• Who should I call for repairs?

  If something needs to be fixed, don't wait. Report the problem by calling the work order telephone number: (334)745-7537

• Will I be charged to get something fixed in my home?

  You will not be charged for repairs due to normal wear and tear. You will be charged when you cause damage to your unit or appliances.

• When will my repairs be done?

  Your requests will be written up and sent to maintenance by the next business day if it is not an emergency. Your repairs will be made as soon as possible. Your request for repairs is authorization for maintenance to enter your unit and make necessary repairs. Maintenance will leave written notification in the unit to inform you of the status of the work.

• What should I do about a maintenance emergency?

  During regular business hours, OHA will send workers immediately in case of a real emergency problem. After regular business hours, OHA has an answering service that will send maintenance workers to deal with the problem. The emergency number to use after regular business hours and on weekends is (334)745-7573.

• What is considered a maintenance emergency?

  An emergency:

• Threatens somebody's health or safety immediately.

• Will cause a great deal of property damage if not corrected right away.

Some examples of emergencies are:

• Leaking gas.

• Sewer backups.

• Fallen electrical lines.

• Flooding.

If you see this type of problem, call for assistance anytime, day or night.

 

SAVING ON UTILITIES

• How can I save money on electricity and gas?

  The most important thing is to use gas and electricity wisely:

• Turn off lights when you are not using them. Keep light bulbs clean so they stay bright.
• Don't leave your TV set, radio or stereo turned on all day long when no one is paying attention.

In cold weather you should:

• Dress warmly in your home.
• Open the window coverings on the sunny side of your home during the day and let the sun give you "free heat"
• Close window coverings on cloudy days or as soon as the sun sets.
• Keep drapes, furniture and floor coverings from blocking hot and cold air return openings.
• Use several light blankets to trap more warm air, rather than one heavy blanket.
• Washing machines: use cold water to wash a full load.
• Turn the thermostat down at night and during the day when you are gone.

 

• How can I saved water?
  • Don't leave water running while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.
  • Take short showers instead of baths.
  • Fill the sink to wash dishes, and fill to rinse instead of letting the water run. This will save about 5 gallons for an average dish load.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry.
  • Report leaking faucets and constantly running toilets to maintenance.
  • Don't leave home when you are watering your lawn.
  • Wash your car at a self-service carwash which recycles the water.

   

   

   

FIRE SAFETY

• How can I protect my home and family from fire?

  Most apartment fires are caused by grease on stoves, unsupervised children or careless smoking. Tragedy can be prevented by practicing these home fire safety tips every day:

• Clean grease off of your stove so it can't catch fire while you are cooking.
• Don't leave food cooking if you can't be there to watch it.
• Never store flammable or combustable products in your unit.
• Never smoke a cigarette, pipe or cigar in bed.

 

• How do I avoid hidden fire dangers around my home?

  Fires can be prevented by spotting dangerous items around your housing unit and taking action to make it safe. Here are a few suggestions about common hazards:

• Keep your TV set, stereo, kitchen appliances, switches and electrical outlets in safe condition. Replace frayed or broken plugs and cords. Don't run electrical cords under your rugs or where people walk.
• Move rags, paper, trash and other materials which burn easily away from stoves, room heaters, water heaters, TV sets and other appliances which get hot.
• Avoid leaving children alone at home where they can start fires by playing with matches, lighters and candles.
• Don't overload electrical outlets. Each outlet is designed to safely handle only one lamp or appliance at a time. Overloaded circuits sometimes cause fires.
• Do not store ANYTHING in the water heater or furnace closets.
• Do not block access to the water heater or furnace closets.

 

• How do I get out of my unit in case of a fire?

  All exits must be clear so you can get out in case of a fire. The sliding side of bedroom windows must not be blocked by any furniture or obstruction that cannot be moved easily.

• How does the smoke detector help protect my family?

  All housing units have smoke detectors and are inspected at least annually for fire hazards. The alarm sometimes makes a loud, annoying noise during cooking or other normal activities. If this happens, open your windows and doors to let in fresh air. Do not disconnect the smoke detector - this is grounds for termination of your lease!!

• How do I take care of the smoke detector?

  To alert your family during a fire, your smoke detector must be working at all times. If it has been damaged or covered up, it will not work when you need it most. Make sure you check it by pressing the test button once each month.

  False alarms may be caused by heavy smoke, steam, grease smoke from cooking, high room temperature, or insects which crawl inside. If you have repeated false alarms, call Maintenance to check your detector. Never take it apart yourself, cover it up or remove it.

YARD CARE

• Who is responsible for taking care of yards, sidewalks, porches and canopies?

  When you rent a housing unit, you also rent its yard area. It is yours to enjoy. You are, however, expected to keep trash picked up, to sweep your sidewalks, porches and steps, and to keep common areas clean. Porches and yards must always be neat. They should not be used to store tires, appliances, car batteries, bicycle parts, indoor furniture etc...

  If management or maintenance staff observes these items, you will be notified to remove them. You may be charged a fee if staff have to pick up debris or remove an appliance left in your yard. If you refuse to keep the outside of your apartment neat, OHA may issue a 30-day notice of eviction for violation of your lease.

• Where do I take my household trash and garbage?

  When you get rid of trash properly, less litter is scattered around the neighborhood. Each complex provides a method for disposing of household waste:

• If your complex provides individual containers, be sure to place your container at the curb on the day assigned to you.
• If your complex provides dumpsters, put your trash in bags and deposit them in the dumpster.
• If you have household appliances or furniture to dispose of contact OHA's Maintenance Department and they will properly dispose of the items for you.

 

• Why should I worry about trash in my neighborhood?

  OHA works throughout the year to get rid of unhealthy insects, rodents and ground squirrels. The treatments only work if you keep your neighborhood clean.

  Help OHA and the sanitation service company pick up trash on time by parking cars so they do not block access to dumpsters.

  Please do not put food outside for pigeons. They carry mites and their droppings can transmit a variety of diseases to people.