Frequently Asked Questions
1. As an Owner or a Visitor, how many parking spaces am I able to use on the Starfish Property?
Each Condo Unit is allowed to use 2 parking spaces on the Starfish property at any one time. The Units that have been assigned spaces under the buildings have their 2 spaces. All outside spaces (in the gravel parking lot) are available for use by the owners who are not assigned spaces under the buildings. All the spaces in front of the Buildings ( along 126th Street, 127th Street, and Assawoman Drive are public parking and may be used by anyone. It's important to note that just because you see spaces open in the gravel lot, it does not mean they are usable spaces, if you’re already using your allotted two spaces. All vehicles parked on Starfish Property need to have a parking permit displayed, both Owners and Guests, or they are subject to towing at the owners expense.
2. If I see an infraction to the Condo Rules, what should I do?
Do not confront the person(s) breaking the rules. Instead text, call or e-mail the Property Management Company with a description of the infraction, the building of the occurrence, and condo unit number. Sending a picture also helps, if appropriate. Owner vs. owner, renter vs. renter, or owner vs. renter confrontations are not encouraged. The Property Management Company has the responsibility of addressing the issue.
3. Can I hang towels, blankets or clothing out on the railings to dry?
No. This is against the Starfish Condominium By-Laws and Rules. Towels and blankets hanging over the railings are unsightly, and over time, cause damage to the railings. The railings were a large expense to the Association and consequentially to the Owners (when they were replaced a few years ago). Folding drying racks are reasonably priced and readily available for hanging wet towels, clothes, and blankets. Please see the Rules posted in your condo or in the stairways of the Buildings.
4. Am I required to keep my heat on during the winter, and should I turn my water off when I’m not using my Unit?
The Starfish Condo Association Board of Directors asks that Owners keep the temperature of their Unit at least at 55 degrees during the winter months. Also, water should be shut off at the Unit’s main water supply, as well as the shut off to the water heater when the Unit is not being occupied. With our buildings so close to the beach, we’re exposed to extreme temperatures and very strong winds that can freeze pipes very quickly. Frozen pipes lead to damage, not just to the leaking Unit, but often to other Units in the buildings. All owners are asked to work with the Board to reduce the damages caused by freezing by adhering to the 55 degree recommendation and cutting off their water supplies when not occupying their Units. In addition, turning water off when Units are not being used is a good practice as a preventive action when guarding against pipes that become compromised (regardless of the time of year).
5. What do I do if I see water dripping from the ceiling in the Garage?
Any water issue should be reported immediately to the Property Manager for remedy.
6. If I have a plumbing or water issue in my unit, what do I do?
Any water issue should be reported immediately to the Property Manager for remedy. If you are renting the unit, contact the rental agency or owner. If the leak is occurring on an upper floor, you might consider contacting the Owners of the Units below to make them aware of the problem.
7. My electricity is off, what should I do?
First, check the breaker box located in the Master Bed Room closet for "tripped" circuits. Then check the main breaker panels located in the Electric Boxes located at the end of the Buildings. As a general rule, report electric outages immediately to the Property Manager for remedy.
8. If noise or rowdiness is a problem, what do I do?
Report the nuisances immediately to the Property Manager for remedy. If it does not stop, call the Ocean City Police for assistance.
9. Do I need additional insurance for my Unit other than what is covered by the Starfish Condo Association master policy?
All owners are urged to speak to their insurance agent and consider an HO-6 policy to cover their contents and liability, as well as coverage for any improvements to their unit. It’s important to note that owners are still liable for many issues that could arise from their unit, and an HO-6 policy designed for your concerns may cover and protect you from many of those issues.
10. Am I required to provide a copy of the key for my unit to the Management Company?
Yes. The Management Company, in emergency situations, may need access to your unit. If they do not have a key, a locksmith will be called to enter the unit. The unit owner assumes responsibility for locksmith fees.
11. Am I required to post the Starfish Condo Associations Rules in my Unit?
Yes. Unit Owners are strongly encouraged to post the Rules in a very visible location in the Unit. Owners who rent their Units should also make sure renters are aware of the rules so as to avoid inconveniencing other owners and renters during their stays. The Rules are there for everyone’s benefit and so that all can enjoy their stays, while protecting the Owners’ properties. See the Rules and Regulations tab on the Starfish Homepage for a complete list of the rules.
12. What is the Starfish Condo Association doing to keep Condo fees reasonable?
The Starfish Condo Association Board of Directors continues to look for ways to keep condo fee costs down for its Owners. The Board offers “work weekends” for Owners to work on building maintenance jobs to keep maintenance costs down. This activity allows the Owners to volunteer their labor to address routine maintenance issues, while giving participating Owners a monthly reduction on their condo fees. Just as important, this activity helps Owners to build relationships and friendships with fellow condo neighbors.
The Board also works to try to keep high cost, one-time assessments to a minimum, by spreading out anticipated, large maintenance cost projects over a longer time period. As an example, the Board is anticipating to have to replace all three roofs on the Starfish buildings over the next five years. To pay for this project, the Board voted to increase its monthly fees by a small amount over the next few years, save those resources in an account designated for the roofs, and hopefully keep any one-time assessment to a more reasonable amount. Finally, the Owners of Starfish properties are very talented and often offer their services to help neighbors in need, and continue to demonstrate pride in our Starfish properties. We truly are envied by many Condo Associations for our community and neighborhood approach to managing our properties.
13. What are some contractors that Owners have used and can recommend for plumbing?
Johnny Britt's Plumbing, LLC
John M. Brittingham
12534 Old Bridge Rd
Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone: (443) 497-6684
RYT Plumbing Inc.
10423 Friendship Road
Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: 410-213-2126
14. What are some contractors that Owners have used and can recommend for heating and air conditioning?
Arctic Heating and Air Conditioning
HVAC Contractor
301 Washington St,
Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: (410) 289-1283
Fields Heating Cooling & Appliance Inc.
P.O. Box 237
Ocean City, MD 21843
Phone: (410) 213-0850
15. What are some contractors that Owners have used and can recommended for electrical work?
Rick Poss ( Starfish Owner )
16. What are some contractors that Owners have used and can recommend for repairs and related carpentry work?
Windows/Doors
Bill Burns ( Starfish Owner )
Reminded to give keys to the Unit to the Management Company. If they do not have them and the unit has to be entered, the owner is responsible for locksmith fees.
17. How can I print out extra parking passes for my renters and guests?
Two parking spaces are assigned per Unit on a rotating basis under the buildings, please do not block the storage lockers.
Parking for those units that are not assigned under the building is available in the back of Starfish IV on a first come first served basis.
Reminder: Each Unit has Two (2) spaces available on Starfish Property, either under the building or in the lot, as assigned.
Public street parking in front of each building is open to all. Please obey the signs. Cars and other illegally parked vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense, please call Mana-jit, Inc. Property Management to report violators at 410-289-1128. Starfish parking permits are to be displayed on the front dashboard of legally parked vehicles. To print out additional parking passes for your renters and guests, go to Parking Pass.
18. What are the specifications for replacement windows for the Starfish units?
See window specifications image.
19. What is the recommended paint for the walls and ceilings outside the condo units?
Starfish Owners are responsible for maintaining the paint on the ceiling and walls outside of their units. The recommended paint is: Sherwin Williams SuperPaint (paint and primer in one); Exterior acrylic Latex; Extra White; Flat. If you buy the paint in Ocean City, tell them you're from Starfish to get a discount.
20. What are the specifications for replacing my outdoor light?
When replacing the outdoor lighting the attached light fixture should be purchased to maintain uniformity across all units. The brightness setting should be 'daylight'.
9 in. White LED Outdoor Impact Resistant Light 3 Color Temperature Option
Weather Rust Resistant 600 to 1200 Lumen Boost
