Summer Break Checklist
- Inspect all rooms, document damage and collect payment from security deposit
- Repair all broken windows and doors; ensure that doors latch completely
- Contact emergency service company to conduct an inspection and service emergency lighting, alarm equipment, fires suppression and sprinkler systems
- Clean exterior of chapter house and check security/safety lighting
- Inspect the hot water heater and exposed water lines and drain pipes for slow leaks
- Remove and dispose of lumber, mattresses or other debris outside the facility, especially near the dumpster
- Unplug and store unused appliances
- Service and clean stoves, ovens, hood ranges and other kitchen equipment
- Inform the host institution (college/university) as to whether the residence will be occupied or not and provide proper contact information for the facility
If members will be attending school and living in the facility over the summer period:
- Have each sign a housing agreement, specific to the summer period
- If the appropriate officers will not be living in the facility, appoint someone to oversee daily maintenance, collect rent and pay bills.
If the chapter facility is unoccupied over the summer, make sure the following is completed:
- Securely lock the property and limit access to only designated alumni/alumnae or undergraduates
- Have a responsible alumnus/alumna, undergraduate or professional property management company check the property daily to ensure a loss has not occurred. A consistent daily presence will deter thieves and vandals. Hiring a professional property management company is strongly recommended
- Inform local police and/or campus security the property will not be occupied. Provide them with a key/code for access to the facility and ask them to patrol frequently
- If it will not affect the function of your fire sprinkler system or other systems requiring water, turn the water off at the main supply line (contact a professional for this service)
- When not in use, remove all hoses and store in an appropriate place, preferably inside
- Remove spigot knobs or install locks at each spigot location. Many vandalism claims involve turning on the attached hose and placing it near or in the house with the water turned on