Residents can help the association minimize its maintenance expenses by observing a few simple considerations. This helps hold assessment levels—your fees—down.

1. Do NOT put newspapers in the trash cans. Place them in the trash room either tied in bundles or stacked in paper (never plastic) bags. Newspapers must be recycled – it’s a county ordinance. If the association is fined by the county, or if our trash service raises our rates, it could be passed on to you as an assessment increase.

2. Clean up after yourself. Debris left on the common areas require special maintenance, and that can mean additional costs.

3. Be kind to the landscaping. Every bush destroyed or flower trampled has as price tag attached and so does the labor to replace it. If you can spare a few minutes to spend outside this summer, water the plants around your building.

4. Observe the rules. Association rules are not arbitrary or frivolous. They have been carefully developed to keep property values up and insurance rates down.