Admissions and continued occupancy policies — See Ch. 4.
Equal Opportunity Housing Plan — See Ch. 8.
Pest control policy — See Ch. 19.
Smoking policies — See Ch. 28, Art. II.
Tenant handbook for family projects — See Ch. 36.
Standard lease — See Ch. A51.
§ 40-1Telephone numbers.
§ 40-2Introduction.
§ 40-3Management offices.
§ 40-4Lease.
§ 40-5Payment of rent.
§ 40-6Miscellaneous charges in addition to rent.
§ 40-7Security deposit.
§ 40-8Use of apartment.
§ 40-9Community room.
§ 40-10Tenant requests.
§ 40-11Changes in personal status.
§ 40-12Canvassers, salesmen and solicitors prohibited.
§ 40-13Answering service.
§ 40-14Keys.
§ 40-15Elevators.
§ 40-16Stairways.
§ 40-17Loitering.
§ 40-18Deliveries.
§ 40-19Emergency cords.
§ 40-20Floors.
§ 40-21Unit inspections.
§ 40-22Appliances.
§ 40-23Plumbing fixtures.
§ 40-24Window shades.
§ 40-25Windows and screens.
§ 40-26Utilities consumption.
§ 40-27Electrical system.
§ 40-28Emergency electric generator.
§ 40-29Fire.
§ 40-30Bathtubs.
§ 40-31Kitchen sinks.
§ 40-32Vermin, pests and insects.
§ 40-33Security.
§ 40-34Lockouts.
§ 40-35Admission of maintenance personnel.
§ 40-36Apartment surfaces not to be covered.
§ 40-37Snow removal.
§ 40-38Automobiles and parking.
§ 40-39Thermostat.
§ 40-40Energy conservation.
§ 40-41Laundry room.
§ 40-42Compactor room.
§ 40-43Television antenna system.
§ 40-44Notification of misrepresentation.
§ 40-45Evictions; grievance procedure.
§ 40-46Obligations upon moving.
§ 40-47Air conditioners.
§ 40-48Good neighbors.
§ 40-49List of charges.
| Woonsocket Housing Authority (connecting all offices and buildings) | 767-8000 |
| Emergency number | 767-8000 |
| Police Department | 769-1111 |
| Fire Department | 766-1234 |
| Rescue | 766-1234 |
| Young at Heart | 766-2260 |
| T.O.C.T.A. | 765-1120 |
| Senior Services | 766-3734 |
| Visiting Nurses | 769-5670 |
| Lion Line | 769-4444 |
| Crimestoppers | 766-8383 |
The Woonsocket Housing Authority welcomes you and your family to our high-rises and sincerely hopes that you will find living in these modern apartments an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Your dwelling and its surroundings have recently been modernized, and you and your family will certainly find them most comfortable.
Residing in a high-rise building will be, for most people, a new experience in the democratic way of life. You and your family will share with many other families and The Woonsocket Housing Authority the mutual obligation to make this development a pleasant and attractive example of community life in our City.
The Housing Authority must provide an efficient management as its contribution to sound financial administration. To this end, it will repair and maintain the property to extend the physical life of the development in first-class condition. It will select as tenants only those families eligible under existing laws and regulations and help the tenants to establish, improve and protect the reputation of the community, which is basically their community and which will be no better than they themselves make it.
Such public obligations will be impossible without your earnest cooperation. Obligations to yourself and your neighbors are most important. It may be that at no time in your life have you lived in such close daily contact with so many other families. In order to do so happily, you must always remember that your neighbor has a right to privacy and freedom from annoyance. For the proper maintenance of the development, it is very important that you pay the rent promptly, as mentioned in your lease.
These are only general responsibilities. How you may best meet them is explained in the following pages. This handbook is presented as a guide to agreeable, pleasant living in your home, not as a code of restrictions. The suggestions for care of your home and equipment should save you time and money. Read it carefully and keep it handy for quick reference.
The management will gladly receive your suggestions or observations and will advise and assist you in meeting and overcoming problems that may arise. It will cooperate to the fullest extent in making your life in our high-rise buildings agreeable and pleasant for all. To that end it sincerely requests your active help and cooperation.
Remember, cooperation is the basis for success in any housing development.
The dwelling lease is a mutual agreement between you and The Woonsocket Housing Authority. Read it carefully. It states the amount of your rent, the conditions under which you occupy the dwelling assigned to you and the ways in which a lease may be terminated by either yourself or the Housing Authority.
Prompt payment of rent is of prime importance and is payable in advance between the first day and the fifth day of each month.
The rents paid in public housing are far lower than in private enterprise for comparable accommodations. This is possible only because the federal government, and incidentally the taxpayer, is committed to make up the deficiency which annually amounts to a very substantial sum. In order to keep this subsidy within reasonable limits, you must cooperate fully in the economical use of utilities, good care of the property and payment of rent when due.
If for some reason rent cannot be paid by the fifth day of the month, you should contact the management office in person or by telephone. In most instances, arrangements for payment can be made which will be mutually satisfactory.
Please bear in mind that failure to pay your rental obligation within 14 days could result in immediate eviction.
A charge of $15 will be assessed to the account of any tenant for whom a personal check given to the Authority as payment for rent or other charges is returned by reason of insufficient funds.
Families will be charged for the repair of damages or replacement of installed equipment in the dwelling unit, high-rise buildings, facilities or project common areas, trees, bushes or shrubs caused by the family, its members or guests. Fair wear and tear will be excepted.
Charges for required repairs or replacement of installed equipment or to the dwelling unit or structure will not exceed the actual costs incurred by the Authority for labor and/or materials expended in the repair or replacement of damaged, defaced or destroyed items.
A schedule of repair and replacement costs, by standard and routine repair items, will be given to each family and will be posted on the Authority's administrative office bulletin board.
Charges assessed to the accounts of families will be due and payable on the first day of the second month following the month in which the charge is incurred.
Total tenant payment will be accepted exclusive of other charges due.
Refusal to make payment for other charges when due will result in the serving of a notice to cure or quit to the family and the commencement of legal action to recover the charges due or to gain possession of the dwelling unit. Continued refusal to make payment for other charges when due will constitute a serious breach of rules and regulations and will result in initiation of legal action for the purpose of terminating the lease agreement.
At the time a tenant leases an apartment, a security deposit in the amount of one month's rent must be paid. Upon termination of the tenancy, the amount of security deposit due to the tenant shall be the entire amount given by the tenant as a security deposit, minus any amount of unpaid accrued rent and the amount of physical damages to the premises, other than ordinary wear and tear, which the Authority has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with R.I.G.L. § 34-18-24, all as itemized by the Authority in a written notice delivered to the tenant. The Authority shall deliver said notice, together with the amount of the security deposit due, to the tenant within 20 days after the later of either termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or the tenant's providing the Authority with a forwarding address for the purpose of receiving the security deposit.
Said R.I.G.L. § 34-18-24 provides that a tenant shall:
Comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety.
Keep that part of the premises that he or she occupies and uses as clean and safe as the condition of the premises permit.
Dispose from his or her dwelling unit all ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste in a clean and safe matter.
Keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits.
Use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, in the premises.
Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so.
Conduct himself or herself and require other persons on the premises with his or her consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his or her neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
Refrain from using any part of the premises in a manner such as would constitute the maintaining of a narcotics nuisance under the provisions of R.I.G.L. § 21-28-4.06.
Refrain from using any part of the premises or any public property adjacent thereto for the manufacture, sale or delivery of a controlled substance or from possessing on the premises or on any public property adjacent thereto with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance classified in Schedule I or Schedule II of Chapter 28 of Title 21 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
Refrain from any crime of violence on the premises or on any public property adjacent to said premises. A "crime of violence" shall mean and include any of the following crimes or an attempt to commit any of the same: murder, manslaughter, arson, rape, sexual assault, mayhem, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault or battery involving grave bodily injury and a felony assault with intent to commit any offense.
The size of the apartment which you are renting is selected to house adequately those members of your family listed in your lease. It is not intended to provide housing for roomers or lodgers, nor to provide you with a place of business. This should not be interpreted in any way as interfering with the use of your home for entertaining friends or relatives for brief visits.
No repairs, alterations or additions may be made to the dwelling unit or building without written permission of the management. These restrictions are necessary to prevent deterioration of your apartment and building and to make the high-rise building a desirable residential community.
On the ground floor, there is a large room that is available for community activities. It is our earnest hope that most of these activities will be sponsored by organized groups among the tenants and interested agencies.
Adjacent to the community room there is a kitchen that can be used by organized groups to prepare snacks and other foods for programs taking place in the community room.
Men's and ladies' rooms are also adjacent to the community room, to be used by groups having activities in the room, as well as tenants who do not wish to return to their apartments on the upper floors.
If you ever plan a party too large for your apartment and you wish to use the community room, contact your Housing Manager, in writing, and he, in turn, will let the president of the club know of the time, date and nature of the occasion. The president of the club will, in turn, let the Housing Manager know if the room is available. This information will be forwarded to you.
The Authority reserves the right to allow or disallow use of the community room at the four high-rise buildings. Allowable use is as follows:
Special requests for use of the community rooms for other purposes will be allowed, provided that a deposit of $35 per day is paid and a leasing contract is signed by those requesting the use of the hall, such deposit being refunded upon satisfactory inspection of the hall after use.
Special requests will also require that a maintenance person be present during the use and that $18.026 per hour is paid by the party, at the discretion of the Authority.
As of January 1, 1996, there is no smoking allowed in the community rooms.
As of January 1, 1996, there are no alcoholic beverages allowed in the community rooms, even at private parties. However, a small wine toast is acceptable.
All requests for use of the community halls by nonresidents must be approved by the Authority and then forwarded to the club association president so it can be noted on the calendar in the high-rise buildings.
If police or security personnel are needed, the person who is renting the hall will supply payment.
Tenant requests are handled by calling 767-8000. We now have a mobile van that will be dispatched through the radio to answer all emergency requests within the same day and minor requests, as a rule, will be handled within a twenty-four-hour period.
Do not attempt to make repairs or alterations yourself. No tenant may paint any part of his/her apartment.
Venetian blinds, awnings or other accessories will not be permitted.
The Housing Authority is sincerely concerned with what happens to you and your spouse while living in the high-rise. If there has been a change in income, if someone in the family has been moved to a rest home or nursing home or if there has been a death, please notify the management staff.
In order for your building to remain as a private dwelling, canvassers, salesmen and solicitors are not allowed any activity. This regulation is necessary to keep you from being bothered by various types of sales people interested only in profit to themselves.
With the interest of the tenants in mind, The Woonsocket Housing Authority has instituted a telephone answering service. This answering service provides service between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. daily. The answering service is also in service during the weekends and on all holidays. If you have an emergency need (anything that is necessary for the safety and health of a tenant or to prevent further damage to the apartment) requiring the assistance of The Woonsocket Housing Authority, contact the answering service by calling 767-8000.
Keys are provided by the management. If additional keys are needed, a request should be made by calling the management office. There is a nominal charge for additional keys.
Two elevators have been installed in order to provide access to living levels above the first floor. These are self-operated lifts equipped with all modern safety devices, and they are kept in first-class condition by an experienced elevator service company. The number of persons which can be carried safely is listed in each elevator. Do not overload the car.
Although elevators are wonderful mechanical devices, their misuse can prove extremely dangerous. We know that at times there will be young people and children using these elevators to visit relatives and friends. Please instruct them not to tamper with anything in the elevator because careless use will result in a breakdown which will inconvenience you and your neighbors. Do not push both the UP and DOWN buttons in the lobby at the same time.
There are two stairways located in each building, one at each end. These are emergency stairways and should be used only for that purpose. If you wish to travel from floor to floor, please use elevators at all times.
Loitering in the main lobby is prohibited. The benches that are placed there are for the purpose of waiting for relatives, friends or a ride to the market. Under no circumstances is any tenant to be in the main lobby in his or her nightclothes.
All milk and other deliveries are to be made directly to your apartment. Under no circumstances are these deliveries to be left in the corridor outside your apartment.
In your apartment you will find two cords, one in your bathroom and another in the bedroom. This arrangement is for your safety. In the event of an emergency, pull the cord; it will unlock your apartment door and a loud buzzing sound will alert your neighbors that you need assistance.
Avoid dents or marking your floors by using casters under the legs of heavy furniture. Using casters distributes the weight of the furniture evenly. Any damage to floors arising from your lack of conformity with this requirement will be your responsibility.
Wash tile floors with warm water and a mild detergent. After a thorough washing, allow the floor to dry properly and apply wax.
Carpets are not allowed to be glued or nailed to the floors.
There are three basic inspections done on your apartment. They are as follows:
Upon moving in and signing the lease, there will be an inspection done by the Manager. The tenant will be shown a copy of the inspection and will attest to the condition of the apartment before move-in.
The apartments are inspected annually as part of a maintenance program to ensure safe and sanitary conditions within the unit.
At the time of move-out, the Manager will inspect the unit again, and the tenant will be shown a copy of that inspection, along with the original occupancy inspection.
At such other times, with proper notice to the tenant, when the Authority deems it necessary.
Stoves.
Each dwelling is equipped with a range for cooking. Your stove has four burners, an oven for baking or roasting and a broiler.
It is best to clean your stove thoroughly each week. This is important because grease allowed to remain for a long time is almost impossible to remove. Baking soda and warm water is a good cleaning solution for this purpose.
Do not use the oven for storage space when it is not in use.
In no event should the stove ever be used to provide heat. Doing so is extremely dangerous and, in the case of gas stoves, quickly uses the oxygen in the apartment.
Refrigerators.
Your electric refrigerator is large enough for your family if you store only perishable foods in it.
A clean refrigerator will keep food fresh for a long time. As it has an enamel finish similar to your stove, the same cleaning solutions will prove satisfactory. A good time to clean your refrigerator is when you defrost the coils, which should be done on a regular basis or when frost is 1/4 inch thick.
Never use a sharp instrument to chip away the frost. Doing so could damage the unit, in which case the tenant must assume the cost.
A periodic check of the units will be made to see that these appliances are kept in good condition.
Thoroughly defrost the refrigerator periodically (more often in the summer months) by turning it off for the better part of the day and leaving the refrigerator door open. In no case should you defrost by using hot water or heating devices.
Waste, grease, garbage, tea or coffee grounds should never be poured down the drain of the sink or into the toilet. Dispose of these items with your garbage.
Use a toilet brush rather than a cloth to clean toilet bowls. Cloths of any kind may become lodged in the drain, causing a great deal of inconvenience and expense to yourself and the management. Clogged drains, running toilets and leaking faucets should be reported to the management office. If a blockage in the plumbing should occur which is the result of carelessness on your part, the full cost of repairs will be charged to your account.
It is extremely important that excess water is never allowed on the floor because it may seep into the apartment below you and cause considerable damage to the apartment and the furniture of your downstairs neighbor. Do not use either the sink or the tub for washing clothes.
Take good care of your window shades. With reasonable care, they will last eight to 10 years. Careless usage by you or your family may destroy them in a few years.
Use the pull when raising or lowering shades.
Do not allow them to get wet from rain or steamy windows.
If you ventilate your apartment by opening the windows, make sure that the shades are raised so that strong winds do not tear them.
Tenants are responsible for washing all the windows in their apartments, both inside and outside.
Each tenant is also responsible for all the screens on his/her windows. When moving out we expect them to be in as good a condition as they were when you occupied the apartment, except for normal wear. If you wish, screens may be removed during the winter months.
Due to extremely high costs of utilities, it is very important that a tenant not waste electricity, heat or hot water. In order to conserve energy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has required that The Woonsocket Housing Authority implement various energy controls and monitoring methods depending on the housing development in which you live. Numerous energy-saving devices have been installed to help conserve. If you have a problem, we will be more than willing to come to your apartment and assist in evaluating the problem for a solution.
Electrical outlets must not be overloaded by using adapters or extension cords. Use of these items is a very dangerous practice. Most fires are caused by this thoughtless act. We urge each tenant to be "safety-minded" by checking the cords and plugs on all electrical appliances such as radios, television sets, clocks, lamps, irons, blow dryers, vacuum cleaners, etc. If they are in need of repair or the cords are frayed, please have them repaired as soon as possible and discontinue using them until the repairs are completed.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of being careful with the use of electricity in your apartment, not only for your safety, but for the safety of all your neighbors as well.
If normal electric service fails for any reason, an emergency electric generator will take over and provide limited energy for heating, one elevator and certain stair and corridor lights.
In case of fire, remain calm. Stay in your apartment. Help will reach you within minutes. Each apartment is fireproof, so you will be safe if you stay in the apartment with the door closed. Do not use the elevators.
Hair must be periodically cleaned out of the bathtub drains. Use nonabrasives only to clean tubs and all porcelain fixtures.
Do not remove the strainer basket from your kitchen sink. It is there for a purpose: to stop food and other things from going down the drain and perhaps blocking it. Never dispose of grease in any sink.
Vermin, pests and insects are disliked by all but frequently get into the cleanest places through no fault of the tenant or owner. The best protection is to examine all possessions thoroughly before moving into your apartment. If there are any signs of contamination, have the pieces fumigated by a reliable person.
If you see any of these pests or any signs of them after moving into your apartment, the Housing Authority insists that you call the office.
A professional exterminator is under contract to service the Housing Authority buildings weekly on Wednesdays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Kindly notify your management office not later than Friday afternoon if you require this service.
Cleanliness goes a long way toward controlling an insect problem once started. Please make sure there are no open food products left out nor open boxes on shelves nor food left on counters.
If you neglect to do this, it will be considered sufficient evidence that you are not fully cooperating with management, and steps necessary to correct such a situation will be taken.
The Woonsocket Housing Authority provides security on a rotating basis at all high-rise buildings. For your security, the outside doors are locked. We ask that you do not admit anyone to the building who does not have a key and who you are not bringing in as your guest.
If you see anything suspicious, telephone the police immediately.
If you experience any vandalism, breaking and entering into your apartment or automobile, please report the incident to the office even though you have reported it to the police. In reporting the incident to the office, we are able to pinpoint trouble areas in the high-rises and notify our security of any problem areas.
In addition, the Housing Authority has installed an intercom directory entry system for visitors. We ask that you check who is at the door in the downstairs lobby by viewing them on your designated television channel before buzzing the door open via your phone. There will be no need for you to give any keys to family members or delivery persons.
Entry cards/entry tags policy:
The Security Administrator's office will be responsible for the issuance and controlling of all security entry cards/entry tags.
Tenants will be issued one security card/entry tag for each person listed on the lease as an occupant and over the age of 18.
Relatives of tenants will not be issued a security entry card/entry tag unless there is sufficient reason, be it medical or other. Any request for an additional card/tag must be in writing and include the sufficient reason, verifying agency (i.e., doctor's office, etc.) and name of person to receive the additional security card/tag. All requests for additional cards/tags will be reviewed by the Housing Manager and the Security Administrator prior to an additional card/tag being issued.
Tenants are not to lend or give their entry card to anyone. This includes but is not limited to relatives, friends or neighbors. Entry by anyone other than the tenant will be done by the intercom entry system.
If anyone other than a tenant or a member of The Woonsocket Housing Authority is found in the possession of a security entry card it will be confiscated by security personnel and turned into the Security Administrator's office.
If an entry card/tag is lost or an additional card/tag must be issued, the cost of the additional or replacement card/tag will be $15.
There will be a charge of $12 for any lockouts after 4:30 p.m. and before 8:30 a.m. All tenants should consider leaving a key with a relative or sponsor for this reason. Only housing managers are permitted to admit a tenant into his/her unit without a key.
Entrance to your home will be made by maintenance personnel for the purpose of repairing items in your apartment at your request. Emergency calls are usually handled within 1/2 hour and routine repairs are completed within 72 hours. It is therefore imperative that maintenance be granted permission to enter the unit when you call in a repair. If this is not possible, please discuss the situation with your Housing Manager.
No decals, scotch tape or transfer pictures may be placed on the kitchen cabinets, stove, refrigerator, walls, doors or any other part of your dwelling. At no time are you allowed to cover any surface with either contact paper or wallpaper.
The Authority will plow the parking lot areas. For safety reasons, we are requesting you remain clear of the parking lots when the truck is plowing.
Unregistered automobiles. Please refer to Article V, Section V, of your lease agreement which states: "...only automobiles registered and belonging to a tenant..." shall be parked in such areas designated therefor, and "No unregistered automobiles shall be allowed in the project area."
Parking of visitors' cars. When you have persons visiting you, it is your responsibility to tell them to park their cars on the street and not use a tenant's parking space.
Violators of these regulations will be subject to having their cars towed away at the owner's expense, and this is probable cause for eviction.
Parking of tenants' vehicles. Parking spaces and stickers are provided for tenants' vehicles. If you do not have a sticker, please see the resident maintenance man at your high-rise. Your Housing Manager will assign a parking space to you. Tenants should park their autos only in their assigned parking spaces. Any changes in your auto registration should be reported to your Housing Manager immediately.
Cars blocking pickup of rubbish areas will be towed.
The Woonsocket Housing Authority (WHA) shall have the right to revoke any parking privileges and permit previously granted to any tenant, upon 14 days' written notice to the tenant of the proposed action, if, in the opinion of the WHA, the motor vehicle for which the parking permit was granted is not in good working condition and/or is on or near WHA project property and presents a danger or a hazard to other tenants or to the general public. The written notice to the tenant shall advise the tenant of his/her right to repair and/or remove the motor vehicle in question within 14 days from the mailing of the notice and shall also advise the tenant of his/her rights under the grievance procedure. Should the tenant take no action to either remove or repair the vehicle within the 14 days provided, the parking permit shall be considered revoked as of the 15th day, and the motor vehicle in question may be towed by the WHA, through its authorized agent, at the expense of the tenant. The tenant shall bear the cost of any towing and/or storage of the vehicle incurred by the WHA as a result of this subsection.
Your apartment has been equipped with a temperature control device for your convenience in regulating the heat. The system will not go over 75° F. If you have any questions on how to operate the thermostat, please call your Manager or see the building maintenance man. In no case should anyone heat with the oven. This will shut the thermostat off, and this practice is extremely dangerous to yourself and to other tenants.
Keep your windows closed when your heating system is turned on. If your apartment is overheated or if you are experiencing problems heating your unit, report it to your Housing Manager. All storm windows must be closed during the heating season.
Under no circumstances should any tenant tamper with the heating system.
Remember to turn off the lights in a room when no one is in the room. Televisions, radios, irons and other small appliances should be turned off when not in use.
The laundry room is equipped with coin-operated washers and dryers. When machines are in use, please do not leave them unattended. When clothes are finished, remove at once in order for other tenants to make use of these appliances.
These are located on each floor. Place your garbage, tightly wrapped, down the chute. Do not shake your mop or vacuum bag in there.
In every living room there is an outlet connected to a master television antenna system which will enable you to receive programs from several stations. A special cable will be provided to connect your television to this system. When moving, the special cable must be left in your unit or you will be charged its full replacement cost.
In the event that misrepresentation of any required information is revealed through the process of determination of eligibility for admission, annual or interim reexamination, rent review or through the conduct of normal and routine Authority business, the applicant or family will be so notified in writing.
The written notice will clearly set forth the facts or information misrepresented and the corrective action to be taken, if any, and of the action which will be taken by the Authority.
Actions to be taken include the imposition of retroactive rent increases, as appropriate, termination of the lease agreement and, if justified, the initiation of appropriate legal action to recover possession of the dwelling unit.
Written notice. The Woonsocket Housing Authority cannot evict a tenant without first giving him/her written notice and an opportunity for a hearing. The notice must state the reason for the action, including reference to applicable regulations and/or rules and the alleged facts upon which the eviction is based.
Hearings. The hearing panel is composed of two members from the Board of Tenant Affairs, two members chosen by The Woonsocket Housing Authority and one impartial member chosen by the four.
Who can have a hearing? Any tenant who has a grievance and has not had it answered or corrected to his/her satisfaction or any tenant who has been evicted.
When and where is the hearing held? The panel shall set a date for the hearing and shall inform the tenant of the date, time and place.
Preparing for the hearing. The complainant may examine before the hearing, at his/her expense, copies of all documents and records that are relevant to the hearing.
Who can attend the hearing? The hearing shall be private unless the complainant requests and members of the hearing panel agree to a public hearing. The Woonsocket Housing Authority will have its witnesses, and the tenant may have his/her witnesses. The tenant may be represented by an attorney or may represent himself/herself.
What happens at the hearing? At the hearing and in all cases except evictions, the complainant must make a prima facie case and then the burden of proof is on The Woonsocket Housing Authority to justify the action or inaction proposed by it in its answer to the complaint. In cases dealing with evictions, the burden of proof is on The Woonsocket Housing Authority to justify the proposed eviction. The complainant may present evidence and arguments in support of his/her complaint, controvert evidence relied on by The Woonsocket Housing Authority and confront and cross-examine all witnesses on whose testimony or information The Woonsocket Housing Authority relies. Hearings conducted by the hearing panel shall be informal.
What happens after the hearing? The hearing panel shall prepare its written decision, including a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis thereof, upon all issues raised by the parties. The decisions of the hearing panel will be forwarded to all concerned parties.
Tenant grievances or complaints. A tenant grievance or complaint must be personally presented in writing and signed by the complainant to the Housing Authority office.
When moving into a high-rise, personal articles such as clothing, etc., can be brought in by the tenant who is moving in. Furniture and other large objects must be handled by a bonded mover unless written consent by the Authority is granted. All moving by a bonded mover must be done between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The same rules apply to those moving out of the high-rises.
When vacating your dwelling, we expect it to be in as clean a condition as when you moved in. Please see that closets, shelves, the stove, refrigerator, plumbing fixtures and doors are clean of residue, food, dust and dirt that may be present. Any and all carpeting must be removed by the tenant before moving out. The tenant will be responsible for the cost of cleaning the apartment and also for the costs of replacement of items damaged during the tenancy by other than normal wear. Refer to Article VII, Damage and Repair, which is in your lease. The security deposit will be used for payment of damages and repairs. Any charges incurred over and above the amount of security deposit will be billed directly to the tenant. Remember also that, as stated in Article IX, Termination. Paragraph H, a written notice should be given to your Housing Manager 15 days before vacating the apartment.
Upon written request by the tenant to the Manager, air conditioners are allowed to be installed in high rise apartments. The air conditioner shall not be larger than 10,000 Btu's and must be the type designed for a casement-type window. The Woonsocket Housing Authority will provide you with a window insert to facilitate the installation of your air conditioner. Please check with the Manager for literature and sizing before purchasing an air conditioner. The tenant is responsible for an inside cover during the winter months.
There will be an annual charge of $42 for air conditioners up to 7,800 Btu's. For air conditioners from 7,800 Btu's up to 10,000 Btu's, the charge is $66 yearly. Payment will be made in advance of the season along with your April rent.
What is a good neighbor? One who is considerate of others and has a community spirit. One who will not play his/her radio or television too loudly; he/she will not hold noisy gatherings in his or her home or permit a disturbance or activity which would cause annoyance or discomfort to others.
If you wish to be a good neighbor, remember to report all cases of serious illness, particularly when it happens to persons living alone; to have the same kindly regard for other members of your community at all times that you expect them to have for you.
The "do nots" include:
Do not hang clothes or flowerpots on porches nor throw cigarettes from balconies or windows.
Do not shake mops or vacuum bags over porch railings or windows or stairwells, laundry room or compactor room.
Do not leave any articles in front of your apartment door, such as groceries, bottles, papers, etc.
Do not use nails or screws on doors or walls or floors.
Do not cement carpets onto tile floors.
Do not leave grocery carts from the market in hallways or front lobby.
Do not allow the children who visit to run and play in the hallways. Keep them in your unit.
| Keys and Locks | ||
| Apartment keys (picked up at office) | $25 | |
| Change locks (per lock) | $35 | |
| Mailbox key | $2 | |
| Mailbox lock change | $10 | |
|
Entry card/tag, replace lost or issue additional [Added 2-16-2006 by Res. No. 1005]
|
$15 | |
| Doors and windows | ||
| New prime replacement sash top or bottom (complete) | $40 | |
| Glass for sash or storm | $15 | |
| Sash lock or jamb lock | $4 | |
| Storm unit complete | $40 | |
| Upper or lower storm sash | $20 | |
| Screen (complete window unit) | $20 | |
| Rescreen window unit | $5 | |
| New entrance door (no frame or lockset or hardware) | $200 | |
| Peephole | $8.95 | |
| Nameplate | $1.25 | |
| New entrance door lockset | $60 | |
| Storm door complete | $200 | |
| Storm door closer | $10 | |
| Storm door latch set (2 different types) | $7.50; $16.38 | |
| Storm door catch chain | $3 | |
| Storm door screen and frame (heavy-duty security screen) | $76 | |
| Rescreen existing storm door frame | $50 | |
| Storm door kickplate | $15 | |
| Storm door rubber sweep | $7.50 | |
| Entrance door jamb repair kit for lockset | $30 | |
| Entrance door glass light | $10 | |
| Interior passage sets | $8 | |
| Interior paneled doors | $90 | |
| Door stops | $2 | |
| Entrance door dead bolt | $8.42 + | |
| Sash balance | $5 | |
| Closet accordion doors | $58.46 | |
| Accordion door extensions | $17.06 + | |
| Kitchen | ||
| Light lens | $13.50 | |
| New cabinet door top | $15 | |
| New cabinet door bottom | $10 | |
| Hinges | $3 | |
| Drawer pulls | $2.50 | |
| New drawer | $17 | |
| Repair drawer | $5 | |
| Exhaust fan grill (non stock) | $14.75 | |
| Exhaust fan filter | $11.76 + | |
| Gas Stoves | ||
| Knobs | $3.50 | |
| Door handles | $9 | |
| Top grates | $11 | |
| Broiler pan | $9.34 + | |
| Broiler rack | $9.98 + | |
| Door spring | $8.60 + | |
| Top manifold plate | $20 | |
| New oven door | $130.42 | |
| Wire racks | $10.46 + | |
| Rubber insulator door strip | $8 | |
| New stove | $228 | |
| Hood | $50 | |
| Refrigerator | ||
| Freezer door | $74.50 | |
| Refrigerator door | $68.92 | |
| Crisper | $25 | |
| Freezer door gasket | $16 | |
| Refrigerator door gasket | $29 | |
| Shelf racks | $8 | |
| New refrigerator | $355 | |
| Main door insert | $91.50 | |
| Freezer door insert | $30 | |
| Flipper on meat tray | $3 | |
| Refrigerator door handle | $8 | |
| Formica | $40.86 | |
| Countertop | $99.70 | |
| Heating systems | ||
| New thermostat | $35.75 | |
| New power head | $56.73 + | |
| New convector cover (8 inches x 8 feet) | $20 | |
| Divider cover | $5 | |
| Convector corner | $5 | |
| Large convector cover in hallways | $50 | |
| Fin tube element (8 feet) | $20 | |
| End cover | $4 | |
| Realignment of baseboards (per wall) | $20 | |
| High-rise A/C charges | ||
| 8,000 Btu and under | $50 | |
| 10,000 Btu and up | $75 | |
| Light fixtures | ||
| Entrance light complete (hall) | $27.50 | |
| Entrance light lens | $16 | |
| Living room light complete | $31 | |
| Living room light lens | $13.50 | |
| Bedroom light fixture | $33.75 | |
| Kitchen light complete | $53.57 + | |
| Kitchen light lens | $12 | |
| Utility room light complete | $23.40 | |
| Utility room light lens | $15 | |
| Stairwell light complete | $33.50 | |
| Stairwell light lens | $16 | |
| Bathroom light vent fan complete | $117 | |
| Bathroom light vent fan lens | $17.76 | |
| Porcelain pull chain | $11.79 | |
| Bathroom | ||
| Paper holder | $16 | |
| Paper holder roller | $1 | |
| Toilet tank | $171.33 + | |
| Toilet bowl | $77 | |
| Toilet seat | $11.74 + | |
| Medicine cabinet complete | $47 | |
| Medicine cabinet light lens | $12 | |
| Medicine cabinet mirror | $12 | |
| Shower rod | $11.03 + | |
| Towel bar (18 inches) | $5 | |
| Towel bar (24 inches) | $4 | |
| Lavatory | $76 | |
| Pop-up | $39 | |
| Replace floor | $120 | |
| Electrical | ||
| Light switch | $2.50 | |
| Outlet | $2.75 | |
| Covers for switches or covers | $1.50 | |
| Smoke detector | $43.50 | |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Shower head | $10 | |
| Aerator | $4.50 | |
| Sink strainer baskets | $5.50 | |
| Washing machine utility box | $54 | |
| New tub trip plate | $8 | |
| Remove appliance | $7.50 | |
| Rubbish removal: | ||
| First time | $10 | |
| Second time | $15 | |
| Third time | $20 | |
| Lockout: | ||
| First time | $10 | |
| Second time | $15 | |
| Third time | $20 | |
| Preparation of apartment for fumigation by Authority | $35 | |
| Open windows during heating season: | ||
| First time | $25 | |
| Second time | $40 | |
| Third time | $60 | |
| Outside lights left on during daytime: | ||
| First time | $10 | |
| Second time | $25 | |
| NOTE: |
|---|
| These figures represent the material cost only and shall not prohibit The Woonsocket Housing Authority from charging labor or prorating charges for items not listed herein due to neglect. The tenant will be responsible for all neglect calls for the cost of labor. |
