Repairs of Dwelling Units Policy

WHEREAS, certain amenity items were originally furnished with each townhouse unit; and

WHEREAS, some of these amenities, appliances or other parts of each townhouse unit should last the life of the unit unless damaged willfully or negligently, and others are subject to normal wear out, regardless of family size; and

WHEREAS, it is difficult to put a specific time limit on when a specific item will have reached its normal wear longevity;

THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THAT THE FOLLOWING IS THE POLICY OF STRATFORD TOWNHOUSES COOPERATIVE WITH REGARD TO REPAIRS OF AMENITIES, APPLIANCES OR OTHER PARTS OF EACH TOWNHOUSE UNIT:

1. No limit will be specified for the useful life of any specific item.

2. Members will notify the Cooperative as soon as an item becomes non-functional and/or unsafe rather than attempt to make repairs themselves. If the member does not report such a condition and/or attempts to make repairs, such action (or lack of action) shall be considered misuse.

3. Items that become non-functional and/or unsafe because of ordinary wear, or damage or failure of the Cooperative buildings or staff, will be repaired at no cost to the member.

4. Items that become non-functional and/or unsafe due to misuse will be repaired and the member will be charged the full expense of the repairs.

5. Items that are replaced by the Cooperative at the expense of the member may become the personal property of the Cooperative member if the member desires, and the member will assume the full responsibility of storing, repairing or disposing of it. The alternative is that the Cooperative will retain ownership of the item and dispose of it with no further responsibility to account to the member for salvage value; nor any responsibility by the member to pay the Cooperative for any disposal or other costs.

6. Other than outlined above, the following specific policies shall apply:

a. All broken glazing (glass, plexiglass or other materials) and/or screening will be repaired by the Cooperative and the mimer will be charged for the expense incurred.

b. Storm/Screen Combination Door Closers that are non-functional will be replaced by the Cooperative at no expense to the member unless the piston rod is bent.

c. Kitchen and/or bathroom sinks will be replaced by the Cooperative only when necessary.

d. Fiberglass or plastic laundry sinks will be replaced by the Cooperative only when necessary.

e. Hardwood floor appearance is the responsibility of each Cooperative member. It is the Cooperative policy not to sand hardwood floors due to the need for replacement of the floor after three or four sandings. Hardwood floors may be covered with carpeting or rugs (including stairs) by the member at the expense of the member. See “Floors Policy.”

f. Window units and glass door walls will be replaced by the Cooperative at no expense to the member if they become defective, only if they become defective due to structural defects. (At Cooperative Staff’s discretion.)

g. Weather-stripping and caulking will be replaced by the Cooperative when it becomes non-functional due to normal wear.

h. Any decorative covering on original tile floors (kitchens, bathrooms, and entries) other than the original tile may be done by the member. The Cooperative will repair only those original tiles and/or floors which become damaged due to structural defects at no expense to the member. See “Floors Policy.” Normal tile replacement is provided by the Cooperative if deemed necessary by the maintenance staff; however, premature replacement caused by neglect or abuse or lack of proper care is the member’s responsibility. Non-standard tile replacement (not installed by staff), is not subject to this provision.

i. Any ceramic toilet fixture which becomes chipped, cracked or broken shall be deemed to be damaged by misuse.

j. Original Cooperative supplied toilet seats with worn finishes shall be replaced at the request of the member without expense to the member.

k. Plugged sewers will be repaired by the Cooperative at the expense of the member causing the blockage if this can be determined.

Definitions:

Accidental: Occurring unexpectedly and unintentionally; by mistake.

Amenity: Attractive or desirable feature.

Expense: The total cost including material and labor.

Mechanical Defect: An imperfection, flaw, fault, or blemish in a device intended to operate automatically.

Misuse: To use incorrectly or improperly; misapply; to treat badly or harshly; abuse; incorrect or improper use. Misuse shall include accidental and/or negligent damage.

Negligent: Guilty of failure to care for or give proper attention to; lacking in due care of concern.

Non-functional: Not performing the intended use or function properly or as intended.

Normal Wear: Customary, usual, regular, or normal wear causing an item to become impaired, or diminished by such use.

Repair: Return to original purpose and function. Repair shall include replacement when determined to be necessary.

Structural Defect: An imperfection, flaw or blemish in the manner of building, constructing or organizing.

 

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