It is not terribly unusual for us to receive complaints of water infiltration during rain and thunderstorms. Also, high winds can impact everything from odors and exhaust vents in kitchens and baths, to the elevators and especially elevator doors. Air coming in or going out of windows can greatly influence air pressure, throughout the tower. Even one window left open can effect air flow building wide.

And besides trying to save energy, as we’ve reported before, weather is perhaps one of the best reasons to keep windows closed. Especially in the summer, when thunderstorms can sometimes pop up out of nowhere like they did Tuesday evening and overnight, August 27th.

About 99 times out of 100, when we get leak reports during rainy or snowy weather we find the window were left open in a unit above. This happened Tuesday night as well. So, even when the weather seems nice, to remember the importance of keeping a window closed if inclement weather is a possibility. And especially if you leave home for any reason. Conditions can change fast and unexpectedly, particularly this time of year.

Most recently, rain infiltrated an open window in a unit, and leaked into the neighbor below, damaging the window sills.

If you leave your window open and water infiltration results in damage to a neighbors unit, it could get costly. From the Rules & Regulations, page 34:

“If by any act or omission committed willfully or negligently by a unit owner, tenant, guest or household pet, damage is caused to the common elements, or to a unit or units owned by others, or if maintenance, repairs or replacements shall be required due to such acts, then such unit owner shall pay for such damage and any maintenance, repairs and replacements as may be determined necessary by the association. Should any such act result in damages that trigger an insurance claim under the association’s policies, the board may charge any relevant deductibles to the unit owner responsible. The association may also charge a fee for the time spent by members of management and/or employees to respond to such damages and coordinate the necessary repairs and replacements, including if necessary the time required to process an insurance claim and meet with contractors.”

However, that is not the only reason keeping your window closed is important.  When our team is asked to investigate complaints regarding smoke and odors, almost every time the unit in question has an open window. Perhaps you are cooking, or smoking a cigarette or marijuana. And you may think it helps to open the window. Most of the time, it makes it worse. The hallways are pressurized with fresh air, and that air slowly but consistently pushes into all the units. An open window in your unit will tend to reverse or otherwise complicate this flow. So, if you are cooking or smoking, that odor may end up in the hallway and very likely a neighbors unit.

Obviously, we can not make units air tight. Assuming we all want to do everything we can to support a positive living experience for everyone – the staff, owners and residents alike – we encourage everyone to do everything reasonably possible to avoid such conditions. Keeping windows closed is helps.

The key provisions from the Association’s governing documents about smoking and odors, and disturbances in general are as follows:

“The release of smoke, fumes or any toxic gases or particles, including those due to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vaping, marijuana, incense or any other tobacco products used in an individual unit that permeates any other unit or the common elements is hereby classified as a noxious or offensive activity pursuant to Paragraph 11(g) of the declaration.…..”

Also:

“In consideration of and cooperation with others in the Park Tower community, residents shall not disturb or interfere with the comforts, rights, safety and quiet enjoyment of other owners, residents and their guests. Activity shall not be carried out within a residential unit or in the common elements which may be, or may become, an annoyance or nuisance to owners or occupants of other units….While the proximity of units to one another makes it impossible to filter all noise and activity between them, any disturbance or activity which would, in the sole and absolute discretion of the association, be reasonably likely to annoy or disturb other residents is strictly prohibited. Examples of a disturbance include but are not limited to cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, vaping, cooking and other noxious odors, domestic disputes, excessive volume caused by a musical instrument, radio, stereo, television or other equipment, social gatherings, and vibrations.”

As it specifically relates to odors and air flow, there are few things owners and residents can do to help manage better conditions:

1. Support the buildings natural air flow! Fresh air comes through the vents in the hallway and flows through your unit door and into your unit, keeping it pressurized. Do not restrict or block this flow in anyway.
2. Keep your exhaust vents clean and free of debris! Do not block kitchen and bath exhaust vents. With the proper air flow, these vents are specifically responsible for keeping bath and cooking odors from invading your neighbors unit, and of course can help rid your unit of any other odors.
3. Keep your windows closed – especially when cooking, smoking, vaping, using scented candles and other activity that can generate odors! Even one open window can imbalance the air flow on the entire floor. If you are a smoker, you should know that in other cases at Park Tower, we solved this problem all together when smokers started leaving their windows closed when they smoke. There is a tendency for air flow to be reversed with an open window, causing air to flow from your unit.
4. Seal up holes in the wall! Because the units are pressurized, any penetration in the walls can cause air to be forced from or into your home from other units. If you have any holes or penetrations in walls, have them sealed up.

It is impossible to have an air tight unit, but following these easy steps can help the air move the way it was intended, and support a more pleasant living experience for all residents.

Feel free to contact the office with any questions or feedback, by e-mail at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com, or 773-769-3250.

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM AND SUCH CONDITIONS, as we discussed above or any other disturbances, the following link explains how our team can help:

Dealing With Disruptive Neighbors?