The following items constitute an “emergency” and should be called in immediately to receive service:

• No heat in winter (below 55 degrees inside for more than 24 hours)
• Broken or frozen water pipe (Have you connected your water? Could it be frozen? Be sure to keep water trickling in extreme weather and keep cabinet doors open to allow heat to circulate around the water pipes.)
• Water leak and/or roof leak (major – more than a minor drip).
• Gas leaks (contact Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 immediately from a neighbor’s phone or from a cell phone used OUTSIDE the apartment)
• Electrical outage may be considered an emergency but only if there is no electricity throughout the unit AND:
  • you have checked all circuit breakers by flipping them hard to the OFF position and then hard to the ON position and have reset all GFI breakers (these are the little buttons sometimes found on outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and garages) OR any burned out fuses have been replaced.
  • you have called Duke Energy (1-800-521-2232) AND Duke Energy is not at fault
• Clogged toilet (only if there is only 1 bathroom in the residence and you have already tried plunging it).
• Any other condition which affects life, safety or is necessary to preserve the condition of the apartment. We also have a more complete list, including what is NOT considered an emergency (AC not working is one of them).

Hint: If you have time to look it up on the website, the problem is probably not an after hours emergency.

Thanks! We hope you never have an actual emergency, but if you ever do, please call us immediately. See your policies and procedures guide for a list of emergency phone numbers!

If it is not an emergency, you can call the office @ 812.339.2859 or submit a maintenance request online.

You may initiate a maintenance request online or by calling the office (812-339-2859). In the event the office is closed, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we return. Unless the problem is an afterhours emergency, do not contact a repairperson directly before contacting the office or you may be subject to paying the extra costs involved. All work orders need to be cleared through our office.

LEASE PAYMENTS ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE THE 15th OF EACH MONTH. It needs to be received in our office (not postmarked) by the 15th. All payments received after this date are assessed a late fee of $4 per day, per person. Returned checks (NSF) are assessed a minimum $35 fee + late fees. Any tenant who has an NSF check must pay with money order in the future. We reserve the right to collect the rent with one check even if we have accepted separate checks.

If you pay individually, note that you are still co and several liable for the apartment and the rent. It is not our responsibility to tell you who owes what, although we will try to help you sort it out if you run into problems. We record the checks that are received and the amount of rent is expected to be paid in full, regardless of who has paid what. Acceptance of late rent does not wave the rights of Elkins Apartments with respect to the lease agreement. Failure to enforce late fees is not a waiver of rights.

How come I make 12 monthly payments, plus my security deposit, yet I don’t actually get to stay in the apartment for 365 days? This is a common confusion. Here’s how it works: you are actually leasing the apartment for a period of approximately 350 days (that period is fully specified in your lease, look it up!). You agreed to pay a specific amount (again, see your lease) for that entire period of time. The entire amount could be paid before you move in. However, we allow you to make 12 equal monthly installments on that full amount. These are not rent payments for the month, instead they are installment payments. If you actually had a lease for the entire year, which is never the case, then the cost, and the related monthly installments, would be higher.

Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you lease a 1 Bedroom Unit in Apartment Complex Istanbul (which is really nice, by the way, but a bit far from campus).* You agree to lease the apartment for a total of $9600 for the duration of the lease (approximately 50 weeks). A monthly installment on this amount is $800 ($9600/12). You would also, of course, owe a security deposit equal to 1 monthly installment. If the lease had actually been for all 52 weeks, then the total lease amount would be approximately $9984. Again, we do not offer such full year leases.

You will find that this is how practically all leases are handled here in Bloomington. This allows time for you to move out, for us to fix the place up as needed, and to move someone else in.

* Where’s Complex Istanbul? I’d like to see it. Hmmm. Istanbul was Constantinople, which is also mentioned in a song by They Might Be Giants. It’s not really an Elkins Apartments complex. See Google Maps.

If you want to connect more than one computer to the internet in your house or apartment, you’ll need a couple of things:

1. an internet connection
2. a network hub. This device allows you to connect multiple computers together.

Unless all of your computers are in one room, we highly recommend you purchase a wireless access point or a wireless router/hub. These devices allow you to connect all your computers without using wires (thus wireless!). We do not recommend you run wires all over the place and punching holes in walls is likely to cause you considerable problems for your damage deposit!

That said, for a typical house with, say, 3 roommates each with a computer, you will need:

1. an internet connection
2. a cable or DSL modem (in most cases this comes with the connection order)
3. a cable or DSL router
4. a network hub (only needed if you will use cables for some computers or printers)
5. a wireless access point (if you choose to go wireless)
6. a wireless card for each computer (if you choose to go wireless)

This sounds like a lot, but in reality you can purchase one device that combines the functionality of (3),(4), and (5). These are wireless routers that include hubs. Examples include products from Netgear, Linksys, and 3Com, among many others (link to them). You can get such devices at Office Depot, Staples, Best Buy, or any other electronics store and they are generally under $100.00. Most of these also include what’s called a “firewall.” A firewall helps protect your network from hackers and other intrusions from the internet.

So what you really need, unless you know you don’t have need for one or more pieces, is an internet connection (which will generally provide the modem as well), a wireless router/hub, and a wireless card for all computers.

Please note that there are several types of wireless devices and all of the devices you purchase must support the same protocol, basically that they all speak the same language. The key is that your router/hub support any protocols that your cards have. So if the hub supports 501a & b and a card supports only the newer g or n protocol, then things won’t work.

You’ll hook the internet connection (a cable cable (called RG6) or a telephone cable) into your modem. The modem will have a network cord to connect to the Router. The router then connects to machines via wireless connections (thus why you need the cards) or wired connections (cat5e cables).

You’ll need to follow the instructions for the devices you purchase since they all vary a bit, but in general set-up is pretty easy.

Another thing to think about is how secure your want your wireless network to be. For example, most out-of-the-box configurations have a low level of security. This means that someone in an apartment next to yours or driving by in a car could detect your network and use it for free.

We will post frequently asked questions as they arise. Elkins Apartments does not provide internet service so any technical support questions should be directed to your providers; however, if you email a question, we’d be happy to attempt to answer it as soon as possible. Note, the office staff are not prepared to answer any technical questions but will forward them to our internal computer support person for response at his leisure.

No, it really probably isn’t better, at least as a modem…it is just more pieces in one package. The modem is the exact same and you have a wireless hub “included.” Why is this bad: well, first, it costs you more to buy the combo than the standalone extra hub. Second, if it dies, then the whole network dies (if you had separate pieces and one piece, like the hub, fails, then the other is still working. You could, for example, plug in and continue to use the modem). Moreover, if the modem dies, Comcast won’t replace it with a combo modem, you’ll have to do it yourself, and then you’ll have to get the MAC changed (see FAQ about changing modems).

What’s all this mean? A great big hassle for everyone—even us because when you leave we then have to reassign our modem with Comcast to your unit. Bonus hassle: if you ever move somewhere without cable service (i.e. DSL, or Ethernet already in place) then you now have a somewhat costly doorstop. BE SMART, BUY A SEPARATE HUB!

We are happy to help you get it changed, just know that their may be an inconvenience for you, you might lose service for a while if it doesn’t go well, and it’ll cost you a fee.

You should NOT use a modem other than the one provided by Comcast for Elkins Apartments. There is no good reason to do so. It will not work. If you call Comcast and manage to get them to change the MAC on file with them (in order to use your own modem), we may change it back causing you to lose service.

If you really want to use a different modem, you may complete, with us, a request to change a modem to your own modem, and you must pay a one-time fee ($50). This fee will also be assessed if you talk Comcast support into changing it, then when we reconcile the modems during the year and discover the change. You will be charged because the modem will no longer match Comcast’s records and we will have to change it back at the end of the year. The fee covers this cost of handling the changes. If you are permitted to change the modem, then you will need to return your assigned modem to the office.

Because we are beholden to Comcast to make the change, it could mean you are without service for a period of time. We can’t control when they make the change, so we wanted you to be aware of the potential for a delay and other problems. Again, if its what you want, we are here to help, but you should realize what’s involved. Thanks!

Bonus FAQ: What’s a MAC?

A MAC is a unique number associated with your modem. Comcast knows your MAC, we know your MAC, your MAC is associated with your apartment, house, or townhome. The MAC is what tells Comcast that you should get service. Its pretty important. Different modems have different MAC addresses; that’s why you can’t change a modem without causing problems. Comcast has a faq about finding your MAC on their modems.

14th and Walnut units require a login each day. In order to support your XBox, Playstation, TiVO, HD DVR, or other Ethernet device that is NOT a computer, you need to contact Consultech (http://www.consultech.net/contact.asp) and have them setup the service.

Specifically tell them that you need to make your box work over the Elkins Apartments LAN at 14th and Walnut. You will need your MAC address and your Unit ID (townhome or apartment address).

Also, make sure your TiVO is recognizing a wireless adapter if you are using one. TiVO boxes have become very picky about which wireless adapters and newer ones will ONLY accept the TiVO branded wireless adaptor (www.tivo.com).

Hmm, if cable and internet were provided in your lease or a lease addendum, they should be working when you move in. Let’s troubleshoot:

First, if you live somewhere other than 14th and Walnut (near the office), did you receive a cable modem? (14th and Walnut tenants do not need modems). If not, and you are sure that cable and internet were specified in your lease, then please contact us.

Second, did you try working through the Comcast or 14th and Walnut checklists? You might also see our discussion of networks and network connections.

If you have Comcast service and have the modem, but its not working, you should call Comcast 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278).

If you live at 14th and Walnut, call Consultech 812-330-7136, or e-mail them at elkins@consultech.net.

Finally, if those didn’t help please let us know that you do not have service. We will work with you to get the service activated. Sometimes past tenants “forget” to turn in their modems.* Sometimes the unit you are moving into may be new to the internet/cable agreement and may not be turned on by the service provider. We will do everything we can to facilitate these situations; HOWEVER, you should realize that we are often at the mercy of the service providers to schedule a time. You probably won’t be able to get it fixed immediately. We wish we could make it faster but the reality is that cable and other utility providers are busy too and they do the best they can to get everyone squared away as soon as possible.

*On a related note, your old modems which you may have “forgotten” to return elsewhere WILL NOT WORK. Cable modems are location specific. Comcast knows when and where a cable modem is plugged in (kinda scary, no?!). Modems other than the ones we provide will not “authorize.” If you call it in, you might get it authorized but there is a good chance you’ll confuse the system, end up being billed for internet services, and this will be something you will have to pay for and clean up yourself. We can try to smooth it out if you do something silly like that, but please, in the end, don’t be silly!

Just call Comcast @ 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278).

They should be able to locate your bulk account for your unit/house and then create a separate account for you. You will be billed directly for any services you add over and above the basic services provided to you by Elkins Apartments as noted in your lease or in your cable/internet addendum. These changes should not cause you to be billed for any cable or internet services that Elkins Apartments has negotiated to have provided to you at a discounted rate. If it does, then there has been a miscommunication between you and Comcast and you need to contact them to resolve the problem.

We are happy to try to help if you think you are being billed for services that you should be receiving as part of your lease.

Information is available in this PDF. (http://www.elkinsapartments.com/docs/ElkinsApartments_14th-Walnut_Networking.pdf)

Information is available in this PDF.

You are responsible for turning on your own utilities.

What about cable/internet? If your cable/internet is specifically included in the lease, then you do not have to do much. Do NOT call Comcast as you may be double-billed. Folks at 14th and Walnut do not need to do anything at all for your internet. Everyone else who has cable/internet provided at a discount through the lease or a cable addendum, needs to pick up a cable modem from the office. Note: because Comcast now requires a digital decoder on ALL televisions. You will need to get one or more from Comcast if your television does not have one built in (most do not).

We love pets so sometimes, yes, you may have a pet BUT YOU MUST HAVE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION for each and every pet. We allow pets for some places. We do not allow pets in other places. We allow only certain types of pets at certain locations. We do not allow pets that are on any form of dangerous/violent/aggressive animal lists. We charge a monthly fee for having a pet. We require an additional security deposit for pets. If we revoke your right to have a pet or if you never had permission in the first place and we find one on your premises, then you must immediately remove your pet. We’d hate to have anything happen to Fluffy so please get permission first.

Please send us a written request stating exactly what you think is wrong. We are happy to investigate your claim. Please don’t call us—it takes time to diligently investigate your concerns and we cannot do it while you wait. It is much better to generate a paper-trail and send us a simple note.

We will MAIL YOU an itemized list of damages and deductions, if any, along with either your remaining deposit or an invoice for any costs over and above the deposit. This will happen within 45 days of the end of your lease.

There are no exceptions to this rule. You can’t make it go faster by pestering us but doing so might just slow it down (and annoy people who are trying to move in to their own apartments). So please bear with us. 45 days.

(In case you REALLY want to know). Here’s how it works. We walked through your apartment, hopefully with you but if you weren’t available when the move out was scheduled then without you. We wrote down any damage we saw inside or outside the apartment. We have a nice, orderly form for doing this. We often took pictures. We generate work orders for your unit based on the move-out inspection. These work orders are used to ready the unit for the next tenants.

After the work is completed, and everyone is settled into their new apartments, we take the move-out inspections and the previous move-in inspections and we compare them. We also compare the move-out inspection to any work you requested during the year. We mark off the things that were on the move-in and were not fixed during the year. We then take the work orders and generate an itemized list of all the labor and materials that are attributable to your unit.

We then mail that list, along with a check or invoice, to the permanent contact address on the lease or provided to us on the move-out inspection form.

A home fire can be devastating and they happen more frequently than you may imagine. In a recent year in Bloomington, for example, there were 47 cooking-related fires in 2005 and 35 cooking-related fires—and those are only the ones for which fire trucks were rolled!

A good resource for fire prevention can be found from the Department of Homeland Security. We highlight recommend you read through the materials and take steps to safeguard yourselves and your home:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/

Be safe.

• Check your smoke detectors monthly.
• Check your fire extinguisher monthly.
• Don’t leave cooking unattended.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Don’t use space heaters.
• Don’t smoke. If you must smoke, dispose of your butt appropriately.
• Do not overload a circuit: too much stuff=fire hazard.
• Never leave a christmas tree (or similar) unattended.

THIS IS JUST A SHORT LIST: WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU CAREFULLY REVIEW THE U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION SITE OR CALL THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF FIRE PREVENTION PRECAUTIONS.

(and if you would like your fire prevention a little less dry, try the one targeting kids although it should not be a replacement for the one targeting ‘more mature audiences’).

Another good site is the National Fire Protection Association.

Before you leave for the holidays, Bloomington police offer the following eight tips to help keep your valuables safe at home while you’re gone.

1. Check that all windows and doors are locked.
2. Have newspapers and mail held, as a pile of newspapers is a definite indication that no one is home.
3. Ask someone to shovel snow in the driveway and on the sidewalk.
4. Consider a timer for lights and a television or radio.
5. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.
6. Set an alarm, if applicable.
7. Use the buddy system and ask neighbors or friends to check on the home while you’re gone.
8. Ask for extra patrols. Bloomington police keep an extra patrol log book. Officers on all three shifts attempt to drive by each home listed in the book as well as walk around the home to make sure it is secured.

To these, we would add the following regarding fire prevention:

1. Test smoke alarms before leaving, change battery if necessary (these should be checked monthly too just to be safe).
2. Do not leave Christmas trees unattended. Definitely appropriately dispose of the tree before you leave. The Salvation Army or another organization may take them and you may be able to leave it curbside if on city pickup (check first or the city may fine you).

For more on preventing fires, see our Fire Prevention FAQ.

We are on the corner of 14th & Walnut. 940 N. Walnut, Bloomington, Indiana, 47408.

See Communicate for more information.