Frequently Asked Questions
[911](#nine_one_one "link to answer"): When should I call 911?
[Power outage](#power_outage "link to answer"): Who should I call if there is a power outage?
[WT after-hours emergency phone number](#after_hours "link to answer"): When should I use the WT after-hours emergency phone number posted on the office door?
[Plumbing emergency](#emergency_plumbing "link to answer"): What is a plumbing emergency, and how should I respond?
[ActionGrams](#action_gram "link to the answer"): What is an ActionGram, and when should I send one?
[Incident reports](#incident_report "link to the answer"): What is an incident report?
[Emergency access to my unit](#emergency_access "link to the answer"): In the event that there is an emergency in my apartment when I am not home, how can I ensure that building staff has access to deal with the emergency?
Note: All emergency contact information is grouped together on the [Emergency Procedures and Preparedness page](/emergency-wt.php "link to the page") of the website.
Questions section two: Administration, management and operations
### Who is responsible for the administration, management and operation of the condominium?
[Home Owners Association Board of Directors](#hoa_board "link to the answer"): What does the HOA Board of Directors do?
[Building operations manager](#building_manager "link to the answer"): What does the building operations manager do?
[Management company](#building_management "link to the answer"): What does the management company do?
[Building meetings](#building_meetings "link to the answer"): What is a board meeting? A planning meeting? The annual meeting?
[Monthly HOA payment](#monthly_hoa "link to the answer"): When is my monthly HOA payment due and what happens if it is late?
[Monthly HOA payment: electronic billing](#monthly_bill "link to the answer"): As an owner, how can I arrange to receive an electronic monthly bill from the management company?
[Storage lockers](#storage_lockers "link to the answer"): How are storage lockers assigned?
[Renovations](#renovations "link to the answer"): If I’m renovating my apartment, what kinds of changes need approval by the WT board, and is a building permit or inspection required?
Questions section three: Responsibilities as an owner or tenant
### Smoking, insurance, sublets, etc.: What are my responsibilities as an owner or tenant?
[Smoking](#smoking "link to the answer"): What does “non-smoking building” mean, and why can’t I smoke within the confines of my apartment?
[Insurance](#insurance "link to the answer"): Do I need homeowner insurance or, if I’m a renter, tenant insurance, and what should be covered?
[North service door](#north_service_door "link to the answer"): Under what circumstances must the building’s north entry/exit door be used?
[Renting my unit](#renting_my_unit "link to the answer"): Is it okay to list my apartment on Airbnb or a similar on-line rental website?
[Home businesses](#home_businesses "link to the answer"): Can I run a business from my apartment and, if so, are there limits on the kind of business I can run?
[Kitchen garbage disposal](#kitchen_disposal "link to the answer"): Are there any foods that I should not put through my kitchen garbage disposal?
[Recycling](#recycling "link to the answer"): What are the current rules on recycling?
[Pet waste](#pet_waste "link to the answer"): How should I dispose of pet waste?
[Windows](#window_maintenance "link tdo the answer"): Do my windows need inspection and maintenance, and how and when can this be accomplished?
[Air conditioners](#air_conditioners "link to the answer"): Can I install an air conditioner in my apartment window?
[Washers and dryers](#washers_and_dryers "link to the answer"): Can I install a washer and/or dryer in my apartment?
[Front door safety](#front_door_safety "link to the answer"): If people are having trouble using the keypad by the front door, is it okay to let them in?
[Bike thefts](#bike_thefts "link to the answer"): What’s the best way to keep my bike from being stolen?
[Parking safety](#parking_safety "link to the answer"): Are there limits on my use of my assigned parking space, and what can I do to avoid break-ins in the garage?
[Parking for Visitors](#parking_visitor "link to the answer"): How do I get permission for guests to park in our garage rather than on the street?
## Answers section one: Emergency contacts section
### Below is a list of answers to the FAQ's
911
Use 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
The police non-emergency number is 541-682-5111.
Who should I call if there is a power outage?
The EWEB power outage number is 541-484-2300.
WT after hours emergency phone number
Use the number (541-485-6991) and follow message prompts:
1. When an unexpected property calamity occurs requiring immediate repair and/or
2. When the problem could result in more damage to the unit, other units, or common areas.
A property problem that affects only the renter or unit owner—for example, a broken air conditioner or a clogged toilet—is the responsibility of that individual. During daytime hours, the [WT office](/wt-contact "link to the office contact page") may be able to provide names of licensed contractors available for home emergency repairs.
What is a plumbing emergency, and how should I respond?
A plumbing emergency is a plumbing issue that affects multiple units or the common areas.
If there is an emergency, [contact the building operations manager](/contact-wt "link to the office contact page") as soon as possible or use the after-hours emergency number (541-485-6991) if it occurs after hours.
Please don’t use the after-hours emergency number if you’ve stopped up your sink or created another kind of plumbing problem that is not external—that is, that does not affect other units or common areas. Dealing with that kind of plumbing problem is your responsibility.
During daytime hours, the [WT office](/contact-wt "link to the office contact page") may be able to provide names of licensed plumbers.
What is an ActionGram, and when should I use one?
ActionGrams provide residents with an opportunity to communicate directly with the WT board and the management company.
ActionGrams can be used to offer compliments, ask questions, or describe problems. [ActionGram forms](/home/contact-and-emergency-info/contact-form-actiongram "link to an ActionGram form") can be found on the opening page of the [WT web site](/ "link to the menu page"). Paper ActionGrams are available on the bulletin board next to the mailboxes. Drop off completed paper forms in the office.
Building management does not monitor ActionGrams on weekends and holidays, so if the issue is urgent—for example, no hot water—use the after-hours emergency number on the office door.
Do not be shy about sending ActionGrams. The board and management find them useful, and the concerns of many residents on an issue can reflect its seriousness.
What is an incident report?
An incident report is an [ActionGram](/home/contact-and-emergency-info/contact-form-actiongram "link to an ActionGram form") that documents an event that is not an emergency but is likely to be concerning or disturbing to building residents.
Examples include crimes like bicycle and car thefts which also have been reported to the non-emergency police number (541-682-5111), excessive noise after 10 pm from a neighboring unit, vandalism, etc.
Emergency access to my unit: In the event that there is an emergency in my apartment when I am not home, how can I ensure that building staff has access to deal with the emergency?
Residents should store a key with a trusted person who lives near WT or with a WT neighbor. Written permission for that person to enter the unit should be filed in the office.
## Answers section two: Administration, management and operations
What does the HOA Board of Directors do?
The Willamette Towers Home Owners Association (HOA) is responsible for the administration, management and operation of the condominium ([Declaration 14.1](/declaration/article-xiv-association-of-unit-owners/14-1-organization "link to the Declaration")). Each unit owner is a member of the HOA.
The affairs of the HOA are governed by a Board of Directors as provided in the [association bylaws](/byLaws "link to the bylaws"). All directors must be owners or co-owners of units of the condominium. The directors are elected to serve a term of two years at the annual meeting of the HOA.
The board currently meets monthly to transact the business of the HOA and may meet for additional planning sessions. Notice of the date and time of these meetings is posted in the building. The meetings are open to all WT owners and tenants.
What does the building operations manager do?
The building operations manager is employed and supervised by Bennett Management Company to assist with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the WT common property.
The building operations manager’s hours are generally Monday-Friday, 7am to 4pm.
Specific schedule information is posted on the building office door in the lobby.
[Contact the building operations manager](/contact-wt "contact link for the building operations manager").
What does the management company do?
Bennett Management Company (BMC) provides professional management services to WT Home Owners Association under the direction of the association’s board.
These services include:
- collection of dues
- payment of all vouchers
- all monthly and annual reporting
- assistance with general communications
- governing document compliance and enforcement
The management company strives to support the board as needed with contractor communications and scheduling, bid solicitations and reviews, resident communications, referrals to professional services, etc.
Since BMC has its own landscape and maintenance departments, the association can choose Bennett services for landscape and maintenance projects.
In addition, the company serves as the employer and overseer of the building manager and helps to support and facilitate WT’s ActionGram program.
Bennett Management phone: 541-485-6991
[Email the management company.](mailto:%22Bennett%20Management%20Company%22 "email the management company")
What is a board meeting? A planning meeting? The annual meeting?
The Home Owners Association Board of Directors holds board meetings to conduct the business of WT. General monthly board Meetings include:
* An owners’ forum, where owners in the audience may raise issues for discussion and provide input to the board;
* Reports from the treasurer, committees, and BMC;
* updates on building projects and contracts under review
* Any new business concerns that have arisen since the last board meeting
A lot happens at these meetings, and they are worth attending. For details go to WT HOA bylaws [Article II](/bylaws/article-ii-meetings-of-association "link to the by-laws"), [Article III](/bylaws/article-iii-board-of-directors "link to the by-laws") and [Article IV](/bylaws/article-iv-officers "link to the by-laws") .
A planning meeting is held by the board to work on specific items or to discuss working plans and may be attended by owners and residents, simply as observers.
There is no owners’ forum at a planning meeting, and the audience does not participate in the board’s discussion unless requested to by the board.
The annual meeting occurs every February. Open seats on the board are filled via voting and the chair and treasurer for the past year give summaries of the past year’s building history, accomplishments, and challenges.
On the website is a [link to past board minutes](/minutes-all "link to board minutes").
When is my monthly HOA payment due and what happens if it is late?
Your monthly HOA fee is due on the first of each month. If your payment is not received by the 10th of the month, you will be charged a $25 late fee.
How can I arrange to receive an electronic monthly bill from the management company?
Call Bennett Management Company at 541-485-6991 or [email them](mailto:%22Bennett%20Managements%20Company%22 "email Bennett Management") and submit your email address.
Any owner who has an email address on file with Bennett Management Company will receive an electronic statement prior to the first of the month for which the statement is issued.
In addition, the staff at Bennett can help you sign up for your online portal for ease in making online payments, tracking your account, and receiving association communications online.
How are storage lockers assigned?
Lockers are not deeded property, and only one is permitted per unit because there are more units than lockers.
To obtain a locker, ask the building staff. You must provide your own lock. The locker will be returned to the pool when you move out of the building. For more information, go to [WT Locker Policy](/policies/locker-policy "link to the locker policy").
Renovations: WT board approval? Building permit? Inspection?
Unit owners may make improvements to their unit that do not impair the structural integrity or mechanical systems of the condominium or lessen the support of any portion of the condominium.
When planning construction, begin by reading [WT Unit Construction Policy](/policies/construction-contractors "link to the construction and contractors policy") on the website.
As noted there, the building operations manager must be notified at least one week before construction begins to coordinate use of bollards, elevator pads, and parking.
See also WT HOA [bylaws (7.2)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-2-additions-alterations-or-improvements "link to bylaws 7.2") for information on restrictions and requirements before altering a unit.
Answers section three: Responsibilities as an owner or tenant
Smoking: What does “non-smoking building” mean?
Several years ago, owners voted to amend the HOA bylaws to prohibit smoking anywhere on the WT property including within individual units and in shared common indoor spaces and all outdoor spaces.
This prohibition includes carrying, burning, or otherwise handling or controlling any lighted or smoldering product containing tobacco, cannabis, or similar products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and “vape” products.
Owners are responsible for enforcing this rule on themselves, tenants, and guests. Violations will result in escalating fines. For more information, go to WT HOA bylaws [Article 7.5(n)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-5-restrictions-and-requirements "link to bylaws 7.5(n)").
Do I need homeowner insurance or, if I’m a renter, tenant insurance, and what should be covered?
Unit owners are required to carry homeowner insurance and must provide evidence of current coverage annually to the office. Failure to do so will result in an escalating fine.
Tenants would be wise to obtain tenant insurance. To obtain information on what insurance must cover, ask your insurance agent to contact the building’s insurance agent. The phone number is available from the office.
For more information, go to WT HOA bylaws, [Article VIII](/bylaws/article-viii-insurance "link to bylaws article viii").
Under what circumstances must the building’s north entry/exit door be used?
The north entrance must be used for moving in and out and for bringing in appliances, furniture, and other large items.
When using the north door, never leave it unattended and/or blocked open unless a trusted person is stationed by the door to prevent unauthorized entry into the building.
Bicycles must also be brought into and out of the building through the north or east doors. For more information, go to WT Policies [Bicycle Policy](/policies/bicycle-policy "link to the bicycle policy") and [Moving In and Moving Out Policy](/policies/move-in-move-out "link to the move in move out policy").
Renting my unit: Is it okay to list my apartment on Airbnb or a similar on-line rental website?
Unit owners may not rent their unit for transient or hotel purposes.
In addition, no one may lease or rent less than their entire unit, except for owner-occupied units where the live-in owner may collect rent from a roommate.
All rents must be by lease agreement. The lease must comply with all building rules and by-laws and a copy must be filed with the office. Three months is the minimum term of a lease.
Failure to comply invalidates the lease, and the board can require the owner to terminate the lease. Parking spaces and storage units can only be rented to another unit owner or tenant. For more information, go to WT HOA bylaws, [Article 7.5(i)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-5-restrictions-and-requirements "link to bylaws 7.5(i)").
Can I run a business from my apartment?
Commercial activities that involve increases in building traffic or intrusions on other unit residents are not permitted in residential units without the consent of the Board of Directors, except activities relating to the rental or sale of units.
This provision of the by-laws does not prohibit unit owners from carrying out business-related activities in their unit that do not affect their neighbors. For more information, go to WT HOA bylaws [Article 7.5(a)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-5-restrictions-and-requirements "link to bylaws 7.5(a)").
Kitchen garbage disposal: Are there any foods that I should not put through my kitchen garbage disposal?
To prevent back-ups from the building’s waste pipes, don’t put anything through your disposal that could clog the pipes, including:
* Grease, oil, or fat
* Coffee grounds
* Extremely fibrous material like corn husks, celery stalks, artichoke leaves, and onion skins
* Potato skins and other food that can form a sticky mass
* Foods expandable in water, such as noodles and rice
Feed food slowly into the disposal while a strong flow of cold water is running, and don’t turn off the water for at least 15 seconds after you’ve turned off the disposal.
What are the current rules on recycling?
The rules keep changing. For updates, go to [WT Recycling Guidelines](/home/policies-and-recycling/recycling "link to the recycling guidelines"). All recyclables should be clean, so wash glass and do not recycle pizza boxes and other dirty cardboard.
How should I dispose of pet waste?
Leaving dog poop on the ground permits harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains and eventually into Amazon Creek.
Dog waste should be scooped into plastic bags. The tightly closed bags can then be placed in the garbage can next to the east entry/exit door or in a public street-side or park garbage can. Do not put pet waste directly into the dumpsters. Do not bring dog waste into the building.
Cat waste should never be flushed down the toilet because it may contain *[Toxoplasma gondii](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html "link to the CDC")*, a parasite that can infect people and animals. Municipal water treatment systems do not always kill this parasite.
Do my windows need inspection and maintenance, and how and when can this be accomplished?
Yes. The moveable parts of windows should be lubricated with silicone grease once a year. If you want to do that task yourself, the office has a can of grease that you can borrow.
Windows with deteriorating plastic stops need to be serviced, as do windows with any other kind of problem.
The office can supply you with the names of bonded window repair companies; these companies also make window screens.
Can I install an air conditioner in my apartment window?
Window air conditioners are the only items permitted to be installed on the outside of the building.
They must be installed by a licensed contractor.
For more information, go to the [WT Air Conditioner Policy](/policies/air-conditioner-policy "link to the air conditioner policy") and WT HOA bylaws [7.2(d)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-2-additions-alterations-or-improvements "link to bylaws 7.2(d)"), [7.5(b)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-5-restrictions-and-requirements "link to bylaws 7.5(b)") and section f in the same bylaws article.
Can I install a washer or dryer in my apartment?
Only the penthouses were plumbed and vented for installation of standard washers and dryers when WT was constructed.
Permission to install non-standard—that is, low-volume washers and non-venting dryers—is by permission of the Board of Directors, which historically has turned down such requests.
If people are having trouble using the keypad by the front door, is it okay to let them in?
No, please do not let people that you do not recognize into the building.
Offer to help visitors use the keypad, but for safety’s sake do not admit people who do not live here into the building.
What’s the best way to keep my bike from being stolen?
Bringing your bike into the building is the safest way to store it at home. Eugene has a significant bike theft problem, and even locked bikes are stolen from the racks at the rear of the building.
Cables are easily cut by thieves, but chains can provide better security. Removing your seat makes the bike less of a target.
For information on rules for bringing bikes indoors, go to [WT Bicycle Policy](/policies/bicycle-policy "Link to the bike policy").
Are there limits on my use of my assigned parking space, and what can I do to avoid break-ins in the garage?
Your assigned parking space is yours to maintain and use. However, there are restrictions on how you may use it. For information on those restrictions, go to the [WT Parking Policy](/policies/parking-policy "The parking policy") and [WT HOA bylaws 7.5(g)](/bylaws/article-vii-maintenance-and-use/7-5-restrictions-and-requirements).
Do not keep valuables in your vehicle; be especially careful what you leave in the passenger compartment.
Parking for Visitors: How do I get permission for guests to park in our garage rather than on the street?
There are a few WT Visitor parking spots on the north end of the upper deck. You must get a parking permit from the building operations manager, and your guest must park in a stall marked “Visitor W Towers” and leave the permit on the dashboard of the car.
There is also a limited amount of on-street parking on 14th Avenue and on Lincoln Street that is not subject to 2-hour stays. Be careful and read the signs showing how long you can park.