Can we have pets?

Rule 4 of your lease states that there are NO PETS ALLOWED on the property, visiting or otherwise. The exception to this rule is of course service animals, with a written lease addendum approved by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. We do allow fish and some small caged animals with a pet addendum. Generally cats, dogs and ferrets are not allowed. If you wish to inquire about pets, please contact the Manager of Property Administration for further details.

Please remember that there is a $75 service fee for having an unauthorized pet on your property. Please make sure that your guests make prior arrangement for their pets before coming to visit you. You are responsible for your guests as well as yourselves.

Where do we keep our bikes?

Bikes may be stored outside in the provided bike racks. In some of our major complexes, bike garages are available to rent for $5/month. This is a safe place that is, so to speak "out of sight out of mind", where you can lock your bikes up. If you are interested in renting a space in the bike garage, contact the Property Management Department at the main office for details. Please keep in mind that there is a $50 service fee for bringing your bikes into your homes.

What if my drain/toilet is clogged?

You should first try to clear the clog by using a plunger. We strongly suggest that you buy a plunger at your local Target, Wal-Mart or K-Mart. If you can not get the drain/toilet unplugged then call your resident manager or the main office for further assistance. You could be charged for the call if it only needs to be plunged.

Can I grill on my deck/patio?

According to the City of Ames Code, you may not grill on decks or patios of apartment buildings. PPM does not allow allow the storage of any type of grills on decks, patios or outside of first floor apartments either. Some of your complexes have a designated area for grilling, along with grills provided by PPM.

What hours can we do laundry?

Most complexes have specific laundry room hours. These will be posted on the laundry room doors. Generally laundry room hours are from 7 am to 10 pm ( last load in a 9 p.m.). All laundry in complexes is coin operated. Should you encounter problems contact the office or your resident manager.

What if my garbage disposal stops working?

There is a small reset button located underneath the unit, below your kitchen sink. Please try pressing this before calling the office or your resident manager for assistance.

To avoid clogged disposals or motor damage, please DO NOT put the following items in the disposal. If these or other items are found in the disposal, you may be charged for the service call.

How do I defrost my refrigerator?

Many of you may have frost free refrigerators and will not need to worry about defrosting your freezers. If you do start to get a build-up of ice in your freezer, follow the guidelines below to make more room and save money:

1. Remove your freezer items to a cooler
2. Unplug the refrigerator
3. Let ice melt

You should try to defrost your freezer at least once a month to receive proper energy efficiency.

CAUTION: As you are waiting for the ice to melt DO NOT use utensils or tools to chip the ice away, they may puncture the freezer lining and ruin the unit. If this happens, you may be charged for the repair or replacement of the refrigerator.

How do I hook-up my cable TV?

If your home has cable television included in the rent or you have paid to have it installed, here are a few tips to help you sort through what seems like miles of wires.

Non Cable Ready TVs: You will need a cable box to view your cable television. If cable is provided, and there is no box located in one of the closets in your home, please contact TCI of Central Iowa at 233-4646 to obtain one. Insert one end of the cable into the wall outlet and the other end into the cable box input slot. Put you TV cord in the box output.

For information on Satellite Dishes contact the main office.

What if I need to sublease my apartment?

As soon as you know you are going to need to sublease your apartment, you should come into the office and fill out a sublease form. The sooner your apartment gets on our list the better your chances are of finding a qualified subleasor. The new tenants that you find will need to come into the office and fill out the same paperwork that you did in order to be approved. They will also need to put down a deposit equal to one month's rent and sign a lease. They may be required to have a guarantor as well if they do not make 3 times the total monthly rent. The office will then process their applications. It is your responsibility to obtain verification that the new residents have indeed been approved. Don't assume that if you are not notified, that they have been approved.

Subleasing is never guaranteed and if you do not find anyone to take over your lease, please remember that you are still obligated for the rent until the unit is re-rented or your obligation is fulfilled.

How do I get my Security Deposit back?

In order to receive your security deposit back, you must fulfill all of your lease obligations. Here are just a few tips to help you receive your deposit back.

1. Complete your Move-In Inspection report promptly. This report is your means of noting any damaged and/or dirty items in your new home. This report must be returned within 5 days to be valid. Any items found to be dirty must be reported in person within 24 hours of obtaining your keys in order for them to be taken care of for you.
2. Vacuuming and constant cleaning are the keys to a good Move-Out Inspection. We also provide a helpful handout called "Guide to Your Move-Out Inspection". Contact the office for a copy if you do not receive one.
3. Make prompt maintenance requests. Maintenance left unreported, can lead to a bill for you.
4. Always pay your rent on time. If you do happen to pay late, remit your late payment fee with your payment. This will avoid any late fees being deducted from your deposit.
5. Return all parking permits and original keys at the time of your move-out inspection. Lost permits are $25 each and re-keying can be very costly.

PPM's GOAL IS TO RETURN YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT TO YOU!