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Frequently Asked Questions - Hinman House FAQs Categories

Move-in/Move-out and Delivery Scheduling What are the procedures for moving in, moving out, or arranging for deliveries to my unit? What are the times of day when moves/deliveries are permitted? Do I have to pay a fee for moving in/out or for deliveries? If I am a rental tenant, do I handle scheduling and fee payment, or does my landlord do that? Where should move/delivery drivers park their vehicle? Is there a move fee for furnished apartments? If a unit has more than one occupant, does each occupant have to pay a separate move fee? Is there a move fee for staging furniture in a unit that is for sale?

Recycling, Garbage, and other Disposal Where do I dump household trash and garbage? Where do I take items for recycling? What types of materials should I recycle? How do I dispose of large objects like furniture, carpeting, etc. How do I dispose of things I want to get rid of when I am moving out? How can I dispose of old books, CDs, magazines, etc. so that other residents can have them? What are the City of Evanston's policies on recycling?

Parking of Motor Vehicles, Bicycles, Etc. What can I put in my parking space? Can I park more than one vehicle in my parking space? What type of motor vehicle can I park in my space? Where can I park my bicycle? How long can I leave my car parked in the turnaround at the front lobby, or the service drive at the southwest entrance? Can I park along the north driveway? Can people who are not residents of Hinman House use my parking space? What do I do if I find someone parked in my space? How can I arrange for street parking? What are the procedures and what paperwork do I need to buy or sell a parking space? What precautions should I take to prevent the garage door from damaging my vehicle?

Miscellaneous Questions about Residing at Hinman House What if I have a problem like a leak or electrical problem in my unit? What if I have a problem with noise or other interference coming from another unit? Do I have to notify anyone if I am having remodeling or repair work done in my unit? Can I install things outside my windows such as satellite antennas, awnings, planters, bird feeders, thermometers, etc.? Can I put anything outside my unit door or on the outside of my door? What do I do if I lock myself out of my apartment? What assistance will the building engineer provide me? Can I loan or rent my unit to a friend or relative for a short-term stay? Can I rent my unit to more than one person? Can I sublet my unit? Can someone who inherits my unit after I die rent out the unit for income? What hours of the day can I have contractors working in my unit? What are the rules regarding smoking in and around the building? Can I have a pet or assistance animal in my unit? How do I arrange for payment of my monthly assessment fee? What things should I NOT flush down the toilet? Can I install a clothes washer/dryer in my unit? If I own my unit and decide to move, is it better to sell my unit rather than rent it? How do I access the building's free WiFi connection in my unit? Is there free WiFi access in common areas of the building? What should I do about clearing slow drains in my sinks, bathtub, or toilet.

Safety Issues and Dealing with Emergencies What do I do if the fire alarm sounds? Can I leave my unit door open to ventilate my unit? Can I have a doormat outside my unit door? What should I do if I suspect I have bed bugs or other infestations in my unit?

Occupancy Restrictions--Sharing My Building Key Who can reside in my unit? To whom can I give a key for the building entrances or parking garage? Can I have people stay in my unit while I am away? Can I charge rent to people staying in my unit? If I have (or rent) a parking space in the garage, can I share or rent my space to persons who do not reside at Hinman House?

Contractors in my unit What hours of the day can I have contractors working in my unit? Do I have to get approval from the Association for contractor or other work in my unit? Can I be liable if a contractor, tradesman, or other person working for me causes damage to the building or injury to persons in the building?

Answers

Move-in/Move-out and Delivery Scheduling Question: What are the procedures for moving in, moving out, or arranging for deliveries to my unit?   Answer: Move-ins, move-outs, and deliveries of large items like furniture, appliances, etc., must be scheduled through Homeowner Services. E-mail Homeowner Services at [email protected], or go to the 'eForms' link on this website, click on 'West Elevator Scheduling Request', and complete the form. Moves/deliveries must use ONLY the west elevator and southwest door. Hours for moves/deliveries are limited. (See the following Q/A for the schedule of hours.) The HHCA Rules and Regulations explain the various procedures you must follow for moves or deliveries. See Section III.J of the Rules. (The text of the full Rules is available on the 'Documents' menu. The text of Rule III.J is available on the 'Facilities' menu.)   Back to top Question: What are the times of day when moves/deliveries are permitted?   Answer: Moves and deliveries of large items can take place between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. No moves or deliveries are permitted on Sundays. Note that moves generally are limited to one unit a day. Check the 'Events Calendar' to find out what days may be available. If you have a problem scheduling a day, Homeowner Services may be able to make special arrangements.   Back to top Question: Do I have to pay a fee for moving in/out or for deliveries?   Answer: You must pay a fee to move in or move out. There is no fee for deliveries. For moves, you must pay a non-refundable fee of $300 and a refundable fee of $200. The non-refundable fee is to cover general wear and tear and other administrative costs associated with moves. The refundable fee is a security deposit in the event your move causes damage to the building other than ordinary wear and tear, or you violate rules regarding scheduling, day/hour of your move, use of improper building entrances,elevators, etc. For further information on fees talk to Homeowner Services, [email protected] and see Section III.J of the HHCA Rules and Regulations.   Back to top Question: If I am a rental tenant, do I handle scheduling and fee payment, or does my landlord do that?   Answer: Ultimately the unit owner -- your landlord -- is responsible to contact Homeowner Services to schedule moves/deliveries and pay move fees. However, you as the rental tenant also can take care of these matters. You should advise your landlord of your move/delivery plans, and confirm with the landlord which of you will handle the notice and fee payment requirements.   Back to top Question: Where should move/delivery drivers park their vehicle?   Answer: Move/Delivery vehicles should park on the south driveway of the rear parking deck. Vehicles can be backed in to be close to the southwest service door (the only entrance to be used for moves/deliveries). Move/delivery vehicles parked in the south driveway may have to block some resident parking spaces. Move/delivery drivers should make certain that telephone contact information is posted on their vehicles, so residents can contact the driver if they need to get out of their parking space. HEAVY TRUCKS AND SEMI-TRAILER TRUCKS SHOULD NOT USE THIS DRIVEWAY. THEIR WEIGHT MAY DAMAGE THE PARKING DECK OVER THE UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE. HEAVY TRUCKS SHOULD MAKE THEIR DELIVERIES FROM THE ALLEY.   Back to top Question: Is there a move fee for furnished apartments?   Answer: Generally, yes, persons moving into or out of a 'furnished' apartment must pay the standard move fees. The Association does not confirm to what extent a unit really is 'furnished.' The experience of the Association is that persons moving into or out of apartments that are claimed to be 'furnished' often have personal furnishings that they bring into or take out of the apartment when they move. The Association's policy is that it does not monitor each resident's move, but assumes that any move involves some furnishings, and therefore requires payment of move fees. There may be exceptions. Contact Homeowner Services, 847-866-7400, x624 (or submit a 'Request' on this website) to find out whether you qualify as an exception to the general rule.   Back to top Question: If a unit has more than one occupant, does each occupant have to pay a separate move fee?   Answer: Where a unit has more than one occupant, such as a rental unit with multiple tenants, the question of how many move fees must be paid by the various occupants depends on when the occupants schedule their moves. If all occupants move on the same day, one move fee covers all occupants. If occupants move on different days, a separate fee must be paid for each occupant's move.   Back to top Question: Is there a move fee for staging furniture in a unit that is for sale?   Answer: Units that are on the market and wish to stage furniture in the unit to aid in selling are required to pay the refundable $200 security deposit. The deposit should be paid when the stage furniture is moved into the unit, and will be refunded when the furniture is removed.   Back to top Recycling, Garbage, and other Disposal Question: Where do I dump household trash and garbage?   Answer: To dump household trash and garbage, put your refuse in a securely fastened garbage bag and dump it down the trash chute on your residence floor. The trash chute is the first door to the east of the elevators (marked 'Incinerator'). Note the restrictions posted on the trash chute. Do not use the trash chute to dispose of glass, newspaper, metal, recyclable plastic, or sharp objects. All garbage MUST be bagged.   Back to top Question: Where do I take items for recycling?   Answer: Take all items for recycling to the Recycling Room, which is adjacent to the southwest entrance on the first floor (directly across from Unit 103). Hinman House recycles glass, metal, paper, and plastic. You can mix together various types of recyclables when dumping them in the recycling bins. For plastic, look for a recycling mark on the object. Plastic that does not have a recycling mark -- e.g., a number 1 through 5 and 7 (#6 not recyclable) inside a triangle -- may not be recyclable. Food containers should be rinsed thoroughly before placing them in the recycling bins. If you bag various items for recycling, use only paper bags, not plastic. Paper food containers, such as pizza cartons, should not be put in the recycling bins if they cannot be cleaned thoroughly before disposal. Bag such items in plastic garbage bags and put them in the trash chute. If you have books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, small appliances, or other items that you think another resident might be interested in, you also can leave them in the Recycling Room.   Back to top Question: What types of materials should I recycle?   Answer: Hinman House recycles glass, metal, paper, and plastic. Food containers should be rinsed before recycling, to deter insect and vermin infestation in the Recycling Room and recycling bins. Not all plastic is recyclable. Look for a recycling mark on the object -- a number enclosed in a triangle. Items marked with a number 6 are NOT recyclable. Items marked 1 through 5 and 7 ARE recyclable. Paper food containers such as pizza boxes should NOT be recycled unless they can be cleaned thoroughly of food residue. Items that cannot be cleaned adequately should be bagged and deposited in the trash chute.   Back to top Question: How do I dispose of large objects like furniture, carpeting, etc.   Answer: Unit owners must arrange for special pickup to dispose of large items such as furniture, carpeting, large appliances, and the like. DO NOT SIMPLY DUMP THESE ITEMS IN THE DUMPSTERS. If you are replacing furniture, carpeting, etc., often the store that is delivering your new furnishings may agree to take away the old items. If you cannot get the delivery person to take your disposable items away, contact Homeowner Services to arrange for special removal. E-mail [email protected], or use the Disposal Request eForm (see the eForm link on the main menu of this website) to contact Homeowner Services. You may have to pay a special pickup fee for such disposal.   Back to top Question: How do I dispose of things I want to get rid of when I am moving out?   Answer: If you are moving out, DO NOT treat the trash chute or dumpsters as a handy way to dispose of things you want to get rid of. People sometimes simply empty the entire contents of their refrigerator, medicine cabinet, kitchen cupboard, etc. down the trash chute, or leave furniture or other large items in or alongside the dumpsters. Follow the directions listed previously in these FAQs for how to deal with recyclables and other disposal. Note that if you violate these restrictions, you (or your landlord, if you are a renter) probably will be assessed a fine.   Back to top Question: How can I dispose of old books, CDs, magazines, etc. so that other residents can have them?   Answer: If you are getting rid of old books, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, magazines, small appliances, and the like, that you think other Hinman House residents might like to have, you can leave these items in the Recycling Room. Deposit these items in the small containers just to the right of the door. If you have items that you would like to sell rather than give away, you can list these items on the 'Classifieds' link on the main menu of this website.   Back to top Question: What are the City of Evanston's policies on recycling?   Answer: To learn about the City of Evanston's policies on recycling go to the following website: https://www.cityofevanston.org/recycling-waste/recycling/. Evanston does not accept the following items for recycling: Plastic bags or packaging; #6 plastic (polystyrene), foam packaging (styrofoam) or polylactide (PLA) containers (e.g. corn starch or sugar cane based); scrap metal, cookware or utensils; partially filled aerosol or paint cans; foil-lined, wax, plastic or PLA coated paper (includes coffee cups and pet food bags); hard bound books; paper towels or food-contaminated paper (e.g. greasy pizza boxes); film or photos; dishware, ceramics or glassware; window glass or mirrors; light bulbs; toys; or oil, antifreeze, pesticide or herbicide containers. Items for recycling should not be collected in plastic bags, since the City does not recycle plastic bags. Use paper bags or place the items loose in the recycling bins.   Back to top Parking of Motor Vehicles, Bicycles, Etc. Question: What can I put in my parking space?   Answer: Parking spaces may be used only to park vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and the like. Parking spaces may not be used to store other types of property.   Back to top Question: Can I park more than one vehicle in my parking space?   Answer: Generally, a parking space is meant to accommodate only one automobile. However, the space may be used to park both an automobile and, for example, a motorcycle, or bicycle, provided that all vehicles can be accommodated in the space without encroaching on adjacent spaces or the drive lanes by which vehicles navigate through the parking area.   Back to top Question: What type of motor vehicle can I park in my space?   Answer: Parking spaces are intended for personal passenger vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and the like. Trucks and other vehicles used for commercial purposes are not allowed, nor are recreational vehicles.   Back to top Question: Where can I park my bicycle?   Answer: You can park your bicycle in one of several locations: 1) in the bicycle storage room adjacent to the mail delivery room at the front of the building (contact Homeowner Services, 847-866-7400 x 624 [or submit 'Request' from this website] about availability); 2) in the bicycle storage area in the underground garage (just adjacent to the garage entrance/exit; 3) in your apartment (use only the southwest entrance and west elevator to move your bike); 4) in your parking space. Bicycles may not be locked to structural columns, driveway bumpers, parkway traffic signs, or other locations not specified in the list above. Contact Homeowner Services if you want to install some device in your underground parking space to hang your bicycle from the wall or ceiling.   Back to top Question: How long can I leave my car parked in the turnaround at the front lobby, or the service drive at the southwest entrance?   Answer: Use these locations only for very short-term parking, for example, where you have to go from your car to your unit but plan to come back to your car immediately. If a vehicle is left parked in these service lanes for a long period of time, the Association may have it towed, or may cite the unit owner for a violation.   Back to top Question: Can I park along the north driveway?   Answer: The north driveway should not be used as a long-term parking space. During business hours, this area is needed by contractors working in the building to park their vehicles. At other times, the area should be used only for short-term parking. It should not be used to accommodate parking for visitors to a building resident.   Back to top Question: Can people who are not residents of Hinman House use my parking space?   Answer: Generally, parking spaces are intended for use by building residents. Residents can accommodate visitors in their parking spaces for short-term overnight use, both on the rear parking deck and in the underground garage. Owners of parking spaces on the rear parking deck may rent their spaces to nonresidents, but parking spaces in the underground garage can be rented or otherwise made available for long-term use only to residents of the building. A resident can store a vehicle owned by a nonresident in a space in the parking garage, but may not give the nonresident a garage door opener to enable the nonresident to come and go from the garage at will.   Back to top Question: What do I do if I find someone parked in my space?   Answer: If you find an unauthorized vehicle parked in your space, you have the right to contact North Shore Towing -- 800-481-7505 -- to have the vehicle towed. North Shore Towing will ask you to identify yourself, to verify that you have the authority to direct cars to be towed from your space. If you rent the space, the person owning the space may have to contact North Shore Towing on your behalf.   Back to top Question: How can I arrange for street parking?   Answer: If you wish to park on the street, go to Evanston City Hall and purchase a parking sticker that identifies you as a resident of a building in the area surrounding Hinman House. This will allow you to park on various streets near Hinman House without being ticketed. You also can purchase one-day parking permits at City Hall that will allow you or your visitors to park on these side streets for a specific day. The one-day permits are a single-use parking pass on which you identify the vehicle and day you are parking. This pass is hung from the rear-view mirror in your vehicle. You can buy such one-day permits in quantities, for use as needed. To purchase parking stickers or one-day permits you will have to furnish proof that you are a Hinman House resident (i.e., a resident of this area of Evanston).   Back to top Question: What are the procedures and what paperwork do I need to buy or sell a parking space?   Answer: Parking spaces at Hinman House are classified as 'limited common elements.' To buy or sell a parking space you need to have two documents: a deed of sale, and an amendment to the HHCA Declaration. Samples of these documents are available on this web site. From the home page, go to >Documents>Miscellaneous Forms to download the sample documents. Copies of these documents must be recorded with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds to ensure that you have proven title to the parking space. You also must provide a copy of these documents to Hinman House Homeowner Services.   Back to top Question: What precautions should I take to prevent the garage door from damaging my vehicle?   Answer: It is important that you activate your garage door opener each time you wish to enter or leave the garage. Do not go through the garage door even if the door is still open, as you will not know how much time is left on the timer. If you must wait for a car to enter or leave the garage, activate your remote control to reset the time. The garage door could make contact with your car if the time has expired, and if your vehicle is not in the path of the electric eye. The overhead garage door is programmed to remain open for approximately 30 seconds after you have activated your garage door opener. The door will close after 30 seconds unless you reset the timer by activating your garage door opener or your vehicle is in the sightline of the electric eye.   Back to top Miscellaneous Questions about Residing at Hinman House Question: What if I have a problem like a leak or electrical problem in my unit?   Answer: Generally, a unit owner is responsible for any problems with plumbing or electricity, etc., within the unit. If you have such a problem, you should contact a plumber, electrician, etc. to fix the problem at your expense. If you think the problem is not coming from your own unit, but is from another unit or the common areas of the building, contact Homeowner Services -- [email protected] (or use the 'Request' feature on this website) -- to report the problem. Also contact Homeowner Services if your problem is related to the building's heating system.   Back to top Question: What if I have a problem with noise or other interference coming from another unit?   Answer: If you have a complaint about something regarding another unit, the best first step should be that you go to that unit and speak to the occupants about the matter. If that does not resolve the matter, or if you are reluctant to confront the occupants yourself, contact our building engineer, or contact Homeowner Services, [email protected] (or use the 'Requests' link on this website).   Back to top Question: Do I have to notify anyone if I am having remodeling or repair work done in my unit?   Answer: You should contact Homeowner Services ([email protected] or 'Requests' on this website) to schedule any remodeling or repair work in your unit. If your contractor will need to use the service elevator to move materials, tools, etc., you should notify Homeowner Services at least three days in advance of the work. If your remodeling or repair work involves any modification of your plumbing or electrical service, or affects any structural components of your unit such as load-bearing walls and support columns, you must submit your plans for this work to the Association's Board of Directors for approval. Contact Homeowner Services or the Association President to submit your request. If you are installing any major appliance of a type that is not presently in your unit, you must submit your plan to the Association for approval. For example, if your unit does not have a dishwasher and you want to install one, you must get approval from the Association.   Back to top Question: Can I install things outside my windows such as satellite antennas, awnings, planters, bird feeders, thermometers, etc.?   Answer: Generally, you may not install anything outside the windows of your apartment. Contact Homeowner Services (847-866-7400 x624, or 'Requests' on this website) if you have a special request.   Back to top Question: Can I put anything outside my unit door or on the outside of my door?   Answer: You can put temporary decorations on the outside of your unit door. You cannot put permanent decorations on the door or change the color of the door. You cannot put anything such as doormats outside your door, nor should you allow newspapers to accumulate outside your door.   Back to top Question: What do I do if I lock myself out of my apartment?   Answer: If you lock yourself out of your apartment, contact a locksmith. You should not contact the building engineer to ask him to open your apartment for you. As a precaution against locking yourself out, give a key to your unit to a neighbor in the building.   Back to top Question: What assistance will the building engineer provide me?   Answer: Generally, the role of the building engineer is to maintain the common areas and mechanical systems of the building. If you have a problem in your unit and don't know what to do about it, you can get advice from the building engineer. The building engineer also can provide emergency service to deal with things such as plumbing leaks. However, the building engineer does not do more than temporary intervention. For more extensive repairs you must hire your own service provider. The building engineer generally is not available to provide personal assistance such as moving or carrying, cleaning, or other tasks in your unit. When screens have to be removed or replaced at the time of exterior window washing, it is your responsibility to deal with your screens. The building engineer does provide assistance to some residents who are incapacitated. Contact Homeowner Services (847-866-7400 x624, or 'Request' on this website) if you think you may qualify for such assistance.   Back to top Question: Can I loan or rent my unit to a friend or relative for a short-term stay?   Answer: Hinman House residents, whether unit owners or rental tenants, generally should not loan or rent their units to friends or relatives or other third parties for short-term stays. The HHCA Rules and Regulations specifically prohibit a unit owner from renting their unit for short-term, transient stays. The HHCA Declaration defines 'transient' as a period of less than 30 days. However, the Board has interpreted these restrictions to mean that residents may not use their units as 'hotels' for accommodating guests, unless the authorized resident of the unit also is residing in the unit at the time of the guest's visit. This means that, if you own or rent a unit and expect to be out of town for a period of time, generally you may NOT invite other persons to stay in your unit for the period when you are away. There may be special circumstances where sharing your unit would be acceptable. If you want to make such an arrangement, request and obtain permission from the Board BEFORE you give the visitor access to your unit. If you intend to remain resident in the unit during the stay of your visitor (i.e., using the unit as your daily residence, except perhaps for such absences as a weekend trip or short business trip where you will be out of town), generally there is no restriction on whom you may invite to share your unit as a non-paying, short-term guest. However, under no circumstance can you invite someone to share your unit on a rental or paying basis for any period of time while you also are residing in the unit. If you are a unit owner and wish to rent your unit, you must have occupied the unit yourself for a minimum of two continuous years before the unit is eligible to be used as income property. Then, any lease you enter into must be for a minimum of 12 months, with no sub-leasing allowed, and no more than three non-related persons occupying the unit.   Back to top Question: Can I rent my unit to more than one person?   Answer: The City of Evanston has an ordinance prohibiting more than three non-relatives from sharing a rental apartment. Hinman House applies this restriction to rental units. If you are an off-site owner renting your unit, the names of all persons who will be residing in the unit must be furnished to the Association with the lease documents.   Back to top Question: Can I sublet my unit?   Answer: You may not sublet your unit, whether you are an owner or a rental tenant. Leases must be for a minimum of 12 months. If you have a tenant who wishes to vacate your unit before the expiration of the 12 month anniversary date of their lease, you may not lease to another tenant without special permission from the Board. If you are a rental tenant who expects to be away from the unit for a period of time, or wants to move out prior to the expiration date of your lease, you may not sublease to another person under any circumstances.   Back to top Question: Can someone who inherits my unit after I die rent out the unit for income?   Answer: If your unit passes to someone else after you die, they have to reside personally in the unit for at least two years before they can begin renting it. Any time there is a transfer of title, the two-year residency requirement comes into play.   Back to top Question: What hours of the day can I have contractors working in my unit?   Answer: You can have contractors working in your unit from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. No contractors may work in your unit on Sunday. If the work you are having done requires the water to be shut off for your entire tier of the building, you may not commence the work until 9:00 a.m.   Back to top Question: What are the rules regarding smoking in and around the building?   Answer: Smoking is permitted only inside units. Smoking is prohibited everywhere else in the building, such as corridors, elevators, stairwells, basement garage and storage area, laundry and recycling rooms, and lobbies. Evanston City Ordnances 8-21-5 and 8-21-6 also prohibit smoking out of doors within 25 feet of the building entrances.   Back to top Question: Can I have a pet or assistance animal in my unit?   Answer: Hinman House does not allow pets to be brought into the building or kept in a unit, with the exception of medically necessary assistance animals. A resident must obtain approval from the HHCA Board of Directors BEFORE bringing an assistance animal into the building. For rules regarding medically necessary assistance animals, see the HHCA Rules & Regulations. From the main web site menu, go to >Documents>Governing Documents>Rules & Regulations, and check out Article III(S) and Appendix D of the Rules.   Back to top Question: How do I arrange for payment of my monthly assessment fee?   Answer: Contact our property manager, Jacqui Taylor, at Heil & Heil. Her direct number is 847-733-2626; e-mail [email protected]. She will help you arrange either for payment by check or by ACH (automatic clearing house) electronic bank payments. For detailed instructions on assessment payment procedure, go to the 'Announcements' page on this web site. Click the category 'General' and look for an announcement posted November 30, 2023 titled 'Change in assessment payment procedure 12/1.'   Back to top Question: What things should I NOT flush down the toilet?   Answer: You should not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Your cooperation will help to prevent back-ups and risking costly plumbing problems in your unit and the common are plumbing pipes: THE FOLLOWING ARE ITEMS THAT SHOULD NOT BE FLUSHED DOWN THE TOILET. ● Baby and adult wipes, disinfectant wipes, facial tissues, any other so-called flushable wipes � these products might be marketed to be flushed; however, they can create clogs and backups in sewer systems. ● Cotton Balls & Swabs ● Paper towels ● Band-Aids ● Dental floss ● Disposable diapers ● Tampons and pads ● Fats, oil, and grease � Cooking fats should NEVER go in the drain or garbage disposal. It seems like a liquid when it�s hot, but as soon as this grease hits the drain, it cools and congeals, becoming pipe-clogging wax. Scrape it into the trash. ● Cat litter ● Prescription Medication ● Cigarette butts ● Condoms   Back to top Question: Can I install a clothes washer/dryer in my unit?   Answer: You can install an in-unit laundry, but the installation must comply with HHCA requirements and be preapproved by the HHCA Board.� HHCA Rules & Regulations provide detailed specifications for installing an in-unit laundry.� See Article III.Q.2 and Appendix B of the Rules.� Among other things, the rules require that the washer drain into the toilet stack, not into a sink, and that the washer must stand in a catch basin that has side walls high enough to hold an accidental overflow of the washer.� This catch basin has to have its own drain, and be solid enough to help dampen vibration from the washer.� In other words, the rollaway washers that hook up to a sink faucet and drain are not permitted.� The dryer must be the vent-less type.� It cannot be vented out a window or air duct.� And the owner must pay an annual fee calculated to approximate the amount the owner otherwise would spend using the laundry room machines.� (The fee ensures that other unit owners do not subsidize the owner of an in-unit laundry for the Evanston City water and sewer charges that are associated with water usage in the building.)   Back to top Question: If I own my unit and decide to move, is it better to sell my unit rather than rent it?   Answer: Although the decision whether to rent or sell is entirely up to you, Hinman House Condominium Association always hopes that a departing owner will decide to sell rather than rent. We already have a fairly high percentage of units as rentals, and would hope not to increase that number. It puts a heavy burden on the administration of the building and the quality of life for residents. Rental tenants always prove to be more of a problem regarding compliance with rules and unobtrusive conduct than our on-site owners. They also put more wear and tear on a unit, which means the off-site owner has greater expenses for upkeep of the unit than an on-site owner might have. That said, the decision whether to sell or rent is entirely up to you, and if you choose to rent, the selection of tenants will be entirely up to you as well. You are required to submit lease documents to the condo association before your tenant moves in, and pay a lease fee as well as move-in and move-out fees. These requirements are spelled out in the HHCA Rules & Regulations. You will, of course, continue to be responsible for any problems created by rental tenants. If you decide to rent and plan to move out of the Chicago area, you probably will be using a rental agent to help you manage your property. If you are using an agent, you should give HHCA the contact information for that person so we know whom to contact locally if there are problems.   Back to top Question: How do I access the building's free WiFi connection in my unit?   Answer: Contact our building engineer to learn how to access your WiFi connection. If you wish, you can rely exclusively on this free Internet connection, or you can add cable TV service in addition to your unit's free Internet. To add cable, contact a provider such as Comcast or AT&T.   Back to top Question: Is there free WiFi access in common areas of the building?   Answer: Yes, you can access the building's free Internet connection in the first-floor lobby and other common areas such as the laundry room. The connection will show up as 'Hinman House' on the WiFi connections list on your computer or other device.   Back to top Question: What should I do about clearing slow drains in my sinks, bathtub, or toilet.   Answer: For slow or plugged drains in your sinks or toilet, a plumber generally can clear the drain with power rodding or some other method. If you are experiencing slow or plugged BATHTUB drains, however, note the following: If you are experiencing slow or plugged up bathtub drains, think twice before having a plumber rod the drain with a conventional power rodder. Hinman House drain lines are more than 60 years old. In recent years, bathtub drains have had a problem of rusting through and causing leaks that can damage your own unit as well as units below you. The bathtub drain features a right-angle coupling that sits just beneath the bathtub drain opening. When you run your bathtub or shower, after the tub drains there is always a little water that pools in the bend in this coupling. Over the years this constant pooling of water causes the coupling to rust. If a coupling has rusted substantially, rodding with a conventional power rodder can cause the coupling to break. If you have a slow tub drain, ask your plumber if they can clear the drain using something other than conventional power rodding. Tell the plumber about the problem with rusting drain couplings. The plumber will have alternative methods to clear your drain without risking a break in the coupling. Note that Hinman House has a regular schedule of rodding kitchen drains. This has proven necessary because residents often are careless about what they try to flush down their kitchen drains. You should not pour cooking oil residue down your drain. And although you may have a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink, it is best not to run things through the disposal, but instead put all kitchen waste or other items into your garbage bag. If you put things down your kitchen drain or garbage disposal that cause blockages for units below you that result in those kitchen sinks to overflow and damage the unit, you may be liable for the cost to repair that damage if the blockage can be traced back to you.   Back to top Safety Issues and Dealing with Emergencies Question: What do I do if the fire alarm sounds?   Answer: � Do not ignore a fire alarm. Assume the alarm is an indication of fire in the building, and prepare to evacuate. � When the alarm sounds feel the door�if cool,open and see if it is clear to exit the building. If the door is hot, that may indicate there is fire in the hallway, in which case it may be safer to remain in your unit and keep your door closed. � If the unit door is hot, place a wet towel at the bottom and be prepared to be evacuated by the fire department and follow their instruction. Do not open the door, which could fuel the fire. � If your door is cool, go into the hallway and use the stairway to exit the building. Do not use the elevator. Exit the stairway at the first floor, if possible. Do not congregate in the first floor lobby or underground garage. � Do not leave your door open if you vacate your apartment or if you have opened your windows because of smoke in your apartment. Keeping your door closed will help keep the fire out of your unit and will prevent the fire from feeding on fresh oxygen from your unit. � Do not have any obstructions (baby carriages, shopping carts, floor mats,) obstructing the hall. � Follow instructions from firemen, and do not re-enter the building until permitted to do so by fire department personnel.   Back to top Question: Can I leave my unit door open to ventilate my unit?   Answer: The HHCA Rules and Regulations, Article III(G)(3), prohibit residents from leaving their unit door standing open to the corridor. This is to ensure that cooking odors or other aromas do not enter the corridor and set off the building fire alarm. This also helps ensure that activity in a unit does not create a disturbance for other units along the corridor.   Back to top Question: Can I have a doormat outside my unit door?   Answer: Placing a doormat outside your unit door is prohibited under Article III(H)(1) of the HHCA Rules and Regulations. Doormats can pose a trip hazard for persons using the corridor.   Back to top Question: What should I do if I suspect I have bed bugs or other infestations in my unit?   Answer: If you suspect you have bed bugs or similar problems, you should report the matter to Homeowner Services and to our building engineer. You will be given instructions for how to deal with the problem. Check the HHCA Rules & Regulations, Article III, Section F(4) for more information. (To get a copy of the Rules & Regulations, from the main menu of this web site click on >Documents>Choose a Category>HHCA Rules & Regulations.   Back to top Occupancy Restrictions--Sharing My Building Key Question: Who can reside in my unit?   Answer: You can have overnight visitors in your unit for visits of up to three days at a time. For persons whom you want to reside in your unit for longer periods -- IF YOU ARE AN OWNER-OCCUPANT: * You and your immediate family can reside in your unit. *You and up to two other persons not related to you can reside in your unit. * Long-term guests or house sitters can reside in your unit, provided you contact Homeowner Services and notify them of the person(s) you are inviting to stay in your unit, the period of time they will be staying, and the purpose of their occupancy. IF YOU ARE A RENTAL TENANT: * You and the other persons named in your lease can occupy the unit. * No more than three nonrelated persons can occupy a rental unit. * Long-term guests or house sitters can reside in your unit, provided you contact Homeowner Services and notify them of the person(s) you are inviting to stay in your unit, the period of time they will be staying, and the purpose of their occupancy. Rules & Regulations, Article III (X), and Appendix C.   Back to top Question: To whom can I give a key for the building entrances or parking garage?   Answer: You can give a building key or parking garage opener to: IF YOU ARE AN OWNER-OCCUPANT: * Yourself and your immediate family members who reside in the unit. * Nonfamily members with whom you are sharing your unit. * Visitors (for up to three days). * Guests, house sitters, and other persons who will be residing in or otherwise given access to the unit for more than three days, PROVIDED you have notified Homeowner Services about the person(s) to whom you are giving building keys, the reason for doing so, and the length of time they will retain the keys. * Caregivers, house cleaners, contractors, relatives, and other persons to whom you want to give access to your unit on a regular or as-needed basis, PROVIDED you have notified Homeowner Services about the person(s) to whom you are giving building keys, the reason for doing so, and the length of time they will retain the keys. IF YOU ARE A RENTAL TENANT: * Yourself and other persons named on your lease. * Visitors (for up to three days). * Guests, house sitters, and other persons who will be residing in or otherwise given access to the unit for more than three days, PROVIDED you have notified Homeowner Services about the person(s) to whom you are giving building keys, the reason for doing so, and the length of time they will retain the keys. * Caregivers, house cleaners, contractors, relatives, and other persons to whom you want to give access to your unit on a regular or as-needed basis, PROVIDED you have notified Homeowner Services about the person(s) to whom you are giving building keys, the reason for doing so, and the length of time they will retain the keys. Rules & Regulations, Article III (X), and Appendix C.   Back to top Question: Can I have people stay in my unit while I am away?   Answer: You can arrange for guests or house sitters to stay in your unit while you are away, PROVIDED: * You cannot charge any rent to such persons, except for payment of utilities, telephone, food, and similar expenses (but not including a portion of your mortgage, rent, real estate taxes, or monthly condo assessment). * You must notify Homeowner Services to indicate who is staying in your unit, how long they will stay, and why they are there. * No more than three nonrelated persons can stay in your unit. * You must familiarize your guests or house sitters with the HHCA Rules & Regulations (i.e., the matters covered in these FAQs), and you or your landlord will be liable for any violations of the rules by the persons staying in your unit. Rules & Regulations, Article III (X), and Appendix C.   Back to top Question: Can I charge rent to people staying in my unit?   Answer: 1. If you are an off-site, investor-owner who leases your unit and you do not reside in the unit yourself, you may charge rent to persons residing in your unit. 2. If you want to share occupancy of your unit with other persons while you also are residing there (or while you are temporarily away), you may NOT charge rent to people who are sharing your unit. This applies whether you are a rental tenant or an owner-occupant. The only payment you can accept from people who are sharing your unit is for utilities and things like expenses for phone or food. You may not require persons sharing your unit to pay a portion of your condominium assessment, mortgage or rent, or real estate taxes. 3. If two or more persons are sharing a rental unit, they may share the cost of rent PROVIDED that the persons sharing the rent all are named as parties to the lease. 4. If a rental tenant wants to bring in one or more roommates to share rent after signing the initial lease, the tenant must obtain permission from the landlord to add the roommate(s) as additional parties to the lease, and the landlord must provide a copy of the amended lease to Homeowner Services. Rules & Regulations, Article III (X), and Appendix C.   Back to top Question: If I have (or rent) a parking space in the garage, can I share or rent my space to persons who do not reside at Hinman House?   Answer: You may not share or rent a parking space in the garage to persons who do not reside at Hinman House, unless they are caregivers, house sitters, and the like who are authorized to have a building key and to stay in or have access to your unit. You may allow visitors to use your underground parking space during their visit. Rules & Regulations, Article III (X), and Appendix C.   Back to top Contractors in my unit Question: What hours of the day can I have contractors working in my unit?   Answer: Contractors can work in your unit: * Monday through Friday--8 am to 5 pm. * Saturday--8 am to 3 pm. * Sunday--no contractor allowed. If the work you are having done requires the water to be shut off in your entire tier, work cannot begin until 9 am. Also, you must give Homeowner Services three days' advance notice to schedule the water shutoff. Limits on contractor hours do not apply to unit owners or residents working on their own in their unit. But rules prohibit creating an undue disturbance. Your work in your own unit should not continue past 8 pm, to avoid disturbing neighboring units.   Back to top Question: Do I have to get approval from the Association for contractor or other work in my unit?   Answer: You need prior approval from the Association for: 1) installing wood, laminate, tile, or other flooring to replace carpeting in your unit; 2) installation of types of major electrical appliances that are not simply replacements of existing appliances (for example, if you do not already have a dishwasher, you must obtain Association approval before installing one); 3) work that involves removal or alteration of any structural (load-bearing) walls; 4) work that involves modifying your unit's electrical wiring. To obtain Association approval, submit your contractor's or other proposal to the HHCA Board of Directors. Make sure you submit your request IN ADVANCE OF YOUR PLANNED WORK, so the Board can review it before your project commences. For replacing carpeted areas with wood or other solid flooring, see the HHCA Rules & Regulations, Article III(A)(4)(b) and Appendix A for required specifications for replacement flooring material. Also see Rule III(A) regarding requirements to show proof of insurance for contractors, construction hours, and other factors involving delivery and clearance of materials. You also should notify Homeowner Services ANY TIME you have a contractor working in your unit. This is necessary so the west elevator can be padded. Also advise your contractor that they must use only the southwest building entrance to bring in their materials.   Back to top Question: Can I be liable if a contractor, tradesman, or other person working for me causes damage to the building or injury to persons in the building?   Answer: Yes, you may be liable for damage or injury caused by a contractor, tradesman, or other agent hired or directed by you to do work in your unit or provide other services to you in the building. This would include liability for damage to common areas or other units, and any injury to third persons in the building or on Association property. You can protect yourself against such liability in two ways: 1) HHCA Rules require that you obtain a certificate of insurance for general liability and Workers Compensation insurance from any contractor, tradesman, etc. working for you, and provide this certificate to HHCA's managing agent. If your contractor, etc., causes damage or injury, or causes someone to sue HHCA for damage or injury, HHCA will have the option to seek damages or indemnity initially from your agent's insurance, or from you personally, or both, at HHCA's discretion. See HHCA Rules & Regulations Article III.A.12 2) You should obtain property owner's insurance to cover any potential liability you may incur because of actions of your contractor or other agent. This is required both by HHCA Rules & Regulations Article III.I.2.b, and by Illinois state law.   Back to top

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