Resident Rules

2024

July 1: Operating payments will be increased by $50.00 1 bedroom $465 2 bedroom $475 3 bedroom $485
June 6: Fincastle will charge all new incoming residents a $10,000 equity fee. Should the ownership of any unit change, their equity must be raised up to the $10,000 amount. Ex: If you paid $6,800 in equity, you must pay the difference of $3,200 to transfer to another unit. Only a legal spouse or a legal immediate family member currently living in the same unit can be assigned the unit without paying the difference in equity. If you are not currently living in the same unit that's being assigned, the equity must be brought up to the $10,000.
June 11: Fire pits are no longer allowed.
July 23: Assignment fee is now $50

2022

April 19: Addendum to the fine for not cutting grass: the resident will be charged $100 the first time the resident is fined The fine will be increased by $25 every subsequent time that the resident is fined for not cutting that grass that summer
February 8: Anyone that is remodeling their unit, buying a unit, or transferring to a unit needs to come before the Board. They will discuss what Fincastle will do and what the resident will do. Any special provisions have to be done in a Board Meeting
January 18: Anyone who has known a previous maintenance man or Board Member and has been told that they can get materials from Fincastle must have everything in writing. It is mandatory that all construction work is in writing, with maintenance, office, and Board approval before the work begins
January 18: If the temperature is below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and a resident's window is open, they will automatically be fined $50. This fine will have to be paid with the next operating payment

2021

October 12: Any unit that is about to become empty due to a transfer or a resident moving out must be inspected for bed bugs with the dog. Any resident that is transferring will have the $75.00 fee taken out of their transfer fee, and any resident that is moving out will have the $75.00 fee taken out of their equity and surcharge. If the dog alerts to bed bugs, the resident will have to pay for the treatment that is required by the Board of Trustees. If the dog alerts positive for a transfer, the transfer cannot take place
October 12: Anyone who refuses to pay their operating payment and are holding Fincastle hostage will be made an immediate offer to buy them out
September 22: No one is allowed to use Fincastle equipment unless it is an employee
May 11: Fincastle does not have to send a letter of warning first to those that let their grass grow over 8 inches tall; instead, Fincastle will cut their grass for them and fine them immediately
April 20: Starting June 1, 2021, Fincastle would charge all new incoming residents a $6,800 equity fee only, no surcharge
April 20: Residents are required to carry insurance on the contents of their units barring any founding rules that state otherwise. The residents must send proof of insurance quarterly. If a resident is caught not having insurance, it could be grounds for termination of their contract
February 17: If a resident makes a modification to their unit, it must come back to its original structure and the original number of bedrooms when the resident leaves
February 17: No Fincastle tools are allowed to be loaned out to the residents
February 17: All inspection charges not used by the incoming resident within three months comes back to maintenance to be used for that unit
February 2: Only immediate family members can swap units
February 2: During street cleaning residents will not be allowed to park on sidewalks or lawns
February 2: The only color of shutters allowed are black. Any shutters installed on Fincastle properties are totally the responsibility of the resident
February 2: Any deck to be constructed in Fincastle Heights must be approved by the Board of Trustees prior to construction
February 2: No tree work is to be done without direct approval from the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees should be contacted directly for any requests of tree trimming or tree removal for approval
February 2: Fincastle will not be responsible for any losses due to fires caused by the residents
February 2: Fincastle will pay to upgrade plumbing when walls are stripped, including $125 extra to replace and move commode bent on single floor apartments and $350 on two floor apartments
February 2: Fincastle is responsible for any sub-flooring needed and placing of same. Some sub-flooring may be placed over existing floor coverings that are damaged and resident will be responsible for covering the sub-flooring
February 2: Units being stripped internally for renovation and updates will be furnished supplies by Fincastle at Fincastle’s expense. These supplies are as follows but not limited to
- ½” drywall in 4’x8’ pieces
- 1-1/4” long drywall screws
- Paper Joint Tape and Corner Bead
- All Purpose joint compound or mud
- 2x4’s for existing wall studs that are warped or damaged
- Green Board for kitchen wall adjacent to sink
- Green board for all bathroom walls and special wall covering for utility rooms

2020

December 8: Operating Payments will be increased by $25 a month starting March 2021 subject to the pandemic.
- 1 Bedroom: $340
- 2 Bedroom: $350
- 3 Bedroom: $360
- Live-ins: $75
October 13: Every unit must have a working carbon monoxide detector in it
October 13: All cottages must have one working smoke detector; townhouses must have two working smoke detectors. One for each floor
October 13: Office must have a working phone number for every resident
October 13: When vacating, residents should call the office to put caps on gas lines for the stove and dryer (charge of $5/cap)
October 13: Blankets and sheets hanging on windows are not considered window covers
October 13: Items left outside that Fincastle has to dispose of will be fined $50.00 per item
October 2: A fee of $25 will be charged for units that are owned but not occupied. This is for maintenance to flush toilets, check under the sinks, check the furnace and water heater, and inspect windows
October 2: Fire pits are to be 6 inches above ground, 10 feet away from the building, and must have been approved by the Board
October 2: Fire pits can only be moveable, store-bought ones
August 25: No longer allow ponds in Fincastle of any kind
May 20: Accept DocuSign and other forms of internet signing

2019

September 10: The hours for use of the dumpster are Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm
September 10: Any resident caught on camera dumping furniture, beds, or sofas will be fined $500
June 18: Late fee will be $50 after the 6th of the month and $100 after the 15th
June 18: All family, immediate and live ins must provide make, model, color, year and drivers license # for a parking sticker

2016

December 13: Residents are allowed to store motorcycles in their sheds
January 12: Residents are allowed to assign their units to immediate family members within a year of them moving into the unit (previously had to wait until after a year - May 2011) unless it's left as survivorship and there is another unit already in their name it must be assigned within 90 days.

2014

November 11: Sheds have to be aligned with the others in the building

2012

May 8: No longer allowed to have visiting animals
May 8: Residents are allowed to put decorative white vinyl panel up to 4 feet high and 6 feet wide in yard

2011

March 8: Residents are allowed to have Tuff Sheds that follow our restrictions

2009

August 11: The first offense of having an unapproved ESA animal will be $100. The second offense will be $500.
August 11: There can be 3 window units in one unit as long as it does not go over 24,000 BTU’s. The resident must have separate designated outlets for each unit so that it will not overheat the wiring and start a fire. There will be an additional charge of $10.00/month for the 3rd air conditioner.
June 9: No porches or decks are allowed on the front of units from this time forward
May 12: Must place letter on file for Insight or Direct TV to drill hole in buildings to run cable lines. Has to be on file or will not do lines

2008

July 8: Any new window air conditioning units must be placed on brackets or framed into the window – no more chains

2007

October 9: It is the responsibility of the resident to purchase and paint their underpinnings/foundations and clean their awnings
March 13: If a resident locks themselves out of their unit after office hours, it is their responsibility to call a locksmith. Maintenance will not be called to let them in
January 9: Residents are allowed to install a ramp at their unit as long as it meets our specifications/standards and the resident removes it when they leave

2006

July 11: Residents are allowed to bring in bathroom items (tub, sinks, etc.) other than what Fincastle supplies. They are responsible for all maintenance or replacements on the items that they bring in
January 10: Residents are allowed to install ADT security systems on their unit. The resident will assume all responsibility for any fees/fines due to the security company or police for any reason. The resident must supply Fincastle with an access code or be available to allow access to their unit immediately at the request of Maintenance or the Board of Trustees.

2004

May 11: Residents are responsible for any overload they put on the electrical system and/or circuit breakers in their unit
February 10: Residents can ask maintenance to “winterize their unit”. It will cost a fee of $20. This will include
- Turning the outside water off
- Closing the vents on the crawl space
- Opening their cabinet doors
- Setting their furnace and checking their filter
January 13: Cash and third-party checks will no longer be accepted by Fincastle. From now on all payments must be made by personal checks, certified checks, or money order
January 13: Residents must submit plans for building a bridge to the Board for approval prior to building any bridge. If approved, the resident will be responsible for maintaining the yard around the bridge

2003

December 9: All units are required to have window treatments (shades, blinds, curtains, i.e.) on all windows of their unit
October 28: Resident have three months after taking possession of the unit to use the inspection charges from the previous resident (used to be six months)
June 10: “Open Outside Fire Pits” that have an opening where ashes or amber could escape and provide a fire hazard are banned

2002

October 8: No cars are to be parked on the front lawn with for sale signs on them
July 9: If a resident has a problem due to their central air unit, it is the resident’s responsibility for repairs of any damages it may have caused
June 11: There is a $100 fine for a resident dumping any type of material coming from work outside of Fincastle
March 12: Fincastle will not pay for closet doors for residents

2001

October 9: Everyone should have a storm door on all exterior doors

2000

December 12: Paint allowance will cover paint, brushes, roller, pan, drop cloths, turpentine, and roller covers not to exceed amount of paint allowance
November 14: Drywall, insulation, finishing screws, tape, and drywall mud will be furnished by Fincastle when a resident is putting up new drywall
August 8: Anyone who wishes to get French doors professionally installed at their own expense may, provided they get pre-approval from the Board
August 8: No person is to have two units in their name at one time except for the purpose of assignment
June 13: Anyone with a cottage has permission to professionally install a second door with pre-approval from the board
April 4: Fincastle needs to see proof of insurance before any contract work is started
January 25: No electrical extension cords will be allowed to be used from any Fincastle property (using Fincastle utilities) for the purpose for re-charging any type of outside vehicles
January 25: No partial payments will be accepted in payment of monthly operating fees; the total monthly amount must be “paid in full”

1999

December 14: Anyone making improvements within unit should be aware that every precaution should be taken in protecting the furnace from extra “wear and tear”. I.E., in doing drywall work, the vents and air returns should be covered, and the furnace should be turned off to avoid the heavy pull that the furnace would experience in try to filter the drywall dust. Any work or repairs needed due to the resident’s negligence in taking such necessary precautions will be at the expense of the resident
December 14: If the reason for the repair of a drain is due to someone having poured grease, or any foreign matter being in the drain, the resident will be fined $25.00
December 14: No personal property of Fincastle residents should be stored in any of the Fincastle maintenance buildings
August 24: No size limitation has been designated for any deck to be placed upon Fincastle Property. After the area has been surveyed by the maintenance manager, it will be at his discretion as to what size limitation should be allowed in any given area

1998

December 8: Each Dwelling is required to have one (1) fire extinguisher (in working order) and one (1) smoke detector per floor (in working order) at all times
July 17: Residents will be allowed to have a satellite dish. Location of the dish must be approved by maintenance prior to installation
April 14: Surcharge will now be $4,000.00 for new residents including assignments but not on transfers
January 13: If persons are found driving vehicles on lawns without written permission from the office, that the office is to automatically impose a $50.00 fine on that person. Persons getting written permission from the office will be given a permit to place in the window of the vehicle being driven across lawns. Also, during street cleaning residents will not be allowed to park on sidewalks or lawns.

1997

August 12: Fincastle will allow vinyl siding to be placed on the wooden porch roofs at the resident’s expense
August 12: Residents cannot store plastic bottles, etc. in attics
June 17: If Fincastle’ maintenance finds filthy filters that have not been changed for several months while inspecting furnaces and have to do an extensive cleaning, there will be a $100.00 charge
May 13: Fincastle will waive the charges for a surviving spouse of a Fincastle resident when a new contract is signed ($10 membership fee)

1996

September 10: When residents do not respond to notices, they are going to be charged double what we pay to have any work done that is the resident’s responsibility. They will receive two notices; the second notice coming two weeks after the first and will have a total of three weeks’ time to get the requested work done before it is taken care of by the Corporation and they are charged
August 13: When an apartment is damaged or personal property is ruined due to negligence on part of maintenance men, then Fincastle should reimburse these people the fair market value for what they had or for the work contracted out. The resident should not have to bear the cost when it is not their fault. Each individual case will be looked into from this date forward
June 11: From this day forward, when a resident moves out of an apartment, they will leave the cabinets; they will leave everything attached including carpet

1995

July 11: Fincastle will allow parking of boats at the Belmar Drive and Todd parking lot only (no other lots); resident will park their boats there at their own risk
June 13: Fincastle will reissue all parking stickers by apartment and will give them 30 days to have the new stickers on their cars using a different and very visible color (orange with serial numbers). Sticker is to be placed in rear window
February 14: Fincastle will reinstate the practice of letting residents of Fincastle borrow tools, ladders, etc. if they sign a form that will be drawn up later

1993

September 14: Fincastle will continue putting furnaces in closets in cottages unless the resident is willing to pay the difference in cost for the outside combination unit ($1,300.00) and sign a form that they would not expect to be reimbursed for the central air unit upon vacating the apartment, they would still pay the $100.00 central air fee for future upgrading
February 9: Fincastle’s maintenance men will go out and check the front and rear lawns for all apartments; write down the apartment numbers of anyone who needs leaves or yards cleaned up; give them a one-week notice to clean up; at that time if it has not been done, they will be charged $25.00 to be added to the month rent

1991

October 8: If a resident is handicapped or cannot get down to close or open vents, the maintenance men will close it for them at no cost
September 10: Fincastle will buy black paint for wrought iron rails on porches
May 14: A rule that prohibits the placing of a fence (of any kind), bush, hedge or other barrier in any location that would prevent or make it difficult for a resident to pass across a neighbor’s yard for the purpose of reaching his or her own rear or front entrance or yard area. A barrier such as this makes it difficult for the letter carrier, the paper carrier and the trash collectors to do their jobs. Outside privacy is scarce in Fincastle, and although we all desire it to one extent or another, please resist the temptation to seal off your own “little corner of the world”. Please note that this is for a necessary easement and does not give children the right to destroy others property, including lawns and plants. Anyone violating this rule may be required to appear before the Board and/or remove such obstacle at their own expense (May 8, 2012 rule supersedes some parts of this rule)

1990

June 12: If you have a car with a “For Sale” sign on it parked on Fincastle property, it must be moved to a new location every 7 days
May 8: Any resident moving out that has the door any color except white can be required to pain the door white when vacating their apartment

1989

September 12: Fincastle will issue parking stickers to all Fincastle residents for each vehicle per each unit, and each unit will receive two visitors’ permits. Fincastle will also change the signs in the Fincastle parking lots to notify any people that violate our parking will be towed away immediately
February 14: Carpet should not be glued to interior floors of apartments in Fincastle

1988

November 8: If a resident does the work and uses their own materials on their apartment, Fincastle will not pay for said unless previously approved by the Board
July 12: When the maintenance personnel unclog an automatic washer drain, if the drain is broken and cannot be unclogged, the resident will supply the material and Fincastle will supply the labor

1987

April 14: It is illegal to park any unlicensed car on Fincastle Property

1985

December 10: All residents will be informed that if they receive a poured concrete porch, that they are not to put any carpet, paint or any other type material on the porch, and possibly Fincastle may have a form for them to sign before they get a concrete porch, stating that they will not put anything on it
April 16: Rules for Decks
- Board must approve of the location
- Decks must be made of treated lumber and have rails
- Size approved _____________
- No oversized awning to be constructed without Board approval
- Resident is responsible for maintenance, but Fincastle has the right to require repairs. Upon vacating, deck will be inspected along with apartment. Any needed repairs will be withheld from equity
- If decks are stained, they must be maintained as are porches. Stain must be approved by office
- Any utility changes must be done at the resident’s expense
- Decks must be freestanding, i.e., not attached to building or adjacent decks

1984

September 11: Fincastle will stop replacing cracked windows. (Manager explained that even though it was not recorded on tape; that it was the Board’s intention that members vacating apartments would not be charged for cracked windows – only if they were actually broken out, and Fincastle would not replace cracked windows when apartments are vacated.)
April 10: Standard fixtures should not be replaced unless they are badly worn or absolutely necessary, and not for cosmetic appearances

1983

February 8: It will be mandatory when persons change their locks, that they supple the office with a key as per the Code of Regulations (for cases of emergency). If possible, resident will be notified first

1980

November 11: Members who want to have micro-wave ovens be allowed to have them

1978

November 14: Prior to the Board giving permission for outside alterations such as installing flood lights, etc., that the resident would have to present to the Board a petition signed by the residents of that particular building, stating that they are in agreement
May 9: Any damage to an apartment that can be proven to have been caused by negligence will be paid for by the member

1974

August 13: Members are allowed to install shutters on their buildings if they are made of aluminum, they match the color scheme of the building, and the Manager gives his approval of the installation
March 5: Only checked names will be counted (in reference to Board elections)

1973

June 12: When an apartment has been vacated, and has been put into proper condition for a new owner, an inspection sheet, showing in detail the current condition of the apartment, must be signed by the new owner. This inspection sheet will be made in duplicate, the original copy retained in the office file and a carbon copy given to the present owner

1972

March 14: A maximum of fifteen (15) days are to be allowed any member who has a junk car in the parking lot or on the street before it is towed away
March 14: Garbage Disposals are not allowed at this time since Fincastle does not have adequate facilities to accommodate them

1970

September 23: Fincastle will not lend the chairs from the Community Building to anyone
August 26: A record of any and all improvements, additions, and replacements done in any apartment will be kept on file in each individual’s folder as a permanent record
August 13: No resident in Fincastle Heights can have an electric range or electric dryer, and any violation will result in cancellation of the resident’s contract. Each unit is to be inspected at least once a year for any violation

1969

May 28: Any tenants wishing to have a clothes line pole, will have to install it themselves
March 12: Extra copies of the minutes of the Board Meetings be made available to any member who attends the meetings and wishes to have a copy

1968

July 10: Residents can install TV aerials provided they conform with rigid specifications to be set by the Board

1956

October 12: The manager be authorized to show minutes of the Board's meetings to any member of the Corporation, and that the manager answer any questions about the Corporation to the best of his ability. The minutes are not to be allowed to be removed from the office
October 12: The Office will supply each member of the corporation (upon request) a copy of the By-Laws