicago Heat Ordinance requires that from September 15 to June 1, residential units must be supplied with heat in order to achieve the following minimum temperatures:

68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Lockouts
If you accidentally lock yourself out of your apartment during office hours and require onsite assistance, we will charge you an entry fee, per occurrence. This fee will be automatically charged to your account and will need to be paid with the following month’s rent.

By company policy, our maintenance department is not required to unlock your door outside office hours. However, we will help if the on-call maintenance tech is available. You will need to show photo identification. We will not be able to change locks at this time, but we can give you access to your unit. There will be a charge of $125 after-hour lock out fee, which will be charged to your rental account and must be paid with the following month’s rent. You also have the option of calling an outside locksmith, but you must notify us of any lock/key change made by the outside locksmith.

Please be aware that if you break a window or damage the door while attempting to gain entry, we will charge you for any repairs necessary. If you have lock, window or door damage due to a burglary, you will not be charged for the repair BUT YOU MUST HAVE A POLICE REPORT showing the incident. We will not be able to do any repair or lock change before the police have come to make the report and looked for fingerprints (if fingerprinting is required).

If you lose your keys and a lock change is necessary for your own or for building security, you will be charged $65.00 per lock. If we must change a building lock (street door) in order to assure building security because you have lost keys, you will be charged. HOWEVER, if you are locked out because of a malfunctioning lock system, not due to abuse, this is an emergency and you will not be charged.

There is a fee to replace any lost keys. If a mailbox lock change is required in order to give you a mail key, there will be a charge for new lock and key.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The Chicago Fire Code and your lease state that we must supply fire safety devices (smoke/CO2 detectors) in the common areas of the property and in each apartment. Please note: you are responsible for changing the battery to the detector in your unit as needed. Please change your batteries every day light savings time, or when it begins to chirp. It is also smart to test the unit is operating properly occasionally by pressing the test button on the face of the detector. Please report any malfunctioning detectors in your unit or chirping detectors in the public areas of the building to maintenance.

Air Conditioning
If your unit has central A/C, is a good idea to run the fan on “AUTO” (continuous running) while the A/C is on. Make sure you have changed your furnace filter. A clogged condensate line is usually caused by dust and can create leaking around your furnace and in the ceiling of the unit below or cause you’re A/C to stop working. Please report any leaking to maintenance immediately.

With window or sleeve A/C units, always leave the vent in the “CLOSED” position. Rinse the filter monthly during periods of heavy use. Make sure the unit is secure and is tilted toward the outdoors. The water from the condensation must not leak into the unit on the floor, window ledge, or down the outside front of the building.

Oak Park Property Management can install window A/C units for you to make sure they are done correctly. There is a minimal $35 charge per unit for this service. Please just place your request with the maintenance department. You will need to leave the A/C unit in front of the window you want us to install it in.

Security
It is important for you to be security conscious. Make sure vestibule doors and gates are closed and locked behind you. Do not hold open the door for unfamiliar people. Do not buzz people in without know who it is. Report all lock problems to the maintenance dept. Always lock both locks on your apartment doors when you leave, knob and deadbolt. If you live in a garden or first floor apartment, be sure to lock your windows.

Our maintenance crew is required to lock all locks when leaving a unit so make sure you have all your door keys with you. We will not be responsible for any lockouts as a result of maintenance work being done. If any of your locks are difficult to operate, or if you’ve lost a key to one of your locks, report this to maintenance so you don’t get locked out.

One of the best security measures is the tenant’s awareness and concern for the property that they live in. Report all suspicious persons to our office and the police. Make sure all windows and doors remain locked and have closed securely behind you. Though we install industry-approved lock systems, a professional thief can overcome any targeted areas. Don’t make it easier for them. Report all security issues to the maintenance department immediately.

Subleasing
Your lease is a signed legal document that holds you responsible for all rent monies from the beginning to the end of your lease term. If you wish to sublet your apartment, it is your responsibility to find a sub-tenant. The sub-tenant(s) will be required to fill out a credit application and pay the non-refundable $40.00 application fee. If the prospective sub-tenant is accepted they will be required to sign a sub-tenant agreement. The original tenant named on the lease will be held responsible for rent payments if at any time the sub-tenant becomes delinquent on rental payments or damages the property. At the end of the original lease, if the sub-tenant stays, the sub-tenant will be required to sign a new lease. The landlord has final consent for subleasing.

Decorating and Alterations
Tenants are not allowed to paint or alter the apartment without the landlord’s consent. No alterations to plumbing or electrical fixtures are permitted. Locks may not be changed unless we agree in writing, in which case you must provide us with a key. We will not enter your apartment without your requesting maintenance or notifying you in advance, except in cases of emergency in which you can't be reached.

Pictures should be hung with hanger sets that have thin nails. Do not nail or screw anything into the woodwork. Please do not use the glue-on variety because they may damage the surface of the wall when they are removed.

Exterminating
We strive to keep our building pest free. As a preventative measure, please remember:

• Take out your garbage regularly, making sure all bags are properly closed.

• Never leave trash bags outside your door for any amount of time.

• Do not leave food and dirty dishes out.

• Cardboard boxes and paper bags should be recycled or disposed of.

• Clean cat litter box daily.

• Pick up and properly dispose your dog’s waste immediately.

Should you require exterminating services, please note the following:

• All requests should be made directly to the maintenance department, please provide as many details as possible.

• Exterminating services are rendered by a professional company. You will receive a follow-up call from the exterminator to schedule an appointment.

• Please do not try to resolve Bed Bug issues on your own. By city code you must notify us within 10 days of bedbug sighting. Please, call the maintenance dept. right away and we will work with you to resolve the issue.

TOILETS: Please DO NOT use toilet bowl cleaners that must be submerged into the tank. They harm the plumbing, causing the tank to leak from underneath. If your toilet is clogged, first try plunging it. Toilet paper is the only paper product that can be flushed. NEVER put tampons, sanitary napkins, empty toilet paper rolls, flushable wipes (they are NOT flushable), grease, or other objects down the toilet - toilet paper only! If a plumbing problem is determined to have been caused by you or someone in your unit, you will be charged for the repair and clean-up.

SINKS: Pouring boiling water down your drains followed by a ½ cup of bleach and wait 15 min. before using the drain again can help keep your drain line clear. If your drain is already clogged, please DO NOT use harsh chemicals like Draino. Report stopped up drain to the maintenance department before the problem is urgent. NEVER pour grease down any drain. Instead, pour it into a can, cover it, let it harden in the freezer so it can be disposed of in the trash can.

STOVES: Newer gas stoves have electric pilot ignitions. Older stoves have a standing pilot flame under the top burner panel and/or at the back of the broiler. If you smell gas, be sure these pilots are lit. If they are lit and you still smell gas, shut the gas valve off at the back of the appliance and report the appliance to the maintenance department. If you are unable to turn the valve, call the emergency line.

DISHWASHERS: Rinse or wipe excess food from your dishes before loading them to help prevent clogs in the drain line and motor. Remember - it is a dishwasher, not a disposal. We recommend using a name-brand dishwashing detergent. Cheaper varieties do not dissolve as effectively and tend to “gum up” in the dishwasher. NEVER use laundry soap or detergent not specifically meant for a dishwasher or you will have a mess on your hands.

REFRIGERATORS: If your refrigerator stops working or is not working well, report this to maintenance right away. We can get you a small, temporary fridge for essentials. Appliances usually need to be repaired by outside contractors, whose schedules we don’t dictate. In the meantime, your refrigerator can still keep things cold if you put a few bags of ice inside it and are careful not to open the door any more than necessary.

Cable and Satellite
No cable lines or TV dishes can be attached to the building facade. This includes all areas with “face” brick (the front of the building at the sidewalk or inside courtyards). Some buildings are pre-wired so that no additional wires need to be installed at all. Please check with your manager ahead of time.

If the installation of a dish is allowed in your building (most properties don’t allow them), there are particular installation guide lines that must be followed. Please contact your property manager for this paperwork. You will need to remove the dish when you move out. There will be a charge for any dishes left for Oak Park Property Management to remove or damage caused by the installation or removal of the dish.


Entrances and Exits
Do not block or obstruct any door or entrance with bicycles, toys, strollers or other personal property. Throw rugs, boots, umbrellas and the like are not allowed in the common hallways. Please keep them inside your unit.

Window Storms and screens
All window coverings are to be neutral for the benefit of the exterior appearance of the building. This means no bed sheets, blankets, aluminum foil, or newspaper can be used to cover the windows. No signs, advertisements, notices or other lettering can be affixed to any part of the building without the written consent of the management and/or owner.

In certain buildings, you have been provided with blinds. You will be responsible for their cleaning, maintenance and any damages incurred to them. Severely damaged blinds are an eye sore to the property’s appearance must be replaced. Please report damage to the maintenance dept. If the damage is due to misuse, the blind will be replaced at the tenant’s expense.

Window screens are provided. All window and door screens are the tenant’s responsibility to maintenance. There is a charge for any screen repair of damage beyond standard wear and tear.

Do not remove screens, instead push them up to the top of the window unit if you need a fully open window. If the inserts are hard to move, spray WD-40 lubricant on the tracks and notches.

Noise and Other Disturbances
Social and friendly gatherings of residents and their guests are welcomed, provided that such events do not become loud, obscene, destructive or generally obnoxious to your neighbors. Loud stereos, televisions, radios and load visitors are not allowed and can be subject to a visit from the local police department.

Laundry Facilities
For your convenience, some of our buildings have laundry facilities. For everyone’s benefit, please follow these guidelines:

• Do not overload the washer. Your clothes may get tangled in the motor or wedged in the machine damaging your clothes and the machine.

• Do not force a coin slide if you find it difficult to slide. Forcing it will jamb the slide, putting the machine out of order for the next several days. Instead, place a maintenance request. We can usually be out the following day.

• Do not leave any laundry room doors or windows open, even slightly. This is for security and, during the winter, to prevent freezing water lines which can put the machines out of order out of order for several days.

• Do not use nickels, slugs, bus tokens, bent or foreign coins instead of quarters. This will jam the machine, causing it to be out of order for the next several days.

*IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT PUT IN A REQUEST ONLINE; instead, call 708-878-6403 to speak to the janitorial staff. We are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to address any and all emergency situation.

Please see the videos below to help with non-emergency issues: