Here is the official Grove Living 101, Grove apartments handbook!

1. Here’s where we give you our digits, tell you what to do if stuff
breaks, dole out some friendly advice, and generally welcome
you to the best year of your life.

2. 3 Welcome
3 Offices
3 Important Phone Numbers
3 Facebook & Twitter
4 Glory Days
4 Rad Your Pad
4 Rent Schedule
4 Evacuation Locations
5 Mail
5 Service Requests
5 Health and Safety Inspections
6 The Smart List: What to Bring
7 How to Take Care of Your Kitchen
8 How to Take Care of Your Common Room
9 How to Take Care of Your Bedroom
9 How to Take Care of Your Bathroom
9 Guidelines for Moving Out
10 Move Out Checklist

3. You’re here! Now the party can start. After all, our property’s pretty
sweet, but it’s people that make a place great. So we’re excited to
kick off a brand new year with you and create some crazy memories.
Get to know your neighbors. Get to know the Grove team. Don’t be
shy – we’re here to help you find whatever you need. If you have any
questions or concerns while you’re settling in, give us a ring or drop
by the office.
You can find The Grove Management Office
in the Clubhouse. We’re open:
Monday - Thursday - 8 am - 10 pm IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
Friday - 8 am - 8 pm Office Phone: 000-000-0000
Saturday - 10 pm - 8 pm CA emergency line: 000-000-0000
Sunday - 1 pm - 6 pm Internet/cable: 000-000-0000
*Note: This is where you call for assistance, pay rent,
pick up packages, check out cornhole boards etc.
Of course you’re on Facebook. And maybe you’re on Twitter. We are too.
If you haven’t already, you should like our community page and give us
a follow. Consider it your year-round invitation to join the fun. We post
event info, community news, pictures, contests, reminders, and other
stuff you’re gonna wish you knew. It’s also a great place to meet your
Grove neighbors, or get questions answered fast.
facebook.com/groveURL
twitter.com/groveURL
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4. They say college is the time of your life. We say it’s entirely up to you.
And you’re off to a good start by living here. We’ll do everything we can
to make your college experience exciting and meaningful and connected.
But the rest? Well, you write your own stories. So blaze a new trail. Stay
up late with your best friends. Take naps. Work hard and play harder. Try
new foods. Be fearless. Dance. The moments you live right now will be
the stories you tell years down the road. Make them glorious.
You’re gonna be here for a while. Why not make your place somewhere
you want to be all the time? Or better yet, a place your friends want to
be all the time. This fall, if you spruce up your place, it’ll pay off. Our Rad
Your Pad contest has two big prizes for the winner of Best Bedroom
and Best Common Area, plus other great prizes for participating.
Grab your roommates and start decorating. Look for more details on
move-in day!
Rent is due on the first of every month. Handy tip: failing to pay rent is one of those tricky things that seems
pretty inconsequential now, but will hurt you big time when you graduate and get your next place. Late fees
don’t hurt, not paying hurts. So pay rent on time! You’ll thank us later. Whether it’s you or your parents paying,
we’ve made it easy every month:
1. Sign up for ACH, and we will automatically deduct your rent out of your
checking account each month. (No remembering! No late fees!)
2. Pay online using a debit or credit card.
3. Pay in person, at the office by: check, debit card, money order, or credit card.
In the event that The Grove needs to be evacuated, all residents need to exit their apartments and report to
the parking lot farthest away from the buildings. In case of inclement weather, take shelter in the closest room
with no windows in your apartment. (We recommend your closet or bathroom.)
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5. Mailboxes are located at the Clubhouse. There is only one mailbox per
Apartment, and each resident will get a key to this box. Make sure that
mailing addresses only include the apartment number so your mail is
delivered properly. If you receive a package, we’ll let you know, and
you can pick it up at the front desk. The Grove is not responsible for
your packages after the day of delivery. To claim your package, you
must present a valid photo ID to the Community Assistant and sign the
logbook verifying your receipt of the package. The desk will only hold
packages for up to 5 days upon delivery. After 5 days, the package will be
returned to the sender unless you notify us.
If anything breaks in your unit, please fill out a You might need to fill out a service request for:
service request by calling, stopping by the office, or • Loss of power or heat
completing an online service request form at gogrove. • Water leaks
com. Service requests are picked up throughout the • Pest control issues
day and completed on a priority basis. In case of • Broken appliances
an emergency, call the Grove office for immediate • Furniture repairs
assistance. When service requests are completed, our • Key, lock, or other door problems
Maintenance Staff will leave a copy of your completed • Major plumbing issues
service request in your apartment. If you have an after-
*Please note that you could be billed for any Service Request
hours emergency, please call our emergency line at
caused by improper use, neglect, or other damages not due to
000-000-0000 normal usage. So play nice with your apartment!
Our staff will visit your apartment routinely to change your air filter
and generally check on the place. We just want to keep you safe, the
apartment looking good, and everybody healthy and happy.
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6. Make your move to The Grove much easier by figuring out exactly what to bring ahead of time. Here’s a handy
list of the essentials we’ve created for you:
‰‰ Toilet paper ‰‰ First aid kit
‰‰ Toilet brush & plunger ‰‰ Trash cans
‰‰ Shower rod & curtain ‰‰ Coasters
‰‰ Bathroom mat ‰‰ Meds (ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc)
‰‰ Shower caddy ‰‰ Alarm clock
‰‰ Toothbrush holder ‰‰ Posters and wall décor
‰‰ Bathroom towels ‰‰ Curtains and rods
‰‰ Mop & broom ‰‰ Key rack
‰‰ Vacuum cleaner ‰‰ Thumbtacks
‰‰ Cleaning supplies ‰‰ Hand soap
‰‰ Laundry basket ‰‰ Laundry hamper
‰‰ Laundry detergent ‰‰ Closet accessories (shoe rack, etc)
‰‰ Dryer sheets ‰‰ Iron & ironing board
‰‰ Bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows) ‰‰ Bulletin or dry erase board
‰‰ Hangers ‰‰ Potholders
‰‰ Dish towels ‰‰ Dish rack
‰‰ Sponges ‰‰ Computer paper
‰‰ Kitchen supplies (plates, bowls, cups) ‰‰ Light bulbs
‰‰ Silverware ‰‰ Chip clips
‰‰ Blender ‰‰ Cookbooks
‰‰ Toaster ‰‰ Air freshener
‰‰ Coffee maker ‰‰ Food
‰‰ Pots and pans
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7. Tips to make your life easier—now, while you enjoy your kitchen, and definitely later, when you move out.
STOVE DISHWASHER WASHER/DRYER
• Clean your drip pans every time you use Unless you want a soap suds disaster on Washing machines are made to wash
them. your hands, only use detergent designed fabrics, not items with plastic or cotton
• Wipe the stovetop surface every day. specifically for the dishwasher! When you backing such as plastic tablecloths.
• Clean your oven once a semester; more are putting the dishes in the dishwasher, Do not overload the machine! If the
often if you’re Martha Stewart. You can remember the water jet in the middle of agitator inside the machine cannot move
find oven cleaners at any store, but be the bottom rack must have room to pop freely due to overloading, it will cause
sure to read the label for any warnings up and spin or it will not clean the dishes. permanent damage to the motor. Make
about fumes. If the jet is blocked, it could also cause sure you don’t leave your clothes in the
• If your stove/oven isn’t clean when you damage to the dishwasher. The key is washing machine overnight, or they will
move out, it will cost you. So take care of to not overload it. mildew. And no, throwing them in the
it along the way. (P.S. you can buy drip dryer with a dryer sheet will not eliminate
pans from a local store to replace them
when you move out. They cost just a few
MICROWAVE that mildew smell.
dollars, and will save you a potential Use only microwave rated cooking dishes. Check your clothes labels before you dry
kitchen cleaning charge.) Clean the surface after each use if there is them, to make sure you don’t shrink or
any food spill. Do not put anything metal ruin that shirt you love. Be sure to clean
or tin foil in the microwave; this will cause the lint filter after each use. A clogged
COOKING TIPS damage. Dishes that are used to heat food lint filer will cause improper flow of heat
in the microwave can be very hot, even and air, which can prevent your clothes
• Cook on medium. It will cook your food from drying and can become a fire hazard.
more evenly and reduce the chance that though the food may not be. Liquids that
get heated for more than a minute can be Please do not have friends over to use
food will stick to the pan. your laundry machines, if you do, you will
• If you start a kitchen fire, DO NOT extremely hot, so be careful.
be charged for excessive use of utilities as
try to put it out with water. Use a fire stated in your lease.
extinguisher.
• In the oven, use an oven-safe dish with a
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
cover, or cover with aluminum foil to cook Make sure to always run the water when TRASH
food more evenly and reduce clean up you use the disposal. Only small amounts You are responsible for taking your trash
from splattering. of food (no bones or other hard objects) from your apartment to the designated
• Use utensils and pans that are designed should be put in the disposal. To control trash compactor—not outside your door.
for heat, so they don’t melt or break. Use odor, occasionally mix some disinfectant Trash left outside in breezeways is not
a potholder when carrying or transferring cleaner with water and run it through sanitary and can lead to bug and rodent
hot dishes. the disposal, or simply run cut-up citrus infestation, which is gross for everybody.
fruit through it. Running your disposal If you fail to take your trash to the
REFRIGERATOR regularly will help prevent bugs/flies from
finding their way into your apartment.
designated areas, you’ll end up with trash
fines. Trust us, they aren’t cheap—and it
Set your temperature dial to the middle just cuts into your weekend money!
number. If you find your food is not cold
enough, you can always adjust it later. TILE FLOORS
Place an open box of baking soda inside COUNTERTOPS
of the refrigerator/freezer to help reduce The kitchen floor has a no-wax finish. Use
a mild cleaner to clean it. The label should All counter surfaces can be cleaned
odors. The inside shelves can be cleaned
say whether the product is safe for no- with mild soap and water. Cleaners that
with a mild soap and water. (Failure to
wax floors. If you have wood flooring in are abrasive can cause damage to the
keep a clean refrigerator could result in
your apartment, always sweep or vacuum counters. Do not put hot pots or dishes
a cleaning charge upon move out.)
before cleaning. Then clean it with a directly on the counters because they
microfiber cloth and a product specifically could leave a burn mark.
made for this floor called Allure Onestep
(available at Home Depot) OR a non-
rinsing, biodegradable cleaner and water.
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8. FURNITURE WALLS
Your sofa and chair have scotch guard on them to help protect We encourage you to personalize your apartment and we know
from stains. However, if something is spilled on them and not that means hanging posters and pictures throughout your place.
cleaned immediately, it may leave a permanent stain. If you Just be smart about it, because residents are responsible for all
notice a stain, check with The Grove maintenance staff to find damage to the wall, including damage to paint due to tape marks,
out how to best remove it. furniture marks, etc. We recommend 3M Command Hooks.
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
You will have control over the temperature in your apartment. There is a temperature gauge at the top of the thermostat box that
you can use to change the temperature. Having the temperature set too high or too low can cause the HVAC system to malfunction.
Remember, there is only one thermostat box in each apartment. Therefore, if you set the temperature on the thermostat box, you are
setting the temperature for the entire apartment. The vents are located on the ceiling, and can be opened and closed at any time.
CARPET BLINDS
Vacuum often and clean up spills. Using carpet deodorizer The blinds should be dusted throughout the semester.
powders or sprays will help to keep the carpet fresh and clean.
SMOKE DETECTORS FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
There are smoke detectors in the apartment for your safety. You will notice there are fire sprinklers hanging in each room of
If your smoke detector starts beeping and there is no smoke in the apartment. Do not touch or hang anything on them. If you
your apartment, don’t disconnect it, simply replace the batteries. attempt to hang anything from the sprinkler, it could activate
The beeping generally means the battery is low. Disconnecting it and flood your apartment and possibly others. Anyone who
it will cause a break in the circuit and other smoke detectors in is found responsible for causing a sprinkler to discharge will be
the apartment could start beeping. Tampering with fire safety held responsible judicially and financially for all damage to
equipment is serious, and will be dealt with as a judicial offense. The Grove property and the property of other residents
(Yikes.) damaged by the water. (Double Yikes!)
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9. FURNITURE MATTRESS
Wipe furniture with a damp cloth to keep clean. Don’t place Mattress pads are recommended because any spills could leave a
furniture directly against the wall to avoid leaving marks. stain on the mattress—and the mattress must be stain-free when
Be sure not to mark on the desk with markers, pens, or crayons. you move out.
The more you clean in the beginning, the easier it will be when you move out. So clean your bathroom once a week, using products that
won’t leave soap scum behind. Remember that our toilets are 1.5 liters, low flush. This means you shouldn’t flush feminine products down
the toilet. If the toilet starts to overflow, turn the valve located on the wall right below the tank all the way off. Oh, and if you wish to
soak in a hot bath, watch how high you fill the tub. Too much water and you could create a leak in the apartment below you. Nobody likes
getting rained on indoors!
Whether one or all of the residents of your apartment are leaving, we will Just know that staff members
inspect your apartment. The terms of the lease state that the apartment conducting the pre-inspection can
must be returned in good condition with the carpet professionally make no decision as to whether you
shampooed. A staff member will do a pre-check in the apartment prior will be charged. A final inspection
to the person(s) vacating to determine the overall condition of the is completed once we have received
apartment and check for any damages. If there are any damages, this is your keys. At that time, if the room/
an excellent time to talk with all of your roommates to determine if the apartment has not been left in clean
resulting charges should be split evenly among the residents or if one condition and/or there are damages
person will accept responsibility. It is also an excellent opportunity for to the apartment, assessment will
the staff to look at any specific items you may be concerned about (i.e. be determined.
stains in carpet, holes in walls, etc).
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10. ‰‰ All personal belongings must be moved
‰‰ Be sure there are no tacks, nails, etc in the walls
‰‰ Wipe down all furniture with a soft cloth to remove dust
‰‰ Vacuum carpet, inside closets, and under all furniture
‰‰ Clean all mirrors
‰‰ Clean all sinks and bathroom areas; remove any mold
build-up
‰‰ The tubs and showers must be cleaned, soap scum
removed
‰‰ Bathroom sinks and toilets must be cleaned
‰‰ Clean all tile floors
‰‰ Dust all the blinds
‰‰ Empty all cabinets and wipe them out
‰‰ Clean appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwave,
dishwasher)
‰‰ Put dishwasher detergent in the dishwasher and run it
empty to clean it
‰‰ Empty the lint trap in the dryer
‰‰ Be sure to officially check out with The Grove Staff
‰‰ Turn in your keys and sign off on the Move-Out form
NORMAL WEAR & TEAR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Dirty or stained carpets
• Dirty counters
• Dirty appliances
• Dirty bathroom
• Dirty, torn, or broken furniture
• Dirty or stained kitchen tile
• Marks or holes on the walls
• Missing furniture or contents
• Torn or stained mattress
Residents are responsible for properly maintaining their apartments and leaving them in good condition upon check-out.
Failure to consistently maintain condition of all areas of apartment during the term of the lease will make it difficult to
properly clean/repair during move out; residents could be charged with cleaning and damage fees as a result. Please be
advised that the best way to avoid these fees is to regularly clean and care for your apartment. If an outside craftsman is
required due to neglect, improper use or care, damage, or accident caused by a resident, the total bill is passed onto that resident.
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