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New Resident Information

New Resident Move In Guide

Helpful Info Before You Move In

Welcome home! My name is Samantha Russell and I am the Director of Resident Services here at the Chateau. I have many responsibilities here including the oversight of the concierge, activities, housekeeping, janitorial and fitness departments, but one of my most important duties is ensuring that all new residents feel acquainted with the community! Below you will find move-in tips, information about the amenities we offer, and the required forms needed by the Association. I look forward to meeting you – please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Samantha Russell
Director of Resident Services
760-761-4643
Samantha.russell@chateaulakesanmarcos.com
Included Service and Amenities:

Following is a list of major services and amenities, although other assistance may be provided at the discretion of the HOA staff.

  • One Meal per day in our Gourmet Dining Room
  • Housekeeping every other week
  • Professional Laundering of Linens
  • Free Scheduled Transportation – grocery stores, errands, and medical appointments as well as Offsite Excursions, including Theatre, Museums, Casinos and other areas of interest.
  • Onsite Exercise Classes 5 days a week
  • Onsite Events, Classes, Lectures and Activities
  • Fitness Center Equipment, Pool, Spa, Putting Green, and Library in the Community Center
  • On-site Beauty Salon
  • Dog Park
  • Maintenance of all exclusive-use common areas, such as carports, patios and alcoves.
  • Concierge assistance 7 days a week
  • Membership to Lake San Marcos Lake & Lodge and Access to their Amenities:
  • Walking paths near Lake San Marcos
  • Tennis & Paddle Tennis Courts
  • Pickle Ball Courts
  • Billiards Room
  • Two additional Swimming Pools
  • Daily resident check
  • One HD cable box with Spectrum Cable
  • Internet and Wi-Fi with Spectrum Cable
  • Covered Carport

 Plus other HOA amenities including, water, trash, and gas, grounds maintenance and landscaping, access to onsite maintenance, custodial, and housekeeping, insurance on the common areas, etc…

Keys – You should receive the following keys through escrow: Unit Key, Mailbox Key, Pool Key, Stairwell Key, Gate Access Remote & Residential Building Key Fob. Please note that all buildings are locked from 9:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. If you are missing any keys, please let us know.

The Move – Once you have scheduled your move in date, please contact the Concierge at 760-471-0083 to inform us, so we can pad the elevator to ensure your furniture and our elevator is protected. Also, please inform your moving team of the designated areas where they can park the moving truck (Map Below) and note that all trucks should not be left unattended nor park in red fire lanes.

 

Insurance – All homeowners are required to carry Condo Insurance w/ a company of their choosing – the type of policy is an HO6 Policy.

Forms Required/Requested by the Association (All forms available below) –

  • Owners Residing in the Condo – Copy of Grant Deed, Copy of Condominium Insurance (Declaration Only), Resident Information Form,  Age Verification Form w/ Copy of Proof of Age, Electronic Communication Consent Form, Release and Waiver of Liability for Fitness Center Pool and Spa, Resident Directory Release, Request for Annual Notice of Address Civil Code Section 4041, Payment Option Form, Condominium Key Authorization and Hold Harmless Agreement, Daily Wellness Check Waiver of Liability Form, Pull Cord System Waiver of Liability Form, Exercise Waiver w/ physician Referral
  • Owners Who Are Renting Out Their Condo – Copy of Grant Deed, Copy of Condominium Insurance (Declaration Only), Copy of Lease Agreement, Electronic Communication Consent Form, Request for Annual Notice of Address Civil Code Section 4041, Payment Option Form
  • Renters – Resident Information Form, Age Verification Form w/ Copy of Proof of Age, Release and Waiver of Liability for Fitness Center Pool and Spa, Resident Directory Release, Payment Option Form, Condominium Key Authorization and Hold Harmless Agreement, Daily Wellness Check Waiver of Liability Form, Pull Cord System Waiver of Liability Form, Exercise Waiver w/ physician Referral

 

Utilities –  

  • Included:Water/sewer, gas, garbage disposal, cable, internet and Wi-Fi
    • Cable, Internet and Wi-Fi – For installation please contact Spectrum at 877-647-7732
  • Not Included: Telephone and electric
    • Contact SDG&E to establish electric service (800) 411-7343

 Community Center:

  • Front Desk / Concierge Service available daily from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m daily.
    • Telephone number 760-471-0083
  • Pool, Spa, Fitness Center, Library, Calais Room and Bistro are open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Where/how to find out about Association updates:

  • Watch our in-house TV channel 1390 – broadcasted through your Spectrum cable box
  • Check out bulletin boards located on the first floor near the elevator in all residential bldgs.
  • Daily Email Blast – sent to residents each morning before 10:00 a.m.

Carport Space: Each condo comes with one designated carport space. Each space includes a lockable storage cabinet, padlocks for which may be provided by the owner or purchased from our Maintenance Department. 

 

Gate Access:

  • Gate access remotes can be picked-up at the Front desk, deposit required
  • You can be issued a 4-digit gate access code – call 760-761-4643 for more information
  • Visitors – Inform your visitors that there is a resident roster at the front entry guard house – when a visitor enter your number on the panel it will ring your telephone directly – to allow them access press the following number to let them in:
    • Residents of A, C, E and F press 9
    • Residents of B and D press 8

 

USPS –Your personal mail will be delivered to your mailbox – please let us know if you do not have a key. Mailboxes are located in the large buildings near the entry/exit to the carport parking area. There is an outgoing mail slot located in the mailbox area. Large packages must be sent out from the Chateau Lobby. We can apply the correct postage on the package for you. We also sell stamps at the front desk.

FEDEX, UPS, AMAZON – All personal package deliveries will be delivered to your front door. Chateau staff cannot sign for your packages.

Lake San Marcos Association Membership – Chateau residents have “Lake and Lodge” Membership which includes use of 2 swimming pools, 3 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, 3 paddleball courts, billiards room, walking paths near the lakefront, use of a large lawn and beach area, sports equipment check-out and discounts on boat rentals, Lakefront Hotel, food and beverages and more. To obtain authorization and a keycard visit the Lake Front Office for a key card (1105 La Bonita Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078)  – You must take proof of residency.

Personal Laundry – Laundry rooms are located on the 2nd floor of your building. They are coin operated .75 cents a wash and .50 cents a dry. You can hire housekeeping to do your laundry for an additional cost – contact Samantha Russell 760-761-4643

Housekeeping Service – Offered every other week. 1–Bedroom service is just under an hour and 2-bedroom service just under an hour and a half. General cleaning includes kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and light dusting – Call Samantha at 760-761-4643 when ready to begin housekeeping.

Linen Service – Your housekeeper will assist you with this service.

  • What to send out?
    • Bed linens (sheets, pillow cases)
    • Bath linens (bath towel, hand towels, wash cloths)
    • Kitchen Towels (hand towel, tea towels)
  • Place all dirty Bath and Kitchen towels into a visible pile to ensure your housekeeper knows what you’d like sent out
  • Once you have your Chateau provided mesh linen bag, please make it visibly available for your housekeeper each time she comes.
  • Bed Linens
    • Your housekeeper will strip your bed
    • Please visibly lay out clean linens for your housekeeper to find, so she can remake your bed
  • Housekeeper will leave you a copy of a linen form, so you can check and make sure all of your linens are returned – if you are missing linens please contact Samantha at 760-761-4643
  • Linens are returned approximately 7 days later
  • Additional Linen Service
    • Blankets $10.00
    • Mattress Covers $15.00
    • Bed Spreads $25.00-$35.00
    • Rugs (3×5) $20.00
    • Pillows $10.00

Monthly invoice – Your monthly invoice will be delivered to your condo door on the first of every month. It’s due on the 1st, late after the 1st, delinquent after the 15th (If received after the 15th there will be a 10% late fee).

  • Payment options
    • Check – payable to Chateau Lake San Marcos. Checks can be delivered to Front desk
    • Automatic withdraw – contact Suzanne Graham at 760-761-4652 to set-up

 Chateau Secured Lock Box – The Chateau has a computerized secured lock box to store residential condo keys to allow us to better assist our residents. Having us store a copy of your condo key is optional, but the benefits are vast (i.e. assist with a lockout and assist in a maintenance or medical emergency)

 Daily Wellness Check – Residents have the option to have a Daily Wellness Check performed for them. Please call Samantha at 760-761-4643 for more details.

In Unit Pull Cord System – Residents have the option of having pull cords installed in their hallway and bathrooms. These pull cords are part of a communication system where, when pulled, a red light will become lit, which notifies Chateau staff that the person is in need of help. From there a staff member will dispatch to evaluate the situation.

 Smoking – CLSM is a non-smoking community. Residents and their visitors are prohibited from smoking cigarettes, vape and marijuana inside their condos, on their balconies and in ALL common areas. There is a designated smoking section at the back of the property near the trash enclosure behind building C.

 Gifting and Gratuity – CLSM is a non-tipping community

  • Appropriate ways to show gratitude:
    • Annual Holiday Gift Fund Contribution (monthly or annually)
      • Contact Suzanne in accounting for more information 760-761-4652
    • Scholarship Program Contribution (monthly or annually)
      • Contact Samantha for more information 760-761-4643

 Chateau Dining Service

Room Service – $2.75 for first 2 meals, then $2.50 each  

  • Monday – Saturday
    • Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Orders must be placed by 8:40 a.m.
    • Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  – Orders must be placed by 1:10 p.m.
    • Dinner “Early” Delivery 4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. or “Late” Delivery 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
      • For “Early” delivery orders must be placed by 5:00 p.m.
      • All orders placed after 5:00 p.m. will be designated the “late” delivery.
      • We cannot guarantee a specific delivery time during the 30-minute windows.
  • Sunday
    • Brunch 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  – Orders must be placed by 1:10 p.m.
  • Ordering meals

 

Dining Room Operations

  • Sunday
    • Brunch 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Reservations Required
  • Monday – Saturday
    • Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
    • Bistro 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Reservation Required
    • Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Reservations Required
  • Reservations
    • Call 760-471-0083
    • Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance

 

To-Go Meals  ($1.35 Fee per Meal) When ordering a meal To-Go during our Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Service please call the room service line at 760-761-4651, please specify your desired time for pick-up. Please note that: During Dinner Service there is no meal pick-up available between 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Upon arrival please see the hostess and they will bring the meal out to you. When ordering a To-Go meal during Bistro hours please call the Concierge to place your order or come down and ring the doorbell and a cook will assist you with your order.

Menus – We have a daily breakfast, lunch & dinner, Sunday brunch and bistro menu (all menus attached). We also have a “Featured” weekly menu. These menus are displayed on our bulletin boards in each residential building and on our in-house channel. If you’d like to receive an electronic copy weekly please contact the Concierge.

 

Understanding the Current Meal Credit System

  • Residents receive one (1) meal credit for each day in the meal period, 30 or 31 most months, and 28 in February.
  • Meal Periods run from the 26th of the previous month to the 25th of the current.
  • Any unused credits roll over to the next Meal Period – Credits cap at 123 per person.
  • If you go over your credits you will be charged per credit (see current Ancillary Service Fee Schedule)
  • Breakfast: ¼ credit – cold breakfast or  ¾ credit – hot breakfast
  • Lunch: ½ credit- small juice, ½ sandwich & cup of soup or sm. salad or, 1 credit – beverage, two starters, entrée, 2 regular sides/3 petite sides & dessert
  • Dinner: 1 credit – beverage, two starters, entrée, 2 regular sides/3 petite sides & dessert
  • Sunday Buffet Brunch: Resident = 1 credit  / Guest = 1 credit + $12.00 or 2 credits
  • Bistro – Options vary from ¼ to ¾ credit
  • When you bring guests to meals they use your meal credits
  • Residents can use up to 8 meal credits per seating
    • There are guest surcharges for Sunday Brunch & Events with open bar and hors d’oeuvres (See current Ancillary Service Fee Schedule)

Dress Code – Casual resort-style clothing is appropriate for Breakfast, Lunch, Bistro and Sunday Brunch.  See Rules and Regulation for more details – a copy of the Rules and Regulations can be found on our website. Those who are not abiding by the Chateau’s dress code will be politely reminded of the dress code and will not be seated or served until attire deems appropriate. These rules also apply to your guests, and we ask that you remind those who want to join you in the dining room.

 

CHATEAU MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Technicians: The main duty of the Maintenance staff is upkeep of the common area. However, as time permits, they also perform handyman-type services for individual residents for a small hourly rate, plus the cost of materials.

  • Standard Rate $ 28.25 (per hour, ½hr min)
  • After Hours Rate $ 59.25 (per hour, ½hr min)
  • Key Duplication $5.00 flat rate plus the cost of material

How to schedule work? Call the Maintenance Shop at 760-761-4650. You will need to leave a voicemail – please include name, unit number and work requested.

Custodians: Main responsibilities of Custodians include cleaning and sanitation of common areas, common area carpet cleaning and trash removal. And, when time permits residential carpet cleaning.

  • Trash closets are located on every residential building floor and end of the hallway. There are designated cans for garbage and recycling.
    • Please note that items such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronic devices are considered “Universal Waste”and should never be placed in the trash rooms. Please contact Maintenance for further information on how to properly dispose of these items.
  • If you have excessive recycling / garbage or pieces of furniture that needs to be disposed of contact the Maintenance Shop at 760-761-4650 to arrange for disposal. Pick-ups must be arranged in advance. Note, there is a very strong chance that there will be a disposal charge –dependent on quantity and size of items.
  • Residential carpet cleaning is $5.40 (material cost) plus, the cost of labor, $27.30 (per hour, ½hr min) – call Director of Resident Services Samantha Russell at 760-761-4643 to arrange.

Landscaping: Chateau has its own landscaping team who maintain the entire property. If you have any questions, concerns or to report a sprinkler leak please contact the Maintenance Shop at 760-761-4650. 

Laundry Rooms: Located on the 2nd Floor of A, B, C, D & E Bldg. You can label and store your soaps/softeners in cabinets. Machines are coin operated – $0.75 wash and $0.50 a dry. Please do not leave your laundry unattended for extended periods of times.  

Carports: One carport is assigned by deed to every condominium regardless of size. Each space includes a lockable storage cabinet, padlocks for which may be provided by the owner or purchased from our Maintenance Department. 

Golf Cart Storage: Carports designed for golf cart parking are located near C-Bldg. Each includes a small lockable storage area with an electrical outlet. Monthly rental fee of $38.00 includes electricity for charging the golf cart. Please contact the Administrative office for space availability.

Heating & Air Conditioning: Each multi-storied building is equipped with a central system which provides heat and hot water. Individual condominiums have their own air-conditioning units and the thermostat controls both heating and air conditioning. Maintenance staff can provide operating instructions – call to schedule an appointment.

Smoke Alarms: Each condominium, and all common areas, are protected by fire sprinklers. The common area smoke detectors automatically activate an alarm in the Assisted Living. The alarm system may also be activated from pull-handles in the hallways. The fire alarm system is tested the first Wednesday of each month between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are found in all buildings. In residential building they are located on every floor and end of hallway.

Emergency Exits: In the event of an emergency use the stairwells – DO NOT use the elevator! All multi-level buildings have two stairwells – one at the end of each hallway.

Rollaway Beds: When having overnight visitors you can rent a rollaway bed for $5.65 a night. Please contact the Front Desk at 760-471-0083 to arrange.

Flat Bed & Two Tier Carts are available for residents to borrow. Please call the Front Desk to arrange. Please give us 15 minutes advance head notice. When calling please specify if you want the cart delivered to your condo or left on the 1st floor lobby area. When you are finished with the cart please call the Front Desk to arrange for staff pick-up.

Fireplace: Each condo is equipped with a gas fireplace. Your fireplace operates on a timer. Turn knob on front of fireplace to set time. During the months that you do not use your fireplace we ask that you have your pilot light turned off. To have your pilot light turned on or off please contact the Maintenance Shop 760-761-4650.

Swimming Pool/Spa: The pool and spa are open year around from dawn to dusk. Both pool and spa are heated year round – Pool is kept between 84-87 degrees and the spa at 102 degrees. During the winter months we do keep the pool covered during the day – to use the pool during the winter contact the Concierge to have the pool cover removed – we ask for 30 minutes advance notice.

Architectural Request: Wanting to make changes or updates to your condo? NO PROBLEM! Please pick up an Architectural Request at the front desk. The Architectural Request states what needs to be approved by the Association and what doesn’t. If approval is needed, please fill out the Architectural Request and submit it to the Front Desk.

 

Transportation

The following transport opportunities are available. Please sign-up in advance in the Events Book located near the Community Center Lobby.

Medical Loop:

  • Schedule –  up to 3 residents per trip – Sometimes we are able to accommodate the waitlist depending on location of appointments.
    • All Day Monday, Wednesday & Thursday (3 spots for a.m. appointments & 3 spots for p.m. appointments)
  • Where we cover – 10 miles away from the Chateau
  • Signing up – We recommend you sign-up for the Medical Loop as soon as possible. You can sign-up 30 days in advance, but no less than 24 hours.
  • How do I sign-up?  Sign-up in the Blue Events Book located near the Lobby elevator in the Community Center. The Concierge is available to assist you until you get the hang of things.
  • How do I know my departure time? Day/s prior to appointment date you will receive a notice on your front door confirming your appointment information and your pick-up time.
  • What do I do when I am finished with my appointment?  Call your driver or Front Desk to let them know you are finished and ready for pick-up. At the drivers earliest convenience they will pick you up – Bring a book or magazine to help pass idle time.

Albertsons Grocery Loop:  Van on Tuesdays @ 9:40 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 10:20 a.m.

  • Approximately 1 hour to do shopping
  • Groceries are delivered to your door
  • Sign-up in Blue Events Book near Community Center elevator

 

Transportation Loop: Van on Tuesdays

  • Departure times –1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
  • Purpose? –To allow residents to run local errands. i.e. hair appointment, dry cleaning, Walmart, Target
  • Where is covered? –All of San Marcos, Sycamore Ave. in Vista, and Costco
  • How do I sign-up? – Sign-up in the Events Book near Community Center elevator

 

Private Transportation:  Ran in Van – if and when a driver is available

  • When Private Transportation Appropriate: When the transportation needed isn’t covered by the medical, grocery or transportation loops.
  • How much does it cost? – $26.00 per hour (with minimum of 2 hours) + .88 mile (first 10 miles FREE) +parking fees (if applicable)
  • Do you take residents to Airport? – Yes, it’s a $85 flat rate service ($110 overtime rate)
  • How do I sign-up? – Contact Transportation Coordinator Will West at 760-471-0083 ext. 327

 

Personal Shopping: Based on driver availability

  • How it works?– Bring your detailed shopping list to the front desk or email it to conciergechateau@yahoo.com
  • What is the Charge? – $7.40 + Cost of Groceries
  • When will I be charged?On your monthly statement that is delivered on the 1st of the month.
  • Do they shop the same day I request personal shopping? Not always, it is done at a suitable time for the drivers. This amenity is not intended for emergency use.

 

Offsite Excursions: Monthly trips to hot spots like Trader Joes and Sprouts, local malls, Theaters, Museums, Walks, Parks… other points of interest. Offsite excursions that are more than 15 miles away, 30 miles round trip, are subject to a nominal fee for residents and their guests.

 

TRANSPORATION FEE SCHEDULE

YELLOW ZONE –  Free to residents / Guests $3.50 Per Rider

SD Safari Park, Oceanside Harbor, Carlsbad Seawall Walk

ORANGE ZONE –  31 – 40 Round Trip – $4.50 Per Rider

Bates Nut Farm, Del Mar Race Track, Poway Center for the Arts, Valley View Casino  

PURPLE ZONE – 41 – 55 Round Trip –  $5.50 Per Rider

 Ramona, La Jolla Shores, MiraMar

GREEN ZONE – 56 –  80 Miles Round Trip – $8.00 Per Rider

Balboa Park, Petco Park, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Seaport Village, Pala Casino

BLUE ZONE – 80 – 100  Miles Round Trip – $10.50  Per Rider

TRIP BEYOND 100 Miles Round Trip will be charged by mileage (2024 rates – miles. x .88 / 8 riders)  

 

COMMUNITY CENTER, ACTIVITES & FITNESS CLASSES

On the first of every month, staff will deliver your “Monthly Packet” which will include your Monthly Statement, a Schedule of Events, Chateau Bulletin & Resident Roster.

The Schedule of Events is our monthly calendar that goes over all of the activities Katrina Norford our Activities Coordinator is offering for the month. Each event will be listed with a title, date, time, location, brief description, and if there are any specific reservation requirements.

  • What does it mean when an event description says “Sign-up in the Events Book” – The Events Book is located in the Community Center Lobby near the elevator – the Events Book is a binder that has sign-up slips located in towards the front in colorful folders. Remove a sign-up slip for your event, fill it out, and turn it into the Concierge.
  • What does it mean when an event description says “Sign-up with the Concierge” – stop by the front desk or call at 760-471-0083 to sign-up
  • PLEASE NOTE: RESIDENTS CANCELLING AFTER TICKETS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED WILL BE CHARGED FOR THEIR TICKET and MAY BE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL CANCELLATION FEE.

The Schedule of Events will also include:

  • The monthly meeting schedule – residents are encouraged to attend all open meetings – all meeting minutes can be found in the Calais Room
  • Transportation Schedule
  • Fitness Class Schedule – no sign-up necessary attend when you want

 

What does the Community Center have to offer?

  • Library (2ndFloor) – In the library there are fiction and non-fiction books that residents can borrow and return when finished … no late fees. You will also find a large paper shredder and two computers for resident use.
  • Calais Room (2ndFloor) – The Calais Room is a multi-purpose room used for meetings and presentations. There are also DVDs & CDs available for residents to borrow.
  • Fitness Center (2ndFloor) – Our fitness center features aerobic and strengthening equipment. Contact Samantha at 760-761-4643 to schedule an equipment orientation.
  • Administrative Offices – Where you’ll find administrative staff including the Executive Director Chris Arvanitis, Director of Resident Services Samantha Russell, Maintenance Director Dan Campbell and the Accounting Department
  • Bistro (1stFloor) – Enjoy complimentary Lattes, Cappuccinos, Coffee & Iced Tea
  • Lap Pool & Spa – Heated year-round. Lap pool depth ranges between 3 ½’ – 4’, there is an outdoor shower & 2 restrooms.
  • Putting Green – Clubs and balls are available to borrow at the Concierge desk. The Concierge also has score cards and a green map.

 

Visitors are welcome to join residents to on & off-site events, but resident must always be present.