08/09/2023
Returning Indiana University students and patents. Here is a great list of tips from a seasoned condo manager!
🚨 Parents: Before you move your kids into their new place…please go over:
-Smoke detectors…check the date. Test the battery. Request new ones if older than 5 years.
-Fire extinguisher: check to make sure it’s full and in date. If it’s mounted on the wall review how to get it off. If they do not have one INSIDE their condo and only a big community one in the breezeway, buy them one or two Keep it under the sink or some place easily accessible…or in their bedroom.
-Tape a note card to the inside of the door at eye level that reads: straightener, curling iron, stove candles, dryer. As a reminder to make sure everything is turned off before they leave.
-if their condo has a bottom door k**b lock…disable it by putting tape all around it…or set up an account with a locksmith…deadbolts only. No door k**b locks.
If they have a keypad…make sure the batteries are up to date.
-Add a renters insurance policy. Many say: I’m not doing renters insurance bc he/she owns nothing of value…renters insurance also protects you and your child if they make a boneheaded mistake and flood their bathroom or burn their kitchen. It happens ALL THE TIME.
-Ring doorbell: very helpful. Controversial because college kid don’t want their parents seeing who all comes in and out…set it up between roommates at least.
-Emergency contacts: make sure you have everyone in the condos info, their parents as well. Make sure they all have yours.
-Show them the basics: clean dryer lint after each use. Replace air filter…buy the cheapest and replace more often…the big thick ones make the unit work too hard. Even if management replaces them…at least show them where it is and buy some extras. Everyone/everywhere is overworked, underpaid and understaffed. They can change their own air filter if needed. Good practice for when they have their own home one day.
-Do not use dawn in the dishwasher…don’t assume they know ANYTHING
-During turnover it’s not uncommon for the dryer vent to get detached. Gently lean over and make sure it’s attached. Make sure the dryer isnt smooshed up against the wall or it will take forever for your clothes to dry. Don’t use the “more dry” cycle…used the timed one 50-60 should have a basic load dry. If not, you’re over loading or the dryer is on its last leg.
-Remind them if their AC isn’t working at 8am…chances are it’s not going to be working when they return home from class at 3…call and report at 8am…not 3pm…more time for parts to be ordered and work order completed that day. Don’t continue to bump it down…if it’s not cooling at 70..it’s not going to cool when you put it on 60.
*side note* one move in day…if it’s 100 outside and you’re in and out all day…your thermostat is not going to stay on 70. It will be 75 at best…it’s not broken…it’s hot and you keep opening the door.
-If they see a leak…it’s not going to fix itself…report it immediately. Find out where the condos water shut off is located. Toilets and sinks have their own but there should also be a main water shut off in the condo.
-Set up an Uber account or something similar. There are entirely TOO many options for ANYONE to drive drunk.
I think that’s it…oh…and…metal doesn’t go in the microwave.
B-town Concierge wishes everyone a great school year!
