FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Some new residents to 3003 Van Ness may not have any experience with a tenants association. Here are some freq

WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN THE TENANTS ASSOCIATION?

Nothing. We occasionally talk about asking members to pay minimal dues (e.g., $10 per year), but so far that hasn’t happened.

HOW DO I BENEFIT FROM BEING A MEMBER OF THE TENANTS ASSOCIATION?

  1. Getting advice from other members

  2. Getting your voice heard on important issues like building maintenance, security and services

  3. Working with other residents to make needed changes

  4. Getting help when you have specific problems with building management

DOES THE VAN NESS SOUTH TENANTS ASSOCIATION INCLUDE THE WEST BUILDING?

Yes — our members include residents of both buildings. The buildings together are sometimes known as Van Ness South. The coop building to our north is often called Van Ness North and the condo building to our east is called Van Ness East.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR NEW RESIDENTS?

  1. If you have a problem and you need help from Equity Residential, always communicate in writing. It is OK to call first, but always leave a “paper” trail.

  2. If you see something that’s not right, e.g., a broken exterior door, take a photo with your phone and send it to the tenants association, as well as to management. If you see the same problem again a day or a week later, do the same thing.

  3. Join the tenants association and the VNSTA Google Group. The tenants association helps residents with various problems, helps residents connect with each other, and aggressively works to improve the quality of life at 3003.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITHOUT GETTING OVER-INVOLVED?

  1. Become a member. There is no cost and no obligation.

  2. Join the Google Group. This allows you to share information with other residents of the building.

  3. Follow us on Twitter @vnsta3003. Retweet to help expand our influence.

  4. Put up posters occasionally. Let us know if you are willing to help.

HOW DO WE MEET DURING COVID?

We have had two recent meetings outside on the patio before it got cold. We are reluctant to have inside meetings in poorly ventilated rooms. Working groups meet via Zoom. We may have general meetings via Zoom in the future.

IF THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS AT 3003 VAN NESS, WHY NOT MOVE OUT?

Many people love the building for its large apartments, hardware floors, swimming pool and locations. In the past, 3003 was a really great place to live — before Equity Residential took over and started shortchanging residents in many ways. Many residents are hopeful that more aggressive pressure by the tenants association will force Equity to treat its customers better, or that in the future another company will take over management of the building.