Caring For Your Home

All refrigerators should be equipped with thermostat control(s) to regulate the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer. Some adjustment may be necessary to find a level that suits you.

If the stove or oven stop working, check the fuses before making a maintenance request. To reduce the risk of fire, clean grease and spilled food from the stovetop and oven daily. Do not use aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven, on oven racks, or on pans under the stovetop elements, as this can cause a short circuit. Clean the exhaust fan filter regularly with hot soapy water and a brush to remove accumulated grease and dirt.

If your home is equipped with a washing machine and dryer, clean the fabric softener dispenser and lint trap after each use. Check and tighten water supply connections and drain hoses to avoid leaks and blocks.

If your home is equipped with a dishwasher, rinse dishes before loading so food won’t clog the drain holes. For best results, do not overload the dishwasher, but do run the machine with a full load to save energy. Use dishwasher detergent only. Liquid soap or laundry detergent will cause the machine to overflow.

To maintain the smooth finish on porcelain fixtures and ceramic tiles, use a gel or foam cleaner rather than an abrasive cleanser. Abrasive cleansers scratch the surface and make it increasingly difficult to clean. Wipe the tile walls in the tub enclosure after each shower to preserve the grouting and caulking. Contact Terra should the grouting or caulking begin to deteriorate. A dripping tap wastes a tremendous amount of water and may damage the porcelain finish on sinks and tubs. Report this problem promptly to Terra.

If you experience a power failure, check the circuit breaker and fuse panel. If the circuit breaker has been tripped, check that you are not overloading a particular circuit by having too many electrical appliances operating on one circuit at the same time. Return the breaker to the On position. Contact Terra if the breaker returns to the Off position.

We will install light bulbs when you move in. The replacement of burnt-out bulbs both inside and outside your residence (e.g., on a porch or balcony) is your responsibility. Bulbs must not exceed the wattage printed on the fixture. We encourage the use of energy-saving bulbs.

Frequent vacuuming of your carpets is essential to maintain them, especially in heavy traffic areas. We suggest using a vacuum cleaner that has strong suction and an agitator brush. Steam clean or shampoo carpets periodically to protect fibers. Remove spots promptly before they set. Never use cleaners that contain bleach, as they will damage the carpets. To prolong the life of your carpet, we highly encourage you to seek professional carpet cleaning for each unit every year.

Sweeping your floors every day will remove surface dirt. The floor should be washed regularly with a cleaner and warm water. After washing, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean, cold water. Plastic floor finishes are not permitted.

Regular dry mopping will help maintain the shine of your hardwood floors. Do not use self-polishing waxes or abrasive cleaners on hardwood floors. Spills should be wiped promptly to remove spots and marks.

Should the heat fail to operate upon turning up the thermostat, check that all large furniture is distantly away from all major sources of heat, such as floor radiators. Additionally, ensure that all windows are closed during winter months to keep the heat inside your unit.

Cupboards and countertops should be wiped regularly with warm water and a non-abrasive, grease-cutting detergent. Do not place hot pots or dishes directly on the countertop. Please wipe spills promptly to avoid staining the surface.

The plumbing system in your home can only handle the drainage for which it was designed. Do not flush any of the following down the sink or toilet: grease, lint, diapers, sanitary napkins, feminine hygiene products, paint, food, paper towels or Q-Tips.

Windows must be kept shut during winter months to ensure optimal heat in your unit. Closed windows should be locked to avoid rattling, breaking and water seepage. Locking windows also improves security. Lever-operated windows must not be unhooked as they may slam shut and become damaged. Drain holes in the tracks of sliding windows should be checked and cleaned monthly to avoid water damage. Drapes may be used as insulators. During the winter, open your drapes to let the sunlight warm the air and to help prevent condensation. For safety’s sake and energy efficiency, it is advisable to ensure that drapes stop three inches above baseboard heaters.

We provide for recycling of several different materials, as well as for composting. To help preserve and restore the environment, we must all make every effort to reduce the amount of waste we produce. We can start by reducing our consumption of products and reusing them whenever possible.

All garbage must be securely wrapped in a plastic bag before being placed in the waste containers provided at your community. All boxes must be broken down before placing them into the appropriate recycling container. Please recycle all items in the appropriate bins provided.