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Frequently Asked Questions - General Categories
Landscaping
What is the process if I want to put in landscaping around my unit?
Can I extend my back patio and put in a brick patio?
Can I extend my deck?
What are the consequences if I choose to landscape or add on to my patio or deck without prior Board approval or obtaining proper Board required documentation?
Are there tools I can use to put in landscaping so I don't have to buy them myself and figure out how to store them?
Storage
Where can I store my kid's toys?
Where can I store my trash cans?
What can I store on my front patio
Is it okay for me to put my grill on my front porch?
Can I use my garage as a storage unit and park my cars in the parking lot?
Can I store an unused car or boat etc in the parking lot?
Common Area
Can I set up a pool for my children in the Common Area?
How do I handle my pets in the Common Area?
Can I plan parties in the Common Area for family and friends?
In the winter, can I shovel a path through the Common Area to make it easier to get to my car?
Winter Season
Why don't the snow crews come out immediately each time it snows?
Can I use a shovel or ice melt to clear a path through the Common Area to my parked car?
Is parking handled differently during the winter season?
Selling My Unit
How do I get a hold of a Hoa Certificate of Insurance? My buyer is asking for that to obtain a loan.
What will I typically need to provide to my buyer when I formally enter into a contract?
What if my buyer wants certain repairs to be made after the Home Inspection?
My buyer wants my gas line grounded and the Home Inspector mentioned this is required due to code. Will the Hoa pay for this?
My Realtor is needing proof my dues are current. How do I provide this?
Financial Matters
I'm selling my unit and need to prove my dues are current. How do I find out?
How do I get hold of a Certificate of Insurance?
Where do I pay my dues?
When are dues owed and how do late fees work?
Are there certain fines or fees for non-compliance with the Covenants and Bylaws.
How much are dues?
Repairs
What if I have a repair that needs attention?
Becoming a Landlord
What is required of me if I want to begin to rent out my unit?
What if there is a problem with one of my tenants?
As a landlord, will I still receive the Newsletter or still have access to the website?
What about special assessments? Who pays for those, myself or my tenants?
If I have a Property Management company handling my tenants, do I still need to notify the Board?
Garages
If I wanted to build a garage, what building materials do I have to use?
Answers
Landscaping
Question:
What is the process if I want to put in landscaping around my unit?
Answer:
Unit owners only own the footprint that their unit sits on, including the front and back patio/porch. All else is Common Area owned by the Hoa. This means that in order to add your own landscaping, you must submit an Architectural Change Request Form (found on the website under Documents) and submit to the Board for approval. Please follow the detailed instructions on the form. We encourage all unit owners to landscape and bring their own unique creativity to their units. However, please keep in mind, as a Board we must ensure a certain consistency amidst the diversity we encourage.
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Question:
Can I extend my back patio and put in a brick patio?
Answer:
Yes, you may! However, please fill out the Architectural Change Request form (found in the Documents section of the website) and submit it to the board. We have historically approved 10x10 areas with surrounding landscaping around the patio.
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Question:
Can I extend my deck?
Answer:
We have historically approved this concept. However, this is a more involved approval due to the fact a deck extension affects the Hoa's insurance because it is attached to the structure. Submit an Architectural Change Request form and the Board will consider each request on a case by case basis.
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Question:
What are the consequences if I choose to landscape or add on to my patio or deck without prior Board approval or obtaining proper Board required documentation?
Answer:
Unfortunately you may be subject to fines, liens on your property or even forced to remove the work done entirely. Please consult your Covenants that speak to this in detail. The best choice is to avoid this route at all costs. Your Board has been historically very encouraging of unit owners being able to have their own individuality in regards to the outside of their units but there is a protocol in place that must be followed in order to treat everyone fairly.
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Question:
Are there tools I can use to put in landscaping so I don't have to buy them myself and figure out how to store them?
Answer:
Absolutely! Any resident can reserve tools from the tool shed. Just fill out the needed information on the request form (under Reservations), and we'll try to accomodate your request. There is a list under Amenities that will tell you what we have available.
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Storage
Question:
Where can I store my kid's toys?
Answer:
Per the Covenants, all toys, including sports equipment etc, cannot be stored so that it is in view from the street or the parking area. This means that they cannot be stored on front porches or next to garages or left in the Common Area. It is best to store them on the back patio or inside a garage or within your unit.
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Question:
Where can I store my trash cans?
Answer:
Per the Covenants and Bylaws, trash cans must be kept out of plain sight from the street. They must be stored in a garage or next to a garage. They must never be kept on front porches. Our desire for our community is to maintain a crisp, clean look and maintaining firm regulations as to what can be seen from the street helps encourage this.
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Question:
What can I store on my front patio
Answer:
Per the covenants the front patio cannot contain items such as bikes, toys, trash cans or personal items of a storage nature. As such this leaves only items that come under the heading of outdoor d�cor and outdoor furniture to be on front porches. This is so as to maintain the clean, crisp curb appeal we desire for our community in order to help maintain and increase the values of our units. At this time, outdoor grills are coming under the heading of 'outdoor furniture/decor' and may be on the front patios. However,we strongly encourage them to be used on the back, upper decks or back patios as there is sufficient space for them there. This helps encourage a crisp curb appeal from the street.
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Question:
Is it okay for me to put my grill on my front porch?
Answer:
Functional items such as grills are encouraged to be on the back patio or back upper deck. Savannah Homes provided plenty of space other than the front of the unit to store functional items such as these in the back of the unit. It is preferred that the fronts of the unit be reserved for decorative items. In any case please ensure to keep your grill away from the siding at all times
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Question:
Can I use my garage as a storage unit and park my cars in the parking lot?
Answer:
Unfortunately, no. Every unit owner is given either a garage or one pad. This must be used for the parking of your vehicle and storing trash cans. If you are a landlord renting your unit out, it is prohibited to use the garage for your purposes (for the storing of your vehicle or items) and forcing your tenants to park in the parking lot. If you are renting your unit out, you must allow your tenants the full use of your garage as well.
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Question:
Can I store an unused car or boat etc in the parking lot?
Answer:
The Covenants and Bylaws do not allow for this as our parking is limited. You will need to find suitable storage elsewhere outside of the Association for these kinds of items. Please consult your Covenants and Bylaws for additional information.
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Common Area
Question:
Can I set up a pool for my children in the Common Area?
Answer:
At first glance this would seem to be a reasonable thing to be able to do. However, two issues arise with this. One is the issue of liability. Since the Common Area is owned by the Hoa, if smaller children were to wander into the pool while unattended, this could present the potential for accidental drowning and liability issues. Secondly, the weight of the water in the pool on a regular basis kills the grass. As a result we are prohibiting the use of pools at this time. For those units in our Association that have driveways, we do allow the use of pools but they should be used in the driveway and attended to at all times for safety reasons due to many children in the neighborhood. Keep in mind, one fun option for your children may be the local pool nearby.See our page What's Nearby for the location.
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Question:
How do I handle my pets in the Common Area?
Answer:
The unit owner is , of course, responsible for their pet at all times in terms of safety and clean up. Pets are expected to be kept on leashes per city code and the pet owner is to clean up any feces in the Common Area immediately. There have been several instances where pet urine has damaged the Common Area lawn. If this happens, the unit owner will be responsible for lawn repair costs. As a result, it's encouraged to designate a specific area for your pet to relieve themselves consistently in. This would need to be located directly off your back patio (i.e. not further out into the Common Area) and would require Board approval as to the design and specs. Please submit an Architectural Change Request Form so the Board can consider your request. Pets are not allowed to relieve themselves in the front Common Area.
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Question:
Can I plan parties in the Common Area for family and friends?
Answer:
Absolutely! If it will be a large group, we do encourage you to notify the Board as to the time and details etc. Also, please be considerate of your neighbors in terms of noise, especially if it will extend into the evening hours and adhere to city code as to when to bring the party indoors.
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Question:
In the winter, can I shovel a path through the Common Area to make it easier to get to my car?
Answer:
This is strongly prohibited. This kills the grass and prevents the Common Area from looking nice in the Spring. Please use only the sidewalks for access to all parking and streets. Our snow removal companies will be tasked at keeping these cleared for you. Absolutely no use of ice melt on the grassy areas either.
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Winter Season
Question:
Why don't the snow crews come out immediately each time it snows?
Answer:
When we contract with a snow removal company it is typically with an agreement that they will not come out and clear our parking lots and sidewalks until a certain 'snow trigger' is met. This is typically 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Unless there is at least this amount of snowfall, the company will not plow. This is to save cost and reserve this service for when it is truly needed. If freezing rain is present, typically the snow removal company will come out to lay down sand and possibly ice melt in needed areas. We opt for sand first as it is less costly but more importantly not as damaging to concrete as ice melt. Of course, if ice melt is warranted the snow removal company is instructed to use this.
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Question:
Can I use a shovel or ice melt to clear a path through the Common Area to my parked car?
Answer:
This is expressly forbidden. This damages the grass for the Spring and will, unfortunately, result in fines to the unit owner who does this.
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Question:
Is parking handled differently during the winter season?
Answer:
No. Even though during snowfalls, the city of Ankeny requires cars to be removed from the street for snow plows, this does not change our rules in relation to parking. The parking lot is reserved for unit owners only and each unit is given a garage/pad and one other space to use. Parking is very limited. Please ensure to have all guests park in the street at all times.
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Selling My Unit
Question:
How do I get a hold of a Hoa Certificate of Insurance? My buyer is asking for that to obtain a loan.
Answer:
This Certificate is located on the Home Page of our website. You can print it off from there. Our Insurance agents also have this. You may contact Iowa Insurance Consultants at 515-965-9655 (phone) to obtain this (fax = 515-965-2550). They are located in Ankeny.
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Question:
What will I typically need to provide to my buyer when I formally enter into a contract?
Answer:
Typically you will need to provide the following items: 1. Covenants and Bylaws (found on the Documents page of the website) 2. Most recent financial or Treasurer's Report (also found under the Documents page) 3. Most recent (or even the last 3 months) of the Hoa Newsletter (This is found under Documents but the most recent Newsletter is also found on the Home page when you first login) 4. Fully executed Affidavit from a board member that your dues are paid current. The title company will typically prepare the Affidavit. They will need to know the specific name of the Board member who will sign it as it will need to also be notarized. Any Board member can sign the Affidavit but if it is not the Treasurer, that member will first verify with the Treasurer that your dues are current, then execute the Affidavit. You'll then be notified as to when you may pick it up from the Board member. 5. Certificate of Insurance for the Hoa. This is the evidence of how much insurance the Hoa has and how much. The buyer will need this to get his loan approved. You can contact (or tell your buyer's realtor to contact) our insurance agent: Rick Fleener at 515-965-9655. His fax # is 515-965-2550 and he will provide this document.
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Question:
What if my buyer wants certain repairs to be made after the Home Inspection?
Answer:
Keep in mind the purpose of the Home Inspection is to make a buyer aware of what types of repairs COULD be addressed. They may or may not be mandatory (i.e. code violations). A seller is not required to address every item that results from a home inspection if they are not code violations. They become the topic of negotiation between buyer and seller. Having said that, if there are items needing attention that the Covenants specifically address the Hoa is responsible for, the Hoa will make a reasonable effort to accommodate the buyer's requests. There may be seasonal factors that may prevent immediate attention. Each request will be on a case by case basis
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Question:
My buyer wants my gas line grounded and the Home Inspector mentioned this is required due to code. Will the Hoa pay for this?
Answer:
The Home inspector is correct. This is current code but ony for construction after 2009. We have contacted the city of Ankeny and verified that grounding the gas lines are not required of Twin Gates as we are grandfathered into this code requirement due to our Association being built prior to 2009. As such, our Association is not paying for this to be accomplished on our units. If you or your buyer wants this done, it will be the responsibility of the unit owner to bear this cost. Any electrician can perform this service and typically seems to cost around $150.
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Question:
My Realtor is needing proof my dues are current. How do I provide this?
Answer:
What they are needing is a notarized Affidavit of Dues Current. Please tell your realtor (or whomever is handling the obtaining of this form) to go to our website. They can request this on our Home Page under the section specifically designated for Realtors & Lenders. They must fill out a form with our required information and then our Treasurer can research our records and fill out the form and get it notarized. If dues/assessments are not current, our Treasurer will notify you so that you may bring them current in order to allow them to properly execute the form.
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Financial Matters
Question:
I'm selling my unit and need to prove my dues are current. How do I find out?
Answer:
When selling your unit, you will need to provide a notarized Affidavit of Dues Current. Please tell your Realtor or whomever is handling the obtaining of this to go to the website and request this from the Home Page. There is a section specifically for Realtors and Lenders where this can be requested. They will need to fill out a short form with our required information. From that point, our Treasurer will research our records and can then fill out the form needed and get it notarized (or notify you if dues and any assessments are not current).
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Question:
How do I get hold of a Certificate of Insurance?
Answer:
This is found both on the public side of the website but also under Most Popular Documents on the Private home page side. You can print this off from there. You may also contact Brent Cameron or Carrie McCarty with Iowa Insurance Consultants at 515-965-9655. fax # is 515-965-2250 and they'll ensure to get that to you.
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Question:
Where do I pay my dues?
Answer:
You can send your monthly payment to: Twin Gates Townhome Owners Association P.O. Box 936 Ankeny, IA 50023
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Question:
When are dues owed and how do late fees work?
Answer:
Dues are owed in full on the 1st of the month. If they are not paid by the 30th, a late fee of $25 is then owed for that month and applied every subsequent month in the same manner after this (i.e. $25 late fee on the 30th of the month for any dues not paid or not paid in full).
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Question:
Are there certain fines or fees for non-compliance with the Covenants and Bylaws.
Answer:
Yes. You can review a list of these under the Documens page, under Rules & Regulations category.
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Question:
How much are dues?
Answer:
Dues are currently $150 per mos
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Repairs
Question:
What if I have a repair that needs attention?
Answer:
Simply go to the Home Page and click on the colored box labeled REPAIR REQUEST. This will bring you to a form to fill out with all of the required information. ** Our goal is to assign and have a contractor contact you within 48 hrs of us responding to your request..
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Becoming a Landlord
Question:
What is required of me if I want to begin to rent out my unit?
Answer:
First, per the Covenants, it is a requirement of the Association that you live in the unit as your primary residence for one year prior to becoming a landlord. Second, assuming this requirement is met, you must contact the Board and provide the names and contact information for all tenants as well as your new primary residence contact information (address, any phone number changes etc). We require the names, cell phone number and any email address for all tenants in the event we need to contact them and so that we can email them their login access to the website. Please note, a landlord is responsible for all behavior of their tenants and to ensure that tenants are aware of and adhere to the Rules/Regulations and Bylaws of the Association. Tenants will be given login access to the website so that they will have the same access to information as all other residents
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Question:
What if there is a problem with one of my tenants?
Answer:
Any time an issue must be addressed with a tenant, we will also notify you as the landlord so that not only will you be kept notified of all activity regarding your unit but also can help reinforce the need to adhere to the requirements of the Association to your tenants. If the issue persists and a fine or fee must be assessed, any and all fines/fees are assessed to the landlord since you are the unit owner. You can then pass that on to your tenants at a later time. However, as far as the Association is concerned, you are responsible for immediately paying all assessed fines/fees due to tenant behavior.
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Question:
As a landlord, will I still receive the Newsletter or still have access to the website?
Answer:
Absolutely! We want you to be well informed as to your investment in Twin Gates and so , yes, you will still have access to the site and receive all Newsletters.
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Question:
What about special assessments? Who pays for those, myself or my tenants?
Answer:
As far as the Hoa is concerned, you as the unit owner are responsible for the special assessment. However, you may choose to offset some of this cost with your tenants. Some landlords consider this to exclusively be a tenant expense since they are benefiting from living in the unit. Others split the cost with their tenants and, still others, choose to absorb the total cost themselves since they are the unit owner and not the tenant. The Association is primarily concerned that all special assessments are paid on time as late fees are associated with them. So please keep in mind that it is the unit owner that is ultimately responsible for the payment.
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Question:
If I have a Property Management company handling my tenants, do I still need to notify the Board?
Answer:
Yes. We require that we have all information, including the names and phone numbers of your tenants and any email as well as the contact information of your Property Management company. When it comes to voting on specific issues, we need to be able to mail you this information directly and will still need your primary address in addition to your Management company contact information.
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Garages
Question:
If I wanted to build a garage, what building materials do I have to use?
Answer:
The siding is Norandex siding 276-4960 (Owens-Corning): Cactus Green. The shingles are Single Color Black (Owens-Corning) that can be obtained at Menards or Home Depot.
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Landscaping
