Apartment Keys

Getting a new set of apartment keys is an exciting moment. They are the first tangible connection to a new place and a sign that it really is yours. We included a few hints to help keep them safe.

This antique key still opens a bedroom door at The Montine in Lincoln Park

1. Be sure to keep a copy of every key on you at all times. When maintenance visits, they will secure all of your locks.

2. To save yourself the expense and time of being locked out, you should plant another set somewhere with a friend.

3. Program a few contact numbers for reputable local locksmiths into your phone now. You may not have the time or resources to look them up in an emergency.

If your key breaks in a common area door, call the management office immediately. Using a key to pull the door open can cause it to snap. To prevent accidents like this, use the doorknob or handle to absorb the force.

Feel free to make copies of your Hayes Properties keys at any hardware store or lock shop. We use Dexter Lock at 3300 N. Halsted in Chicago. You can even copy your mail key. Just make sure you test all your copies first!

Hayes Properties, Inc. Chicago, IL

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Dealing With Noisy Neighbors

Three Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all heard it: the thumping bass of a neighbor's midnight music marathon, or rolling chairs that make it sound like you live under a bowling alley. The next time you approach someone in your building about unwanted noise, try to avoid these common mistakes.

1. Calling the Landlord First – The best results come from a face-to-face interaction with the noisy neighbor. By asking a third party deliver the news, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. Your neighbor might perceive this as tattling, and treat it as such. Tell your landlord only if a calm conversation with the neighbor doesn’t work.

2. Leaving Notes – As much as you may try to sound civil, your note will be construed as passive aggressive at best, and nasty at worst. See what we mean? 

3. Banging on the Ceiling (or floor, or whatever) – Tempting, it's true. Reacting with anger does nothing but escalate the situation. Remember, you are asking your neighbors to respect your wishes, and jabbing a broom handle at your ceiling is not a convincing argument.

These responses are common because most people try to avoid confrontation. In this instance, keep your goal firmly in mind. Do you want to live in peace, or do you want to avoid a single awkward conversation?  

You want the best possible outcome, of course. That means you will need to be direct, but remain calm and open to what your neighbor has to say. Be sure to knock on their door when there is NOT any noise, then politely explain your situation. You might be surprised by how well things go.

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How to Light a Pilot Light on a Gas Stove

If you can light a candle, you can do it!

Your stove has 3 tiny blue flames which stay on all the time so you can use your stove and oven just by turning up the gas. Lighting the pilot lights on your stove is simple and safe.  Follow the instructions and you’ll be cooking in no time.

This illustration shows the location of the pilots,
though the flames are actually much smaller.

1.  Make sure that the stove knobs are all set to the "off" position

2.  Pull the top of the stove up firmly. You can grip it by the edge or pull it up using the front burner openings.

3.  Notice the small metal pipes between each set of burners: one for the left, one for the right sides. The gas jet is located in the middle, where the pipes open.

4.  Place your lit match or lighter by the gas jet. It should light immediately with a small blue flame.

5.  Use your stove as usual

If the pilot lights for the stove are both on and you can still smell gas, please check to see if the third one for the oven is lit. You can see it if you open the broiler door and look all the way in the back. The best way to light it is with a lighter and—here’s the fun part— lie on your back and reach all the way to the rear of the broiler drawer. There is a small bundle of narrow tubes that are the same as the ones in the stove. Place the lighter flame near those and it will relight the oven pilot.

Tips:

* Don’t feel like doing yoga to reach the oven pilot? Keep a long-tipped fireplace lighter on hand.

* Most Hayes Properties apartments have ovens with a standing pilot, but some will have electronic ignition models. This is the clicking sound you hear when you turn your burners on. The oven will either be plugged into the wall, or have a small battery pack. Make sure the plug is all the way in or replace your 9-volt battery if needed.

* The amount of gas that comes through for a pilot light is very small. If your pilot lights are lit and you still smell gas please call your gas company.

* If you live in Chicago, call Peoples Gas Emergency Services at 1-866-556-6002 and they will come right out, 24 hours a day to test for a gas leak.

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How to Plunge a Toilet

(or, The Difference Between a Sink and Toilet Plunger)

Plungers work by sealing off the clogged area and forcing water through. The flat-bottomed plungers are ok, but don’t create the seal needed to really power through a clogged toilet. They are designed instead for use in sinks.

The proper toilet plunger has a large bulb and tapered ends as shown in green below. Place it in the toilet tightly and vigorously pump the plunger up and down while making sure to maintain the seal. (If it splashes, you’re lifting it too high.) Repeat until the clog dislodges.

A sink plunger and toilet plunger

Tips:

*  While a toilet plunger is best, a sink plunger will work in a pinch.

*  If your toilet is about to overflow, turn the metal handle at the back to shut off the water. Remember: Righty tighty!

*  When the water level is very low, it can be difficult to create a seal with the plunger. In that case, pour a few glasses of water in the bowl.

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