Welcome to the Independence Square Townhouses Frequently Asked Questions page!
We understand that cooperative membership comes with questions, and we’re here to help. Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about membership, community policies, maintenance, and everyday living at Independence Square Townhouses.
If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact the management office. Our team at FirstService Residential is happy to assist you and help keep our community informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a housing cooperative?
A housing cooperative is a community where members purchase a membership in the cooperative corporation rather than owning an individual townhouse. Members have the right to occupy their assigned home under an Occupancy Agreement and share in the responsibility of maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well-managed community.
2. Isn’t Independence Square Townhouses just like an apartment complex?
No. While our townhouses may look similar to rental homes, Independence Square Townhouses is a housing cooperative. Rather than paying rent to a landlord, members purchase a membership in the cooperative and pay monthly carrying charges that help cover the community’s operating expenses, maintenance, and other shared costs. Members also have a voice in their community through cooperative governance.
3. Do I own my townhouse?
As a member of Independence Square Townhouses, you own a membership interest in the cooperative corporation rather than the individual townhouse. Your membership and Occupancy Agreement provide you with the right to live in your assigned home, provided you remain in good standing and comply with the cooperative’s governing documents.
4. Is there a fee I have to pay to move in?
Yes. Becoming a member of Independence Square Townhouses involves a one-time membership purchase fee of $150, along with applicable application and screening fees.
At move-in, members are responsible for the agreed-upon equity amount for their townhouse and any prorated monthly carrying charges. Equity amounts vary depending on the townhouse.
For a complete breakdown of membership fees and current equity amounts, please visit our Member Fees & Availability page.
5. What is my monthly payment?
Members pay monthly carrying charges rather than traditional rent. These payments help cover the cooperative’s operating expenses, property maintenance, insurance, and other shared community costs.
Monthly carrying charges vary depending on the townhouse. For information about current charges, please contact the management office or visit our Member Fees & Availability page.
6. Can I purchase a membership and let family or friends live there?
Memberships are intended for individuals who will personally occupy their assigned townhouse. Members may not purchase a membership solely to allow family members, friends, or other individuals to occupy the home in their place.
All occupancy arrangements must comply with the cooperative’s Occupancy Agreement, Bylaws, and Rules We Live By. Please contact the management office with questions about authorized occupants.
7. Are water and sewer included in my monthly payment?
Water and sewer services are included in the monthly carrying charges. Members are responsible for any separately billed utilities applicable to their townhouse.
Please contact the management office if you have questions about utility responsibilities.
8. Who is responsible for maintenance?
Independence Square Townhouses provides maintenance services for items that fall under the cooperative’s responsibility. Members are responsible for maintaining their homes in accordance with the Occupancy Agreement and community rules.
Members should submit maintenance requests through the FirstService Residential CONNECT resident portal or contact the management office for assistance.
9. When are furnace filters changed?
Furnace filters are replaced as part of the cooperative’s scheduled preventive maintenance program.
Members should ensure maintenance staff can access the equipment when service is scheduled. If you believe your furnace filter needs attention before its scheduled replacement, please submit a maintenance request.
10. Will maintenance replace my light bulbs?
Yes. Our maintenance team will replace exterior porch light bulbs at no charge to members.
Interior light bulb replacements may also be requested through the management office or the FirstService Residential CONNECT portal. Please contact the office for information about any applicable charges.
11. When must holiday lights be taken down?
Holiday decorations and exterior lighting must comply with the cooperative’s Rules We Live By.
Please refer to the current community rules for the required removal dates or contact the management office for clarification.
12. How are after-hours emergency maintenance calls processed?
Independence Square Townhouses provides after-hours emergency maintenance assistance for situations requiring immediate attention to protect residents or prevent significant property damage.
For an after-hours maintenance emergency, please call 816-304-7320.
Routine maintenance requests should be submitted through the FirstService Residential CONNECT portal or reported to the management office during regular business hours.
For police, fire, or medical emergencies, call 911.
13. What are the lockout charges?
Members who are locked out of their townhouse should contact the management office during regular business hours for assistance.
For after-hours lockouts, please contact the emergency maintenance number at 816-304-7320 to determine whether assistance is available.
Any applicable lockout charges will be assessed according to the cooperative’s current fee schedule.