Are you ready for the cold?
Begrudgingly. Belatedly. But undoubtedly— the cooler weather is here to stay … and for awhile! Here are a few tips and reminders to get yourself ready.
Tip #1 (Fire Safety) E-bike storage not allowed!
The batteries of E-bikes are a fire hazard and are not permitted within any of our rentals due to insurance regulations.
We are exploring future storage options at new construction properties, but for now, you should secure your own private storage unit for E-bikes to keep your bike — and your neighbors –safe during the winter.
Tip #2 (Fire Safety) Real Christmas trees not allowed!
Artificial trees are OK, but any live or cut trees are highly flammable and cannot be allowed in any of our rentals due to insurance regulations.
Tip #3 (Flood prevention) Put away the garden hose and shut-off outdoor faucets!
Garden hoses need to be turned off and removed immediately to prevent frozen pipe catastrophes!
Tip #4 (Flood prevention) Keep the Heat set to 55 degrees or higher
You are required by your written lease agreement to keep your thermostat set to a minimum of 55 degrees (or higher) — even when you are travelling or not home. This keeps your pipes from freezing, bursting, and ruining your personal belongings and your home.
Tip #5 Feeling a draft? Double check the lock of your double hung windows?
Improperly locked, double hung windows is a top cause of cold air drafts. Watch this handy video about how to lock these windows (which is tricker than you may think!).
Tip #6 Take care of your Renter’s Insurance policy so it can take care of you!
You are required by your written lease agreement to keep your Renter’s Insurance policy active, which can help protect your belongings and your potential liability during emergencies like a flood.
Tip #7 Winter Parking
Our plow operator won’t be able to fully clear snow from your driveway or parking area when there are cars in the way, but you can’t park on the street during parking bans, right?!
This means that our plow operators and residents will need to work together to get the snow cleared, and there are a strategies that have worked for us in the past:
- Don’t expect perfection during a winter storm when our plow operators are focused on keeping the main driveway cleared as they rotate between different locations
- Move or remove your vehicles from the driveway or parking area after storms have passed and parking bans have ended
- Some locations, such as the City of Burlington, offer free parking in garages when winter parking bans are in effect (click here for details)
- Pay attention to your email — especially if you live at a condo association or large apartment community — for news about mandatory vehicle removal during snow clearing operations that might result in your vehicle getting towed if you don’t respond!
