Closing Your Unit for the Summer

 

Before leaving your unit for any extended period of time, you are obligated to:

• Provide the Palmetto Dunes Association with a key or keyless entry code for the use of the Association pursuant to its statutory right of access to the residences;

• Properly close your unit; and

• Turn off your water. 

 

Properly closing your unit:

Owners are obligated to properly close your unit for the summer. If you are not here during “Hurricane Season” (June 1 - Nov 30) and do not have hurricane shutters rated for 155 mph winds, you must clear your lanai of ALL contents including pots and decor items. If a hurricane hits, the contents of lanais not protected by hurricane-rated screens can become projectiles and damage lanai screens and frames. If you have non-hurricane proof sliders, you must either remove the shutters or secure them to keep them from blowing out and damaging screens and frames. This obligation remains the homeowners even when the unit has been leased. Additionally, flowerpots and other decorative items left outside the unit are to be secured by placing inside the home or garage lest they become projectiles during high winds.

 

Failure to remove your contents from your lanai or secure any non-hurricane proof window coverings or not securing items left outside the unit will be considered negligence. 

 

Therefore, in the event of a hurricane or an otherwise insurable event, you as a unit owner will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement to frames and screens as set forth below in accordance with the laws of Florida governing Condominiums and Associations Chapter 718.111(11) j.1 as follows:

 

1. A unit owner is responsible for the costs of repair or replacement of any portion of the condominium property not paid by insurance proceeds if such damage is caused by intentional conduct, negligence, or failure to comply with the terms of the declaration or the rules of the association by a unit owner, the members of his or her family, unit occupants, tenants, guests, or invitees, without compromise of the subrogation rights of the insurer.

 

If you will not be in residence, please take the time to ensure your lanais and outside items have been cleared prior to the start of Hurricane season that begins each year on June 1. 

 

 

Turn off your water:

Many home watch providers have checklists to follow when leaving for any length of time. The Board requests that you follow those instructions and, to avoid negligence, specifically requests that you turn off your water at the outside faucet. When you return, before you turn the water back on, you must open a faucet inside the home to prevent the pipes from bursting due to pressure, an effect known as “water hammer.”

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