Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs - Including details, how to make payments, parking and more.
Hot sheets or your own bed?
Your own bed - no hot sheets, no sharing. It's your bed for the duration of your tenancy.
What type of beds?
Unless otherwise stated, all twin beds. There's a mix of (twin sized) bunk beds and stand alone twin beds.
What do I need to bring with me when I move in?
Your personal toiletries, such as shampoo, soap and toothpaste. Also bed linens, blanket, pillow, towel. There is usually some clean leftover linens, blankets, pillows and towels, which you are welcome to use.
- Kolmar - Look in laundry area or hallway closet upstairs.
- 59th - Look in laundry area or hallway closets (2) along stairway wall leading to top level.
What do I do when I move in?
Find yourself a bed with no flash card or a blank card on, or near, the bed. Blank flash cards are usually kept in the kitchen but a business card will do. Put your name and phone on the card and tack, or place, it, somewhere near your bed. Generally, if there's no linen on the bed, too, the bed is available. The posted, completed card is the determinate.
What type of place is this?
House, not apartment, very close to airport. Quiet. Generally late in, early out pilots who spend minimum time at the pad.
"Love being back in MDW and your old house feels homey again, too." (SWA pilot)
How long is the walk?
About seven minutes to TSA/security. The short walk is ENTIRELY indoors or covered, except for a two minute/100 yard stretch from the houses to CTA station, making this one of the shortest uncovered walk available to Midway based pilots. A train may, on occasion, add a little time to your walk.
What's the deal on "the tracks"?
There are pros and cons to being on one side or the other of the RR tracks. Those who don't have to cross the RR tracks have a longer walk each time, which is substantially uncovered, is subject to a traffic light and is nearer to noisy runways and taxiways. On the other hand, those who have to cross the RR tracks are subject to an occasional train, which can add time to the walk. All in all, though, I would call it a wash. In speaking with dozens of crash padders, it seems to be a non-issue - they feel that the extreme proximity to airport is key to their choice.
When is rent due?
Rent is due NLT than the first day of each month. If applicable, please notify your spouse of this policy. I check for payments around the 2nd of each month (due NLT 1st). If someone pays late, then I have to keep checking and rechecking to determine when (if?) that person will pay. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Is there parking available?
There is a limited number of free street parking available in the area. CAUTION: Short notice Chicago street cleaning may result in a parking ticket. You may also, on an occasional and short term basis, park at one of the properties for FREE, when available, with advance arrangement. For a fee, you may establish regular parking privileges at one of the properties near the airport. Contact SWApadz for more information about paid parking spots and discounts available to crew members who also stay at crashpad.
Why is there a refundable deposit?
The refundable portion of the deposit ensures a couple of things.
First, that you give me adequate notice prior to moving out.
Second, that you clean your bed and kitchen area upon moving out - and remove and dispose of card with your name and phone number and replace with a blank, new card for the next guy.
IMPORTANT: Ensure I have a current address to mail your refund. Please provide me with your current address when email advising me that above has been accomplished.
What is the process to make payments? (NOTE: specific bank information will be provided to you in a later correspondence)
Paypal (use swapadz email at top of this page) or mail rent check to a XXXXX Bank checking account (to be provided upon move in) or VENMO (@swapadz) or Zelle. In order to identify the payment as yours, please add a figure corresponding to the last two digits of your cell phone number. If you "get this" (that the cents, always, ALWAYS equal the last two digits of your cell phone number) then you can skip the rest of this subject and go to the directly to the double line below. If you desire more clarification, please read on.
THE LAST TWO DIGITS IDENTIFY THE PAYMENT(S) AS COMING FROM YOU.
IT'S WHAT I USE TO HELP ASSOCIATE THAT PAYMENT WITH YOU.
"LAST TWO DIGITS" EXAMPLES:
- Joe's cell phone number ends in the number "24". Thus, if Joe's rent is $135 per month, Joe would write check each month in the amount of ($135 + 24 cents = ) $135.24.
- The first month Joe must add a deposit of $135 to the first month's rent of $135. Joe would make the check in the amount of $135 (first month's rent) + $135 (deposit) = $270 + .24 = $270.24. In other words, Joe would always add only 24 cents to each PAYMENT or CHECK to identify it as "Joe's" payment, he wouldn't double the 24 cents.
- If, by mistake, Joe doubled the 24 cents amount in example 2. above, that could mistakenly be credited to whoever has 48 cents as the last two digits of their cell phone. So Joe mustn't do that.
- When I look at bank's web site, I see $135.24. I will know, just by looking at the last two digits (24 cents), that Joe made the payment. (I use other methods to verify payment, too.)
There are two methods to mail your check:
- If you (or spouse) are writing the check each month by hand and mailing it personally, please:
- Ensure you print bank's name and address neatly and clearly on the envelope.
- Make the check out to [name to be provided upon move in].
- Put the account number on the back of check as well as the words FOR DEPOSIT ONLY.
- No deposit slip required.
- If you are having your bank mail the check directly each month to the [XXXXX] bank account, no deposit slip is required by you. This is applicable if sent to the bank branch XXXXX, as I have made special arrangements with the bank manager. Please ensure the account number is noted on the check. If there is no place on your bank's check paying web site to put account number, use the account number as my FIRST NAME and my full name as my LAST NAME.
NOTE: You may, if you choose, go to any branch of XXXXX bank personally and deposit check.
Is the place clean?
There is a reliable, regular & professional cleaning service. In addition, someone regularly polices the place to ensure it is neat and orderly. However, all padders must clean up after themselves, especially after using the bathroom and kitchen. In addition, if you see a dish in the sink or elsewhere that needs washing, please take the time to wash it. Why wash someone else's dish? Because one day you may forget your dish and someone else will be washing yours. This applies to items left in the common areas, too - feel free to pick up after others - they'll be doing it for you one day.
Do I have to take out the garbage?
Yes, this is one of your responsibilities. The cleaning folks empty the garbage containers, but they are not a 24/7 service. Thus, near full garbage containers must be emptied in garbage bins located in alley behind house. Replace liners, as applicable. There's also a blue recycling container in the alley, if you choose to go green. It's quick and easy.
Any special emphasis items?
- Please pay rent on time by due date (the first of each month). Please take into account weekends and holidays (if mailing via USPS).
- All printing on envelope, deposit slip, check, etc. must be clear and neat.
- Please clean up after yourself
- Please notify Landlord immediately when something isn't working or needs attention
- No dental floss in toilet - nothing in toilet except the 3 p's (call if you need clarification).
I'm interested. What's next?
- E-mail swapadzwith your questions or to let me know you're interested in securing a spot.
- I'll e-mail you "the rules" and payment info
- When you receive the e-mail, hit your REPLY button and complete "the rules" (which should be in the body of your REPLY; if not, cut and paste)
- E-mail completed "rules" to me
- Mail appropriate amount to XXXXX Bank or Paypal as soon as possible to secure your space.
What's the procedure for moving out?
- Email SWApadz at gmail dot com (or call) at least 30 days in advance, as agreed (you'd want the same 30 day courtesy to find another crash pad).
- The day you move out, ensure, and advise me, that:
- Your area is left clear, neat and orderly
- Your ID flash card is removed
- You have removed your card and replaced with a blank flash card tacked in place for next person and to signify that bed is available.
- Contact me via e-mail to notify me that step 2 above is complete. Include the address where you'd like any funds (i.e. security deposit) mailed.
What if I have a complaint, suggestion or comment?
Please notify me immediately via e-mail. I try to run a clean, economical, quiet, well maintained place for you to crash, but there is always room for improvement. All input (good and not so good) is appreciated. Please do not post a message at property, as it may be awhile before I view it.
I have strived to anticipate all your questions. But, if you still have questions, please email