What to Do If...

[in progress]

This article lists what to do for various property-related emergencies.

It's important for neighbors to know each others' contact information. If there's a leak or other emergency that affects an entire building (it seldom happens, but is always a possibility), then neighbors are each others' first line of defense against catastrophic damage.

Often, the correct place to call will be the management company, but frequently these other agencies will be able to help you directly:

• plumbing problems - If the problem is completely within your own residence, it's up to you to call the plumber of your choice and pay him or her yourself (if you are the owner). If the problem is a leak from another residence into your own, or causing a wet spot on your ceiling, then the responsibility usually lies with the other residence's owner.

  If the problem is based outside of your building, then call the management office.

• Stray, unleashed, or dangerous animals - Our local governments have leash laws, and the Finley Forest rules do not allow any domestic animal to roam. If you see an animal wandering unattended, but the animal is friendly or at least not particularly dangerous, it's of course kindest to talk to the animal's owners first; animal control taking away someone's (or their child's) beloved, member-of-the-family pet can be traumatic.

  A number of cat owners here allow their cats to wander. While this is technically against Finley Forest policy, and there may be some debate about what's best for the cats (some eat the grass which is treated with who-knows-what), enforcement of the policy has historically been somewhat relaxed. If a cat is a nuisance to you, please talk to the cat's owner before calling animal control.

• parking problems - If someone is parked in your assigned parking spot, particularly without a Finley Forest parking sticker, you are within your rights to have them towed. Likewise, any car in a Finley Forest lot without a Finley Forest sticker can be towed. Be aware that the Finley Forest parking stickers tend to fade over time, so look for the distinctive shape and numbers.

  If the car belongs to one of your neighbors, or their friends, and you are not having a parking emergency it would be polite to leave a simple note on the car the first time it's found in violation.

  Guests (without stickers) are allowed to park on the street.

• Dead animals on the road or grounds - this is a county service. We have a very general 911 system in this area, so call 911 to report roadkill.
• Live wild animals - Deer, rabbits, turkey buzzards, turtles, lizards, and even snakes (which help control vermin) are part of the ecosystem around Finley Forest. Please do not bother them, and please do not harm them unless they seem unusually, dangerously aggressive.
• Suspicious strangers - If you see a stranger (you have met your neighbors, right?) behaving in a suspicious manner, you are within your rights to report it to _________

This page's content has not been officially reviewed.