FAQ

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions


Please select from the options at the top or scroll to the desired information below.

How can I see an apartment?

Apartment viewings can be set up via email or by phone. You may also fill out a guest card on our website. We will contact you in response to your guest card to schedule a viewing. The best way to arrange a viewing of one or several available apartments is by phone, as our staff is available to answer the call and schedule your appointment at a time that works best for you.

During Chicago’s peak rental season, April through August, Seminary Properties is available to show apartments seven days a week. On weekdays, viewings are available from 10 AM to 8 PM, and on weekends from 11 AM to 5 PM. Outside of the peak rental season, viewings are scheduled by appointment only.

What should I look for when viewing an apartment?

When viewing an apartment, it is important to know what features are most important to you. Focus on those features that matter most, such as bedroom size, location, transportation, and whether or not there is in-unit laundry. During an apartment search, most people find that the process develops into a give-and-take situation. Certain features become more important than others and compromises are often made.

It is recommended that each individual prepare a checklist of items most important to them to help guide their apartment search.

How do I apply for an apartment?

To apply for an apartment through Seminary Properties, two items must be submitted by each individual that will be occupying the unit who is 18 or older; if not living with a parent or guardian, applicants of any age must submit these items. These items are all submitted via the Available Apartment page > the specific apartment listing you want to apply for > The apply now button for that apartment.


The first is a fully completed Seminary Properties application; the second is a online payment payable to Seminary Properties totaling $200.00 per person. This amount covers each person’s credit check of $50.00 and a $150.00 down payment towards the apartment of choice (if available). After an individual/group applies and provides the $200.00-per-applicant application fee, the apartment is removed from the market and is no longer available to other interested parties; because of this, the application fee is non-refundable should the party choose to cancel their application. Once a party is approved, the $150.00 down payment each person already paid will be applied toward the $300.00-per-person one-time non-refundable Administration Fee for applicants 18 years and older, or all applicants when not living with guardian/parents. If the party will be bringing a pet to the apartment, any pet fees would also need to be paid at this time. Dogs are not permitted under any circumstances.

While Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd., works with applicants in order to grant approval, there are some situations in which an application will be declined. If an application is declined, the $150.00 down payment per person will be refunded. The $50.00 credit check fee per person is not refundable as it has been applied to the credit check and is part of the application process. The refunded down payment shall be in the form of a check issued after the original payment has cleared the Seminary Properties account.

Parties can complete an application on our website via the specific apartments listing on the Search Properties page [
Vacancies | Seminary Properties].  The application fee is paid at the time of application and all supporting documents can be attached to the application. 

What happens after I am approved for the apartment?

Once a person/group is approved for an apartment, the lease can be signed via the online tenant portal. Each applicant and cosigner will receive a link to their portal. Once all documents are fully signed, applicants and cosigners can pay all remaining fees. $150.00 of the application fee per person who is 18+ or all applicants living without parents/guardians will be applied toward this total. Any difference will need to be paid at the time that the lease is signed.

After the final payment clears, Seminary Properties will execute the contract and mail a copy to one party on the lease. All parties to the lease can view their lease at any time via their tenant portal.

All parties to the lease are entitled to view their future residence as many times as they wish after the lease is signed to perform measurements or take another look. All viewings will need to be arranged through the office.

If you have rented your Seminary Properties apartment through a third-party rental agency (i.e. Square One or Urban Abodes), all viewings shall be conducted through the rental agency used.

Required qualification for an application to be approved

Once an application is received from each applicant who are 18 or older, or all applicants if not living with parent/guardian, cosigner (if necessary), and the $195.00 application fee has been paid per person, the apartment is off the market. At that time, Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. (SP&M) will process each application to verify whether the three items meet the required qualifications: income to rent ratio, clean credit report, and positive landlord reference.

The income to rent ratio is calculated by combining the pre-tax income of all applicants and cosigners (if applicable) and dividing the rent by that amount. SP&M will only accept applications with a ratio of 33% or lower for applications that do not have cosigner. If cosigners are involved in the application the highest ratio that would be accepted is 20%. The reason the amount changes when cosigners are involved is because SP&M wants to make sure that the cosigners can afford their own expenses and the rent of the contract if necessary. Of course, all stated income would need to be verified.

If applicants attempt to qualify for an apartment based solely on checking and saving account balances, the calculations are different. In this case, the total of all accounts would be summed up. SP&M would want to make sure that at least 20% or less of this total is enough to cover the total annual rent of the apartment. SP&M does not know if a person has large incoming expenses (court costs, loans, tuition, etc.) and wants to feel confident that the rent would be affordable even if a large expense came due. The balance of each account would need to be verified.

The credit report of each applicant and cosigner (if applicable) would be pulled to verify that it is clean. SP&M does not want to see collections, defaults or judgments, especially of recent date. If only one item exists it may be overlooked if the individual and their co-applicants/cosigners have flawless credit reports.

SP&M will also contact each applicant’s most recent landlord.  Past landlords may also be contacted when necessary.. SP&M wants to verify that monthly rental payments were made on time, that the account of the applicants were in good standing, that the applicants did not violate the lease, that the applicants did not cause problems with their neighbors, and that the landlord would rent to them again if they wanted to stay with that landlord.

These are the requirements that all applications for an apartment must meet. If an application does not meet these criteria, the application will not be approved for the apartment.

Finally, all leases will be represented by a one-time, non-refundable administration fee and a regular pet fee (if applicable). No dogs are permitted in any apartments managed by SP&M.

Limits to apartment

Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd does have limitations on what is allowed for all apartment applications. This limit is in accordance with City of Chicago code.

Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd does not allow dogs in any apartment at any time. This policy is in effect for all apartments managed by the company. This policy is enforced throughout the lease, as dogs are not allowed in properties managed by Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. ever, for any period of time. Any exceptions of this policy based on American with Disabilities Act must be processed and approved by the representing legal counsel of Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd.

Seminary Properties and Management occupancy counts all persons 18 years of age and older. If person under the age of 18 are applying, they will be counted as occupants and adults if they will not be living with their parents/guardian. The occupancy policy for the each size apartment is:

     One to two people for a studio or one-bedroom apartment
     Two people for a two-bedroom apartment
     Three people for a three-bedroom apartment
     Four people for a four-bedroom apartment

Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd; can and will limit the total number of residents who can occupy an apartment. This is based on the ratio provided by the City of Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance.

What should I set up or arrange before moving in?

It is very important that, prior to moving into a new residence, lessees set up their new gas and electric accounts, as failure to do so may result in the gas or electricity to the unit being shut off upon move-in. We also recommend acquiring a renters’ insurance policy at that time.

Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. will provide new residents’ names and phone numbers to our representative with RCN to offer assistance to new residents for the purpose of creating an account and installing cable, phone and internet packages/services upon move-in. Residents are not required to use RCN as their service provider.

We advise having mail forwarded to your new address as well. Forwarding mail is done through the United States Postal Service and takes 10-14 days to take effect after the paperwork is submitted.

If lessees are planning to hire movers, it is important to make those arrangements as early as possible. Movers are very busy on the 1st of the month and try to set up many jobs on that day. Please remember that all leases start on the 1st of the month, and keys are only available to a party when the agency through which the apartment has been rented opens on the 1st; no exceptions are granted.

Move-In details

If you prepare a list of items on moving in, we recommend that the list is saved for reference during move-out.

The keys are available on the first day of the lease. If you rented through Seminary Properties, please confirm with the office when you will be picking up your keys. If you have rented through a third party rental agency (i.e. Square One, Urban Abodes, etc.), the should be contacted directly to verify their office hours and arrange key pickup. No keys will be authorized for release prior to the first day of the lease. If you would like to move in early, please contact Seminary Properties. Seminary Properties is unable to authorize early move-in until the office can confirm that the previous residents are completely out of the apartment and possession has been returned. Even if the previous resident informs Seminary Properties that they will be moved out early, we are unable to act until it can be confirmed that they are in fact out and keys have been returned. Seminary Properties recommends that new tenants plan for moving in on the 1st, and that early move-in is considered a potential bonus rather than a guarantee.

What should I document upon move-in?

Upon moving into a new apartment, all parties to the lease should walk around the apartment and examine any defects, damages, or problems. Anything that appears to be a problem should be written down and photos should be used for documentation. Some of the items may be damages that are inherited from resident to resident, such as a scratch in the floor, marks on wood trim or dents in cabinets.

Once a full list is compiled, residents should provide the list through their online tenant portal to Seminary Properties. Seminary Properties will inform the residents of what can and will be investigated and what items are part of the apartment and cannot be addressed. Once items are investigated an update will be provided to the resident.

Residents should keep their list and documentation with them until after they receive their security deposit back at the end of their lease to ensure they are not charged for pre-existing damages.

Setting up utilities

Unless informed to the contrary, all apartments managed by Seminary Properties have individual gas and electric service. Therefore, all residents are responsible for setting up and maintaining gas and electric accounts in their names. Utility companies may have their own system for labeling apartments and units may not be labeled the same as they are by Seminary Properties or the United States Postal Service (i.e. apartments labeled by Seminary Properties as First Floor Front, or 1FF in our system, may be labeled simply as 1F by utility companies; similarly, Second Floor, or 2F in our system, may be labeled as apartment 2):

Peoples Gas: 866-556-6001

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd): 1-800-334-7661 (800-Edison-1)

In addition, it is important to set up any other utilities that may be necessary for each resident prior to moving in. Some companies available in Chicago are:

Phone

RCN: 1-312-804-1837 (ask for Jerome; he is the Seminary Properties contact)

Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)

AT&T: 1-8000-CALL-ATT (1-800-225-5288)

Cable

RCN: 1-312-804-1837 (ask for Jerome; he is the Seminary Properties contact)

Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)

*Seminary Properties does not allow dish-based service

Internet

RCN: 1-312-804-1837 (ask for Jerome; he is the Seminary Properties contact)

Comcast: 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278)

How do I reach maintenance for emergencies (for emergencies only)?

If there is a need to reach Seminary Properties and Management outside of business hours (9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday) for emergency maintenance, please use the emergency contact number. This number is only for true emergencies; for example, being locked out of an apartment, having no heat, frozen water lines, break-ins, flooding or other situations that need immediate attention. If a resident experiences one of these unfortunate events outside of business hours, call the Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd emergency line at 773-977-8072.

How does maintenance work?

At any time during a lessee’s tenancy, if anything stops working, does not work optimally, or just needs to be inspected in case something may be wrong, it is important to report the problem to Seminary Properties. Once a concern is reported, it will be forwarded to our maintenance team. Maintenance requests should be submitted online via your tenant portal, but they can also be submitted, by e-mail or by phone through our office if necessary.

Seminary Properties employs a full-time maintenance team, available Monday through Friday; the maintenance team tries to address all concerns in a timely manner, but works on a priority basis (i.e. a frozen pipe or broken furnace is a higher priority than a leaky faucet). When a maintenance request is submitted online via your tenant portal, the team has access to it immediately; if it is submitted by phone or email, there is a slight delay as the request is processed by our office staff. Due to the fact that requests are addressed based on priority, no specific time can be scheduled for the repair to take place, and no estimation for when a request will be addressed can be provided; it is impossible to know what items will take five minutes or five hours. If high priority items come in during the work day, the maintenance team will be promptly notified for immediate attention. Seminary Properties does aim to address all concerns within 1-3 business days.

A lessee reporting a maintenance concern to Seminary Properties is granting permission for Seminary Properties representatives to enter their apartment in order to investigate and repair the concern without additional notice. Residents do not have to be home and do not have to wait for the maintenance team to arrive. Maintenance or management may enter neighboring apartments in order to resolve an issue. If the issue is deemed to be an emergency, maintenance or management may not be able to provide advance notice but will advise residents within 24 hours of entering a neighboring apartment as required by law.

Maintenance requests should be submitted online via your tenant portal; alternately, they can be submitted by e-mail, or by phone to the management office if necessary.

I have a maintenance problem, what do I do?

If a lessee has a maintenance problem at any time during their residency, it is important to report it to Seminary Properties. When submitting a maintenance request online, by e-mail, through the office, or by leaving a message, it is important to leave a name, address, unit number, and detailed description of the concern/problem being experienced. Make sure that the description includes when the problem is occurring, how often is it happening, how long the problem has been taking place, what actions lead up to an occurrence, and anything else that may help maintenance identify and/or resolve the problem.

Management will forward all maintenance concerns and requests to the maintenance team as quickly as possible. The maintenance team acts on them based on priority. Items pertaining to heat malfunctions, safety and plumbing are of the highest priority and are treated first. Seminary Properties aims to have all items completed within 1-3 business days; however, the Seminary Properties maintenance team works primarily from Monday through Friday. It is important to call as soon as a problem is discovered. The earlier in the day a problem is reported, the sooner action can be taken.

The maintenance team provides the Seminary Properties office with regular updates on each service request that is received. The office then calls or e-mails updates to each apartment that has put in a maintenance request on what steps were needed to solve the problem. The status of the maintenance request can also be viewed via the online tenant portal.

If the problem is an emergency (meaning that without immediate attention the unit is unsafe to inhabit) or a lessee is locked out of the unit after regular business hours, Seminary Properties does have a 24-hour emergency number (773-977-8072). This emergency line is for true emergencies only, including: no heat, break-ins, lock-outs, frozen or broken water lines and/or fires. Please use the emergency line judiciously, and remember that, each time you call, the member of management who is on-call is taking time out of their private life to assist you. If the service is abused, Seminary Properties may block your number from the line. Seminary Properties will respond immediately only to true emergencies and only to residents who are on the lease.

Apartments are rented “as is” unless there are specific written agreements between Seminary Properties and the lessee to make modifications. Seminary Properties will work to ensure that the apartment is in the same condition that it was on move-in; however, modifications or additions to suit tenants’ tastes will not be made. Apartments will not be modified from the condition in which they were rented without a written agreement between parties.

The maintenance team is only permitted to address issues/requests that have been called/e-mailed to the management office.

What do I need to do to maintain the inside of the apartment?

All parties to the lease have signed the Additional Covenants and Agreements portion (the lease rider). This document contains several items that refer to the responsibilities of the resident. It is very important to keep this document handy to be prepared for and perform these responsibilities. These responsibilities include:

Residents must change their furnace filter every month. Failure to do so may result in the furnace breaking down, which can in turn lead to no heat during the winter, or AC during the summer, for several days. Residents would be responsible for cost of these repairs as the damage was caused by failure to maintain the filter.

Residents are responsible for maintaining their own lights (if a light goes out inside the apartment, it is the tenant’s responsibility to change the bulb).

Residents are required to change batteries on all detectors and make sure they are functional (smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors are inspected prior to move-in).

 Residents must keep the apartment in a clean state and remove trash to the proper garbage bins/cans regularly (mess and garbage can attract rodents and bugs to the apartment and/or building).

Residents must keep all utility accounts active (this includes both gas and electric).

Residents must make sure never to turn off heat in winter for any period of time (it is okay to lower the temperature, but never turn the heat off; if unit pipes freeze and/or break, and the heat was found to be turned off, the tenants will be responsible for the cost of repair since the damage was due to failure to properly maintain the unit).

Residents must respect the apartment’s plumbing.

Never flush anything down a toilet besides human waste and toilet tissue (if plumbing gets backed up due to flushing of improper products, including feminine hygiene products, q-tips, condoms, or razors, tenants will be responsible for the cost of repair. Only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed).

Tenants should acquire and keep available a good plunger; many plungers being sold are not practical. Please make sure any plunger acquired has a thick rubber bottom with a lower lip that protrudes down. Also make sure the handle is solid and well-attached to the rubber.

 Tenants must not force anything down the drains. Most units managed by Seminary Properties do not have garbage disposals in the kitchen sinks; no food or other items should be disposed of in the drains.

How do I pay my rent?

Seminary Properties offers several options for paying rent.  All of these options have convenience fees charged by the AppFolio Property Manager.  The lease expensive option is the ACH (i.e. “e-check”) payment via the tenant portal for $2.49 per payment processed. The tenant portal will offer the ability to pay by credit/debit card.  The debit card has a $9.99 fee per payment and credit card has a 3.49% fee per payment. These options can be set up regularly scheduled payments online.

Rent may also be paid by money order without incurring a fee from Seminary Properties. If you would like to take advantage of this option, please contact Seminary Properties for a bar code that can be used to automatically pay rent via an electronic money order at CVS and 7-11 locations.

Rent can be paid by check, a physical money order, or a cashier’s check. Lessees can mail their payment only to the Seminary Properties mailing address listed on the lease, on all Seminary Properties letterhead, and on the contact links of the Seminary Properties website. Checks can also be dropped off at the Seminary Properties office via the 24-hour drop box. Any physical rent payments will be assessed a $10 processing fee; this fee should be included in the payment.

Mailing address:

Seminary Properties
P.O. Box 1041
Evanston, IL 60204

Seminary Properties does not require each unit to send only one check for the entire unit. Each individual tenant can send in his or her own check. Please remember, however, that the $10 processing fee is assessed on a per-check basis.

REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR ADDRESS AND UNIT NUMBER ON THE TOP LEFT OR IN THE MEMO SECTION OF ALL CHECKS. SEMINARY PROPERTIES MAY HAVE MULTIPLE TENANTS WITH THE SAME NAME, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN ACCOUNTS IF THE CHECK DOES NOT HAVE FURTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION.

When is rent due?

All rent is due on the 1st of the month, per the lease.

However, Seminary Properties will not charge a late fee for any rent received by the 5th of each month, although the rent is still considered late. The grace period to the 5th of the month accounts for when the 1st happens to fall on a weekend or holiday and/or delays in the United States Postal Service. If an envelope is received after the 5th but is post-marked by the United States Postal Service on the 1st of the month or before, the late fee will automatically be waived. If there is no post-mark the late fee will not be waived. If the post-mark is from the 2nd of the month or later, the late fee will not be waived as the rent was sent after the due date.

Who do I make my rent check payable to?

All checks must be made payable to the entity on the apartment lease.  Any physical check payments will result in a $10.00 processing fee. 


Seminary Properties does encourage residents make payment by ACH, credit/debit card or via digital cashier check through their tenant portal.

Do I receive an invoice each month to pay my rent?

Seminary Properties does not provide invoices for rent each month. Each lessee is responsible for remembering and submitting their rent properly. Residents can access their tenant portal to check their account balance at any time.

Seminary Properties will send account statements to all parties that have not paid their rent or have an outstanding balance after the 5th of each month.

How does management know who paid rent?

Seminary Properties records all rents that are received through a hand-written log and digital records. This way, two different logs keep track of all rents received. If a check does not have the apartment address and unit number, management may have difficulty properly crediting the correct account. If, payments are made through the online options, payments are automatically entered into the individual’s account.

For each rental, all parties to the lease are held to the contract as one. This same method is used with regard to collecting rent. All rents received are recorded by each individual person who pays that rent, and Seminary Properties is able to tell which resident on the lease has or has not paid rent at any point in time; however, the apartment account is kept as a whole. If one resident is late to pay their rent, then the entire apartment receives a late fee that will be reported to Experian and future management or mortgage companies.

It is very important to remember that all parties who sign the lease are held as one entity with regard to all aspects of the lease. If one roommate does something to violate the lease, all parties on the lease will be held responsible for that violation.

What can my Portal be used for?

Tenants may access their tenant portal via the Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. website or through the AppFolio app that may be downloaded to their phone.

The portal will require the use of an email and password, created by each tenant, to access the portal. Inside the portal, tenants can update their contact information, pay rent, submit maintenance requests, sign their lease, sign their lease extension and review their account.

What are my responsibilities as a resident to Seminary properties?

Residents of Seminary Properties have several responsibilities to management that must be performed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable living experience.

  • Read and know the lease and all documents and letters sent by Seminary Properties (call Seminary Properties with any questions).
  • Pay rent on time each month. Rent is due on the 1st.
  • Call, email, or submit work request to Seminary Properties regarding any maintenance problem or concern immediately. Make sure to leave a name, address, unit number and detailed description of the problem with the office.
  • Be respectful of all Seminary Properties employees. Seminary Properties is trying to serve our residents to best of our ability and we appreciate it when tenants interact with us in a courteous and civil way.
  • Be courteous to neighbors. Make sure that noise levels are respectful to neighbors who may not have the same schedule as you.
  • Remove trash regularly. No one likes rodents. Help management and neighbors keep your building clean and vermin-free by removing trash to the garbage cans/bins located at the back of most buildings.
  • If a resident has any problems, call management immediately. We can’t help if we don’t know a problem exists.
  • Remember an emergency is just that: an emergency. If problem needs attention immediately to ensure the unit is habitable, then it is an emergency. The emergency phone number is 773-977-8072. if the problem is something that can wait until the next day, then it is not an emergency.
  • Remember, Seminary Properties has other residents as well; we aim to make them all happy. To make all our residents happy, we need to prioritize the severity of problems. Sometimes a problem from one resident is not as serious as a problem of another tenant; e.g.: a clogged toilet or tub is not as serious or urgent as no heat.
  • Residents must notify Seminary Properties of any violation to the lease or lease rider that is witnessed.

What is management’s responsibility to me?

Seminary Properties is responsible for ensuring that all residents’ dwellings are safe, comfortable and enjoyable within the context of the lease.

Management is responsible for:

  • Maintaining, repairing, and investigating inquires/concerns of all residents,
  • Providing quick and attentive service to our residents,
  • Holding themselves as firmly to the lease as we hold our tenants (it is a contract that both parties signed into agreement),
  • Answering all questions brought to their attention to the best of their ability,
  • Cleaning the public areas of the building regularly,
  • Removing snow and salting walkways within 24 hours after snowfall of at least one inch,
  • Mowing lawns regularly,
  • Replacing light bulbs and batteries in public areas of the building in a timely manner,
  • Keeping careful records of all funds received from each resident.

Who changes my light bulbs?

Residents of Seminary Properties are responsible for changing their own apartment’s light bulbs. All bulbs in a unit are inspected and/or replaced if found not to be working prior to move-in. After move-in, light bulbs become the resident’s responsibility.

If a resident is unable or unwilling to change their own bulbs, Seminary Properties does provide a service for replacing light bulbs for an additional fee. Once the Seminary Properties office is notified of a resident’s desire to have maintenance change their bulbs and the resident approves the accompanying charge, representatives will come to replace the bulbs. Per the Lease Rider, this service costs $5.00 per bulb for a regular incandescent bulb, $10.00 per indoor flood bulb (or more, depending on the cost of the bulb), and $5 plus any additional cost for all other bulbs. This is a service charge and is applied whether the resident provides bulbs or not.

When a resident moves out, any bulbs not working in the apartment upon inspection will result in the exiting tenant being charged $5.00 for each incandescent bulb, $10.00 for indoor flood bulbs, and $5.00 plus the cost of bulb for specialty bulbs, per the lease rider signed by all parties.

Who changes the furnace filter and how is it done?

Seminary Properties inspects and replaces each unit’s furnace filter prior to move-in. Once residents move into the unit, it is their responsibility to change their furnace filter once a month.

Seminary Properties does inspect each unit’s furnace at least once a year and will replace any furnace filter that is in poor condition. If Seminary Properties replaces a furnace filter, that unit will be charged $20.00 per the lease rider that all parties signed.

If, during a resident’s tenancy, they wish for Seminary Properties to replace their filter for them, they must contact Seminary Properties and agree to the $20 furnace filter replacement charge. This service charge is applied regardless of whether a resident provides the furnace filter or not.

If an apartment has a thermostat, the system has a furnace filter. The furnace filter is a cardboard frame with a cotton or fiber threading center that catches dust and air particles. The dimensions are written on the furnace filters themselves. All hardware stores and many other stores carry furnace filters and they are usually very inexpensive. The furnace filter is located in one of the following locations:

Look to the side at the bottom of the furnace. Normally, a duct is going out to one side of the furnace and between the duct and the furnace is a long narrow space that has a cardboard end in it. The cardboard end is the side of the filter. The filter slides in and out of the opening. Slide the old filter out and replace it with the new filter.

Looking at the furnace, pull off the top front panel of the furnace; it slides up and will come off. Then slide the bottom panel of the furnace front off; it will also just slide up and off. When looking into the bottom of the furnace, either lying on the bottom or to one side of the bottom section will be the cardboard-framed filter. Take it out and replace it with a newly purchased filter where the old one was located. The furnace will not run while these doors are removed, and will not start up until both front panels are put back on fully; therefore, please remember to push the panels back into place completely.

If the furnace filter is not located in either location #1 or #2, look at your furnace. Some furnaces have a metal flap in the middle of the top and bottom section. Lift up this flap and the filter is located in this space. Pull out the old filter and slide in the new filter.

If the three previous areas have been checked and no filter has been found, there is one other place it will be. Look around the apartment, near the furnace closet for a large vent with clasps or screws around it; the clasps look like metal switches. Unhook these switches and the vent will swing out. The filter will be inside this vent. Take out the old filter and replace with the new filter.

If, when a resident moves out, the furnace filter is in poor condition, the exiting resident will also be charged $20.00 per the lease rider that all parties signed.

Who mows the lawn and when is it done?

Seminary Properties mows the lawns at every building on a regular basis. If, at any time, a resident feels the lawn has not been mowed for an extended period, they should contact Seminary Properties to report the problem.

Who shovels/salts after snowfall and when is it done?

Seminary Properties is responsible for shoveling and salting all building walkways and stairs whenever snowfall is greater than one inch. If less than one inch of snow falls, Seminary Properties does not shovel or salt. The process of shoveling and salting is time consuming; please allow 24 hours for the process to be completed. If the snowfall is predicted to take place over several days, Seminary Properties may wait until the end of the snowfall or may perform snow removal several times during a single storm.

Seminary Properties does not shovel alleys or parking areas.

Who cleans the halls and/or takes care of public area light bulbs/detectors?

Seminary Properties is responsible for cleaning the public areas, keeping all public area light bulbs working, and making sure all public area detectors are operating.

Seminary Properties will clean all public areas of the building regularly. Management will inspect public area light bulbs and detectors regularly but cannot visit every building every day. If a resident notices that a bulb is out or that a detector is beeping in a building hallway, or an event takes place that leaves the hallways in disarray, please call management so the problem can be corrected as quickly as possible.

Who changes my apartment’s smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries?

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are provided inside every unit. Prior to a new resident’s move-in, all detectors inside a unit are inspected to ensure that they are operating and the batteries are working. If any detector is not working, or its battery is dead, it will be replaced prior to move-in.

After a new resident moves in, maintaining working batteries in any interior detectors is the tenant’s responsibility. Detectors are designed to beep once every 20 seconds or so to alert that a battery is dying. The replacement of the battery is the resident’s responsibility. If a resident is unable or unwilling to change the battery, Seminary Properties can replace the battery on the tenant’s behalf in exchange for a service charge. Notify management of the problem and Seminary Properties will replace the battery in the detector: $7.500 for each 9-volt battery and $5.00 for each AA or AAA battery, per the lease rider that all parties signed.

Chicago City Code does require detectors to be placed within a set distance of the furnace and bedrooms. This proximity from bedroom doors and kitchens can sometimes make the alarm go off falsely when cooking. Seminary Properties cannot change the location of the detectors due to city code.

If a detector is missing when a resident moves out, they will be charged a $150.00 fee for each detector missing per the lease rider that all parties signed.


If a detector needs to be re-hung a fee will be charged of $15.00 per detector that needs to be re-hung.

Where do I place my garbage?

Garbage cans/bins are provided and placed in the rear of most buildings, and on the side of a few buildings. Never leave garbage, bagged or otherwise, in your hallway, a building public area or outside of the garbage bin/can. Such behavior will attract rodents and insect to the building and units. Please do not place garbage in cans or bins that belong to other properties. All trash should be placed inside the provided cans/bins.

What is the policy on pets?

Seminary Properties does approve some pets, including birds and cats. Approval of any pet must be granted by management and a $150 non-refundable pet fee must be received per pet. If a resident has an unapproved pet and the pet is discovered, the resident will be charged a $300.00 fine each time the pet is found, until approval is granted and the appropriate pet fee is paid. The pet fee is due with every lease and lease extension.

Seminary Properties does not allow any dogs in any building, at any time. Any dog found in a Seminary Properties building, even as a guest, for any amount of time, will result in the unit receiving a $300.00 fine. This fee would apply any time the dog is found in the apartment, as is stated in the Lease Rider that all parties signed. If a resident sees another resident with a dog in the building, they should report it to the Seminary Properties office immediately.

Requests for an exception to this policy on the basis of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Housing and Urban Development (HUD)must be accompanied by all appropriate documentation for review and approval by the Seminary Properties legal counsel.  All requested, reviewed and approved for accommodation of a service animal/emotional support animal. 

Are satellite dishes allowed?

Seminary Properties has a firm no dish-based service policy at all buildings. Seminary Properties does allow any cable-based service at any building. Residents may choose from any cable service provider.

Smoking in apartments?

Smoking nicotine, vaping, e-cigarettes, or any other form of smoking in your apartment or in the building is strictly prohibited. No smoking of any substance, legal or illegal, may occur in a building or within 15 feet of any entrance to a building.

Smoking in public areas (halls, porches, decks, etc)

City of Chicago law prohibits smoking in any area where public/neighbors have access or within 15 feet of an entrance/exit to a building. Seminary Properties does enforce this law.

I need a replacement key / extra keys

Upon move-in, each unit will receive one building and apartment key for each person on the lease. In addition, the unit will receive one mail key and one specialty key if applicable. If at any time a resident loses any key, a new key can be acquired through Seminary Properties for the cost of $10.00 per standard key; specialty keys will be at $35.00 per key.

What basic precautions should I take for security?

Crimes do happen in Chicago and precautions should be taken at all times to ensure the safety of all residents. It is vital that all residents use the security measures that are in place for all units:

  • Make sure all building doors are closed and gates are latched after entering and exiting the building.    Use all the locks on each apartment door at all times (the dead bolt lock is the strongest lock on the door and the most important one to use).
  • Make sure all windows are completely closed and latched when residents are not home. Make sure the clasp and latch are lined up so the window is locked properly.
  • Use the pull tabs on the windows. When used, these metal or plastic tabs on the top pane of the window keep the window from opening more than 1”-2” inches.    Do not buzz people into the building unless residents are certain they are an expected guest. DO NOT LET STRANGERS IN, EVER.
  • Report common/public area lights that are out to management as soon as possible.
  • If your apartment is equipped with a localized alarm, use it.
  •  Be alert to the surroundings and activities in the neighborhood.
  • Protect your belongings by acquiring a renter’s insurance policy.

Where can I store my bike?

Unless your unit has an additional storage locker, or the building has a bike room, all bikes must be stored inside the apartment. No bikes are to be stored on any rear porches or building fences at any time. All residents will be made aware of whether or not additional storage exists prior to signing their lease.

Is there extra storage available?

Most tenants only have access to the storage inside their unit. Some buildings do offer lockers for additional storage; residents will be made aware of any additional storage options prior to signing their lease. Basements, hallways, stairwells, and other common areas are not for storage and items will be removed if found there.

I was robbed /broken into

Safety is a high priority at all buildings that Seminary Properties manages. Many safety precautions are in place and can be implemented by a resident to provide a secure living environment. Please see the section entitled “What basic precautions should I take for security?” for more tips on safety measures. Even with precautions being taken, crime does happen in Chicago.

If a residence is burglarized, the first priority is to call the police by dialing 9-1-1. After the police have been notified, residents should immediately begin to make a list of items taken and file a claim with their renter’s insurance agency. Finally, call Seminary Properties. If the discovery of the crime occurs outside of normal business hours, call the emergency line, 773-977-8072. In most cases, the police will send a crime technician to the unit to inspect the area. The technician will respond 1-5 hours after the initial police arrival. Seminary Properties is not allowed to repair the damages or touch anything until after the technicians are done.

Security concerns about neighborhood

If a resident has a concern about the area in which they live, feel free to contact management. Voicing such concerns to the ward alderman is another way to report problems in the area. Residents can also take part in the area’s CAPS meetings to voice concerns. CAPS is run by the City of Chicago Police Department.

What are the terms for renewal?

Seminary Properties puts lease extension offers into individual tenant portals and emails residents informing of their renewal options approximately three months before the end of the lease. The lease extension in the tenant portal will have information as to the length of the renewal being offered, any change in rent, and any other changes to the lease. A letter that accompanies the renewal form will have a date by which all renewals will need to be returned to avoid the unit being put on the market. If a signed and initialed renewal form has not been received by management by the return date, the apartment will be marketed as available starting on the following day.

Residents do have the chance to renew after the renewal return date. As long as a new party has not applied for the apartment, the current resident can renew. Once a new party has applied for the unit, the option to renew can no longer be offered.

When do I need to let management know if I’m renewing or not?

If a resident is planning on renewing, they and their roommates need to completely sign the lease extension available in their tenant portal as soon as possible. A date is listed on the letter accompanying the lease extension stating the deadline to have renewals completed.

If some roommates are interested in renewing but others want to leave, further paperwork is required; it is important to get an early start on the process of removing the departing roommates from the lease, as this can take anywhere from days to weeks.

If tenants are not planning on renewing, they need to inform Seminary Properties by email or phone.

I’m not renewing, what happens next?

If a resident chooses not to renew the lease, showings for the apartment will begin 65 days prior to the end of the lease. All residents will be notified a minimum of 48 hours prior to the showing, per the lease rider signed by all parties and the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). These notifications can be made by text, phone call or email. A voicemail does qualify as proper notice for a showing as long as it was left a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled showing. If any agent tries to show the unit with less than 48 hours’ notice, contact Seminary Properties immediately with that agent’s name and the name of the company for which they work.

Tenants are expected to keep their residence in an orderly state while showings are taking place.

Residents can be home during the showings; it is their home and they are allowed to be home when the unit is being shown. It is expected that residents keep their apartments clean at all times to prevent nuisances or pests; this should continue while the unit is being marketed.

When do I need to be completely out of the apartment?

All leases end at 10:00 AM on the last day of the last month of the lease. Leases never end on the first of the month. Per the lease rider, all residents must be completely out of the unit by 10:00 AM on the last day of the last month of the lease. Occupying the unit for any amount of time after this time will qualify the resident as a hold-over tenant and subject those residents to a $500.00 late move-out penalty. Staying past midnight on the last day of the last month of the lease will cause the tenants’ account to incur a further charge equal to twice the amount of one month’s rent, per the standard Chicago lease.

What do I need to do to move out?

If a resident is not planning to renew, several tasks need to be completed by the resident prior to and by the time of move-out.

 

  • Notify management of their intention to move-out.
  • Notify management of the forwarding address(es) of the residents (if roommates are no longer going to be living together, management will need to know each roommate’s forwarding address).
  • Schedule movers or assistance with moving early so residents can be completely out of their apartment by 10:00 AM on the last day of the last month of the lease. Movers get very busy at the end and beginning of every month and tend to fall off pace from the timetable they provide. Make sure the schedule they provide allows for extra time for problems and will still allow residents to be out by 10:00 AM on the last day of the lease.
  • Cancel or transfer all utilities: gas, electric, phone, cable, television.
  •  Make sure the apartment is cleaned and completely empty.

 


Move-Out checklist


The Move-Out Checklist is a simple one page document that serves as a guide for what steps to take prior to moving-out.This document can be found on the useful forms page of the Seminary Properties website.

What do I need to do to receive all of my security deposit back?

Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. does not have security deposits on their leases. Because the lease does not have a deposit, no deposit can be returned.

I have applied for a new apartment or mortgage and I need a landlord reference.

Seminary Properties is happy to provide accurate and detailed references to landlords and mortgage companies. Please have the person or company fax or email a signed authorization for the release of information along with a tenant/landlord verification form to Seminary Properties at 773-728-6910. Seminary Properties will only provide the information once a corresponding current (or forwarding, if still a resident) address for the resident in question has been provided.

I’m locked out of my apartment

If a resident is locked out of an apartment, Seminary Properties is available to let them back in. Seminary Properties will only let parties listed on the lease into an apartment and will check for identification upon arrival. Any resident locked out of an apartment will be charged a $100.00 lock-out fee, per the lease rider signed by all parties.

Residents should also specify whether they have accidentally left the keys inside their apartment or if they have lost their keys. If a resident is locked out and does not know where their keys are, they must mention this to the Seminary Properties representative so new keys can be delivered. For each new key required a $10.00 charge will be assessed to the account (do-not-duplicate keys or Medico keys cost $35.00 per key) along with the $100.00 lock-out fee.

If a resident attempts to break into their residence for any reason, the cost to repair the damages will be charged to their account.

Why are inspections performed?

Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. will inspect all apartments at least twice a year. These inspections are performed to ensure that all apartments are being kept in good condition with no violations to the lease and lease rider. If violations to the lease and lease rider are found, they will be documented and repaired. Those cost of these repairs will be assessed to the tenants’ account.

The following is a breakdown of potential lease violations and associated charges:
Room painted from original color – $600.00 (Or the actual cost if over $600.00)

Holes/nails in wood trim – $5.00 per hole

Holes/nails in doors – $5.00 per hole

Missing smoke or Carbon Monoxide detectors – $150.00 per detector

Missing batteries in detectors

 

  • AA or AAA – $5.00 per battery
  • 9V – $7.50 per battery

 

Light Bulbs

 

  • Regular incandescent – $5.00 per bulb
  • Indoor flood light – $10.00 per bulb
  • Specialty bulb – Cost of bulb plus $5.00

 

Furnace Filter – $20.00

Ripped window screens – $75.00 per screen

Broken Window – $400.00 per window

Missing Sink Strainer – $6.00 per strainer


Other possible charges:


If the apartment has damages (large holes in walls, missing stairwell spindles, broken face plates, broken light fixtures, holes in doors, cracked mirror, any damages beyond wear and tear) the account will be charged cost of repair plus $35.00 per repairman per hour. A minimum of two hours’ time will be assessed.



If the apartment is excessively unclean (bathrooms, appliances, kitchen, or any other area of the apartment), the account will be charged the cost of a cleaning service plus $100.00 for cleaning.

I am being relocated, what are my Lease options?

Seminary Properties understands that job and life circumstances can be unpredictable; however, a lease is a contract which both residents and Seminary Properties must uphold. If, for some reason, a resident need to move, Seminary Properties offers three methods to relieve them of their contractual obligations.

     
Sublet:

    Subletting is similar to the lease assignment option below. Both options require a letter of intent from all current lessees stating their agreed desire to make a change to the lease. The letter would need to state which roommate is looking to find a sublet or assignment, the date this modification would take place, and a physical signature from each current lessee. A separate letter from each individual lessee is acceptable as long as we receive a letter from each lessee.

     Once we have the letter(s), we can accept applications and a $50 credit check fee (each) from prospective applicants.

     In a sublet, the applicant has a less-strict application process. Since the current leaseholders are not being removed from the lease or from their obligations to the lease, the subletter is only being approved to reside in the apartment as an occupant and would not become part of the lease. If this person violated the lease or did not make rental payments, the lessees would be the parties who are fined, whose credit report would be affected negatively, and/or who would have legal action brought against them.

     A subletter is not a lessee, has no right to the lease, and cannot extend the lease. Multiple current parties on the Lease can undergo the sublet process at the same time.

     
Lease assignment:

     The lease assignment process requires the same letter of intent as the sublet option. It also requires the same application and credit check fee from any and all prospective applicants. The difference between subletting and assigning the lease is that, in the case of a lease assignment, current tenants are replacing themselves on the lease with new, incoming tenants. This means that, unlike a sublet, a lease assignment frees involved, current tenants from any obligation to the lease after it takes place.

     In a lease assignment, the application(s) are processed with the remaining lessees to ensure this new group of lessees would still qualify for the apartment. These requirements are the same requirements used to approve the original lessees when the lease first began.

     If the applicants are approved, a lease assignment document would be created for all current and future parties to sign. Once this paperwork is completed, the departing parties currently on the lease would be removed as of a specific transfer date stated in the letter of intent. The lease assignment would remove the departing lessee(s) from the lease and any and all lease obligations as of the lease transfer date.

    The lease assignment process can involve the replacement or removal of multiple lessees at the same time.


Marketing and showing assistance:

     Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. is happy to assist in marketing and showing the apartment to prospective assignees for a $250.00 marketing fee. This fee does not release the lessees of their obligations; it only enlists our added help in marketing and showing the unit. Lessees are welcome to find assignees on their own. If a lessee wishes for Seminary Properties to assist in finding a new party to take over the lease, all lessees will need to sign the Assignment Marketing Advisory Form. Please note that Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. will only assist in marketing an apartment if all lessees are interested in assigning their lease. Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. is not in the business of finding roommates, and any tenants who are interested in remaining on the lease during the lease assignment process would need to find new roommates themselves.

     
Lease Buyout:

     Seminary Properties and Management, Ltd. does offer a third option to end a lease. This option is offered to all tenants who wish to engage in a lease buyout that would terminate their lease immediately. The buyout requires a letter of intent signed by all parties to the lease stating their desire to end the lease via buyout; the letter would need to include all parties’ physical signatures. Additionally, the, leaseholders will need to sign a mutual release, an anti-disparagement agreement, and pay the lease buyout fee.

     This fee is either: i) the full amount of rent remaining if the lease expires in three months or less, or ii) 50% of the remaining rent due per the lease if the lease term has more than three months remaining (the buyout fee can be equal to no less than 3 months’ rent). The rent remaining on the lease is calculated based on months of unpaid rent remaining in the current lease term. As an example, if a tenant’s monthly rent was $1,000 and they had eight months remaining in their lease, the lease buyout fee would be $4,000, because $1,000 multiplied by 8 is $8,000, and half of $8,000 is $4,000. Conversely, if the same tenant wanted to exercise the buyout option with three months remaining in their lease, the fee would be $3,000, because $1,000 multiplied by 3 is $3,000; in this case, the amount would not be divided because the tenant has three months or less remaining in their lease.


This option must be enacted with a date that is no less than 14-days from completion of the entire process to engage in the lease buy-out. When the buy-out is completed, will end the Lease and relieve all parties to the Lease of their obligations.

These are the options available for a roommate or entire lease to be released of their contractual obligations.



Maintenance and/or basic trouble shooting

The following are remedies to common problems that have been reported to Seminary Properties in the past.

The smoke/carbon monoxide detector is going off

All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have battery power; some units have detectors that are both hard-wired and use battery power as a back-up. If a detector beeps once every 20 seconds or so, it is signaling that it is time to change the battery. Depending on what model detector is installed, the new battery may be 9V, AA or AAA batteries. To find the battery compartment, the detector must be taken off of its mount. On the side or bottom of the detector will be a door the houses the battery. Make sure the batteries are new and that you install them in the proper direction and place them fully inside the compartment. If the detector is a newer, hard-wired model, make sure the wires on the bottom of the detector are plugged back in completely before re-mounting the detector.

If a smoke or carbon monoxide detector goes off with constant beeps, or three quick beeps that repeat regularly, call 9-1-1 and leave the apartment. Wait for the emergency response to investigate the source of the problem. Call Seminary Properties and inform them of the occurrence and let management know what the authorities found.

Detectors can go bad over time and need to be replaced every 5 years or so. If no alarming levels of smoke, gas or carbon monoxide are found, inform Seminary Properties so the detector can be changed.

Chicago city code does require detectors to be placed within a set distance of the furnace and bedrooms. This proximity to bedroom doors near kitchens often causes the alarm go off falsely when cooking. Because of city regulations, Seminary Properties cannot change the location of the detectors.

My electricity is not working

If a resident is experiencing a problem with their electricity, there are several things that tenants can do in an effort to identify the problem and determine its severity.

1. Is the power outage only affecting one appliance (stove, fridge, laundry, etc.) or single outlet (bathroom or kitchen outlet)?

If the answer is yes, then the problem may be the outlet. Many of the appliances and rooms mentioned have GFI outlets. These outlets have circuit breakers built into them; a power surge may have caused this circuit to pop. If a resident looks directly at the outlet, they will see two buttons: a “reset” and a “test” button. Using your hands or a solid tool, press the reset button in all the way and the power will be restored.

2. Does a section of the apartment no longer have power?

If half a room, a whole room or, half the apartment has no electricity, then a device or appliance needed so much electricity that it created a power surge which blew a circuit. Nearly all apartments managed by Seminary Properties uses circuit breaker boxes to protect the unit from power surges. The circuit breaker box may be inside the unit; look for a small, gray metal door. If this door is not found in the unit, go to the common area of the basement; all the circuit breaker boxes will be located together and labeled for individual apartments. Look for the individual breaker that is loose or not all the way in the “on” position. Take that switch and flip it to “off” and firmly hold it there for two seconds. Then flip it to the “on” position and firmly hold it in that position for two seconds. The power should be back on. If you are not sure which switch is the proper switch, flip all the switches in the box labeled for the apartment that has lost power.

3. Is the entire apartment without power?

If an entire apartment has no power, the problem may be with ComEd. Tenants should make sure their electric account with ComEd is active and current to confirm the electric service to the apartment has not been shut off. Check the hallways, street lights and neighboring buildings; if any or all do not have lights, then the power is out to the building or the area. Call ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 (800-Edison-1) and report the problem. Seminary Properties is not legally allowed to adjust or repair anything outside the property regarding the electricity, including all power and phone lines.

I have no heat

If a resident finds the heat not working in their unit, there are several things they can do to remedy the problem before calling Seminary Properties.

 

  1. If the apartment has a radiator, call Seminary Properties to report the problem immediately. If it is outside normal office hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072).
  2. If the unit has central or controllable heat, make sure the People’s Energy gas account is active and current. Have regular bills been received and paid? Does the stove have gas? Do the burners turn on? If the answer is no, the gas service could be shut off. If the gas to the stove is working, try the following steps:

 

 

  • Make sure the thermostat switches are set to the proper settings. The fan switch should be set to “Auto”, and should never be set to “On”. The second switch, the function switch, should be set to “Heat”. Once the switches are on their proper settings the heat should work. If not, please try the next step.
  • If a resident has recently bumped into or removed the front panels from the furnace, this could be why the furnace is not working. The front panels of the furnace hold down a pressure switch, when on properly. If this switch is not pushed in properly, the furnace will not start. Remove both panels and make sure they are both put back on properly. If the furnace is still not working, please try the next step.
  • Is the furnace making any noise at all? If the furnace is making no noise at all, the furnace may have no power. Every furnace has a power switch that shuts the power off to the furnace. This is required by the City of Chicago. The power switch will look like a light switch and will be located on the furnace, on a wall near the furnace, or on the wall just outside the furnace closet/area. Turn on the thermostat to request heat then turn the furnace power switch. When the correct switch is flipped, the furnace should make noise and kick on very quickly.

 

 

  1. If none of the above steps work to provide heat, call Seminary Properties. If it is outside normal business hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072)

 

Reminder: it is the tenant’s responsibility to replace the furnace filter monthly. If the furnace is not working due to a clogged filter, the tenant will be responsible for the cost of repair.


It is also required, per the Lease, for residents to heat their units in the winter. When the temperature gets near or below 32º F, the heat in the apartment must be on and set near a 50.5º F minimum at all times.


During extreme weather, the thermostat reading may be a few degrees off from the desired set temperature. This is normal; 1-4 degrees deviation during extreme cold is not a malfunction.

I have no hot water or not hot enough for me

All residents have access to hot water in their unit. If for some reason a resident does not have any hot water or not enough hot water, there are steps that can be taken to remedy this problem.

  1.     Does the unit have an active gas account with People’s Gas? If the stove’s burners are not working, then the apartment does not have an active gas account and needs to call People’s Gas to set up an account immediately.
  2. When looking at the water tank, is the dial near the bottom of the tank set to warm or hot? If not, adjust the dial so the water heater can heat the water to the temperature desired. As soon as the dial is moved, a noise should be heard indicating the water heater is starting up.
    1. If no noise is heard when the dial is adjusted, look through the small window or, if applicable, remove the metal cover underneath the dial and look into the water heater. If no small blue flame is present, then the pilot light that heats the water has gone out.
    2.  If the water heater has a window that shows the inside, you can start the pilot light by turning the gas dial to “pilot” and pushing it down. Then, press the red button to create sparks to start the pilot light, continuing to hold down the pilot light switch. Once the blue flame starts up hold the pilot light switch down for one minute and then adjust it to the desired temperature.
    3. If the water heater has metal covers that reveal an opening to start the pilot light, you will need a long lighter, long match, or a long piece of paper with one end lit on fire. Turn the gas dial to “pilot” and hold it down; then, put the flame inside the opening following the long pipe that leads to the furnace’s interior. The long pipe will extend to a point where the gas is released; hold the flame over that area until a flame is lit. Keep holding the gas dial to “pilot” the entire time. After the flame has started, continue holding the gas dial to “pilot” for one minute and then adjust it to the desired temperature.
  3. Remember that a hot water tank needs at least an hour to fully heat the water to the desired temperature.
If none of these steps work to provide hot water, call Seminary Properties. If it is outside normal business hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072).

My ceiling is leaking

If a resident’s ceiling is leaking, the first step should be to knock on the door to the unit above to find out if the neighbors are experiencing any flooding (i.e. an overflowing toilet or dishwasher). If no one answers, or if someone answers and there is a problem with flooding, call Seminary Properties immediately. If it is after regular business hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072). Seminary Properties may not respond immediately if the leak is not severe, under control, or slowing down; in this case, the problem will be attended to the next business day.

I have no water at all

If a unit has no water in part or the entire apartment, several things could be wrong. If the entire apartment does not have water, the City of Chicago may be doing work on the sewer or water lines near the building that required them to shut off the water. Whether or not you suspect that this is the case, call Seminary Properties. If it is after regular business hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072).

If part of the apartment has no water, check the shut-off valves under the sink(s) and/or toilet to make sure they are open. To do this, simply turn the knob counter-clockwise (“lefty loosey”); if it moves, then the water valve was shut off. Turn the water valves and the water should come back on.

It is also possible that pipes may have frozen due to extreme weather or improper heating. Call Seminary Properties; if it is after regular business hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072). Residents can also use hair dryers to blow over the pipes to thaw them until management can arrive.

If the apartment has water but there is very little water pressure, check to make sure the faucet head is not clogged. Unscrew the end of the faucet and/or shower head. The water pressure should improve as soon as the head is removed. Turn the faucet or shower head backwards and have water run through it in reverse; this can dislodge particles that can build up over time. Reinstall the shower or faucet head. If this does not solve the problem, please call the Seminary Properties office. This is not an emergency and does not warrant the use of the emergency line.

My AC is not working

Not all apartments are equipped with central air conditioning (AC). If a resident is unsure whether or not they have AC, please check with Seminary Properties. If an apartment is equipped with AC and it is not working, please try these steps to troubleshoot the problem before calling Seminary Properties for repair:

If the AC is not working at all, make sure the thermostat’s two switches are set properly. The fan switch should be set to “Auto”, and should never be set to “On”. The second switch, the function switch, should be set to “Cool”. If the switches are on their proper settings and the AC does not cool the apartment over the next hour or so, you should try the next step.

If the furnace is making no noise at all, the furnace may have no power. Every furnace has a power switch that shuts the power off to the furnace. This is required by City of Chicago regulations. The power switch will look like a light switch and will be located on the furnace, on a wall near the furnace, or on the wall just outside the furnace closet/area. Turn on the thermostat; then, flip the furnace power switch. When the correct switch is flipped, the furnace should make noise and kick on very quickly.

If the apartment does not cool over the next hour after trying the previous steps, try looking at the furnace. If ice is forming around the pipe feeding into the duct work just above the furnace, shut the power off to the furnace immediately and call the Seminary Properties office to report the problem.

This happens when residents do not change their furnace filter regularly. Lines that help cool the apartment can get overworked, get clogged, and can freeze. If this situation is found to have been caused by a furnace filter not being changed, it would result in repairs at the expense of the residents.

Your air conditioning not working does not constitute an emergency, and the emergency number should not be used to report an AC outage. However, Seminary Properties recognizes that not having air conditioning during the summer months can be unpleasant and will work to repair the AC unit as soon as they are able to do so.

During extreme weather, the thermostat reading may be a few degrees off from the desired set temperature. This is normal; 1-4 degrees deviation during extreme heat is not a malfunction.

Toilet not flushing

Residents should never flush tampons, condoms, paper towels, q-tips, hair, clothing, vermin, or anything else that is not human waste or toilet tissue. Anything besides human waste or toilet tissue can and will clog toilets and plumbing lines. If it is discovered that a pipe needs repairs due to improper use of the toilet, the resident will be responsible for the cost of the repairs.

If a toilet gets clogged due to regular use, it is extremely important for tenants to acquire a quality plunger. The best plungers are larger and have thick handles and thick rubber. The rubber is a half circle/dome that has a lower lip extending down. If a resident reports a clogged toilet and does not own a plunger, Seminary Properties will advise them to acquire a quality plunger before sending any maintenance team members to the apartment. Clogged toilets that residents have attempted to plunge properly and are still not working constitute an emergency if it is the only toilet in the unit; call Seminary Properties. If it is after regular business hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072).

Reminder: to properly plunge a toilet, insert the plunger and pump the plunger vigorously up and down for 10-15 seconds. A single plunge, lack of effort, or a inferior plunger will not resolve the clog.

Drains backing up

Over time, all drains will back up due to collection of hair, skin cells and soap, but steps can be taken to prevent drains from clogging. It is extremely important to NEVER use Drain-O or other liquid pipe clearing products. These products contain enzymes that eat the pipe walls and can eventually break through, making the problem worse.

If a bathtub drain is clogged, remove the drain stopper and try to extract as much hair as possible. Residents can also use a good-quality plunger on the drain to loosen up and push the clog through the pipes. If these suggestions do not help, call Seminary Properties to report the problem. Acquiring a hair catcher/strainer is the best preventative measure a resident can take; however, the screen or holes on the hair catcher will get filled with soap scum and other particles over time and will need to be scrubbed.

If a bathroom sink drain is clogged, you should try to plunge the drain. This will loosen up the hair, soap and/or skin cells that are clogging the drain. If plunging the drain does not improve the problem, call Seminary Properties. Remember to use a rag or paper towel to cover the overflow opening located around the rim of the sink while plunging; otherwise, the plunger cannot create the necessary pressure to clear the clog.

If a kitchen sink drain is clogged, a resident should try to remove as much food and other particles as possible from the drain. Food should never be pushed deeper in the drain; the drain is intended for draining water, not food particles. Nearly all drains are equipped with a sink strainer; this should be used at all times to prevent food items from clogging the drain. If the sink does get clogged. make an attempt to plunge the drain. If an apartment has a double sink, a second person is required to hold the second sink’s strainer down, so the plunger can create the necessary pressure in the drain to remove the clog. The suction created by plunging in this manner should loosen the clog. If this does not clear the backup, call Seminary Properties.

The only time a clogged drain warrants calling the Seminary Properties emergency line is when water is backing up through the drains, into the sink and/or tub, rising and nearing the top of the sink or tub. This is rare and usually only occurs when there is an extreme amount of rain which floods the city’s pipes, causing water to back up into drains rather than flowing through.

Doorknob feels loose

Over time, doorknobs on all doors can get loose due to the constant pulling on the handle, which can loosen the screws that hold it in place. If a resident starts to feel a knob beginning to get loose, only a Phillips-head screwdriver is needed to tighten by turning clockwise (‘righty tighty”) on the loose screw(s). If residents wait too long to report or tighten the screw(s) the doorknob can fall off completely and the door may become inoperable.

If a building entrance doorknob falls off, it is not an emergency, but it is something that should be reported immediately. If the office is closed, leave a message at the office or call the emergency line (773-977-8072); a representative will be out as soon as they are able to re-install the knob.

Gaps around doors/weather stripping

All apartment doors have weather stripping around the frame of the door; however, even with this preventative measure in place, all doors will leak some air. Doors are designed to open and close, which does not allow them to be airtight. If a resident feels more insulation is needed for the leaks, it is recommended that they place towels at the bottom of the door. If the door in question is not used regularly then a resident can fill the gaps with more weather stripping, towel strips, or they can tape the gap or use tissue. Please remember, however, that many doors that are not commonly used may be emergency exits; these doors should not be sealed or blocked at any time.

My window is drafty

During the winter, as the weather grows cold, tenants may find that their windows are drafty. The majority of the time, this is due to the windows not being fully closed and latched. Windows are not completely closed unless the latch on the lower window is perfectly aligned and latches into the clasp on the top window. Windows can be slightly open even if they appear to be fully shut. Top windows often can drop by a few inches, or even just a few millimeters, while unlocked. To close the window, push the top window up and the bottom window down at the same time until the latch and clasp line up, then lock the window. This may take a lot of effort with older or larger windows. It may take two people: one to push the top window up, and the second to push the bottom window down and lock the locks. As winter nears each year, it is very important to check all the windows to ensure they are fully closed and locked; windows that are even slightly ajar can cause higher heating bills during the cold months.

If a window is still allowing drafts into the unit even while it is completely closed and latched, purchasing a window insulation kit is the best and only advice Seminary Properties can provide. (Please remember to remove any window insulation prior to moving out.) Please remember, however, that windows are made primarily of glass, which will not insulate as well as a solid wall.

All newer windows, and some older windows, have a safety mechanism on the frames themselves. On the top window pane frame, one or two tabs exist; when pulled out, these tabs do not allow the windows to be open more than 1-2 inches. This is a great safety measure to include as another way to protect against break-ins.

If a window does break and Seminary Properties finds that it was broken due to tenant negligence or lack of care, residents will be charged the cost of labor and repair.

I believe there’s a gas smell

If a resident believes a gas smell is present in the apartment, they should first check to make sure all pilot lights are lit. Pilot lights are a small, blue flames located under the oven, under the stove and in the hot water heater. If a resident has a stove/oven that produces a clicking sound before igniting, it does not have a pilot light; instead, it has an electric igniter. If a resident has a hot water tank that has easily removable metal panels at the bottom, it is located inside the compartment behind those panels. If the metal panels are not easily removed and have wires running into and through the metal panels, the hot water heater has an electric igniter and no pilot light.

To re-light the stove pilot lights; lift up the stove lid. In between both the front and back burners will be a small round metal circle. Run a flame over these circles and a small blue flame will ignite; there should be one on each side of the stove. Please note that this will also cause the top of your stove to be warm at all times; this is normal while the pilot lights are lit.

To re-light the oven pilot light: under the oven, in the boiler compartment, there is another area that houses a pilot light. Run a flame in the middle rear of the boiler compartment and a small flame will ignite. The stove/oven pilot lights do not release enough gas to be dangerous unless a resident is gone for a week or longer with a pilot light unlit.

If the pilot light is out inside the hot water heater and the water heater has metal covers that reveal an opening, a person will need a long lighter, long match or long piece of paper with one end lit on fire. Turn the gas dial to “pilot” and hold it down; then, put the flame inside the opening following the long pipe the feeds inward. The long pipe will lead to a point where the gas is released; hold the flame over that area until a flame is lit. Keep holding the gas dial to “pilot” the entire time. After the flame has started, continue holding the gas dial to “pilot” for one minute and then either rotate the dial to “on” or adjust it to the desired temperature.

If a pilot light goes out often, call the Seminary Properties office to have the problem investigated.

If a gas smell is noticed and all the pilot lights are on, call People’s Gas. They will send out an emergency tech to examine the lines and find a source, if one exists, for the smell. If People’s Gas finds anything wrong, call Seminary Properties, 773-529-3700. If it is outside normal office hours, call the emergency line (773-977-8072).

Tile, grout and/or caulk around bath tub discolored

Bathtub tile and grout can build up a soap scum residue that will change to a darker color. This coloring is often mistaken as mildew or mold, but it is not. The effect of the build-up can be removed with strong bathroom cleaners. Regular cleaning of the bathroom, tub, tile, and grout will keep the build-up and discoloration from accumulating.

Water on floor of bathroom

It is very important that residents purchase a shower liner that covers the entire length of the shower and goes at least six inches below the top of the tub. When taking a shower, it is important that the liner is pulled all the way end to end, and that the bottom of the liner is INSIDE the bathtub. When these steps are not performed water may ricochet off a surface, pass the shower liner, and accumulate on the floor. The water can then seep through the floor and drip into the unit or space below the bathroom. This can be avoided if residents acquire a shower liner that fits the shower opening and is used properly every time.

Blinds

Seminary Properties does not provide window treatments in its apartments and is not responsible for blinds or window treatments that may already be present. Residents are allowed to install their own window treatments as long as they are not nailed, screwed, or attached to any woodwork or frame around the windows.

Exterminating

Seminary Properties uses an outside company for all its exterminating needs. Treatments for any and all rodent and insect problems reported by residents will be scheduled. Since the company used is an outside contractor and not under the employment of Seminary Properties, management cannot promise immediate treatment on the same or next day. Once a problem is reported to Seminary Properties, an appointment will be scheduled with the exterminator and the residents will be provided as much notice as possible.

If a unit reports a problem with any type of insect, the exterminator will spray the reported area or the entire apartment as the technician sees fit. It is recommended that residents move as much furniture or other items as possible away from the walls so that those areas can be treated. After the treatment, residents should not clean their baseboard (the trim where the floor meets the wall) for 2-3 weeks. The treatment leaves a poison on the area most trafficked by insects; the residue gets on their bodies and when they clean themselves and others and the poison spreads and eliminates the colony, since insects clean themselves similarly to cats. Cleaning an apartment regularly and thoroughly is the best way to avoid attracting insects. If a resident has a pet, the pet should remain in one room of the apartment for the entirety of the day of treatment. This room will not be treated and keeping the pet away from the treated areas allows time for the sprays to dry, minimizing the chances for any toxic exposure to the pet.

If a unit reports or suspects rodents, Seminary Properties will conduct a preliminary inspection before scheduling the exterminator. Members of Seminary Properties management and/or the maintenance team will place traps and bait; they will also fill holes to reduce and eliminate the rodent population. Regular removal of trash and cleaning will decrease the probability of rodents.

If a unit suspect bed bugs in their home, contact Seminary Properties immediately. Seminary Properties will provide the residents’ information to the exterminating company, who will communicate with the tenants regarding apartment preparation and treatment. Seminary Properties personnel will not enter the apartment until after it has been inspected and treated by the exterminators.

No matter what kind or size an insect or rodent infestation may be, these concerns do not warrant use of the emergency system.

Appliances

Seminary Properties provides some appliances to all units. Every unit has a minimum of a stove and refrigerator. It is important to understand the basics of these appliances and why certain problems occur.
Refrigerators/freezers

Refrigerators/freezers operate by cold air from the freezer being pushed down into the refrigerator. If a freezer has too many items, it can block the air flow and raise the temperature in the refrigerator. In a severe case, it can jam the fan and cause neither the refrigerator nor freezer to work.

If a resident notices that the refrigerator is not making any noise and the temperature is rising, it does not mean it is broken. Refrigerators go through cycles, and will shut down for a period of time; this time period can be as much as two hours before it kicks on again. If the refrigerator is doing this, the lights in the refrigerator will still be working.

If there is no noise and the lights inside the refrigerator are not on or working, check the circuit breaker box to make sure power is going to the refrigerator. Remember to check for loose circuits that are not fully in the “on” position or are loose to the touch. If a circuit is found to be in this position, make sure to turn the switch all the way to the “off” position, hold it there for a minute, then turn it all the way to the “on” position, holding it there. Check the refrigerator to see if the light has come back on. If it has not, find the outlet that it is plugged into. Refrigerators are often plugged into GFI outlets, which have circuit breakers built into the outlet. When looking at the outlet, find the two buttons in the middle that say “test” and “reset”. If a refrigerator has no power, push the “reset” button in fully. Check to see if the power has come back on. If the power is still out, call Seminary Properties and management will contact the appliance repair specialist. This specialist is an outside contractor and does not work directly for Seminary Properties; therefore, management is unable to guarantee an immediate response.

A refrigerator not having power does not constitute an emergency. A refrigerator can maintain cold temperatures for food for 1-2 days if the door is not opened often. Seminary Properties will not be able to get an appliance technician out on weekends.

If a refrigerator is leaking at the bottom, call Seminary Properties so the appliance specialist can be notified.
Stoves/ovens

All apartments are equipped with a stove/oven. Please remember that the Chicago Building Code requires carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to be placed within a certain distance of bedroom doors in newly-rehabbed apartments. As a result, using the stove/oven can frequently trigger a false alarm on these detectors if the bedroom door is within a close proximity to the kitchen. To avoid this problem, make sure that oven and stove are clean and clear of any burn stains, food fragments or flammable items. These items can trigger the detectors very quickly.

If a gas smell is noticed in the apartment, most of the time it is from a pilot light that has gone out in the stove/oven. If a resident has a stove/oven that produces a clicking sound before igniting, it does not have a pilot light; instead, it has an electric igniter. If the stove does not create a clicking noise when lighting, the stove and oven have a pilot light. To re-light stove pilot lights, lift up the stove lid. In between both front and back burners will be a small round metal circle. Run a flame over these circles and a small blue flame will ignite; there should be one on each side of the stove. To re-light the oven pilot light, check under the oven. In the boiler compartment, there is another area that houses a pilot light. Run a flame in the middle rear section of the boiler compartment and a small flame will ignite. The stove/oven pilot lights do not release enough gas to be dangerous unless a resident is gone for a week or longer with a pilot light being out. If the pilot light goes out often, notify the Seminary Properties office.

If the stove/oven has no power, check the circuit breaker box to make sure power is going to the appliance. Remember: check for loose circuits that are not fully in the “on” position or are loose to the touch. If a circuit is found to be in this position, make sure to turn the switch all the way in the “off” position, holding it there for a minute then turn it all the way to the “on” position, holding it there. Check to see if the stove/oven is working. If it is not, find the outlet it is plugged into. Stoves/ovens are often plugged into GFI outlets, which have circuit breakers built into the outlet. When looking at the outlet, find the two buttons in the middle that say “test” and “reset”. If a refrigerator has no power, push the “reset” button in fully. Check to see if the power has come back on. If the power is still out, call Seminary Properties and management will contact the appliance repair specialist.
Dishwasher

If an apartment is equipped with a dishwasher, please remember to follow some basic measures to make sure that it will continue functioning properly. Most importantly, a dishwasher is not a garbage disposal. Anything put into the dishwasher should be fully rinsed and clear of all food build-up or particles. A dishwasher should only be loaded with dishwasher-safe soap. Hand soap or dish soap should NEVER be used in a dishwasher as it will result in large quantities of bubbles that will overflow from the machine. Once or twice a year, it is important to fill the proper compartment with Jet Dry; this product helps leave all dishes clean.

If the dishwasher is leaking, it may be because a utensil or other object was improperly loaded, jamming the rotating components inside the main dishwasher compartment. If nothing appears to be stuck in this area, call the Seminary Properties office.

If a dishwasher is not draining fully, look in the bottom of the dishwasher and makes sure no food particles are clogging the drain cover. If nothing appears to be building up at the bottom of the appliance, call the Seminary Properties office.

If the dishwasher not getting any power or not turning on, check the power switch. Chicago City Code requires all dishwashers to be connected to a power switch. The switch is designed to turn off the power to the dishwasher to prevent shocks when working on the appliance. If the dishwasher has no power, this switch may have been turned off. The switch is located either under the sink or just above the counter and may look like a light switch. Turn the dishwasher on to any function and flip the switch under the sink and above the cabinet. This switch should turn on the dishwasher. If this does not work, check the circuit breaker box to make sure power is going to the dishwasher. Remember: check for loose circuits that are not fully in the “on” position or are loose to the touch. If a circuit is found to be in this position, make sure to turn the switch all the way in the “off” position, holding it there for a minute, then turn it all the way to the “on” position, holding it there
Laundry

If an apartment is equipped with in-unit laundry, please remember to regularly empty the lint trap. All dryers have lint traps, which are containers that catch all the lint from the items being dried. This container must be emptied before every use of the dryer. When it is full, clothes will not dry and the machine can break. If it is found that the dryer is broken because the lint trap has not been emptied, residents will be responsible for the cost of repair.

If a laundry machine has no power, check the circuit breaker box to make sure power is going to the appliance. Remember, check for loose circuits that are not fully in the “on” position or are loose to the touch. If a circuit is found to be in this position, make sure to turn the switch all the way in the “off” position, holding it there for a minute then turn it all the way to the “on” position, holding it there. Check to see if the power has come back on. If it has not, locate the outlet that the appliance is plugged into. Washers and/or dryers are often plugged into GFI outlets, which have circuit breakers built into the outlet. When looking at the outlet, find the two buttons in the middle that say “test” and “reset”. If the machine has no power, push the “reset” button in fully. Check to see if the power has come back on. If the power is still out, call Seminary Properties and management will contact the appliance repair specialist.
Microwave

Microwaves, along with hair dryers, are the most likely cause of a circuit popping. If the microwave was installed by Seminary Properties, precautions were taken to provide as many safeguards against this problem as possible. Remember that no metal should ever be placed inside a microwave during operation. If the microwave starts performing oddly or malfunctioning, and the microwave was installed by Seminary Properties, call the Seminary Properties office.
Garbage disposal

The vast majority of apartments managed by Seminary Properties do not have garbage disposals in their kitchen sinks. No food or any other items should be disposed of or forced down a drain, especially those without garbage disposals.

If an apartment is equipped with a garbage disposal (very few are), there are a few very important things to remember. First, always run the garbage disposal while the water is running. Second, if the disposal is making an unusual grinding noise, something is stuck inside it. Turn the power off (the power for the garbage disposal is located on the kitchen counter or directly under the kitchen sink inside the cabinet and looks like a light switch), reach inside and pull out any silverware, bottle caps, or other items that the garbage disposal cannot grind. Once the item is removed, the disposal should function properly. Third, if the garbage disposal will not turn on, locate the “reset” button under the disposal, which is under the sink. Normally this reset button is red. Before pushing the button, make sure the power is off and nothing is obstructing the machine. If the machine is clear, press the “reset” button and turn the power back on. If the machine is still not working, call the Seminary Properties office.

Mold/Mildew

Mold is a result of moisture that is not properly dried and/or cleaned having contact with a surface for a long period of time, usually several days or weeks.

If a wall, ceiling, sink, shower, or section of grout/caulk start changing colors, it is rarely mold. In the case of a wall or ceiling, if a tenant has had a leak or the weather has changed drastically, a large amount of moisture can build up in and behind the wall, turning the wall yellow, brown and/or black. At first, this is the result of paint discoloration due to the moisture. This moisture can exist for several days without any risk of mold developing. If a resident ever finds a wall and/or ceiling becoming discolored, please report it to the Seminary Properties office for investigation and repair.

It is very important to ventilate the bathroom, especially after showering. All apartments have an exhaust fan, window or both in the bathroom. Seminary Properties urges residents to use all ventilation available after showers to remove the moisture from the air. If the room is not ventilated properly, the moisture will discolor the ceiling and walls, and can cause the paint to bubble. The discoloration is not mold; rather, it is just the paint reacting to the moisture.

Cleaning around the bathtub regularly is also very important. After every bath and/or shower, water and moisture remain on the caulk/grout of the tiles. This water and moisture can turn the grout/caulk orange or brown, then black. This is not mold, but mildew. A strong cleaning with bleach will lighten and/or remove the color and the mildew.

Furnace / AC very noisy

The furnace is used for both central heat and central air; it will make noise. The machines will make different noises depending which function it is operating. If a resident hears a noise they have not heard before, they should first check their furnace filter. A dirty filter can make the machine noisier because it must work harder. A bad filter can also cause the furnace to break, causing it to make unusual noises. Make sure to replace the furnace filter monthly. It is also important to call the Seminary Properties office to report the unusual noise in detail so the problem can be investigated.

Tiles coming off wall/floor

Bathroom and kitchen tiles can separate from the wall due to moisture buildup. If you ever notice tiles beginning to loosen or separate from the wall, call the Seminary Properties office. Do not pull or wiggle the tile, as this will loosen the tile further and moisture will then get deeper into the wall.

Pipe under kitchen sink leaking

Pipes under a bathroom or kitchen sink are delicate. When storing items under the sink, it is important to make sure none of the items touch or bang into the pipes. The knocking and rubbing of these pipes will loosen the seals and cause dripping and/or flooding under the sink. If a resident notices water under their sink, call the Seminary Properties office.

How does my fireplace work?

If a unit is equipped with a fireplace, it is important to know how to operate it properly. Before lighting a fire, check to see if your fireplace is functional or decorative. If the fireplace does not have a flue, chimney or venting space upward from the fireplace, it is decorative and not functional. If a resident is unsure, they may call Seminary Properties to find out if their fireplace is functional or decorative.

If an apartment does have a working fireplace, find out if it is a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace. If it is gas-powered, there will be fake, decorative logs in the fireplace. If it is a wood-burning fireplace, it will have nothing, or possibly a log stand, in the fireplace. If a resident is unsure of whether their fireplace is gas or wood-burning, please call the Seminary Properties office to enquire.

For either wood-burning or gas fireplaces, it is extremely important to make sure the flue is open; the flue is the covering the keeps outside air from entering the apartment when the fireplace is not in use, and allows venting when it is in use. In a gas fireplace, there is a metal rod located above the fireplace that says “open” and “close”. Move the lever all the way to the “open” position; this opens the flue. In a wood-burning fireplace, a resident will need to reach up inside the fireplace and locate a handle; this task is much easier with a flashlight. The handle must be pushed upwards; when this is done, a space will open. Make sure to open the flue as far as it will go to allow as much smoke as possible to ventilate.

Once the flue is open, the fire can be started. In a gas fireplace, locate the light switch near the fireplace and turn it on. This will start the fireplace (if the pilot light is lit). If the gas fireplace is not starting, it is often the case that the pilot light is not lit. Seminary Properties can light the pilot light for you, as this is often difficult to do. If the pilot light is lit and the fireplace starts, everything is done and you can enjoy the fire. Remember to close the flue when done with the fireplace after the fire has been turned off. In a wood-burning fireplace, before lighting a large quantity of logs, first light a wad of papers and hold it in the fireplace. This will reverse the draft to let smoke rise out of the chimney; it will also ensure the flue is fully open. Once the flames and smoke from the burning paper are flowing distinctly upwards, light the kindling to burn the logs. Make sure to put a metal fireplace screen in front of the fireplace after the fire is started to prevent any burning embers from escaping, which can cause apartment fires. In most units with a fireplace, tenants must acquire this metal screen; it is generally not provided by Seminary Properties.

In a wood-burning fireplace, when the fire is fully out, and no red embers or smoke are visible, remember to close the flue. The handle may be hot, so use an oven mitt. It is recommended to clean out the fireplace after each use, so it is ready for use the next time.

Shower knob / handle just spins

Most shower knobs/handles are not supposed turn 360º. If a shower knob/handle does spin in circles, the internal plumbing may be stripped. Please call the Seminary Properties office so the problem can be repaired.

To prevent this problem, do not force the knob/handle into the “off” position. Water will drip out of the pipes for a few moments after the water is shut off; this is normal. This water is simply the leftover water in the pipes; rather than remaining in the pipes, it will drip out just after the shower is turned off Forcing the knob further in the off position will not stop the water, but can strip the plumbing and cause the knob/handle to spin without turning water on or off.

When I cook, detectors beep

All apartments are equipped with at least one smoke detector. If a unit has any gas appliances, it is also equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. These devices are tested to ensure they are operating correctly prior to move-in. If any detectors begin to emit one beep every 20 seconds or so, this means that the battery needs to be replaced; it is the tenant’s responsibility to change the battery.

The locations of these devices are mandated by the City of Chicago Building Code. Unfortunately, these locations often require the devices to be very near the kitchen. The steam, smoke, heat and vapors produced while using the stove or oven can trigger these detectors. Seminary Properties cannot alter the location of these devices. If either of them go off when the stove and/or oven are not in use, it is wise to investigate further.

When either device goes off to alert of a possible problem, it will either begin beeping non-stop or emit three beeps at a time. If the three beeps do not recur, the detector may not be detecting a problem; it could be malfunctioning.

If the smoke detector goes off when not cooking and a resident does not smell smoke, the alarm may be malfunctioning. If the tenant is alarmed or they do smell smoke, they may call 9-1-1. After the fire department has investigated, please call the Seminary Properties office if they do not find a problem; however, if a problem is identified, call the Seminary Properties emergency line (773-977-8072) immediately. One simple step to prevent the smoke alarm from going off while cooking is to ensure the stove and/or oven are clean, and no crumbs or food particles are present; these scraps can burn while the oven or stove are in use, creating a small amount of smoke which can cause the detectors to sound.

If the carbon monoxide detector goes off when no one is cooking, call 9-1-1 immediately. After the call has been made, the residents should leave the apartment and/or open windows to ventilate until the fire department has arrived and investigated. Once the fire department has investigated, if they find the alarm was false, the resident should call Seminary Properties office to document the incident. If the fire department finds a problem, the residents should call the Seminary Properties emergency line (773-977-8072) immediately.

Water from faucet is not clear, or has a color

All water coming from a faucet should come out clear. If an apartment has been vacant for several weeks or months, the water may come out with a little yellow discoloration, but this should quickly vanish. If a resident ever finds water coming out of a faucet with an altered color for a long period of time, they should call the Seminary Properties office to report it. If it is after normal business hours, residents should call the Seminary Properties emergency line (773-977-8072) immediately. In most cases, this is a result of the City of Chicago performing work on the water lines in the area; debris can get into the pipes during the work, causing a discoloration in the water. It is still important to notify Seminary Properties so the problem can be documented and investigated further, if necessary.

Toilet leaking

If a resident finds that their toilet is leaking from its base, the handle, or any of the pipes connecting to the toilet, they should contact the Seminary Properties office to report the problem. Most of these cases are not urgent and do not require use of the emergency line, but it is still wise to get the problem reported as soon as possible so that it can be fixed quickly.

An exception would be if the toilet is leaking a large amount of water from the base every time it is flushed. If this does happen, call the Seminary Properties office immediately. If it is after normal business hours, call the Seminary Properties emergency line (773-977-8072) to report it.

Seminary Properties often uses independent plumbers. These contractors do not work directly for Seminary Properties, so no time for repair can be guaranteed or estimated. The earlier they are notified, the earlier the problem can be resolved.

Water takes a while to get warm

Regardless of the building or unit in which a resident lives, it will take a little while for water to warm up once turned on. The water should never take longer than five minutes to become hot. If a resident ever finds water taking too long to heat, or it does not heat at all, they should check to make sure the pilot light is lit in the hot water heater and confirm that their gas account is still active and current. If neither of these are the source of the problem, call the Seminary Properties office to report the situation so it can be investigated.

Locks are difficult

Seminary Properties provides all tenants with keys that have been tested beforehand. Some keys may be copies of an original and may not work perfectly. If a key does not turn when in a lock, try pulling the key out slightly and turning the key, as it is possible that the key does work but does not fit all the way in to turn the lock. Experiment with the keys to find the position it needs to be in to work.

If a key is unable to slide into the lock, the lock could be dry. In the winter this can be remedied with lock de-icer that also lubricates. In the spring, summer, and fall, WD-40 is enough to lubricate the lock so it will work properly.

If a resident notices a problem with a lock, or if the lock is getting dry or is coming loose, call the Seminary Properties office to report the problem.

Intercom not working

Many buildings are equipped with an intercom or buzzer system. The exterior box is labeled by unit address, and not by tenant name. Seminary Properties will not put tenant names on an intercom box, only address and unit labels will be used.  Some properties do have intercom system connected to registered personal phone numbers.   These systems will have residents last names listed on a digital screen at the front of the property.  

If a resident finds that the intercom is not working, call the Seminary Properties office to report the problem. Please be prepared with specifics as to what is not working. For instance, when guests press the unit’s button on the exterior box, does it make any noise in the unit? Or, when a guest buzzes the apartment, is the resident able to hear the guest when the “listen“ button is pressed? Is the resident unable to be heard on the exterior box when the “talk” button is pressed? Is the resident unable to grant entry to a guest when the “door” button is pressed?

If mail is not delivered to the entire building for a number of days and/or the mail carrier leaves a note saying they are unable to gain entry to the building, this may be a problem with the intercom system. The mail carrier has a master key corresponding to a lock on the intercom system; this lock is the same on every intercom system on every building in Chicago. This is how postal workers enter many buildings to deliver the mail. If the mail carrier does leave a note or speaks to a resident about problems with entering, please call Seminary Properties to inform the office of the issue.

Intercom problems are repaired by an outside contractor and may take a few days to resolve.

I was robbed / broken into

Safety is a high priority at all buildings Seminary Properties manages. Many safety precautions are in place and can be implemented by a resident to provide a secure living environment. Please see the section entitled “What basic precautions should I take for security?” for more tips on safety measures. Even with precautions being taken, crime does occur in the City of Chicago and everywhere else.

If a residence is burglarized, the first priority is to call the police (9-1-1). After the police have been notified, residents should immediately begin to make a list of items taken and call to report it to their renter’s insurance agency. Finally, call Seminary Properties. In most cases, the police will send a crime technician to the unit to inspect the area. The technician will respond 1-5 hours after the initial police arrival. Seminary Properties is not allowed to repair any damages or touch anything until after the technicians are done.

Turned heat on and there is a burning smell

The first time the heat is started in the fall/winter, it is normal for the furnace to produce a burning smell. The air coming out of the vents is hot and can burn dust and particles that have settled during the summer months. The smell should dissipate after about 30 minutes and should not return unless there is a long period of time without using heat.

If a burning smell does occur for longer than half an hour, or occurs repeatedly, call the Seminary Properties office (773-529-3700). In most cases, this is not an emergency and will be investigated the following business day.

Graffiti

The City of Chicago offers a service to remove graffiti from any building. If a resident notices a building has been defaced by graffiti anywhere on its exterior, call the City of Chicago’s non-emergency line (3-1-1) and report the problem, so the graffiti can be removed. In addition, please call the Seminary Properties office so the matter can be monitored.

Thermostat displays low battery message

In apartments that have central heat or central air, the thermostats control the heat and ensure the system reaches the desired temperature. Thermostats are often wall-mounted devices that allow occupants to choose the temperature they would like, turn the system off, and turn the fan to on, auto, and off settings.

Most thermostats made currently have a digital display on the device and are battery-operated. When the batteries begin to wear out, a central heat/air system does not send or receive the proper messages to function normally. When this happens, the display will show an empty battery symbol, a text display reading “low battery”, or a blank display. It is important to change the batteries as soon as the message appears.

If the thermostat has a flip panel to reveal the controls, it normally has a small rectangular compartment visible that houses the batteries. If it does not have a clearly visible panel, then the entire cover plate can be removed. On feeling the back four corners of the thermostat, you should notice that one of the corners will have an indentation. This indentation is designed to allow a person to apply pressure and pull the cover plate off the thermostat and reveal the batteries.

Most detectors have two AA or AAA batteries. If an apartment is unable to replace their batteries, Seminary Properties will replace the batteries for a fee of $5.00 per battery.

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