Pickwick Square mutual homes is a housing cooperative that was established in 1970. We are an equal housing opportunity provider with 233 townhomes that sit on 17 acres of land. The community has a mix of seasoned and young tenants. Our members enjoy off-street parking privileges for themselves and their visitors. Our development is strategically located close to the Metro, shopping and local schools. This is a great opportunity to introduce you to our mascot. He's a friendly ice cream cone, affectionately called PW Scoop.
We have 233 units of varying sizes and amenities ranging from 1 to 4 bedroom units with a basement. The monthly carrying charge for these units is between $1,000 and $1,350. The detailed ranges are:
All units come standard with a stove, refrigerator, garbage disposal and gas furnace.
Some units have non-standard features that were installed by a previous member such as central air, washer & dryer, dishwasher. Since the non-standard features were not installed by Pickwick, Pickwick is not responsible for maintaining them. See Occupancy Agreement Article 10 & 11.
All units have Pre-Approved reserved off-street parking for members only and limited parking for visitors.
Pickwick Square's administrative duties are managed by an office staff of four. Consisting of a Site Manager, Assistant Site Manager, Maintenance Coordinator and an Accounts Receivable Clerk. The ongoing physical operations of each unit is maintained by four full-time maintenance technicians and a broad group of skilled contractors that are used for specialized task.
Unit Maintenance - Pickwick Square has an infrastructure that's over 50 years old. This infrastructure is maintained through annual inspections (See Occupancy Agreement Article 15) as well as specific request made for repairs by it's members. Since non-standard alteration are allowed with the approval from the board, some repairs will be the member's responsibility. See Occupancy Agreement Article 10.
Security - We have a security contract with "Federal Protective Services". Their telephone number to dispatch is 240-524-3414. They are on the premises daily from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. If you have a security need while they are on premises, feel free to give them a call.
Trash Pickup - The cleanliness of the property is maintained by having three trash pickup dates. Trash is collected by "Bowie Trash" every Monday, Wednesday and Friday except on some holidays.
Parking Enforcement - Parking regulations are enforced by "RPM Towing". All vehicles that do not comply with parking rules will be towed at the owners expense. See parking and towing section for more details.
Pest Control - We have contracted with "To the End" Pest Control. They will visit the property twice per week to address any pest issues. New visits will take place on Monday's with a follow-up visit conducted on Thursday of the same week. Pest control must be coordinated through the main office.
Dog Waste - Members are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and appropriately discarding of the waste. If you see a member that's not picking up after their pet, please notify the main office immediately.
Grounds Maintenance - Upkeep of the common areas for lawn & shrub maintenance is performed by "Branchview Lawn Care". During the growing season, service is scheduled for every 10-14 days if the weather permits.
Currently there are no vacancies. However, we do have a waiting list. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, visit the office to pick up an application. Once the application is completed and the $65 application fee is paid, you will receive an approval letter and will be placed on the waiting list. We will then obtain a background check, verify your income, review your credit report/score and payment histories. After approval, the general next steps are:
See Occupancy Agreement for details
Practice "Good Neighbor" Policy. (See Occupancy Agreement Article 5)
Paying Carrying Charge on time. (See Occupancy Agreement Article 16)
Report suspicious activity, especially if you notice a pattern. (See Occupancy Agreement Articles 4 & 5)
Upkeep of areas inside and outside your unit. (See Occupancy Agreement Articles 4 & 15)
Don't store Trash in the front yard (See Occupancy Agreement Article 15)
Use premises for Residential purposes only. (See Occupancy Agreement Article 4)
Utilities - Member is responsible for electricity and gas. (See Occupancy Agreement Article 9)
When it snows, member is responsible for salting and clearing their walkway and parking space.
New dogs are no longer allowed effective 7/17/2025.
If you currently have a dog you must pick up after it or be fined.
Effective July 17, 2025, the board has decided that dogs or cats of any size are no longer allowed. If you have obtained a dog after this date you can not keep it and continue to live on the property. If you currently have a permitted pet you must pickup after it. If you notice a member not picking up after their pet, please report it to the main office as soon as possible.
We have a big problem with feral cats. Please do not feed your cats outside of your home. Leaving food outside attracts more cats plus mice. If you see someone leaving food outside, notify the main office promptly.
The cleanliness of the property is maintained by having three trash pickup dates per week. Trash is collected by "Bowie Trash" every Monday, Wednesday and Friday except on some holidays. Bulk trash pick-up is every Wednesday. Trash cans must not be stored in a member's front yard.
We have contracted with "To the End" Pest Control to service our property. They will visit the property twice per week to address any pest issues. New visits will take place on Monday's with a follow-up visit conducted on Thursday of the same week. Pest control must be coordinated through the main office.
We have a security contract with "Federal Protective Services". The current security schedule is as follows:
The dispatch number for security is 240-524-3414.
We have a towing contract with "RPM Towing". They are to tow any vehicle that's out of compliance with the rules and regulations set by the board. Members must have a current parking permit hang tag clearly visible to prevent towing. If your vehicle is inoperable or has no tags or expired tags, it is subject to be towed. The contact number for "RPM Towing" is 301-403-8904.
Upkeep of the common areas for lawn & shrub maintenance is performed by "Branchview Lawn Care". During the growing season, service is performed every 10-14 days if the weather permits.
What should I do if I have a complaint about another member?
See Occupancy Agreement Article 5. We have a "Good Neighbor" policy. As such, we expect members to get along and work directly with each other to resolve any differences, especially in cases involving a single incident. If you can not resolve the situation and must get the main office involved you can file a complaint by sending us an email or contacting the main office via phone. We take every concern seriously and will work with you to remedy the situation, however multiple complaints will take priority. We recognize that some differences are just a matter of preference, however there are other situations that can have a profound effect on the property and it's members, such as loitering, dumping, excessive dog barking and dog waste. Preserving the property and it's value is our top priority, followed closely by member satisfaction.
What should I do if I smell gas (natural gas smells like rotten eggs or sulfur)?
A gas leak is a very dangerous situation. Do not turn on any appliances. If you smell gas during regular business hours immediately call the main office. If you smell gas after normal business hours immediately call 911 and then call theWashington Gas Company Emergency Leak Lineat 844-WASHGAS (927-4427), the last step is to call the main office for the answering service.
What is the Equity/Down Payment used for?
The Equity/Down Payment is like a security deposit that's reserved in an escrow account. When a member decides that they no longer want to be a part of the Co-op, a portion of the equity will be returned to the member. The amount returned is calculated based upon the original amount, minus the cost of what it takes for repairs and replacements to return the unit to the condition it was in prior to the member moving in.
What do my carrying charges pay for?
See Occupancy Agreement Article 1
Operating Expenses
Administrative Expenses
Property Taxes
Insurance
Utilities
Reserves
Repairs and Maintenance
Recovery of operating deficiencies approved by the board
Other expenses
How often should I expect my carrying charges to increase?
Carrying Charge are typically reviewed annually or as needed by the Board of Directors. Before approving any changes, the board will review all of the lettered items in Article 1 of the Occupancy Agreement to make sure we are on pace to collect enough money to cover current and future operating expenses. When carrying charges are not increased to keep pace with the rate of inflation, it severely limits what the board can spend for property maintenance and/or member request.
Can I make alterations or additions to my unit as long as I pay for them?
No, unless... See Occupancy Agreement Article 11. Alterations or additions must have written consent from the board before any work is performed. Unauthorized work must be returned to it's previous condition.
Who do I call if my car has been towed?
Call RPM Towing 301-403-8904. They will explain the infraction that caused your car to be towed.
What do I do if I have an emergency after normal business hours?
Call the main office. Your call will be picked up by an answering service for routing to the appropriate personnel. Emergencies include water leaks, loss of electricity, loss of heat. If you smell gas (gas smells like rotten eggs or sulfur) immediately call 911 and then call theWashington Gas Company Emergency Leak Lineat 844-WASHGAS (927-4427). Finally, report it to the main office so that we will have a record of it.
Does the Occupancy Agreement have to be renewed?
Yes, see the last paragraph of the cover page to the Occupancy Agreement as well as Article 3 and the Occupancy Agreement. The renewal period is every 3 years.
Can I move out of my unit and sublet it to someone else?
No, unless... According to the Occupancy Agreement Article 6 you must get approval by obtaining written consent from the Board of Directors. Any unauthorized subleasing will result in termination and forfeiture of the Member's rights.
What happens if a member dies?
See By-Laws
Is the Occupancy Agreement different from the By-Laws?
Yes, the Occupancy Agreement is for day to day operations of the development, whereas the By-Laws address more of the legal aspects of the co-op.
What kind of activities are not allowed on the property?
Occupancy Agreement
Revised 2024
Article 1. Monthly Carrying Charges and Down Payments...
Article 2. When Payment of Carrying Charges to Commence...
Article 3. Member's option to renew...
Article 4. Premises to be used for residential purposes only...
Article 5. Member's right to peaceable possession...
Article 6. No subletting without consent of corporation...
Article 7. Transfers...
Article 8. Management, Taxes and Insurance...
Article 9. Utilities...
Article 10. Repairs...
Article 11. Alterations and additions...
Article 12. Definition of default by member and effect thereof...
Article 13. Member to comply with all corporate regulations...
Article 14. Effect of fire loss on interest of members...
Article 15. Inspection of dwelling unit and property...
Article 16. Late charges and other costs in case of default...
Article 17. Notices...
Article 18. Oral representation not binding...
Article 19. Remedies...
Article 20. Pets (No pets 2025)...
Article 21. Nondiscrimination Policy...
Article 22. Agreement Validity ???
For a complete version of the Occupancy Agreement contact the front office using the contact us section of this page.
President - Joyce Ashworth
Vice President - Carolyn Gilmore
Secretary - Carolyn Owens
Treasurer - Detra Thomas
Member at Large - Latia Smith
This section is reserved for storing notices for members
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