Welcome to your home!
There are some things you should keep in mind while living here:

AIR CONDITIONER: Window A/C are supplied with some of our units.  If you decide to place an air conditioner in a window, you are responsible for any damages done to the building or window if the air conditioning unit leaks. You are also responsible if any window parts (screens, windows, frames)that are missing at the time of your moving out. Please do not nail or screw into the windows, sills or the window frames.

BUILDING PROPERTY: Any items which are the property of the building shall not be removed from the unit. This includes doors, screens, storms, drapery rods, carpet, furniture, appliance, etc.

CARPET and AREA RUGS: All hardwood flooring is required to be 50% covered by carpet or area rugs.

CEILING FANS (for winter and summer): All ceiling fans have a switch on the motor housing that changes the direction in which the blades turn.
IN SUMMER: When it’s warm, the blades of a turning ceiling fan normally push air downward, causing cool air near the floor to travel outward and mix with air at the edges of the room. The process makes for more even cooling, and just the air movement in the room alone can make it feel cooler by four degrees or more! That means if you’re using air conditioning along with your fan, you can set the thermostat at a higher than normal setting to save on energy.
If you use ceiling fans in the summer, however, keep in mind that it does little good to run them when you’re not around. The fan really isn’t cooling the room. Like a breeze on a hot summer day, it’s the blowing air moving across your body that makes you feel cooler.
IN WINTER: Instead of forcing air downward, the blades will push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises, and drive it back down around the edges of the room. That can result in more even heating. And better heat circulation will help to combat the problem of sweating windows that some homes experience in the wintertime because of condensation on the glass.

CHECK-IN FORM: A check in form is provided to each new resident. You may inspect the dwelling unit and notify us of any pre-existing damages or defects by noting the conditions on the check-in form. The form must be completed, signed and returned within 7 days of move in as stated in your lease. Any items not listed on a check-in form returned within 7 days of move-in shall be presumed in good condition at the time of move-in.

DAMAGES: You are responsible for all damages and repairs beyond normal wear and tear. This includes, but is not limited to clogged drains and toilets, fire or water damage, broken appliances, carpet damage, and scratches/gouges on hardwood floors or counter tops.  Do not use the countertops (Formica or butcherblock) as a cutting board.

EXTERIOR APPEARANCE: Porches and balconies shall not be allowed to detract from the appearance of your building. The premises shall not be defaced with items stored, upholstered chairs/couches, signs, advertisements, antennas, etc. The cost of removal of such items shall be incurred by the resident. Porches and balconies are not to be used for storage of any type of motor vehicle, furniture, or trash. No grilling or flammable material is allowed or stored on any deck. Also, NO smoking or grilling is allowed on the upper deck of 1025 E Johnson or 15 N Baldwin.

GARDENING AND USE OF THE YARD:
Several of our properties have yards where you can have a barbeque, garden or group of people for an outdoor party.
Please use existing garden areas before asking to create a new planting area.  Keep yards clear so that we can mow the lawn.

GUESTS: Overnight visitors should be on a limited or occasional basis only. Only tenants on the lease should be living at the unit. Tenant may have guests residing temporarily in Premises if their presence does not interfere with the quiet use and enjoyment of other tenants, AND if the number of guests is not excessive for the size and facilities of the Premises. No guest may remain for more than two (2) weeks without written consent of Landlord which will not be unreasonably withheld. Tenant shall be responsible for all acts of negligence by Tenant’s guests and invitees, and to be responsible for any resulting property damage or injury.

HEATERS: Space heaters ARE NOT allowed in any of the units.

INSURANCE: You will need your own policy to protect your belongings in case of fire or
theft. We recommend insurance agent Paul Herrick, call or text 1- 262 – 689-5575

NAILS AND PICTURE HANGING: Use only small nails for hanging items on the walls. Most walls are plaster, so be very careful not to break wall plaster. Never use tape, adhesive or glue. Never nail anything to the woodwork or doors.
No towels, sheets, tin foil etc may be used as drapery material. Tenant shall use drapery rods if provided by owner.

LAUNDRY RULES:
-Use only 1 table spoon per load of HE powder detergent (W Wilson location)
-Toss detergent pods into bottom of washer tub, instead of using the drawer
-Use cold or warm water to conserve energy
– Run medium to large loads (running small loads in the large capacity washer may cause damages)
-Use sensor dry to conserve energy.
-Clean the dryer lint before drying each load.
-Pick up your items timely.  Never leave items in the washing machine or dryer when cycle is finished. 

LOCKS and LOCKOUTS: Keep entry doors closed and locked AT ALL TIMES. When coming and going, make sure you lock your apartment door. Make sure the building entry door closes and latches completely behind you. DON’T disarm or tamper with entry door closures or locks. Propping doors open or tampering with door closures is counter-productive to keeping you safe. Residents who lock themselves out should call a locksmith. Residents may not change the locks without written permission. Residents will be liable for any damages caused by break-ins or attempted break-ins, or vandalism that is not reported to the local police. Only signed parties to the lease may obtain or hold keys to the premises, receive mail or have their names on the mail box.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR:  If your apartment needs repair (for example: door knob fell off, screen/window broken) please contact us.  If you have an emergency (water pipe froze, water leak) please call 608-215- 7231.

PARKING: Driving and/or parking on the lawn is not permitted. Where parking is assigned you must only park in your assigned space. If a parking space is provided on your lease, the parking space may not be leased out by residents for any reason. Violating vehicles may be ticketed and /or towed at the vehicle owner’s expense and the landlord shall not be held responsible for any damages to such vehicles and/or their contents.

PETS: No pets are allowed in any apartment without landlords specific written permission. No dogs or visiting dogs are allowed in any of the units or properties. Pets will be considered on the lease (additional $10-$25 per month). Please be considerate of other tenants regarding your pet included on your lease.

QUIET HOURS:

• Sunday-Thursday: 10 p.m.-8 a.m.
• Friday-Saturday: 12 a.m.-10 a.m.

QUIET RULES:
All residents of Wessel Properties have a right to reasonable peace and quiet during normal hours of rest. Creating undue noise or disturbance in or adjacent to residential units is prohibited during Quiet Hours. Stereos, radios, TVs, musical instruments and conversations must be kept to reasonable levels that will not interfere with other residents. This also includes other noise-making such as singing, dancing, shouting, walking, running up and down stairs, moving furniture, etc. at a disturbing level.
 Also, undue noises or disturbances at other times of the day are prohibited. Please keep in mind, not everyone has the same work schedule.  Those that work 2nd and 3rd shifts have to tolerate noise beyond quiet hours, so please be kind.
It is your right, as well as your responsibility, to let offenders know if their activity is too loud and interrupts your sleep.
If the problem persists, contact the owners.

RENT PAYMENTS: Rent is due and payable on the first day of each month. Make payments payable to Wessel Properties or Keith Wessel and mail or drop off to 1321 E Mifflin, Suite 100, Madison, WI.   The mailbox is located in the hallway, and then to the right.  The hallway is only open during the week, and while the daycare is open.  Please drop off checks early, and we will only cash them on the 1st of the month or later.  Payment should not be made in cash. Please use money orders, cashiers check or personal or electronic check. Any check returned NSF or otherwise not clearing the bank after initial deposit will be assessed a $40.00 fee. If a check comes back twice you will be required to pay rent with a money order. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PAY RENT ON TIME. Paying rent after the first day of the month will result in a late payment penalty of $40.00. Please remember the owner must meet his mortgage and other obligations and cannot do so until all rent receipts are collected.

SMOKING: Smoking inside the apartments and common areas is not allowed. Please be considerate of the other tenants.

SNOW REMOVAL: 1036 and 1038 E Gorham St. and 302 W Wilson: Snow removal will be provided for the driveway, sidewalk and the decks. Tenants are responsible for snow removal in and around their individual parking spaces.
Back Decks during the winter: During the winter, to make snow removal possible, remove all items on the back decks.
15 N Baldwin & 1025 E Johnson: Tenants are responsible for all snow removal. Please check your lease.
DO NOT USE salt on decks as this will kill trees and grass and is not recommended for care of the deck flooring.

STORAGE:    Please do not store items outside or on the decks. Bikes can be locked to the railing on the decks (do not block walkways), and chairs and a table is ok on the decks and porches. Please limit potted plants, that may retain water on the wood decks. Please do not store bikes or items in the common areas (entrances). Please respect the owners property, which includes lumber, paint and other construction supplies. This is NOT to be used by tenants.

SUBLET: Any sublet must have written approval of the manager prior to occupancy by new resident. Resident understands and acknowledges that the manager’s approval of a sublease shall not release the resident from his/her obligations set forth in the lease. There will be a $100 sublet fee due at the time the sublet agreement is signed. If the landlord elects to terminate the existing lease and start a new lease with the sublease, the sublet fee will still be charged.

Tenant Repair Responsibilities:
• Perform minor maintenance such as changing light bulbs. [Wis. Stats. 704.07(3)(b), MGO 32.13(3)(b), FO 72-164(b)]
• Keep the apartment in safe, sanitary condition.
• Comply with all local housing codes. [Wis. Stats. 704.07(3)(c), FO 72-164(d)]]
• Keep thermostat set at a reasonable temperature to prevent freezing of pipes and other equipment. [FO 72-108(2)b.]
• Repair, or pay the landlord to repair, all damages caused by the tenant or their guests. [Wis. Stats. 704.07(3)(a), MGO 32.13(3)(a), FO 72-164(a)]
• Keep working battery in smoke detectors and give written notice to the landlord if smoke detectors are not working properly. [Wis. Stats. 101.45]

TRASH REMOVAL: All tenants are expected to comply with the City of Madison rules regarding trash removal and recycling. A tan Trash bin and a green Recycling bin are provided for each duplex. 
Each duplex (except W Wilson*) will share the responsibility to place and remove bins at the curb. Failure to remove empty bins from the curb can result in a fine.
 The tan Trash bin may be taken to the curb on Wednesday evenings. Empty bins must be removed from the curb 24 hours after pickup, which means before 7am on Friday.    Recycling is picked up every other week, so should be taken to the curb on every other Wednesday evenings.
Please keep the bins behind the units at Gorham. And at the end of the driveway at Baldwin and Johnson.
* We have a resident at 302 W Wilson who will take out the bins.

City of Madison Streets and Recycling

WINDOWS AND SCREENS: It is the owner’s responsibility to provided windows complete with storms and screens. Upon your move-in, it is your responsibility to note any deficiency or need of repair on the check-in form. DO NOT remove storm windows or screens from window frames at any time. All costs for replacement of removed windows or screens and damages to windows and screens will be charged to you. All windows and screen must be in their proper place at check-out.

WOOD FLOORING: Most of our units have hardwood flooring. Please take care not to scratch or damage the floors.  No high heels on wood flooring.  Wood floors must be covered 50% with rugs.

• Place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
• Sweep or vacuum wood floors regularly.
• Never wet-mop a wood floor. Standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue. Clean wood floors with lightly damp mop with water only.
• Wipe up food and other spills immediately with a dry or slightly dampened towel (wipe dry).
• Put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
• Remember: cleats, sports shoes and high heels can dent any floor surface.
• When moving heavy furniture, protect wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg with a heavy sock or half of a milk carton.
• For wood flooring in the kitchen, place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
• Take precautions to avoid standing moisture. Water and wood floors do not mix. Never wet mop a wood floor, and always clean up spills and standing water as soon as possible. A damp mop is fine as long as the moisture is limited to an amount that will evaporate almost immediately. Moisture that is allowed to seep into the seams between the planks may cause damage to your flooring. Do not allow soiled mats or rugs to stay on the floor as they can trap moisture on the surface.
• DO NOT USE Murphy’s Oil Soap. This product dulls the finish and is hard to remove. Use water and a damp mop to clean hardwood floors.

Moving out Tips

Cleaning: Leave the apartment as it was when you moved in (which means cleaning the oven and the fridge). Don’t forget to give the apartment a good cleaning. This includes wiping down the baseboards and cupboards and cleaning the windows. If you used common space (basement or hall closet) to store your items, please take time to clean this area also.

Clean out the oven and fridge:  Use oven cleaner to clean the oven and stove, and clean the fridge. Please leave fridge plugged in upon move-out.   Schedule these tasks at least a month to two weeks before you move since they can be time consuming
Blinds: If the blinds are broken, please buy replacement blinds in the correct color, and install them.  White and Alabaster mini blinds are the only colors we have in the units.
Toilet:  It was sparkling white when you moved in.  We expect it to be the same upon move-out.  CRL and vinegar works wonders on hard water stains.
Leave an empty apartment:  You may think you’re doing the landlord or future tenants a favor by leaving a spare broom or baking soda but it’s best to donate/recycle/toss any belongings that you don’t plan on taking with you. Also, please remove any bikes, bike locks, garden materials or other items you may have stored outside or in common areas.  When in doubt if you should leave something behind, please ask.
Storms and screens:  All windows had storms and screens when you moved in. Please re-install these if you removed them.
Fix it: Own up to any damage you caused to the apartment while you were there. You might be able to get away with a temporary cover-up that will pass a quick inspection, but we will fully inspect the units upon move out and take pictures. If you have damage to repair, report it early so we can minimize the cost to repair.  Some landlords may want you to fix it, but as you know, we do allot of the work on the properties our self, which allows us to control the quality of work.  Also, if you know of any normal wear or tear damages, or routine maintenance issues, please let us know early.