FAQ

What do I do if I need a repair on a common element?

1. Fill out the Common Element Maintenance Request form, submit a Maintenance Request electronically which can be found in the Resources tab or attend a monthly condo meeting.
2. The council will advise you on what contractor(s) to call to get a quote.
3. Submit the quote to the council as soon as possible.
4. The council will notify you when the work is approved.
5. Call the contractor to schedule a time to begin the repair.

What do I do if I want to replace a window or door for my unit?

Owners must submit the Common Element Maintenance Request to the Council for approval for changes in: doors, windows or any other structural change.
NOTE: The cost of any repair or change to doors, windows/any structural change (once approved) is at the unit owners expense.

What if I need an interior repair?

All interior unit repairs are the responsibility of the unit owner not the condo association.

What does my condominium fee include? What is a common element?

The condominium fee includes all common elements repairs, maintenance or replacement. Examples of common elements include deck and patios, roofs, outdoor steps, outdoor drains, sidewalks, external walls (see the condo documents for detailed definition). Note: Unit owners are responsible for all utilities and interior unit repairs.

When are trash/recycling days and where do I put my trash and what time can I put in there?

Refer to the calendar page for your unit's trash/recycling day. Trash/recycling should be set out between 7:00 PM the night before collection day and 7:00 AM the day of collection. Cardboard boxes should be broken down and tied up; papers can either be tied up or placed in paper bags (not plastic) and cans and bottles should be placed in paper bags (not plastic). For more information visit the Philadelphia Streets Department Trash Collection Site. Note: If a holiday occurs at the beginning of the week, trash collection is delayed by one day.

How do I get involved in the condo association?

By attending a monthly council meeting, volunteer to work with council members on a project or join the council. You can join the council by nominating yourself at the annual condo meeting held each February.

Can I rent out my unit?

Fill out and submit a Rental Request form found on the Resources tab of this website. The council will approve the rental request as long as the association is within the limits subscribed by the Federal guidelines. If the percentage of rental units among the complex is too high based on mortgage requirements, any new rental requests will be denied to ensure that our current unit owners are not prohibited from refinancing and/or selling their unit.

I am selling my unit. How do I get the appropriate documents?

Fill out and submit the "Proposed Sale of Unit" form to the council which can be found on the Resource tab. Also you may print it out and mail it to our PO box address.

or

E-Mail condodocs@washingtonmews.com for requests from realtors for transfer certificates or 3407 certificates, or from mortgage companies for condo questionnaires:

• Realtor requests should include: unit address, unit owner, name of buyer, settlement date, and realtor address and phone number.
• Mortgage company requests should include: unit address, unit owner, mortgage company address and phone number, and attachment of condo questionnaire.

Can I display a Real Estate signs (i.e. For Sale, For Rent) at my unit?

Signs can be only be displayed on the inside on your window. No signs can be posted on the exterior on your unit, this includes between doors, signs attached to your step railing, and drilled into the brick. Any exterior sign positing is in violation of the Code of Regulations.

How do I obtain the condominium's insurance information?

The insurance provider is Merz-Huber Company in Swarthmore, PA. The phone number is (610) 544-2323 and our point of contact is Rita Levase. The company will generate an insurance certificate which will contain all of the information that is needed.

What are the paint colors for touch up?

The existing color scheme (brown, red, blue, and yellow) is to be maintained.

The following colors are used:

• For all decks and wide plank wood fences:
  • MAB Paints, Heritage Collection, "Jersey Devil", MAB #418-15A, flat finish (MAB 061 line) or similar if color is discontinued.
• For narrow plank wood fences (natural color):
  • Clear coat wood pre servant/sealant
• For door, windows, and trim:
  • Blue: MAB Paints, Heritage Collection, "Concord Blue", MAB #573, satin finish (MAB 060 line) or similar if color is discontinued
  • Red: Finnaren and Haley Paint, Historic Colors of America, "Stagecoach", satin finish or similar if color is discontinued
  • Brown: MAB Paints, Heritage Collection, "Chestnut Brown", MAB #730, satin finish (MAB 060 line) or similar if color is discontinued
  • Ivory: MAB Paints, Heritage Collection, "Dorchester White", MAB #232-19M, satin finish (MAB 060 line) or similar if color is discontinued.
• For window bars wrought iron, iron gates, railings, etc.:
  • Black, satin finish (your choice of manufacturer)
• For gutters and downspouts (including downspout bases) that do not have a baked color finish:
  • MAB Paints, Heritage Collection, "Jersey Devil", MAB #418-15A, satin finish, (MAB 060 line)

There is a MAB Paints store located at 2054 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. This store sells small cans of paints (i.e. quarts and gallons) as opposed to some other locations that cater to commercial painter's needs.

NOTE: If colors have been discontinued, please match paint as best as possible to exisiting color. Bring a swatch of the new color to the next meeting for approval.

*The council paints every 6 years, so this paint information is for touch-ups and/or to match door and windows if replaced.