Welcome!
Thank you for choosing GN Associates as your “Home Away From Home.” Our apartments provide a convenient location to campus and downtown State College. We offer 24-hour “We Care Maintenance” and many other features to accommodate all of your needs in quality housing. Our Resident Handbook is one of the first lines of communication with you as our residents. We would like to point out our commitment to you, as well as your responsibilities to GN Associates. By clarifying these policies and procedures in the very beginning, each of us will have a better understanding of the guidelines in creating a community atmosphere that will be pleasing to your lifestyle and an asset to our apartment buildings. Henry Ford once said, “Service is the foundation of all business.” Our goal is to provide quality housing for all of our residents and to make your stay with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
GN ASSOCIATES STAFF
Our staff is friendly, professional, and efficient. Our entire staff is trained and skilled in their areas of responsibility. We are constantly striving to provide the best service possible with the best staff possible.
GN Associates, owns and manages Burrowes Corner, East Side, GN Centre, The G, The Graduate, The House, The Lion, Park Place and Town Square. Our mailing address and telephone numbers are listed below:
GN ASSOCIATES
119 SOUTH BURROWES STREET
SUITE 101
STATE COLLEGE PA 16801
Rental Office (814) 238-1878
Emergency Maintenance (877) 699-1823
Website www.gnrealty.com
NOTE: THIS RESIDENT HANDBOOK IS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE APARTMENT LEASE AGREEMENT, AND THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONTAINED IN IT ARE IN ADDITION TO THOSE FOUND IN THE LEASE.
GENERAL INFORMATION
APARTMENT
We hope you enjoy your apartment. Apartment living can be exciting, however, it also comes with responsibilities. We have made every attempt to make your “Home Away From Home” as convenient as possible. Your roommates and neighbors are very close. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your activities. Remember that not everyone has the same schedule for studying, sleeping, and partying, so keep the noise at a level that will not disturb others.
APARTMENT ABANDONMENT
If, for any reason, a resident abandons the apartment prior to the lease termination date, GN Associates reserves the right to change the locks to protect all parties to the lease.
BALCONIES
If your apartment includes a balcony, Tenant agrees to follow all rules of Landlord and Municipal Authorities. If the Tenant or any person in the apartment breaks any rules, the Landlord may eliminate the Tenant’s access to the balcony with no reduction in the rent due under the Lease. Balconies are considered to be part of the apartment. In compliance with an ordinance enacted by the State College Borough Council, we have installed balcony identification signs on the balconies of The Lion.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH THESE SIGNS. ALTERING, REMOVING OR OTHERWISE TAMPERING WITH THESE SIGNS WILL RESULT IN A $100.00 FINE ASSESSED TO THE RESIDENTS OF THEAPARTMENT. IN ADDITION, CIVIL, CRIMINAL, OR EVICTION CHARGES MAY BE IMPOSED ON THE RESIDENTS.
GN Associates prides itself on managing well-run, well-kept properties. For this reason, we need the full cooperation of all residents to maintain the balconies in a clean and orderly manner. Routine inspections will be conducted and notices, as well as possible fines, will be issued to those units in violation of their lease. The balconies are not to be used for displaying banners or for storage. This includes kegs, bicycles, trash cans, mops, and furniture, except for the provided GN Associates patio furniture. Under NO circumstances are the railings or dividers between balconies to be removed. Do not place ANY furniture belonging to GN Associates on the balcony. Only outside approved furniture is permitted on your balcony.
It is unlawful to drop or throw any item from an apartment balcony or window. Persons found to be responsible face a criminal citation and fines starting at $500.00 and/or 90 days imprisonment. If damage to property or injury to any person occurs due to such behavior, responsible parties may face Misdemeanor or even Felony charges. In addition to any criminal charges, responsible persons (to include lessees) face civil penalties.
BATHROOMS
Each Tenant is required to regularly clean the bathroom including floors, walls, ceiling, shower enclosures etc. Tenant should wipe down walls as necessary, to remove excess moisture. Tenant shall not disconnect any fans.
BICYCLE STORAGE
Bicycle racks have been provided for your convenience. Bicycles are not to be attached to trees, railings, utility poles, common areas, or any public property. At no time shall bicycles be ridden inside the building. Anyone seen riding a bicycle in the building will be charged a minimum $50.00 fine; AND any applicable damages done to carpet or hallway walls. Bicycles attached to prohibited areas will be impounded with a $25.00 fee assessed for its return. Please advise all your visitors of this policy. Bicycles may not be stored on balconies at Lion. Bike rooms are provided at East Side, Town Square, The Graduate and The Lion. To use these facilities, you must register your bicycle with the office and sign for a key.
State College Borough requires all bicycles be registered with them or with Penn State University. For more information, contact the State College Borough at 814-234-7100.
Special Reminder: Bicycles are not permitted on the balconies of the apartments, hand railings, or trees – at any time. In both the State College Borough and Penn State University, it is illegal to park bicycles against windows, parking meters, municipal signs, light posts, trees, or in streets, driveways, automobile parking spaces, or buildings. Bicycles must be parked at the bicycle racks.
Note: Bicycle storage, whether inside or out, is at your own risk. GN Associates is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged bicycles.
CARPETING
GN Associates encourages you to purchase an area rug. Area rugs will help protect the original carpeting against spills, cigarette burns, excess wear, etc. that may be charged against your security deposit. Also, do not use any type of tape on the carpeting. i.e. taping speaker, computer, or TV wires.
COMMUNITY APPEARANCE
Since this apartment is your home and part of a larger community, we ask that you treat it that way. We are proud of our apartment buildings and we want and need your pride in the buildings as well. By working together, we can keep GN Associates an attractive and comfortable place to live and to entertain your guests. We ask that you abide by the following policies to maintain an attractive community:
· Each apartment is decorated with vertical blinds for each window. In order to prevent vertical blind damage, please make sure the blinds are in the open position when moving them to one side of the window. To clean the blinds, you may use a mild soapy detergent. Please keep windowsills free of all personal items to maintain a clean and neat appearance from the outside.
· Many of our apartments have balconies. These areas are to be kept clean and litter free. Clotheslines, furniture, bicycles, kegs, or other large items are unsightly and are not permitted on the balconies. Patio furniture is permitted.
· Sidewalks, entrances, vestibules, stairwells, and hallways should not be obstructed, or used for any purpose other than entering and exiting the building.
· All bicycles are to be kept at the appropriate bicycle storage (See Bicycle Section)
· NEVER allow anything to be dropped or thrown from your windows or balconies. This could cause harm to pedestrians or vehicles below. (See Balconies Section)
· No soliciting is permitted in any GN Associates Building.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
One of the many ways GN Associates shows our appreciation to our residents is by providing a Continental Breakfast twice a year during final exams. The breakfast is held in the lobbies of Burrowes Corner, East Side, The Graduate, The Lion, Park Place and Town Square. Residents of The G and The House are invited to attend at Park Place. GN Centre residents are welcome at Burrowes Corner.
DOORS / WINDOWS / SCREENS
Residents are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any doors (including apartment entry door), windows and or screens that are damaged in any manner or by any cause during the term of the lease.
DO'S AND DON'TS IN A HIGH-RISE FIRE
Knowing what to DO and what NOT TO DO if you discover a fire in your high-rise apartment building could save your life and the lives of others. Here are critical items you should know:
Familiarize yourself with emergency exits.
Pull alarm on your floor at either end of hall in the event of a fire.
Immediately call the fire department. Never assume that anyone else has called. (FIRE DEPARTMENT 911)
Before trying to leave your apartment, place your hand on the door. If the door feels warm within five seconds, do not open it. Stay and wait for help.
If the door is cool, open it and check for the presence of smoke in the corridor. If smoke is present, crawl beneath the level of the smoke.
If the corridor appears clear, alert other tenants on your floor and proceed to the closest exit stairway calmly.
If you are forced to remain within your apartment, keep your door closed and attempt to seal the cracks around the door with wet towels or blankets
If possible, when smoke enters your apartment, open a window as near to the ceilings as you can. Keep as low to the floor as possible where the cooler and fresher air is.
Never attempt to remove your car from its parking space unless ordered to do so by fire officials.
Never shout "FIRE". Don't help create panic, calmly alert other residents.
Never attempt to re-enter the building until fire officials permit you to do so.
Never attempt to use elevators, take the closest emergency exit.
DO NOT use water on a grease fire. Use the chemical extinguisher in your apartment.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
The fire alarm system in all buildings is an in-house system. This means when a pull station is activated you must call 911 to notify the fire company. The pull stations do not automatically notify the fire company. The pull stations are designed to evacuate the building. In the event of a fire, a pull station needs to be activated AND the fire company must be called immediately by dialing 911. The pull stations are located on each floor by the stairwell exit.
In the event of a fire alarm: (1) Call 814-238-1878 during office hours or (2) the emergency maintenance number, 877-699-1823, after office hours. The Management offers a standing REWARD of $200.00 for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any person or persons seen tampering with the fire alarm system. On the other hand, if you are caught in the act, charges will be filed and fines imposed.
ELEVATORS
The elevators in GN Associates buildings are highly sophisticated pieces of mechanical equipment. As you know, anything mechanical is subject to malfunctioning. Should the elevator in your building stop for any reason while you are riding in the cab, press the alarm. Under NO circumstances, should you attempt to leave the cab or tamper with the elevator doors. Should you hear an elevator alarm in the hallway, please report the alarm to the Emergency Maintenance Line 877-699-1823.
The elevator in your building is rated for a maximum capacity of 2,500 pounds. This capacity must not be exceeded. No more than 5-6 people should ride in the cab at any one time. Jumping and roughhousing are sure to stop the car. This type of horseplay can cost YOU hundreds to thousands of dollars. The elevators are tied into the fire alarm system, which means when an irresponsible person pulls the fire alarm, the elevator will go out of service. When this occurs, the elevator remains out of service until our daytime crew arrives and resets it.
EXTENDED VACATION LEAVES FROM APARTMENTS
We would request that you keep your heat on low, keep only one ceiling light on, (NO HEAT LAMPS) and turn off all small appliances. Keep your refrigerator turned on, but remove any perishables. Remove trash before leaving.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS
Do not store any flammable items. Trash containers should be emptied daily. Dispose of newspapers and magazines regularly. Clean grease and spilled food from the range and oven immediately. Refrain from smoking in bed or when lying down. Immediately replace worn or frayed electrical cords. Avoid overloading electrical outlets. No grills of any kind are permitted on or around GN Associates premises. No candles, oil lamps, or portable heaters of any kind are permitted in GN Associates buildings. Please report any fires to the Fire Department (911) and the Rental Office immediately. Always give an accurate address to aid fire units in locating the fire. Fire alarms are located near each stairwell in every building. If these alarms are pulled due to misuse or negligence, criminal charges will be filed against the guilty party and the maximum fines will be imposed.
Your apartment has been furnished with smoke detectors and one fire extinguisher. You are responsible for maintaining fresh batteries in the battery-operated smoke detectors. Damages or missing smoke detectors are charged against your security deposit. If the battery in the smoke detector is dead, weak, or missing, you must replace it. You can test the battery by pushing the test button. If the alarm fails to sound, it is an indication that the battery needs replaced. Your apartment has also been provided with a 2.5# ABC fire extinguisher. All extinguishers were serviced during the last holiday break (January). If the extinguisher is missing, damaged or discharged, you will be charged for a new one.
* TAMPERING with any Fire Protection Equipment is a violation of the Local Building Codes.
GUESTS
Social and friendly gatherings of residents and their guests are welcomed and encouraged, provided that such gatherings do not get boisterous, obscene, or objectionable to other residents. Residents are entirely responsible for the conduct and actions of their guests in the apartments and/or in the common areas. Stereos, radios, and televisions are to be kept at reasonable levels so that other residents are not disturbed. Consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking is not permitted in the halls, lobbies, stairwells, and/or elevators. Parties on Friday and Saturday evenings will end promptly at 2 AM and those Sunday through Thursday must end at 11 PM.
Overcrowding is not permitted and is prohibited by Municipal Fire Code Regulations. GN Associates does not provide guest parking. Please direct your guest(s) to the municipal lots located at Beaver Avenue, Fraser Street and Pugh Streets. Those, without a GN Associates parking permit displayed, who park in the GN Associates lots run the risk of being ticketed and/or towed.
HAMMOCKS
Hammocks are not permitted under any circumstances.
INTERNET (excludes The G)
Internet is included with your rent. Windstream is the provider for East Side. DOJO is the Internet provider for all other buildings. In early August, DOJO sent an email directly to you with instructions on how to connect your WIFI. If you did not receive the email or are having issues connecting, please contact DOJO directly. GN Associates has been assured by the WIFI/Internet providers that the speed of service is ample for streaming or gaming. Television cable is not provided by GN Associates.
KEYS
At the time of move-in, each resident was asked to sign for his/her keys or a representative from the apartment signed for the other members of the group. Each resident was given an apartment key, a main door key and mail key. Bicycle Storage Room keys may also be obtained from the Rental Office. Keys are not to be duplicated except by an GN Associates representative. In the event that you lose your keys, come to the Rental Office for replacement keys.
Key replacement fees are as follows:
Apartment Key $20.00
Bicycle Storage Room $20.00
Elevator $30.00 (GN
Mail $20.00
Main Entry Door Key $30.00
KITCHEN APPLIANCES
DISHWASHER (if provided)
Food particles left on soiled dishes will clog the dishwasher and result in dirty dishes. Always scrape and rinse dishes before placing them into the dishwasher. This includes cups and glasses. Do not crowd dishes, cups, glasses, or silverware. Water needs to circulate freely over each item. Make sure the plates and bowls face the center of the dishwasher. Avoid covering the center hole in the lower rack for maximum efficiency. Use only dishwasher detergent products. Never use soap or laundry detergents – they will block the washing action, clog the outlets, damage the motor, cause the unit to overflow, and create a scum on the dishes and glasses. You will be helping to conserve energy by waiting until you have a full load to run your dishwasher; however, do not allow soiled dishes in the unit for a long period of time because unpleasant odors will develop. Any malfunctioning appliance should be reported to the emergency maintenance office immediately. Make sure you run your garbage disposal before starting your dishwasher. This will prevent food particles from backing up into the dishwasher.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
A disposal is a trouble-free unit if used properly. The garbage disposal should not be overloaded. The safety overload device on the motor will shut the disposal off if it is overloaded. To reset the safety overload device, wait five minutes for the motor to cool, push the red button on the motor (in the cabinet under the sink). If the motor will not restart, repeat the procedure above. If you are not able to reset the motor after several attempts, create a service request through your AppFolio portal. Any time the disposal is in use, the COLD water should be running as fast as possible. Even after the disposal is empty and turned off, it is wise to let the water run a few minutes to clear the line. Never place your fingers or hands down the garbage disposal! Refrain from discarding metal, plastic, grease, paper, cigarettes, bones, banana peels, oyster or clam shells, tea bags, dish clothes, celery, corn husks, potato peels, etc. in the disposal. A lemon or orange rind or baking soda will help keep the disposal odor free. Always run your disposal before operating your dishwasher to prevent food scraps from backing up in the sink.
MICROWAVES
All apartments have been furnished with microwave ovens. Please do not place any type of metal or foil objects in the microwave at any time. Any damage caused by negligence will be charged to the tenant.
RANGE
Clean the top of the range with a glass or kitchen cleaner each time it is used. This will eliminate grease build-up. Regularly clean the oven with oven cleaner. Never use sharp objects to clean the oven. Appliance malfunctions are to be reported to maintenance immediately.
REFRIGERATOR
All refrigerators are self-defrosting. The outside of the refrigerator can be kept clean by using an all-purpose cleaner. The inside can be kept clean by wiping it with hot, soapy water. To keep the refrigerator smelling fresh, clean out frequently and dispose of any “old” or unwanted materials. You can also place a box of baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer. This will help to keep these areas smelling fresh.
LAUNDRY ROOMS
Washers run approximately 28 minutes and dryers approximately 60 minutes. Dryers should not be opened during the drying time. If you remove your clothing before the cycle ends, please close the door and push start so the dryer runs the full cycle. If you are experiencing a problem with the laundry facilities or lose money while trying to do laundry, please make a service request through your AppFolio portal reporting the building, floor, and machine that is not working properly. Report the amount of money you lost to the office. If something is wrong with the machine, we will arrange for the money to be refunded to you. Please note that overloading may cause damage to the machine and to your clothing. Residents must understand that they are using all laundry machines at their own risk. GN Associates will not be held responsible for damaged or stolen property.
Note: Please clean the dryer lint traps prior to using dryers. Properly dispose of the lint in the provided receptacles.
LEASE AGREEMENT
If you did not read your full lease at the time you signed it, please do so now.
LEASE RENEWAL
Each year, GN Associates gives its current residents the first opportunity to renew their apartment for the next lease year. We are sure that you will soon realize that the comfort, location, convenient services and reasonable cost of the GN Associates properties makes living with us the most sensible choice for your future housing needs. This year’s renewal deadline will be Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
LIGHT BULBS
At the time of move-in, your apartment was provided with working light bulbs in each fixture and lamp. You will be charged for missing light bulbs regardless of their location. During your residency, you are responsible for replacing all burned out bulbs except:
the bulbs in the refrigerator, oven, range hood and microwave;
the florescent bulbs in the kitchen light;
heat lamp bulbs in the bathroom.
You may request our staff to replace the bulbs for which you are responsible, but there will be a charge for the time and materials used.
LOCK CHANGE
Our Maintenance Staff is only authorized to change locks. Lock change request can be made Monday through Friday between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. You will be charged $150.00 for a lock change.
LOCKOUTS
If you get locked out of your apartment during regular office hours, Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5 PM, you can come to the rental office to obtain duplicate keys. You must provide your current Photo ID. If you get locked out of your apartment after the Rental Office is closed, you must call the Emergency Maintenance Line. After office hour lockouts will be charged $150.00. You must present a valid Photo ID before you will be let into your apartment. If your ID is locked inside the apartment, you must show your ID as soon as the door is unlocked. GN Associates is not responsible for any costs or delays you experience due to a lockout.
The mail for each apartment is delivered by the US Postal Service. Please provide the Postman with a list of residents that will be receiving mail in your mailbox. The Post Office will provide a form for you to list the residents of the apartment in your mailbox around move-in. All changes need to be made through the Post Office. For your convenience, or you can find change of address forms online at www.usps.com/. The State College Post Office is located at 237 S. Fraser Street, State College, PA 16801. Their phone number is (814) 238-2435. GN Associates cannot accept mail, UPS, Federal Express, or any other type of delivery for residents.
You must put your apartment number after the street address in order to receive mail. i.e.:
MOVE-IN INSPECTION CHECKLIST
At the time you moved in, you received a Move-in Packet containing a Checklist/Inspection Report. This
checklist helps to protect your security deposit. Please inspect your apartment and specify, on the checklist, any damages in the apartment. All residents are required to sign the checklist and return it to the Rental Office within the time frame noted on the Move-in Packet. The checklist will be kept in your file until your lease expires. We will prepare another checklist when you vacate your apartment at the expiration of your lease. The Move-Out Inspection Report will be compared to your Move-in Inspection Report to assess any damages and/or cleaning charges.
OFFICE HOURS
GN Associates Rental Office, located at 119 South Burrowes Street, is open from 8:30 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday. The office is closed for lunch from 12 to 1 PM.
PAINTING
Each year, prior to move-in, we pre-paint those apartments that will be housing an entirely new group of residents. You will be notified in advance of this work and what preparations you must make to accommodate the painters. During the year, DO NOT hang pictures with any type of tape or poster putty. Tape and putty will leave a residue on the wall and the painters will have difficulty covering this area. If tape or putty is used, you could be charged for the damages. We do permit the use of small nails or thumb tacks.
PARKING
PARKING IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO THOSE WHO HAVE A PERMIT, WHICH MUST BE PROPERLY DISPLAYED IN THE VEHICLE’S REAR WINDSHIELD AT ALL TIMES. Permits are only valid for the vehicle that has been registered in the office and you must be sure to park in the lot your permit is assigned to. Any vehicle parked in the lot without a permit displayed will be subject to being towed. Unfortunately, no visitor parking is available at any time. Please advise your friends and relatives so they are not towed. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT VEHICLES PARKED IN THE LOT WITH THEIR FLASHERS ON WILL BE SUBJECT TO BEING TOWED. Any vehicle blocking trash dumpsters, boiler room entrances or fire lanes will be towed (even those with permits). You must be parked in the designated parking areas only. YOU MAY NOT PARK IN THE HANDICAP PARKING SPACES WITHOUT A VALID PLACARD. If you have a need for a handicap space, please stop by the rental office and speak to a rental agent. Towing charges are the responsibility of the vehicle owner.
If the parking lot is full and you see a vehicle without a permit, please call Walk’s Towing at 814-238-2886. Parking is for GN Associates tenants only. Vehicles registered in the office must be owned by tenant or tenant's immediate family.
MOTORCYCLES
Motorcycles are considered a motor vehicle and must be in a valid parking space. Each motorcycle will need a parking sticker and only one motorcycle is permitted per parking space.
EAST SIDE ONLY
The first five spaces in the lot are double spaces and are reserved for those with
ES001-ES005 permits. Any vehicle without the double space permit will be towed from these spaces.
GN Associates is not liable for damage to vehicles parked in our lots. Visitor parking is available in the municipal lots on Fraser Street, Beaver Avenue, and Pugh Street.
Temporary guest parking permits are not available! Please direct your guests to Municipal lots located at Beaver Avenue, Pugh Street, and Fraser Street.
If you sublet or find someone to take over your parking permit they must be a GN Associates resident. All required paperwork must be completed and it is the responsibility of the original permit holder to transfer the parking permit to the new permit holder. If a new permit is needed, the original permit must be returned to in order to receive a replacement.
Note: GN Associates is not responsible for any damages that might occur to a vehicle while parked on our property!
PARTY REGISTRATION
All parties must be registered at the GN Associates office by 4 PM on the day of a Monday – Thursday party, and by 4 PM on Friday for a Friday, Saturday or Sunday party. Having an unregistered party is a direct violation of your lease and of the GN Associates policy. Unregistered parties can result in termination of your party privileges and/or Lease. You are ultimately responsible for the actions of your guest(s). Party Agreements are available at the Rental Office. Overcrowded parties will be subject to citations in accordance with State College Borough Ordinances.
Kegs are not to be placed in the bathtub at any time. DO NOT store kegs or tubs on your balcony. If you do purchase a keg for a party, return it the next business day. DO NOT empty keg tubs over the balcony. You MUST dispose of the water by dumping it in your bathtub, after removing any debris in the water.
***NO PARTIES ARE PERMITTED DURING FINALS WEEK***
PAYMENT OF RENT
Rent must be paid on-line through AppFolio. All rent is due and payable on the first day of the month. You have a five-day grace period to pay without incurring late fees. Beginning on the sixth day of the month, there is a THREE DOLLAR ($3.00) PER DAY late charge retroactive to the first day of the month. For example, rent paid on the sixth day must include an $18.00 penalty. Charges are filed with the District Magistrate on the 20th day of each month against all individuals who are delinquent.
PETS
No pets permitted. GN Associates does not allow animals or pets in or around the apartment at any time including “visiting pets.” This policy is without exception. Residents of any apartment where there are animals will pay fines and extermination fees for the apartment or the entire building as recommended by the exterminator to rid the building of any actual or potential infestation.
1st Violation: $100.00, plus extermination fee
2nd Violation and Subsequent Violations: $200.00 for each day that the policy is violated plus extermination fees.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation in the State College Area is provided by CATA. Please contact CATA at 238-CATA (2282) for route and scheduling information.
RECYCLING
We would like to remind you that there are individual large blue recycling bins in the parking lots. Please take those few extra steps in what will result in a long-term benefit for all of us!
GLASS
YES: Clear, green and brown bottles/jars. Rinse, remove lids – labels may remain.
NO: Ceramics, drinking glasses, window glass, light bulbs, dishes, mirrors.
CANS
YES: Aluminum, steel, bi-metal food / beverage cans. Rinse, remove lids – labels may remain.
NO: Scrap metals, aerosol cans, paint cans.
ALUMINUM FORMED CONTAINERS
YES: TV dinner trays, disposable pie pans, frozen entrée pans, aluminum foil. Wash and dry thoroughly.
NO: Scrap metals, siding, pots, pans, chair legs.
PLASTICS
YES: Soda bottles, milk jugs, milky-colored water jugs, laundry detergent bottles, shampoo bottles. Rinse, remove
caps, flatten – labels may remain.
NO: Cottage cheese containers, margarine or yogurt containers, plastic cups, oil bottles.
NEWSPAPER
YES: Clean, dry newspaper/inserts, phonebooks. Stack newspapers in paper bags or tie with string.
NO: Wet or yellowed newspaper, magazines, cereal boxes.
OFFICE PAPER
YES: White writing, typing or copy paper sheets, computer paper – lined or unlined. Place in separate, extra space,
paper bag, remove paperclips, and tape.
NO: Colored paper, thermal fax paper, NCR glossy paper, envelopes, magazines, or books.
CORRUGATED CARDBOARD
YES: Broken down domestic corrugated cardboard. Breakdown boxes.
NO: Cereal boxes, waxed, oily or wet cardboard, plastic inserts, or styrofoam peanuts.
QUESTIONS
Call the Recycling Hot Line at (814) 238-6649, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.
RENTERS INSURANCE
GN Associates is not responsible for personal property. We advise all residents to purchase Renters Insurance to protect personal belongings from fire, theft, or other casualties. The cost for this type of coverage is very reasonable. Consult your insurance agent for further details regarding Renters Insurance. You may have Extended Coverage through your Parents’/Guardians’ Homeowners Insurance.
RESIDENT REGISTRATION
During the summer months or other times, some residents choose to sublet their apartment. It is necessary to identify and register ALL PERSONS who live in your apartment. The Rental Office can help you with these procedures. There are many things that you need to be aware of before considering to sublet or to substitute the residents on your lease. Please see the Sublet and Substitution section or contact the Rental Office for details.
RETURNED CHECK POLICY
If a check issued to GN Associates is returned from the bank for any reason, the following policy will be
followed:
$30.00 Return Check Fee will be charged to your account.
$3.00 per day late fee will be charged to your account from the day the Accounting Department is notified of the non-sufficient check until the day a new payment is received to cover the amount of the original check and return check fees.
GN Associates has the option of refusing personal checks and requiring payment in the form of cash, money order, credit card, or cashier check for future payments.
REWARDS
GN Associates rewards our residents when information is given to our office that leads to the arrest and conviction of an individual(s) causing damage or vandalizing any of GN Associates property.
ROOMMATE AGREEMENT
It is often assumed that all college students ‘party till dawn’ and ‘sleep till noon’ – that they all have the same values and habits. If you believe this, you will soon learn that it takes a lot of work to successfully live with your new or old roommates. Only after conflicts arise over food bills, eating habits, cleanliness, stereo volume, and sleeping habits, will you learn the truth. Even the best of friends have roommate conflicts. You can try to avoid these conflicts and, if conflicts do arise, pre-established ground rules will help you deal with them. Discuss habits and expectations with your roommates at the start of your Lease – before conflicts arise. Draw up your own Roommate Agreement – who is responsible for what. i.e.: damages, subletting, rent, cleaning, parties, study times, etc. The Student Life Off-Campus Living Office has a Roommate Agreement that can be accessed on the web at www.sa.psu.edu/rl/roommates/roommateagree.shtml or at the office. They are located at 135 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802. Their phone number is (814) 865-2346. If a conflict should arise, and you cannot come to an agreement, Peer Mediators of Penn State may be of assistance to you. Their phone number is 814-863-1USG or 814-863-2020. GN ASSOCIATES DOES NOT GET INVOLVED IN ROOMMATE PROBLEMS AND SUCH PROBLEMS ARE NOT A BASIS TO WITHHOLD RENTALS DUE UNDER THE LEASE.
ROOMMATE SERVICE
Are you are looking for a roommate, sublet, or someone to replace you on your lease? Please visit our web classifieds section at https://www.gnrealty.com/vacancies-student-apartment where you can review and post ads.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE REQUESTS
Routine maintenance requests may be submitted via your AppFolio portal. You may request a specific date and time to schedule your request as long as it is during office hours. If no time is specified, all requests are assigned to our staff on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be as specific as possible about the nature of your request so that our staff can be prepared with the proper tools and equipment.
EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE REQUESTS
In the event you have an emergency maintenance request, please call our office at 814-238-1878 between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM (after 4:30 PM and on weekends call 877-699-1823). A maintenance person will be dispatched to address of the problem. The following are considered emergencies: flood, fire, sewer backup, no heat, overflowing toilet (see “toilet stoppage”), broken pipes, and water leaks. GARBAGE DISPOSALS ARE NOT CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY UNLESS WATER IS OVERFLOWING OR THERE IS A LEAK.
It is very important that you make note of the emergency maintenance number:
Emergencies during 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM: call 814-238-1878. Emergencies after 4:30 PM please call 877-699-1823
SCREENS
At move-in, your apartment had a screen on each window and, if applicable, the balcony/patio doors. Do not remove the screens for any reason. You will be charged for any missing or damaged screens or screen doors that GN Associates replaces. The charge can be as much as $95.00 per screen.
SECURITY GUARD
GN Associates occasionally hire security guards to patrol the building for the safety of all residents. If you have any problems or questions, please seek out the guard for his/her assistance. At no time are residents permitted to loiter in the office or allow the security guard to visit them in their apartment while the guard is on duty. GN Associates does not pay the guard to socialize with residents. If GN Associates learns that residents are allowing the guard to socially visit their apartment or that residents are loitering while the guard is on duty, both parties will be subject to consequences. If you have a concern regarding the security guard, please submit a written statement and submit it to the office via your AppFolio portal.
SUBLET
A sublet occurs when one or all of the residents wish to sublet their share of the apartment for a specified period of time. A sublet agreement does not release any of the original residents or their guarantors of responsibilities to the original lease. If the sublet residents damage the apartment or fail to meet the rental requirements, then all of the original residents are responsible for such damages or delinquent payments. All rent and/or other charges shall be negotiated between the sublet and the original residents. All residents must mutually agree to accept the sublet resident(s). GN Associates neither inspects for damages, housecleans, nor repaints for sublet residents. It is the responsibility of the original resident(s) to leave the apartment in good condition for the sublet resident(s). Lessor also suggests that original residents collect a security deposit from subletters and recommends periodic
inspections of the apartment throughout the term of the sublet. The original security deposit will remain with the apartment and belongs to the original resident until refunded by GN Associates in accordance with the terms of the original lease. GN Associates recommends that a written agreement be signed between the original lessees and the sublet lessees. Off Campus Living office has an agreement that can be used or you can draw up your own. Transfer of keys must be done among original residents and subletters, NOT at the Rental Office. During the summer months or other times, some residents choose to sublet their apartment. It is necessary to identify and register ALL PERSONS who live in your apartment. The Rental Office can help you with these procedures.
SUBSTITUTION
A substitution results when one or more of the residents wish to terminate their portion of the lease and have someone else replace them. The departing resident(s) assigns all rights and responsibilities of the lease to the substituting resident(s). The remaining residents must mutually agree to accept the substituting resident(s) before the substitution can be completed. In addition, the substitution effective date must begin on the first day of a month of the lease. The term of a substitution must be not less than six months. The original security deposit will be returned to the departing resident(s) once the substitution is complete. The substituting(s) resident must provide GN Associates with a new security deposit equal to the original security deposit given by the departing resident(s). GN Associates is not responsible for cleaning or performing any inspections of the apartment prior to the substituting resident(s) taking occupancy. The substituting resident must understand that at the completion of the substitution, he/she will be jointly and severally responsible along with the other residents for the wellbeing of the apartment and understand that it must be returned to GN Associates in a good, clean condition at the end of the lease. Transfer of keys must be done among original resident(s) and substituting resident(s), NOT the Rental Office.
Note: GN Associates reserves the right to modify these or any other procedures.
TOILET STOPPAGE
Should you experience a toilet overflow, immediately shut off the water by turning off the valve found at the base of the toilet. We have provided each apartment with a plunger which should alleviate most stoppages. To help prevent toilet stoppages, we strongly suggest that you only use single ply toilet paper.
At NO time should any of the following be flushed down a toilet: feminine products, flushable wipes, (they are not flushable and must go in the trash), cleaning disks from Clorox Toilet Wand (or other brand), disposable diapers, Q-tips, paper towels or rags. This will result in a sewer-line backup, which will not only damage your apartment but your neighbor's as well. Toilet stoppages and damage will be charged to the tenants.
DO NOT CONTINUE USING THE TOILET! Please try plunging the toilet prior to calling maintenance. If a maintenance person is dispatched during non-business hours and the toilet only requires plunging, a minimum fee of $60.00 will be charged.
VACUUM CLEANERS
All residents are encouraged to have a vacuum cleaner. The carpet in your apartment should be vacuumed at lease once a week. GN Associates does not provide vacuums to tenants.
WALL DÉCOR
Do not hang pictures with any type of tape or poster putty. We do permit the use of small nails or thumb tacks. Tape will leave a residue on the wall and the painters will have difficulty covering this area. You could possibly be charged for damages. If you hang a dartboard, protect the walls around the board. Excessive holes will result in charges for damages. Painting or writing on any wall is prohibited and you will be charged for the damages.