SECURING
The Maximum Allowable Securing Fee is a maximum allowable for securing per property. Contractors should charge fair market value prices for securing up to the one-time securing fee maximum allowable and bid any work that could not be completed under this allowable.
Fair market value prices are listed below. If the prices in ML 97-31 are above the fair market value prices in a certain area, the 97-31 prices can be charged. These areas are listed below.
|
Locks |
$60 |
|
Padlocks |
$40 |
|
Slide/Barrel Bolts |
$25 |
|
Bracing Metal Door/Sliding Glass Door |
$20 |
|
Bracing Wood DoorOverhead Garage Door |
$10 |
Replacing Glass |
$0.75/united inch |
|
$20 | |
|
Repairing a Door Jamb |
$40-120 (Photos must support) |
|
Re-Hanging Door |
$75-125 (Photos must support) |
ML 97-31 Prices are Higher Than Fair Market Value Pricing in:
|
Albany, New York: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 371 |
|
Buffalo, New York: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 372 |
|
Camden, New Jersey: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 351 |
|
New York: Locks & Padlocks |
$100 |
County# 373 |
|
Slide Bolts |
$35 |
County# 373 |
New Jersey: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 352 |
|
Pennsylvania: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 441 |
|
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 442 |
|
Maryland: Padlocks |
$50 |
|
|
Alaska: Locks |
$75 |
|
|
Idaho: Locks |
$75 |
|
|
Oregon: Locks |
$75 |
|
|
Washington: Locks |
$75 |
|
|
Washington, D.C.: Padlocks |
$50 |
County# 081 |
|
West Virginia: Padlocks |
$50 |
|
The Lock Change/Securing Service cost schedule allows a “Maximum Allowable Securing Fee” which includes those costs required to secure windows and doors to prevent against unauthorized entry and to protect against weather damage. The “Maximum Allowable Securing Fee” includes the replacement of broken glass, unless the opening is to be boarded. Mortgagees may secure property without prior approval if the cost of securing does not exceed the “max allowable securing fee”. This should accelerate the securing of properties and reduce opportunities of vandalism. If the cost of securing property exceeds the maximum allowable securing fee, written approval from the M&M contractor is required for the costs in excess of the limit.
A separate cost schedule (see table that follows) has been created to reflect temporary measures to protect the interior of the property from damage caused by leaking roofs. These temporary repairs in the form of patchwork/covering or replacing loose shingles should be performed promptly. Mortgagees must document the temporary measures taken to protect the property. Before and after photographs accompanied by a detailed description of what actions were taken to secure the property shall be required to be maintained to support the reimbursement of the costs claimed.
Windows and doors must be secured to prevent unauthorized entry and to protect against weather damage. Broken glass should be replaced, unless the opening is to be boarded. In either case, broken glass must be removed. The locks on the front and rear entry doors must be replaced with master locks with identical key codes for both doors. Any other secondary entryway that provides immediate access to the living area, attached garage or basement area must be secured. Doors must not be braced or nailed shut unless otherwise specified below or the mortgagee will be held accountable for any damage caused by these practices. Sliding glass doors must be double locked. Detached garage doors and outbuildings must be secured with a padlock and hasp, and entrance gates to fences surrounding pools are to be secured with a padlock and chain when no lock is present. Two keys to all locks must be sent to the M&M contractor with Part A, Form-27011. Failure to conform to the above lock installation instructions will result in disallowing that portion of the claim for reimbursement. When applicable, unplug automatic garage door openers and secure garage doors. Garage doors should be left in such a condition as to allow for opening and closing without the use of the automatic garage door opener. Leave the remote key(s)/transmitter(s) in a kitchen counter drawer.
In some instances, temporary measures will be required to protect the interior of the property from damage caused by leaking roofs. These temporary repairs in the form of patchwork/covering or replacing loose shingles should be performed promptly. Mortgagees should document the temporary measures taken to protect the property.
If the re-securing of a property becomes necessary, the mortgagee must obtain prior approval to expend the additional funds to re-secure the property.
The mortgagee will take “before” and “after” photographs of all areas secured under the “Maximum Allowable Securing Fee”. All photographs must be dated. A maximum of eight photographs will be allowed for reimbursement. The photographs must be maintained in the mortgagee’s claim review file.
Fees for securing or winterizing swimming pools are NOT included in the MAXIMUM allowable limit per property. The costs for permits to drain pools/spas by local governments are included in the maximum limit and will be reimbursed based on the actual cost incurred. Prior written approval from the M&M contractor is required for securing or winterizing pools unless noted otherwise below. Before and after photographs are required.