Posts about Apartments in Downtown Baltimore

From Telegraph to Smartphone

Think how far technology has come in the last 5 years: from Google Glasses to a self-driving car to a Humanoid Robot . Now think how far technology has come in the last 100 years: the telephone, the Apple computer, the Walkman, THE INTERNET! It's fascinating to think long-distance communication involved nothing more than a series of dots fired across wire strung along the entire United States. In a world where people demand connectivity 24/7, and technology such as Periscope lets you communicate with anyone anywhere on the planet with just a touch of a button, let us stop and appreciate where it all stemmed from. The telegraph. First used here in our beloved Baltimore City. Painter-turned-inventor Samuel Morse was intrigued by the electric telegraph after overhearing a conversation about electromagnetism sailing from Europe to America. He immediately experimented and eventually developed the telegraph machine in the 1830's and 1840's. His first telegraph message was sent from Washington D.C. to Baltimore on May 24 th , 1844 (171 years ago!) It read: What hath God wrought. The telegraph's long-distance application marked the beginning of a new era of communication, in which information traveled faster than any human by any means of conveyance could possibly travel. Morse and fellow inventor Alfred Vail later created Morse Code, to better understand the transmissions, which in turn transformed how wars were fought, how journalists reported news and how loved ones communicated across state lines. By the early 1900's the telegraph machine was used countries all across the globe. But it wasn't until this day, August 20 th , in the year 1911, that a dispatcher in the New York Times office sent the first telegram around the world via commercial service. The Times decided to send its 1911 telegram in order to determine how fast a commercial message could be sent around the world by telegraph cable. The message, reading simply "This message sent around the world," left the dispatch room on the 17th floor of the Times building in New York at 7 p.m. After it traveled more than 28,000 miles, being relayed by 16 different operators, through San Francisco, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Saigon, Singapore, Bombay, Malta, Lisbon and the Azores, among other locations, the reply was received by the same operator sixteen and half minutes later. It was the fastest time achieved by a commercial cablegram since the opening of the Pacific cable in 1900 by the Commercial Cable Company. I'll give you a minute to let that sink in, and then you can get back to checking your Facebook newsfeed.

What is LEED Certification

You've seen it on our website and almost all of our handouts: 520 Park Apartments are LEED Certified! But what does this mean to you? Most of us understand the concept of LEED which, by the way, stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design but aren't familiar with the specifics of what makes a green building green. Developed in 1994 and constantly evolving, LEED represents green building leadership . It's transforming the way we think about how buildings and communities are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated across the globe. LEED certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy. During development of 520 Park Avenue , the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) paid us a visit and analyzed our plans. Upon inspection and deliberation, we were awarded the Silver Standard for LEED Certification. If you're curious about the process of this system and wonder how they arrived at their conclusions, here's how it all works: The green building certification program recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points (0-100) to achieve different levels of certification. Each rating system groups requirements that address the unique needs of building and project type. There are five rating systems: Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Building Operations and Maintenance, Neighborhood Development, and Homes. Once a project team chooses a rating system, they'll use the appropriate credits to guide design and operational decisions. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification. In order to achieve Silver certification, a building must earn between 50-59 points, which is what 520 Park was able to achieve when we opened our doors in 2014. Energy efficient appliances, windows and green practices set us apart from other apartment communities. We strive to provide you with a home that is clean, comfortable, and most importantly, environmentally responsible.

Renters Insurance

"Do I really need Renter's Insurance?" Many renters assume if you don't own it, you're not responsible for it. In the case of renting an apartment with WPM Real Estate (and hopefully any other real estate management company), you are required to carry Renter's Insurance for not just the apartment itself, but your belongings within the apartment. According to section 43 of your lease, as seen below, you need $100,000 in coverage if you were ever injured, your personal items were damaged, or the apartment is damaged from an incident not caused by the property's inner workings. We do not provide insurance coverage on your property located within the Premises. During the term of this Lease, and any renewal or extension of this Lease, you must, at your expense, maintain renter's form homeowner's insurance coverage on the Premises providing for personal liability (bodily injury and property damage) coverage with a limit of not less than $100,000.00 each occurrence and $5,000.00 in medical payments coverage; and further, providing coverage to keep your personal property on and in the Premises insured for your benefit against loss or damage resulting from broad form named perils on a replacement cost basis. You must provide us with a copy of a certificate of insurance for the policy required by this Section. If you fail to comply with the provisions of this Section 43 of this Lease Agreement, you must pay to us an additional $25.00 per month rent until you purchase and maintain the insurance coverage required by this Section. We will not purchase the insurance for you. Collection of this additional rent will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies which we may have as a result of your failure to comply with this Lease provision. You further agree that although you have signed this Lease and remain obligated to pay the rent specified in this Lease and comply with the other terms, covenants, rules and regulations in this Lease, we will not provide you with possession of the Premises until you provide us with a copy of the insurance policy or a certificate documenting that you have obtained the insurance coverage required by this Lease. You should have provided proof of Renter's Insurance before you picked up your keys. If you didn't, shame on your Leasing Consultant! According to the lease, once the policy expires--say, after you've extended your lease for another year--we have the right to charge $25 each month that you neglect to provide a renewed policy. As with any type of insurance, you could pay for renters insurance year after year and never need it. While some renters see it as a waste of money, those who end up needing it say they are grateful they had it. Renters insurance doesn't just take care of your stuff. It protects residents from a few kinds of liability. For example, if someone trips and falls in your apartment, leading to expensive medical bills or even a lawsuit, your policy would provide you with coverage. It could also be a financial lifesaver. Say you left the stove on and caused a fire, any damage caused to the building would be your responsibility. So basically, yeah, you need it. Give our office a call if you have questions or concerns about the lease, and call your insurance provider if you need details on coverage. 520 Park Avenue

Early Termination

Continuing with our Lease Agreement Series, this week's topic is Early Termination. Sometimes it can't be helped; your company has relocated you, or a family member has fallen ill. We understand, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible. That's why knowing the process of early termination is the first step in making the move-out process that much easier. So we're here to help! Your lease agreement reads: In the event you wish to terminate this Lease, or any renewal or extension of this Lease, prior to its expiration date, we agree to permit the early termination upon: (A) You giving to us two (2) calendar months prior written notice of your intent to terminate; and (B) You agreeing, in writing, to pay to us an amount equal to two (2) additional month's rent beyond the end of the month in which you elect to terminate this Lease (the "Lease Termination Fee"). This offer is contingent upon you being current in the monthly rental at the time you vacate, and with the Lease Termination Fee being paid prior to the termination date. But what does this mean? According to the statement above, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to move out early and break your lease (even if you just moved in, or just renewed your lease), here's what it's going to take: written notice (which can be an email) two months before the day you plan to move out. So if your company is relocating you effective March 1 st , we need written notice by January 1 st . you'll still be paying market rent (not your discounted rate, if you received one) for those remaining two months, PLUS pay two month's market rent after you move out. This is the fee required for breaking your lease, and all rent/fees are to be paid before moving out. Reading a document before signing it is a very important step of getting a new apartment, but here at 520 Park Avenue we want to be completely transparent and leave no surprises. We're not here to scam you! If you ever have questions over your lease, please stop in the office or set up an appointment to discuss things. We want you to feel comfortable in your new home and trust that we have your best interests at heart.

Noise and Your Apartment

Continuing with our Lease Agreement Series, this week's topic is "Noise." It happens, and sometimes it can't be helped. Sometimes neighbors are just being rude. We understand, and we want to make your life easier. The lease reads: NOISE and BEHAVIOR: You may not make, permit or facilitate any unseemly or disturbing noises or conduct by the Tenant, Tenant's family, employees, agents, guests and/or invitees; nor do, permit or facilitate any illegal, improper, objectionable, undesirable or immoral conduct or obstruct or interfere with the rights, comforts or convenience of other tenants or Landlord. Tenant will not permit to enter the Premises or to remain therein any person of bad or loose character or of improper behavior. Tenant further agrees not to conduct, give or permit vocal or instrumental instruction or practice. This basically states that you and your guests should keep quiet at all times. It also states that you and your guests won't participate in illegal conduct of any kind. While we most certainly agree with the latter, the former leaves much to the imagination. While nothing in the lease specifies types of noises, common courtesy should always be at the forefront of your mind. But what exactly is considered reasonable? Here are some examples: Reasonable Not reasonable A baby crying Yelling or screaming among adults or children Occasionally hosting a few guests Hosting a party larger than 10 guests regularly Vacuuming/cleaning at reasonable hours Hammering, nailing, or other construction Normal to light footsteps Jumping, wrestling, or "rough-housing" Dog barking occasionally Dog barking consistently throughout day/night Outside traffic Loud activity in parking lots or common areas Since we can't cover all forms of noise, it's important you contact the 520 leasing office to discuss the noise(s) you're hearing and at what time of day they're occuring. Every complaint is handled with complete confidence, so you shouldn't resist a complaint for fear of being found out. We always address the issue with the resident without revealing the source. If you are the source of noise complaints, a noise violation letter will be issued. On the third notice, you may face eviction. Please be courteous of your neighbors and remember that you share a space with several other tenants who respect your privacy and comfort, and expect the same from you. Should you ever have questions or concerns, feel free to contact the leasing office!

Paying Your Rent

Continuing with our Lease Agreement Series, this week's blog will discuss paying your rent. Remember, the lease is important; not only does it serve as a guide for what you can and cannot do, it's the difference between a friendly farewell and possible legal action, or worse, eviction. On page 7, section 30 of your lease reads: PAYMENT OF RENT: Payments may be mailed to our office located at 11433 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 or at such other address as may be designated by us. You may also pay your rent by enclosing your payment in an envelope and placing the envelope in the Drop Box at 11433 Cronridge Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Except as may otherwise be required by law, or by us, all rental payments made by you must be by check or money order. We will convert all paper checks received in payment of rent into electronic items for Automated Clearing House (ACH) funds processing. Such electronic payments will be for the amount indicated on each check and may be withdrawn from your bank account on the same day that your payment is received by us. You understand that a check converted into an electronic item will not be returned to you by your financial institution and will instead appear as an electronic item on your bank statement. If you notify us requesting that your check should not be converted into an electronic item, you must thereafter make all rent payments by cashier's check, certified check or money order. If we cannot post the transaction electronically, we are authorized to present a copy of your check for payment. No personal checks will be accepted after the 5th day of the month, nor will they be accepted if one (1) of your checks, in a twelve (12) month period, is dishonored by your bank. Should we employ a collection agent to institute proceedings for rent and/or repossession of the Premises for non-payment of any installment of rent, and should such rent be due and owing as of the filing of said proceedings, you will pay us the reasonable costs incurred by us in utilizing the services of the collection agent. But what does this mean? For those of you who don't know what an ACH is, it stands for Automated Clearing House, which is a fancy way of processing a physical check to electronic funds. If you prefer to write a check each month, this is to be mailed directly to our corporate office at 11433 Cronridge Dr. Owings Mills, MD 21117, or you can drive there and place it in a drop box. The check is then processed electronically and taken out of your bank account. We only take the exact amount written on your check. Rent is due on the 1 st of every month, but you have until the 5 th before they'll apply the late charge of 5% market rent. After the 5 th at 4:00pm, no personal checks will be accepted for rent, only cashier's checks or money orders. You would be working with the Property Manager at this point, as it they may begin the process of eviction. If we hire a collection agency and proceed with repossession of the apartment, you will be responsible to pay us back for the charges we received from them. But wouldn't you rather avoid all of this nonsense? Pay your rent online! It's quicker, easier, and greener! See next blog for details! 520 Park Avenue