Resources

Q: What is a "management company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?

A: A management company is contracted by the Board of Trustees to provide such services as: collection of condominium fees and other assessments, supervision of subcontractors, obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with homeowners and the Board of Trustees and to serve in an advisory capacity. The management company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees. Emerson Gardens is professionally managed by Rickman Management and may be reached online through the Contact Us page on this site.

 

Q: What is a homeowner's association?

A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Trustees. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&R's, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Community Documents page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

 

Q: What are the CC&R'S?

A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&R's were recorded as Exhibit A: The Condominium Rules & Regulations of the Emerson Gardens Condominium Association by the Middlesex County Registry of Deeds and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&R's may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Community Documents page of this site.

 

Q: What are the Bylaws?

A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit Association. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Trustees, the terms of the Trustees, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association.

 

Q: What is the Board of Trustees?

A: The Condominium Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body is required to oversee its business. The Board of Trustees is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The Board of Trustees makes all decisions regarding the Association.  The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Trustees is outlined in the Association governing documents found within the Community Documents page of this site.

 

Q: Are there any other rules?

A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&R's and adopted by the Board of Trustees. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets, etc. In addition, your Association has established Remodeling Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make changes to your unit.  These rules and guidelines are set up to ensure the common elements, mechanical and electrical systems are not damaged, to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and to protect the market value of your investment. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Trustees and a fine. In addition, if you make improvements or changes without written approval of the Board of Trustees, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Community Documents page of this site.

 

Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?

A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the Policies and Guidelines, please contact Rickman Management to report the issue or violation. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Trustees will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.

 

Q: Are Board Meetings open to all homeowners? If so, where and when are they held?

A: The Board of Trustees meets the first Wednesday of every month. January, April, July & November meetings are held as an open forum for all homeowners to attend with the Board going into executive session afterwards. The November meeting serves as the Annual Meeting, as required by our Bylaws, to review the past year’s activities and present the upcoming year’s priorities to the homeowner community. All other meetings are generally closed, however, homeowners may request with at least 72 hours notice to either silently attend or be granted a specific timeslot to address the Board regarding any matter. Notice of the time and place of any open meeting (Jan, Apr, Jul, Nov) will be posted on the community bulletin board in Building B mailroom and will be listed on the Meeting Calendar on the Contact Us page of the website.

 

Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how I can get involved?

A: If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Board of Trustees via e-mail at Board@EmersonGardensCondominium.com.

 

Q: What is my condominium fee?

A:The condominium fee is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your condominium fee is due on the first of the month. Coupon payment booklets are mailed out annually, usually in February, for the entire year. Statements will be sent for service requests and other miscellaneous charges.

 

Q: How is the amount of my condominium fee determined?

A:A specific percentage of ownership for each unit is listed in Exhibit C To The Master Deed of the Emerson Gardens Condominium that was created by the Developer.  Percentage of ownership is based on unit size and location within the building.  Unit owners should receive a copy of this declaration whey they purchase a unit or may request one from Rickman Management.  Your condominium fee is based on the Association's annual budget and your percentage of ownership.

 

Q: Will my condominium fee go up?

A:Condominium fees typically do go up each year due to increases in utilities, insurance and maintenance costs.  In addition, the Board must reserve funds for major repairs and/or replacements planned in the future.  These are shown on each budget as "Reserve Funds".

 

Q: What happens if I don't pay my condominium fee?

A:The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the condominium fees due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as condominium fees are due on the first of the month. In addition, the CC&R's allows the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of condominium fees.  Typically, once condominium fees are 60 days late, the account is turned over to the Association's attorney for collection.  All attorney fees and costs are charged to the owner's account.

 

Q: Where do I mail my condominium fee payment to?

A: The payment address for condominium fees (fee’s are due the 1st of each month) is:

Emerson Gardens Condominium Trust

c/o Rickman Management

PO Box 66695

Phoenix, AZ 85082-6695

 

Q: What is a 6d certificate?

A: One of the required documents needed to sell your condominium is a 6d Certificate. The 6d Certificate basically states there are no liens and condominium fees against the condominium unit. The 6d assures that all condominium fees and outstanding special assessments have been paid by the current owner as of the date of closing.

 

Q: Are pets allowed at Emerson Gardens?

A: Each unit is entitled to have up to 1 domestic cat and 1 domestic dog (except for the following breeds which are strictly prohibited: Staffordshire Terrior, Boxer, Pit Bill Terrier, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepard, Great Dane, Rotweiler, Siberian Husky, Japanese Tosa, Argentine Dogo, Mastiff, Filas Braileiro or any other dog deemed dangerous by the United States Insurance Institute) weighing no more than 85 pounds. All pets must be vaccinated annually against rabies and a copy of the annual rabies certificate must be filed with Rickman Management. All pets must also be registered with Rickman Management. Homeowners are responsible for collecting and properly disposing of all solid pet waste and keeping all pets leased when outside of their units. Leashes cannot exceed 6 feet in length and must be fixed-length – retractable leashes are not permitted. Pets are not to be tied or left unattended in common areas, including walkways and stairways, and are not allowed to run free. Dogs and cats will not be walked and allowed to relieve themselves on lawns, sidewalks, parking areas, roadways, or any other area not specifically designated for dog and cat walking. If pets create noise, or in any way create a disturbance or unpleasantness, the Board will be forced to revoke its consent, in which case the pet must be immediately removed.

 

Q: Is recycling available at Emerson Gardens?

A: Yes, a single-stream recycling dumpster has been placed in the Waste Corral at the rear of the property and is clearly marked with recycling signs. Single-stream recycling allows for paper, plastic, cans, and glass recycling to be collected in a single dumpster. Please review the Recycling Information on the Community Documents page for a list of what materials can and cannot be placed in the recycling dumpster. Plastic bags and trash must not be placed in the recycling dumpster under any circumstances! Please place only empty containers in the dumpster. All food and beverage containers must be rinsed and all cardboard boxes must be flattened or cut.

 

Q: How must trash be disposed of?

A: All trash and refuse shall be deposited only in the designated dumpster at the rear of the property. Trash must be bagged and secured tightly before placing it in the trash dumpster. Under no circumstances are any trash items to be dropped or left on the ground or other common area. No garbage or trash shall be permitted to remain in the hallways or anywhere in public view.

 

Q: How many vehicles can I park on the property?

A: Owners are only entitled to keep two automobiles on the property at any one time. No mini-bikes, snowmobiles, mobile homes, campers, motorized boats, trailers or other terrain vehicles will be parked or allowed to remain within the property.

 

Q: Are parking spaces assigned?

A: Parking spaces are unassigned for homeowner’s vehicles, which must be currently registered, privately-owned vehicles, and must be registered with Rickman Management and display an Emerson Gardens Parking Tag at all times. Any unauthorized vehicles parked in unauthorized areas within the property will be towed at the owner’s expense and fines may be assessed to the homeowner.

 

Q: What are the rules regarding having guests visit?

A: Homeowners are responsible for the actions of their guests, as well as members of their families. If any guests create a nuisance to other homeowners, the Board of Trustees shall have the right to request that the guests leave. Responsibility for such supervision shall rest with any homeowner who is the host of such guests.

 

Q: What outdoor equipment is permitted in the common areas?

A: Sporting equipment, lawn furniture, and other personal articles and equipment shall not be left in the hallways. When used in limited common areas, such as on decks and patios, such equipment must be maintained and used in such fashion as to meet the standards of the Association as established by the Board of Trustees.

 

Q: What kinds of outside activities are allowed?

A: Organized sports activities, picnicking or fires are not permitted, except in areas that are approved by the Board of Trustees. Under no circumstances may a fire of any kind be lit or maintained, and under no circumstances may a person do or permit anything within the property which would be in violation of any regulation of the Fire Department. The parking areas, walkways, and entries shall not be obstructed or blocked for any purpose.

 

Q: Can I put up a clothes line to dry my clothing?

A: No clothing, laundry, rugs or similar materials shall be hung or otherwise left or placed in or on any common area. No such items shall be hung from any window or exterior portion of a unit or on the deck or patio adjacent to any unit so as to be exposed to public view.

 

Q: How is snow removal handled and what are my responsibilities as a homeowner?

A: <Information regarding the snow removal policy and a link to the Community Documents page?>

 

Q: Do I need to notify anyone when contractors or movers will be on the property?

A: Rickman Management must be notified in advance of moving any materials or furniture in or out of the property. All work is to be done between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.

 

Q: Can I display a flag from my unit?

A: The displaying of flags is limited to displaying the American Flag on Patriotic Holidays. The homeowner is responsible for any damage the mounting of the flags causes to common or limited common areas, including balconies, decks, and patios.

 

Q: Can I hang a wind chime from my patio or deck?

A: Wind chimes and wind socks are prohibited in common or limited common areas, including decks, balconies, and patios.

 

Q: Can I mount a bird feeder in my patio or deck?

A: Bird feeders and other animal feeders are prohibited in common and limited common areas, including decks, balconies, and patios.

 

Q: Can I have an outdoor grill?

A: Only electric grills are permitted anywhere on the property; propane gas grills and charcoal grills are strictly prohibited at all times without express permission of the Board of Trustees. Outdoor electric grills must be attended by an adult at all times while in use. Homeowners using outdoor electric grills assume responsibility for any and all damages incurred incident to said storage and use.

 

Q: Can I rent out my unit?

A: Homeowners are responsible for advising Rickman Management of the rental of their unit and will provide Rickman Management with the unit address and the name of the renter within 30 days of the execution of the lease agreement. The homeowner will ensure that the renter is furnished with one copy each of The Declaration of Trust of Emerson Gardens Condominium, the Master Deed of Emerson Gardens Condominium including the CC&R’s prior to or upon the signing of any lease agreement. The homeowner will obtain a signed statement acknowledging receipt of these documents and will provide a copy of the acknowledgment to Rickman Management within 30 days of the execution of the lease agreement. The homeowner will include the following clause in all lease agreements:

“This lease is subject to all provisions of the Declaration of Trust of Emerson Gardens

Condominium, the Master Deed of Emerson Gardens Condominium, and the Rules and

Regulations of Emerson Gardens Condominium (the “Condominium Instruments”). In

the event of a conflict between this lease and the Condominium Instruments, the Condominium Instruments will take precendence.”

 

Q: I don’t have washing machine or a dryer. What laundry facilities are available?

A: Each building has a laundry room located on the ground floor which has 3 washers and 3 dryers which are serviced by Automatic Laundry. Payment is made via a pre-paid, stored-value Resident Advantage Card which is inserted into the machines.

 

Q: How do I add more money to my Automatic Laundry Resident Advantage Card?

A: To add additional funds to your laundry card, you must first visit the Revalue-My-Card website at https://www.revaluemycard.com/automaticlaundry. Your laundry card has a unique number located on the back of the card, in the corner - you will need this number to register on the website in order to purchase additional 6-digit credit codes. To apply the new credit code to your card, please insert your card into the Pin Code box on the wall in the laundry room. When prompt by “Add?” punch in the amount of your purchase using the keypad and press Enter. Next you will see “Code?” and enter the new 6-digit code from your purchase and press Enter. The laundry cards CANNOT hold more than $60 in credit at any one time! Be careful to verify that your new purchase amount will not push the existing stored value over $60.

 

Q: The washers and dryers keep showing “ERR” on the display when I insert my Automatic Laundry Resident Advantage Card. What’s wrong?

A: The washers and dryers will display an error code when a card is inserted that has more than $60 stored on it. To resolve this problem, you must contact Automatic Laundry at (800) 422-5833. They will require you to mail the laundry card back to them.

 

Q: Can I use coins or dollar bills in the washers and dryers?

A: No. The washers and dryers do not accept coins or bills – they only accept Automatic Laundry Resident Advtange Cards.

 

Q: I’ve lost my Automatic Laundry Resident Advantage Card, how can I get a new one?

Q: I’m new to the community, how can I get a new Automatic Laundry Resident Advantage Card?

A: Please contact Automatic Laundry at (800) 422-5833 to obtain a new or replacement laundry card.

 

Q: Can I install my own washer and dryer in my unit?

A: Only the 957 sq. ft. (2BR, non-corner) units can accommodate an electric, ventless washer-dryer combination unit into the closet next to the bathroom (additional plumbing will need to be completed by a licensed and bonded plumber). Other units may elect to replace their dishwasher in the kitchen with an undercounter washing machine.

 

Q: I’m new to the community, what items should I have been given at my closing?

A: At or after closing, you should have been provided with the following:

· At least 1 black keychain fob – this opens all the security doors on the property

· At least 1 common key – this opens all the security doors on the property

· At least 1 key to your unit entry door

· At least 1 key to your mailbox (located in the Building B Laundry Room)

· Automatic Laundry Resident Advantage Card – to use the washers and dryers in the laundry rooms

Q: Can I add or remove any walls in my unit during a renovation?

A: The addition or removal of any walls in a unit must follow the process outlined in the Bylaws for unit modifications [Insert reference to section in Bylaws dealing with structural changes]