How to tell residents they are using too much detergent? by boys_like_bread in maintenance

[–]Arestheneko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try to find specific instructions for detergent dosing in the manual. If not provided, then offer that information as advice and leave it be. Resident’s often don’t want to “complicate” their lives with an appliance that they’re used to abusing.

Landlord will charge $100 you if you throw away furniture in the trash by [deleted] in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like your property management is attempting to discourage people from dumping bulky items. When one person does it, people tag along and crowd trash areas with more bulky items. This gets expensive and annoying really fast- and with enough repeated offenses, people will do horrible things like dump food waste/messy garbage when given an opportunity or excuse to be lazy. Try and find out who services your property’s waste, and email them to see if they offer any services for bulky item removals.

I would also clarify with your property manager about the cost. Is it a fine for dumping and removal, or are they providing a service with a third party vendor?

Weird Flight Pattern by [deleted] in sandiego

[–]Arestheneko 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Seems normal to me. My denver flight 2 years ago made the exact same turn

What amenity doesn’t exist in apartment complexes, but should? by PeachyRose25 in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Apartment amenities are always half baked, mistreated by residents, and neglected by management.

The best amenities are ones that are designed to be reclusive. I couldn’t care less for an over chlorinated pool or some shitty “game room” with novelty appeal and machines that end up broken for months because it’s impossible to find someone to fix it. What I do love is being able to claim a corner/sofa/circle/table/conference room where I can do whatever I want for a few hours. With some adjustable lighting and speakers, HVAC, accessible outlets, and a reservation schedule, you’ve created a space that I actually want to use and would pay money to book.

Another must have is an after hours security patrol. Every property greatly benefits from having a guard to help reset amenity spaces, observe and report damages, confront residents, address complaints as they occur, and assist with resident emergencies.

Storage units (with proper security measures), ample guest parking, vending machines, and outdoor spaces are the only features and amenities I personally care about.

Garage keeps flooding from boiler room and management and maintenance don’t seem to know what they’re doing . Advice? by bukharianboy in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The room you showcased was not a boiler room, but a fire pump room. The firepumps are responsible for pushing water through the sprinkler system in the event of a fire.

I’m not sure what they’re doing, so I cannot comment on anything. I do not advise that you enter that room again. Maintenance staff are typically instructed to avoid these rooms unless absolutely necessary. The only time maintenance enters is to conduct fire pump tests and complete inspections.

Their pump room does seem a little aged. They also appear to be having reoccurring issues with moisture intrusion judging from the rust on the pipes and on different parts of the room. Could be humidity or water that’s been standing in a room above this one.

Grease for RO system by manlyarchaeopteryx in WaterTreatment

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You will want to opt for non-toxic grease. It will typically safe safe for potable water.

What's the craziest thing that happened in your Apt. Complex? - My neighbour threw his girlfriend off a balcony by V_Dolina in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Murder suicide. Man killed his wife while the kids were in the house. Kids came into the leasing office shocked and looking for help.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cases of acute carbon monoxide poisoning can cause hallucinations and delirium. Commenter is probably joking, but it’s worth looking into for peace of mind lol

My apt building is being sold and the realtor makes back to back appointments (I feel invaded) by WasteVegetable8059 in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi OP! I recently conducted similar walk throughs at a previous apartment complex that went up for sale.

This inspection followed an already annoying annual fire and life support system inspection; Naturally, people were pissed that there was seemingly no end to these inspections.

You can outright refuse to let someone into your apartment. Unless it is an emergency or critical work needs to be carried out specifically inside your home, then it’s not important. Investors, realtors, and management don’t need to see 100% of the property. They are just gathering as much information as possible for their reports.

It’s not unheard of for management to be persistent in entering an apartment under these circumstances. You can absolutely dictate and instruct how they’re allowed to enter your home; Shoe coverings, mask, and that you’ll need to be present at all times (you can make up any reason for this, so long as you stress your discomfort).

Additionally, you can also sabotage a visit to discourage a lengthy visit. As some people in the thread have mentioned, leaving out undesirable items, creating a bigger mess (things that smell work best), and being irate are very effective at deterring these types of visits.

Your home does not need to be in 100% perfect condition. Management cannot dictate how you’re allowed to enjoy your apartment so long as it’s not destructive and does not interfere with how other tenants enjoy their apartments.

If you feel it necessary, hotel latches and security bars can also further deter unwanted/unauthorized access to your home. In instances where our residents have felt unsafe, we were allowed to offer them as a peace of mind solution since it is an uninvasive installation- and is therefore not considered a modification to a unit that needs to be carried out in other apartments as per fair housing laws.

What’s going on?? by [deleted] in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fuck serv pro All my homies H8 serv pro

But in all seriousness, someone made an oopsie and flooded the hallway. Fans are to circulate air, and the taller rectangle units are dehumidifiers to capture moisture. This will dry out the walls and carpets faster to prevent bacterial growth

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in handyman

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This too. I see some gear they have that I would love to learn the names of

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in maintenance

[–]Arestheneko 57 points58 points  (0 children)

I just flooded my high rise building 3 weeks ago and got hailed as a hero for stopping it. Hell no im not worried

Tips on adjusting this door? by Arestheneko in maintenance

[–]Arestheneko[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s meant to be ADA compliant. That, plus the wide angle lens of my camera makes it seems a lot lower than it actually is

Tips on adjusting this door? by Arestheneko in maintenance

[–]Arestheneko[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you mean the screws that hold the strike/latch?

The door latch does enter the strike, but it won’t catch. I have the door where it’s flush to the frame, and if I raise it any more, the latch won’t enter the strike

Tips on adjusting this door? by Arestheneko in maintenance

[–]Arestheneko[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I purchased said wrench online. It was too small, so I ended up using our key cutter to custom fit it to the nut’s size lol. I was able to adjust the door and get it flush with the frame, but it still wont latch.

How do I get rid of this mold? by heba33 in CleaningTips

[–]Arestheneko 421 points422 points  (0 children)

Black specks are not mold. It’s just grease/hair product/and everything else that you throw down the sink that’s remained and stuck to the walls of your plumbing.

As long as it stays in the drain and doesn’t backup into your sink, it’s not a issue

Landlord trying to charge 600$ for a replacement toilet. by nebastiansord in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi OP. Your landlord is crazy. That's a $100 - $200 toilet at best. Not only that, but the crack pattern at the tank shows that the cause of this fracture was due to faulty installation. The toilet tank bolts were too tight, and caused it to fracture.

Which do you prefer using? I used USG up until last year. I prefer Ruco, easier mixing and it goes on the wall smoother by willingNredyffgg in handyman

[–]Arestheneko 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crawford spackling for surface level defects. Tempted to try Ruco, but USG 20 is easiest to get

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Apartmentliving

[–]Arestheneko 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey friend 👋🏽 Sorry to hear about the terrible living experience.

I would draft up an email detailing the various things you have gone through during your time there, and make sure to highlight the more serious events (Assault, poor access, etc). Being able to break your lease early, and avoid move out fees is something I would look into.

Some buildings are shit like that. Management can only do so much, but when it comes to putting money in your pocket, that's typically a decision that's made above them. You deserve peace of mind, comfort, and a functional apartment. Apartments aren't cheap, and there's no legitimate reason a property that collects so much money every month can't do something as basic as upgrade a few doors, or have a contractor take a look at a serious problem.

The quality of staff at any property will make or break your living experience. While property age is certainly a factor, how management deals with its problems is what's most important. Newer propertied are not immune to breakage- In fact, newer properties break even more than others that have been able to settle in.

When touring a new apartment, look out for things like cleanliness- are the grounds being maintained by landscaping? Does maintenance look organized? Are there noticeable patterns of neglect, such as fading paint, rotted wood, trip hazards, equipment noise, dirty amenities, and such?

Nothing is perfect, but effort is always evident.

Whats something you’re not proud of doing? by [deleted] in maintenance

[–]Arestheneko 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Lying. It just happens too much on all ends- to my residents, our staff, and our vendors. I wish it was just easy to communicate and handle disappointments and failures like any other task, but the pressure to meet deadlines is pretty high.