Rock Creek Gardens is equipped with a building access system that is designed to make access to units easy for residents and their invited guests, but difficult for others. The building and unit doors are equipped with MEDECO locks. The keys for these locks cannot be reproduced without authorization from Management. Each unit has a separate front door key and a unit key. The owner may replace the unit door lock. It is suggested that if an owner replaces a unit door lock, a key be left in the Management Office if entry is required in an emergency. An intercom system allows residents to be buzzed by visitors, who can identify themselves before being allowed to enter the building. But remember, no system is completely fail-safe. Building safety requires the cooperation of everyone.

The basic policy of the building access system is that all doors should be locked at all times. Doors must not be propped open for an extended time period. Always make sure doors are locked after you enter for extra protection.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
The safety of the building also requires your cooperation. Here are some items that require your personal attention:

  • Always keep the door to your unit locked. No matter how difficult it is to get into the building, intruders can still find a way. Don’t make things any easier. Keep your door locked at all times.
  • Do not allow anyone to enter any door behind you unless you know him or her. Do not be embarrassed to ask them to use their own key to enter the building. “Piggybacking” is one of the most common methods for intruders to gain access to a building.
  • Do not open the building door for anyone unknown to you. Indicate that they should use the intercom system to call the party they are visiting.
  • Report any suspicious activity or persons first to the Montgomery County Police and then to the Management Office.

KEYS
Management has a master key to open all unit doors, unless the unit owner has opted to change the locks. Management will use this key only with permission or in emergencies (i.e. fire, plumbing leaks, suspected life and death emergencies) or for the purposes described in the section entitled Right of Access in this manual. This master key is kept under strict security, and the site manager must document the situation each time the key is used.

Residents who change their unit door locks can remain on the master key system by purchasing a lock through Builder’s Hardware. For more information, contact the Management Office. Residents who do no opt for this might wish to make a duplicate of their unit key to be left permanently in the Management Office for the use of trade personnel, in-unit service, or in case the resident is accidentally locked out of his/her own unit. Keys left permanently at the Management Office are CONVENIENCE KEYS, and are kept in a locked key box. Residents must complete an Admit Authorization at the Management Office each time they require Management to give access. Please keep in mind that if you have not provided a convenience key to the Management Office and you are locked out of your unit, or your unit must be entered due to an emergency, a locksmith will be called to gain entry to your unit at your expense.

THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE WILL NOT PROVIDE A UNIT KEY TO VISITORS OR WORKERS UNLESS THE REQUIRED WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE RESIDENT IN ADVANCE.

The On-site Manager cannot wait in the unit for servicemen to do their work. Admit Authorizations allow us to open the building and unit door for delivery or service personnel. Residents should check the policies of the company prior to signing an Admit Authorization.

If you lose your key, or would like copies made, please contact the Management Office. Building keys can be purchased directly from the Management Office at a cost of $20 per key.