The Riverfront Condominium Association is dedicated to ensuring a clean, healthy, and safe living environment for all residents. Since pests can quickly spread between units through walls, ceilings, floors, plumbing, utility penetrations, ventilation systems, and common areas, prompt reporting of pest activity and cooperation from all residents are crucial for effective pest control procedures.
The purpose of this Policy is to:
- Protect the health, safety, and welfare of all residents;
- Minimize the spread of pests throughout the Condominium;
- Establish clear reporting and treatment procedures for pest issues;
- Define the responsibilities of owners, residents, tenants, guests, and the Association regarding pest management; and
- Establish enforcement procedures for non-compliance when necessary.
This Policy applies to all Owners, Co-owners, Residents, Tenants, Occupants, Guests, and Invitees of the Riverfront Condominium Association, emphasizing resident pest responsibilities to maintain a pest-free community.
All residents are expected to maintain their unit in a clean and sanitary condition while adhering to resident pest responsibilities to prevent pest activity.
Residents shall:
- Maintain their unit in a reasonably clean condition.
- Promptly dispose of household garbage.
- Store food in sealed containers whenever possible.
- Eliminate standing water and excessive moisture.
- Promptly report any pest activity or infestation to the Management Office, following the proper reporting pest activity protocols.
- Fully cooperate with inspections and treatment efforts related to pest control procedures.
- Follow all preparation instructions provided by the Association or its licensed pest management contractor.
- Avoid actions that may contribute to the spread of pests to neighboring units.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in enforcement action as permitted by the Riverfront Condominiums governing documents and the Michigan Condominium Act.
Residents have a responsibility to promptly report any pest activity within their unit to the Management Office, including but not limited to: Bed Bugs, Cockroaches, Mice or Rats, Ants, Fleas, Termites, Wasps or Hornets, and any other significant pest infestation. Adhering to these pest control procedures is crucial, as timely reporting allows the Association to implement treatment measures before the infestation spreads to neighboring units or common areas. If a resident fails to report an infestation promptly, they may be held responsible for additional costs if it is determined that the delay led to further spread of the pests.
The Association reserves the right to schedule inspections whenever pest activity is suspected or confirmed, in accordance with our pest control procedures. This may include: the affected unit; adjacent units; units above, below, and beside the affected unit; common elements; and additional areas recommended by the Association's licensed pest management contractor. Residents are expected to fully cooperate with all scheduled inspections and fulfill their resident pest responsibilities. If necessary, the Association may enter the unit using its emergency or management key as permitted under the governing documents.
If treatment is recommended by the Association's licensed pest management contractor, residents shall adhere to the following pest control procedures:
- Prepare the unit according to the contractor's instructions.
- Vacate the unit during treatment when required.
- Keep pets out of the unit as directed.
- Follow all post-treatment instructions.
- Cooperate with all follow-up inspections and treatments.
The Association understands that some residents may have physical limitations. Those needing assistance should notify the Management Office immediately to discuss reasonable accommodations and ensure that resident pest responsibilities are met effectively. Additionally, reporting pest activity promptly will help in managing these issues efficiently.
If the Association's licensed pest management contractor determines that furniture, mattresses, box springs, or other belongings should be discarded due to pest activity, residents must adhere to the following pest control procedures:
1. Contact the Management Office before removing any large items.
2. Schedule the use of the freight elevator.
3. Completely wrap mattresses and upholstered furniture in heavy-duty plastic.
4. Seal smaller items inside plastic bags before transport.
5. Follow all disposal instructions provided by Management.
Under no circumstances shall potentially infested furniture or mattresses be transported through the building unwrapped. As part of their resident pest responsibilities, it is crucial that all procedures are strictly followed to maintain a pest-free environment.
Residents moving from an affected unit shall continue following all pest control procedures recommended by the Association's licensed pest management contractor until the infestation has been confirmed as eradicated. Owners remain responsible for complying with all applicable legal disclosure requirements regarding the condition of their unit, including reporting pest activity. Additionally, moving boxes, furniture, mattresses, and personal belongings should be handled carefully to prevent pests from spreading throughout the building.
The Association will determine responsibility for treatment costs in accordance with the governing documents and the established pest control procedures. If it is concluded by the Association's licensed pest management contractor that: an infestation originated within a unit; the spread of an infestation resulted from delayed reporting of pest activity; a resident failed to cooperate with required inspections or treatments; required preparation was not completed; or a resident otherwise failed to comply with this policy regarding resident pest responsibilities, the Association may assess against the responsible owner any costs recoverable under the governing documents or applicable law. Recoverable costs may include: pest inspections; monitoring; treatment of the affected unit; treatment of neighboring units; treatment of common elements; follow-up inspections; additional contractor visits; administrative expenses; and legal fees where permitted.
Failure to comply with this policy may constitute a violation of the Association's governing documents, particularly regarding pest control procedures. Depending on the circumstances, enforcement may include: violation notices; monetary fines; charges for contractor return visits; reimbursement of Association expenses; legal action; or any other remedies available under the Master Deed, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, or applicable law. Residents have responsibilities when it comes to reporting pest activity, and adherence to these guidelines is essential.