Richway Associates Master Lease
RICHWAY ASSOCIATES, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Maine, hereinafter referred to as Lessor, hereby leases to __________, hereinafter singularly or collectively referred to as Lessee, premises described as Unit _____ of property located at
- 591 Main Street, Bangor, Maine
- 142 Pine Street, Bangor, Maine
- 9-11 Catell Street, Bangor, Maine
- 97 Broadway, Bangor, Maine
- 14 Catell Street, Bangor, Maine
- 99 Broadway, Bangor, Maine
This lease shall be on the following terms and conditions:
1. Term: The term of this lease shall be twelve (12) months from ___________. If this lease is entered into on a date other than the first (1st) of a month, the lease term shall be deemed to have commenced on the first (1st) of that month, provided, however, that rent for that month shall be prorated according to the number of days remaining in the month. The last day of the term of this lease shall be __________ unless automatically renewed as set forth herein.
2. Rent: Subject to paragraph 18 below, rent shall be $___________ per month payable on or before the first (1st) day of each month beginning ___________. In the event this lease has commenced on a day other than the first of a month, then the prorated rent for the first partial month shall be $___________. If rent payment is late, Lessee shall pay, in addition to the regular monthly rent, a penalty in the amount of four percent (4%) of the rent due for one (1) month. Rent shall be considered late if it is not received by Lessor by the fifth (5th) day of the month. Rent shall include provision by Lessor of the following utilities:
- Heating Oil
- Cold Water
- Propane
- Hot Water
- Electricity
- Sewage
3. Returned Checks: Lessee shall pay to Lessor the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each of Lessee's checks returned to Lessor for insufficient funds of for any other reason.
4. Security Deposit: Lessee shall pay to Lessor a security deposit of $_________ to ensure Lessee's obligation under this lease. Lessor shall be entitled to any interest accrued on said security deposit. Lessee shall not be allowed to use the security deposit toward the last month's rent. Within thirty (30) days after the termination of Lessee's tenancy or the surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever occurs later, Lessor shall return to Lessee the full security deposit or, if there is actual cause for retaining the security deposit or any portion of it, the Lessor shall provide Lessee with a written statement itemizing the reasons for such retention.
5. Pets: Lessee shall keep no pets on the premises without the express written consent of Lessor. In the event that consent is granted, Lessee shall pay an additional security deposit of one hundred dollars ($100) for any cat(s) kept on the premises and an additional security deposit equal to the security deposit stated in the previous paragraph for any dog(s) kept on the premises. Lessor shall be presumed not to have Lessor’s consent to keep pets on the premises this lease contains a separate written consent signed by Lessor and Lessee. Lessor shall be subject to eviction and/or to paying the additional security deposit set forth in this paragraph should Lessee be found to be keeping pets on the premises without Lessor’s consent after the execution of this lease. Lessor reserves the right to revoke its consent to Lessee’s keeping of pets on the premises if, in Lessor’s sole discretion, Lessor determines that the pets are causing damage to the property, including the spreading of fleas or the causing of odors, that the pets are annoying other tenants or if Lessee is not adequately cleaning up after the pets. Any security deposit paid pursuant to this section may be applied against any and all charges against which any other security deposit may be applied.
6. Surrender: At the end of the term or upon termination of this lease, Lessee shall surrender the premises to Lessor peaceably and quietly and in as good condition as same are now, except for reasonable wear and tear, or shall reimburse Lessor the cost of restoring the premises in such condition.
7. Condition of Premises: After having had the opportunity to personally examine the leased premises, by executing this lease, Lessee acknowledges that, as of the date of this lease:
(b) all carpets and floor coverings associated with the leased premises are clean, whole and in good condition, without holes or unreasonable wear and tear;
(c) the walls within the premises are in good condition, without holes or signs of unreasonable wear and tear;
(d) all light fixtures within the premises are whole, in good condition and in working order;
(e) all windows and screens associated with the premises are whole and in good repair;
(f) all cabinets within the premises, including kitchen and bathroom cabinets, are in good condition.
(g) the only exceptions to subparagraphs (a) through (f) above are as follows: [INSERTANY EXCEPTIONS].
8. Heating: Lessor shall supply heat to the premises in an amount consistent with local usage. Lessee shall take all reasonable measures necessary to conserve heat and to minimize Lessor's heating expenses.
9. Termination:
(b) Seven (7) Day Notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor may give a seven (7) day notice of eviction if:
(ii) Lessee repeatedly violates any provision(s) of this lease;
(iii) Lessee changes any locks and fails to give Lessor new keys within forty-eight hours after having done so;
(iv) Lessee is found to be keeping pets on the premises without the written consent of Lessor.
(v) Lessee continues to keep pets on the premises after Lessor has revoked its consent for such pets;
(vi) It is determined that any information provided by Lessee in Lessee’s tenant application is false.
(c) Two (2) Day Notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor may give a two (2) day notice of eviction if:
(ii) Lessee or Lessee’s family, invitee or pet has caused a nuisance withing or about the premises, including but not limited to the failure to clean up feces of Lessee’s pets.
(iii) Lessee or Lessee’s family has caused or permitted the dwelling unit to become unfit for human habitation;
(iv) Lessee or Lessee’s family has violated or permitted a violation of the law.
(d) Immediate Termination. Lessor may terminate this lease immediately if the actions of Lessee or Lessee’s family, invitee(s) or pet(s) pose an immediate threat to the health or safety of other tenants or Lessor’s employees or agents or to the physical structure of the premises.
10. Conditions:
(ii) assign this lease or sublet or transfer possession of the premises or give accommodation to lodgers or use the premises other than for a single family residence for Lessee and Lessee's immediate family;
(iii) park any automobiles or motorcycles in the Lessor’s parking area other than those fully described in Lessee’s application;
(iv) park boats, snowmobiles, trailers or unregistered automobiles in the Lessor's parking area;
(v) keep any pets in, at or about the premises without the express written consent of Lessor;
(vi) use any indoor clothesline;
(vii) allow or create any noise by himself or his family or invitees in or about the premises so as to disturb any other tenants or any neighbors in any unreasonable manner (In consideration of other tenants, Lessee shall observe “quiet hours” between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Between such hours Lessee shall refrain from playing any television, radio, stereo, CD player and from otherwise making, causing, creating or allowing noise at a level loud enough to likely be heard by other tenants. Violation of this provision shall be cause for eviction.);
(viii) by himself or his family or invitees commit any act which constitutes the basis for termination of this lease under paragraphs 9(b), 9(c) or 9(d) above;
(ix) store any items in any common areas or store any items in or about the premises in any manner that violates any law, code or ordinance;
(x) operate a washing machine or dryer in the apartment without the written consent of Lessor or unless appropriate hookups have been provided by Lessor;
(xi) use fasteners or nails or tape on any of the walls, floors or ceilings of the premises without the written consent of Lessor;
(xii) place any trash, rubbish, garbage or debris anywhere other than in (NOT on or around) any dumpster servicing the property;
(xiii) in any unit for which Lessor pays for electricity, use electric space heaters or air conditioners, provided, however, that if Lessee pays an additional $75.00 in rent for any month or portion thereof that Lessee
(xIv) smoke or allow family members or invitees to smoke in any basement, hallway or other common area.
(b) Lessee shall:
(ii) notify Lessor promptly of the need for any repairs to the premises;
(iii) place garbage or rubbish at such location as shall be designated by Lessor and shall pay a removal fee of $30.00 if Lessee has placed garbage or rubbish in any location other than inside the dumpster servicing the property;
(iv) pay rent on the rent day without requiring a statement;
(v) pay for any of the utilities indicated above as not being included in Lessee’s rent;
(vi) permit Lessor, its agents or representatives to enter the premises at all reasonable hours to examine same or to do such work as may be deemed necessary by Lessor or to show the premises for reletting or for any other reason in the best interest of Lessor (Lessee shall be entitled to twenty-four (24) hour prior notice for entry of premises except for entry for emergency repairs.);
(vii) remove all vehicles from the premises when necessary so Lessor can plow snow from the parking area and, failing that, assume all responsibility for all necessary or desired removal of snow and ice from the parking area (The failure of Lessee to remove any vehicle for plowing in accordance with rules reasonably adopted by Lessor may result in Lessee’s vehicle(s) being plowed in or towed and stored at Lessee’s sole expense.);
(viii) alone or in cooperation with other tenants assume full responsibility for all necessary or desired removal, sanding or salting of snow and ice on any walkways, steps or porches located on or about the premises;
(ix) adhere to any reasonable rules and regulations adopted by Lessor;
(x) be solely responsible for insuring Lessee's personal property;
(xi) prevent guests and invitees from parking in Lessor's parking area; and
(xii) pay damages to the premises caused in any manner by Lessee or Lessee's family, guests, invitees or pets;
(xiii) keep any pets to which Lessor has consented clean, free of fleas, quiet and under control at all times.
(c) Lessor shall:
(ii) make all necessary repairs with reasonable promptness after notification by Lessee;
(iii) have the right without further notice to sell or otherwise dispose of any personal property left on or about the premises by Lessee after Lessee vacates the premises;
(iv) with reasonable promptness plow accumulated snow from the parking area associated with the premises.
(d) Lessor shall not:
(ii) assume liability for any injuries caused by the failure of any person to remove snow or ice from any portion of the grounds, walkways, steps, porches or parking areas associated with the leased premises;
(iii) assume any liability for any damage to Lessee's personal property on or about the premises.
11. Release: Lessee hereby releases Lessor and Lessor's officers, agents, employees and servants, from any and all claims or demands for damages, loss, expense or injury to the premises, or to the furnishings and fixtures and equipment, or inventory or other property of Lessee in, about or upon the premises, as the case may be, from any cause whatsoever. All property of any kind belonging to the Lessee or any other person that is in the building or the premises shall be there at the sole risk of the Lessee or other person only, and the Lessor shall not be liable for damage thereto or theft or misappropriation thereof. Lessor or its agents, servants or employees, shall not be liable for any injury, loss or damage to any persons on or about the premises for any other cause of whatsoever nature.
12. Non-Waiver: The failure of the Lessor to seek redress for violation of, or to insist upon the strict performance of, any covenant or condition of this lease shall not prevent a subsequent act, which would have originally constituted a violation, from having all the force and effect of an original violation. The receipt by Lessor of rent with knowledge of the breach of any covenant of this lease, or breach of these rules and regulations, shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach.
13. Other Tenants: Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for failure to enforce, or for violation or breach of any covenant or condition in any lease by any other tenant in the building.
14. Amendments: This lease may not be amended or modified by any act or conduct of the parties or by oral agreements unless reduced and agreed to in writing, signed by both Lessor and Lessee. No waiver of any of the terms of this lease by Lessor shall be binding on Lessor unless reduced to writing and signed by Lessor.
15. Attorney's Fees: After a contested hearing to enforce this lease in cases of wanton disregard of its terms, a court shall award attorney's fees and court costs to the prevailing party. For purposes of this provision the parties agree that Lessee shall be deemed to be in wanton disregard of this lease if Lessee:
(b) falls more than one (1) month behind in the payment of rent without voluntarily vacating the premises;
(c) fails or refuses within ten (10) days of actual notice to reimburse Lessor for a check given by Lessee that is returned to Lessor for insufficient funds;
(d) tampers with or interferes with the operation of any smoke detector;
(e) keeps a pet on the property without Lessor’s written consent or without having paid an additional security deposit as required above;
(f) allows any person to occupy any portion of the premises designated in this lease as not intended for occupancy, living space or human habitation;
(g) allows pets to routinely urinate or defecate on any floor, in any basement or in any common area.
16. Renewal: This lease will automatically be renewed for another twelve (12) month term unless Lessor or Lessee, at least thirty (30) days before the end of the current term, gives written notice to the other that it shall not be renewed. During any renewal term after the original term, all terms and conditions of this lease shall be in full force and effect except that Lessor may adjust the rent as provided in paragraph 18.
17. Holdover: If Lessee holds over after the end of the one term, with the consent of Lessor, Lessee shall hold the premises on a month-to-month basis under the terms, obligations, and conditions of this lease, with the exception of rent, which will be adjusted by Lessor upon notice to Lessee as required by law. If Lessee wishes to terminate this lease after the initial one (1) year term, Lessee must give Lessor thirty (30) days written notice of Lessee's intention to terminate, said thirty (30) days to commence on a rent day.
18. Rent Increases: Rent due pursuant to this lease may be increased provided that notices of rent increases will be sent forty-five (45) days before the increases go into effect.
20. Notices: All notices referred to in this lease, including notices to terminate, notices of non-renewal or notices of rent increases, shall be deemed received and effective provided they are given in the following manner:
(ii) delivered in hand to its rental agent, Richard D. Violette, Jr.
(b) Notices to Lessee shall be:
(ii) delivered in hand to Lessee; or
(iii) taped to or slid under Lessee’s apartment door.
21. Merger: This lease evidences the entire agreement between the parties and no changes shall be made except in writing. The failure of either party to insist in any instance on strict performance of any provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of such covenant.
22. Severability: If any of the provisions of this lease shall be finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, the remaining provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect and be binding upon the parties hereto. The parties agree to reform these provisions to replace such any such invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that comes as close as possible to the intention of the stricken provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands.
Date:_________________
RICHWAY ASSOCIATES, Lessor
By:____________________
Its agent, duly authorized
Date:_________________
______________________
[NAME], Lessee
PETS: LESSEE SHALL BE DEEMED NOT TO HAVE LESSOR’S CONSENT TO KEEP PETS ON THE PREMISES UNLESS THIS SECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, INCLUDING THE SIGNATURES OF LESSEE AND LESSOR: LESSEE HAS BEEN GRANTED LESSOR’S CONSENT TO KEEP __________ ([NUMBER]) [TYPE OF ANIMAL] ON THE PREMISES. UPON THE GRANTING OF THIS CONSENT LESSEE HAS PAID TO LESSOR AN ADDITIONAL SECURITY DEPOSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $____________. LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT LESSOR’S CONSENT MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME. LESSEE SHALL KEEP HIS/HER PET(S) CLEAN, FREE OF FLEAS, QUIET AND UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, SHALL CLEAN UP/REMOVE ANY WASTE DEPOSITED BY THE PET(S) ON PROPERTY OWNED BY LESSOR AND SHALL PAY FOR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY HIS/HER PET(S), EVEN TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH DAMAGES EXCEED ANY SECURITY DEPOSIT PAID.
DATE:____________
______________________
[NAME], LESSEE
______________________
LESSOR
INSURANCE: LESSEE HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT LESSOR’S INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE TO OR THEFT OF LESSEE’S PERSONAL PROPERTY OR BELONGINGS. LESSEE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE SO CALLED RENTERS’ INSURANCE.
DATE:____________
______________________
[NAME], LESSEE
SMOKE DETECTORS: AT THE TIME OF SIGNING THIS LEASE THERE IS/ARE __________ ([NUMBER]) HARD WIRED SMOKE DETECTOR AND ZERO (0) BATTERY OPERATED SMOKE DETECTORS IN THE APARTMENT. LESSEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SAID SMOKE DETECTORS HAVE BEEN TESTED IN HIS/HER PRESENCE, THAT ALL SAID SMOKE DETECTORS WORK AND THAT THE BATTERIES IN ANY BATTERY OPERATED SMOKE DETECTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED. AT NO TIME SHALL LESSEE DISENGAGE OR DISABLE ANY SMOKE DETECTOR IN HIS/HER APARTMENT. LESSEE SHALL BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRING OR REPLACING ANY SMOKE DETECTOR THAT HE/SHE HAS DISABLED OR TAMPERED WITH IN ANY WAY. IN THE EVENT THAT LESSEE DISABLES OR TAMPERS WITH ANY SMOKE DETECTOR, LESSEE SHALL FORFEIT 100% OF HIS/HER SECURITY DEPOSIT. IF LESSEE TAMPERS WITH A SMOKE DETECTOR AND INTERFERES WITH ITS FUNCTIONING, LESSEE COULD BE CHARGED WITH A CLASS E CRIMINAL OFFENSE, PUNISHABLE BY UP TO A $1,000 FINE AND UP TO 6 MONTHS INCARCERATION. LESSEE SHALL IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY LESSOR IN THE EVENT OF ANY MALFUNCTION OF ANY SMOKE DETECTOR OR IN THE EVENT THAT ANY BATTERY OPERATED SMOKE DETECTOR REQUIRES A NEW BATTERY.
DATE:____________
______________________
[NAME], LESSEE
RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
MAINE WARNING: LEAD BASED PAINT HAZARDS
Any residence built before 1978 may contain lead sufficient to poison children and sometimes adults. Lead poisoning poses a particular risk if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, a reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), impaired memory and behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder and a propensity for violence.
Every tenant or lessee of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. The landlord or lessor of any interest in real property is required to provide the tenant or lessee with any information on lead based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections in the landlord’s or lessor’s possession and notify the tenant or lessee of any known lead based paint hazards. A risk assessment or inspection for possible lead based paint hazards is recommended prior to purchase.
The only way to know with certainty whether lead based paint hazards are present on the property is to test the property for the presence of lead.
Acknowledgment of State Disclosure Statement.
The signature below acknowledges that the seller or potential seller has disclosed to me information about lead based paint hazards as required by 22 M.R.S.A. § 1328. This acknowledgment does not constitute a waiver or any rights.
________________________
Date
________________________
Date
________________________
Lessor
________________________
[NAME], Lessee
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FEDERAL DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
ON LEAD BASED PAINT AND OR LEAD BASED PAINT HAZARDS
LEAD WARNING STATEMENT
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips and dust can be health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, lessors must disclose the presence of known lead based paint and or lead based paint hazards in the dwelling. Lessees must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.
LESSOR’S DISCLOSURE
(a) Lessor has no knowledge of lead based paint and/or lead based paint hazards in the housing. However, that Lessor believes the housing to have been constructed prior to 1978 when lead based paint was in common usage. Therefore, there may be lead based paint on the property.
(b) Lessor has no reports or records pertaining to lead based paint and or lead based paint hazards in the housing.
LESSEE’S ACKNOWLEDGMENT (initial)
________ Lessee has received the pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.
CERTIFICATION OF ACCURACY
The following parties have reviewed the information above and certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the information they have provided is true and accurate.
________________________
Date
________________________
Date
________________________
Lessor
________________________
[NAME], Lessee
RULES AND TENANT GUIDELINES
1. RENT PAYMENT: Please pay your rent on or before the first (1ST) of each month. Please make rent check payments payable to Richway Associates and mail to Post Office Box 908, Brewer, Maine 04412-0908. Please pay by check or money order, not cash.
2. LATE FEES: Each lease provides for a late fee of 4%. For a rent of $500, this amounts to $20. We are fully computerized track rent payment dates. The 4% late fee will be added to any rent that is not received by Richway Associates on or before the fifth of the month. Accrued late fees will be deducted from security deposits.
3. RETURNED CHECKS: Additionally Richway Associates will assess a fee of $25.00 for any returned check. As with late fees, bad check fees will be deducted from security deposits.
4. SECURITY DEPOSITS: As required by State law, Richway Associates maintains its security deposits in a separate account at Bangor Savings Bank in Bangor, account number 1500038777. Please note that your security deposit may not be used for your last month’s rent. Your security deposit will be refunded in full at the conclusion of your tenancy provided that no damage has been done to your apartment and that you have no rent or other charges then owing to Richway Associates.
5. SMOKE DETECTORS: Smoke detectors are provided in all apartments for the safety of all tenants. Please do not remove, dismantle or otherwise tamper with the smoke detector(s) in your apartment. If your smoke detector malfunctions or needs a battery, please contact Richway Associates immediately. Please note that tampering with a smoke detector will result in the forfeit of your entire security deposit. Please also note that tampering with a smoke detector is a violation of State law that can result in criminal prosecution.
6. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
FIRE: 911
POLICE: 911
STATE POLICE: 866-2121 or 800-432-7381
If it should be necessary to call for fire, police or rescue assistance, please, if possible, advise Richway Associates immediately after this is done.
7. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Richway Associates may be reached 24 hours a day through its apartment management service, AFI Property Management, at 944-9988 or 471-0504 (pager - numeric or voice mail). Every attempt will be made to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible and to deal with other issues in a timely manner. Please remember that we can’t deal with problems we don’t know about, so if you see something that needs attention, please call AFI Property Mangement.
8. QUIET HOURS: Please have consideration for other tenants at all times. Please observe “quiet hours” between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and refrain from causing any noise that is likely able to be heard in other apartments in your building.
9. STORAGE: Local regulations prohibit the storage of items in hallways, stairways or other common areas. Property left in such area will be considered to be abandoned and will be disposed of. If you need additional storage space, storage areas are located in the basements or attics of most properties. Please ask AFI Property Management about the use of such areas. In addition, AFI Property Management has 10' x 15' storage spaces in a local storage facility available for $85 per month should you require additional storage. Please feel free to call 944-9988 for details.
10. HEAT: In cold weather, please remember that for those with apartments heated by Richway Associates, your cooperation in keeping heating costs down will help minimize any future rent increases. Please keep doors and windows closed.
11. PARKING: Richway Associates provides the amount of parking required by local ordinances. However, though tenants may develop habits of parking in particular spots, there are no specially assigned parking spaces.
12. PLOWING: Parking areas cannot be properly plowed unless all vehicles are removed. Obviously the time at which vehicles are removed depends on the timing of storms and tenants’ individual schedules. In an effort to find some reasonable accommodation for all concerned and to avoid having to have vehicles towed, the following guidelines apply to plowing:
B. All vehicles will have to be removed from parking areas not later than 10:00 a.m. on the morning after a storm to enable thorough plowing to be done.
C. For storms that occur throughout the day, our plow driver will attempt to keep parking areas plowed as well as possible and will do a final plowing after 10:00 a.m. the following day when all vehicles will have to be removed.
D. Vehicles not removed in compliance with these guidelines are subject to being plowed in or, in the event they are hindering the plowing of areas used by tenants who have removed their vehicles, are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.
We will make every effort to keep parking areas adequately plowed. Unfortunately, our plow cannot be in all locations at once and, because of our tenants' varying schedules (some people go to work in the middle of the night), it is not always possible to have a parking area cleared at the instant that a tenant might need it cleared. We will do our best, but you may want to keep a shovel handy if you need to get out before we get there.
13. STEPS AND WALKWAYS: Tenants, individually or in cooperation with other tenants, are responsible for keeping walks and steps free of ice and snow.
14. RUBBISH DISPOSAL: For those buildings where tenants dispose of refuse by using one of our dumpsters, please do not place items of any kind on top of or around a dumpster. Such items will not be disposed of. All items disposed of must fit in and be placed in a dumpster. Tenants leaving items other than in a dumpster shall be assessed a disposal fee of $30.
15. PETS: Any tenant permitted to have a pet must keep that pet from bothering fellow tenants, must keep the pet clean and free of fleas, and must clean up any waste deposited by that pet on grounds outside his or her apartment building.
16. WASHERS AND DRYERS: There are coin operated washing machines and dryers located in the basements of the Catell and Main Street properties. These machines are not owned by Richway Associates. They are owned and maintained by a company called Mac-Gray. If you experience a problem with one of those machines, please call Mac-Gray at 1-800-843-8485. There are also coin operated washing machines located on the second floor at 142 Pine Street and in the basement at 99 Broadway. These machines are owned by Richway Associates. If you experience a problem with one of those machines, please contact AFI Property Management at the number above.
17. INSPECTIONS: On an annual basis, in order to maintain all properties in good repair, the shareholders of Richway Associates inspect each apartment to determine what repairs, if any, are necessary. You will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of such inspection. Though tenants need not be present for inspections, their presence is encouraged in order to point out problems we may not otherwise see.
18. LOCKOUTS: If you lock yourself out of your apartment, you may call AFI Property Management. Every effort will be made to get you into your apartment as soon as possible. There will be a charge of $25 in order to cover the wage of the person called upon to let you in.
19. SMOKING: There is not smoking in any basement, hallway or other common area within the building. Smoking in these areas constitutes a fire hazard and may be offensive to others who share these areas.
20. CONTACT: Once you have moved into your apartment, it is very important that we be able to contact you in the event of an emergency or in case we need to enter your apartment for needed repairs. For instance, we once had a pipe break under a tenant’s kitchen sink and needed to get in touch with the tenant in the apartment below. Our tenant applications provide information about where you have lived, but do not necessarily provide us with the telephone number that you will have once you have moved into one of our apartments. Therefore, please take a moment an complete the tenant contact form provided to you with your lease and return it to us at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME
SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD HAZARDS
If you think your home has high levels of lead:
Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods.
Get your home checked for lead hazards.
Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.
Wipe soil off shoes before entering house.
Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424-LEAD for guidelines).
Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead.
Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO BUY, RENT, OR RENOVATE A HOME BUILT BEFORE 1978?
Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. By 1996, federal law will require that individuals receive certain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing:
LANDLORDS will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases will include a federal form about lead-based paint.
SELLERS will have to disclose known information on lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts will include a federal form about lead-based paint in the building. Buyers will have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.
RENOVATORS will have to give you this pamphlet before starting work.
If you want more information on these requirements, call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD.
IMPORTANT!
Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly.
FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.
FACT: One out of every eleven children in the United States has dangerous levels of lead in the bloodstream.
FACT: Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.
FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them.
FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.
FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.
If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this pamphlet to learn some simple steps to protect your family.
LEAD GETS IN THE BODY IN MANY WAYS
People can get lead in their body if they:
Eat paint chips or soil that contain lead.
Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).
Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because:
Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.
Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
LEAD AFFECTS THE BODY IN MANY WAYS
LEAD'S EFFECTS
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from:
Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)
Slowed growth
Hearing problems
Headaches
LEAD IS ALSO HARMFUL TO ADULTS
Adults can suffer from:
Other reproductive problems (in both men and women)
High blood pressure
Digestive problems
Nerve disorders
Memory and concentration problems
Muscle and joint pain
CHECKING YOUR FAMILY FOR LEAD
Get your children tested if you think your home has high levels of lead.
A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are important for:
Family members that you think might have high levels of lead.
If your child is older than 1 year, talk to your doctor about whether your child needs testing.
Your doctor or health center can do blood tests. They are inexpensive and sometimes free. Your doctor will explain what the test results mean. Treatment can range from changes in your diet to medication or a hospital stay.
WHERE LEAD-BASED PAINT IS FOUND
In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned lead-based paint from housing. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found:
In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing.
Inside and outside of the house.
In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.)
WHERE LEAD IS LIKELY TO BE A HAZARD
Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard.
Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs
Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't always see, can both be serious hazards. immediate attention.
Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear. These areas include:
Doors and door frames.
Stairs, railings, and banisters.
Porches and fences.
Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can reenter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it.
Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. Call your state agency (see below) to find out about soil testing for lead.
CHECKING YOUR HOME FOR LEAD HAZARDS
Just knowing that a home has lead-based paint may not tell you if there is a hazard.
You can get your home checked for lead hazards in one of two ways, or both:
A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure (such as peeling paint and lead dust). It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.
Have qualified professionals do the work. The federal government is writing standards for inspectors and risk assessors. Some states might already have standards in place. Call your state agency for help with locating qualified professionals in your area (see below).
Trained professionals use a range of methods when checking your home, including:
Lab tests of paint samples.
Surface dust tests.
A portable x-ray fluorescence machine.
Home test kits for lead are available, but recent studies suggest that they are not always accurate. Consumers should not rely on these tests before doing renovations or to assure safety.
WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take some immediate steps to reduce your family's risk:
Clean up paint chips immediately.
Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER: NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A DANGEROUS GAS.
Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time.
Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.
Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.
Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and low-fat dairy products. Children with good diets absorb less lead.
HOW TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE LEAD HAZARDS
Removing lead improperly can increase the hazard to your family by spreading even more lead dust around the house.
Always use a professional who is trained to remove lead hazards safely.
In addition to day-to-day cleaning and good nutrition:
To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a lead "abatement" contractor. Abatement (or permanent hazard elimination) methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not enough.
Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems – someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. If possible, hire a certified lead abatement contractor. Certified contractors will employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules as set by their state or by the federal government.
Call your state agency (see below) for help with locating qualified contractors in your area and to see if financial assistance is available.
REMODELING OR RENOVATING A HOME WITH LEAD-BASED PAINT
If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air.
Take precautions before you begin remodeling or renovations that disturb painted surfaces (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls):
Do not use a dry scraper, belt-sander, propane torch, or heat gun to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done.
Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, at least completely seal off the work area.
Follow other safety measures to reduce lead hazards. You can find out about other safety measures by calling 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the brochure "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home." This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations.
If you have already completed renovations or remodeling that could have released lead-based paint or dust, get your young children tested and follow the steps outlined above.
OTHER SOURCES OF LEAD
While paint, dust, and soil are the most common lead hazards, other lead sources also exist.
Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours.
Old painted toys and furniture.
Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain.
Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.
Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture.
Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
THE NATIONAL LEAD INFORMATION CENTER
Call 1-800-LEAD-FYI to learn how to protect children from lead poisoning.
For other information on lead hazards, call the center's clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD. For the hearing impaired, call, TDD 1-800-526-5456 (FAX: 202-659-1192, Internet:
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).
EPA'S SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE
Call 1-800-426-4791 for information about lead in drinking water.
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION HOTLINE
To request information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a product-related injury call 1-800-638-2772. (Internet:
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). For the hearing impaired, call TDD 1-800-638-8270.
STATE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES
For Maine’s rules for lead-based paint activities, to see if state or local laws apply to you, for information on finding a lead abatement firm in your area, and for possible sources of financial aid for reducing lead hazards, call 207-287-4311.
EPA REGIONAL OFFICE
Your Regional EPA Office can provide further information regarding regulations and lead protection programs:
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
One Congress Street
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3420