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Security

Security is for the safety and security of the residents at Zeta House.

Physical Security​

Precautions​

  • Keep your belongings secure by keeping them either with you, or putting them in your room and locking the room and windows.
  • Lock doors and windows to your room when leaving, even for short periods. Keep the code to your room door secure. It should only be known to the Community Manager and Property Manager.
  • Keep codes to the house keyboxes secure; do not share them with non-residents, all guests have to be accompanied by a resident. When entering or leaving the house, lock the multi-point lock1. These locks do not automatically lock, and do not leave them unlocked for the safety of yourself and other residents.
  • When entering or leaving the property boundaries, close the gates. Do not leave the gates open. The east gate's sliding bolt should be closed. However the south gate's sliding bolt should be kept open for packages. In the case of physical danger outside the property, if you are in the position to, close the sliding bolts to all gates, and shelter in place.
  • Make use of existing surveillance by being aware of camera locations and ensuring they are not obstructed.
  • Regularly inspect for potential vandalism.
  • Be cautious and aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving the property.
  • Do not physically confront potentially violent people. Make distance.
  • Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers, including 911 and the Community Manager's details.
  • If you see anything suspicious in the local area, alert the community manager or contact local law enforcement.
  • Participate in community safety drills and stay informed about security procedures and protocols.

Fire​

There are smoke detectors2 installed at the house. They are powered by mains and have backup batteries. These batteries are changed every year by the Community Manager.

If you see a small fire, make use of the 2 fire extinguishers installed. There is one in the kitchen next to the laundry. There is one in the office next to the cabinets. After dealing with the fire, alert the community manager with photos.

If you see a large fire, do not attempt to extinguish it yourself. Evacuate the building immediately to the opposite side of East 2nd Street and Navasota St and call 911 from a safe location.

Break-Ins & Burglary (Theft of Property)​

Zeta House has cameras installed externally in every direction. These cameras are recording 24/7, however they are not monitored. The cameras can provide evidence and early warning of break-ins.

If someone is breaking-in to the premises, do not confront the person. Move to a safe location away from windows and doors and barricade or lock the door. Call 911 and provide your location to the operator. Alert the community manager with any evidence.

If you discover a break-in after the incident has occurred, document any stolen items and alert the Community Manager with any evidence. The Community Manager will investigate the incident and report to the authorities.

Vandalism (Damage to Property)​

Zeta House has cameras installed externally in every direction. These cameras are recording 24/7, however they are not monitored. The cameras can provide evidence and early warning of vandalism.

If you see someone committing vandalism from outside the property boundaries, secure the gates and the entry doors, call 911 and alert the community manager with any evidence collected.

If someone is committing vandalism within the property, do not confront the individual. Collect evidence, call 911 and alert the community manager with any evidence collected.

If you discover vandalism after the incident has occurred, document any damage, and alert the Community Manager.

Harm (Damage to People)​

Zeta House has cameras installed externally in every direction. These cameras are recording 24/7, however they are not monitored. The cameras can provide evidence and early warning of harm.

Zeta House has a first-aid kit in a cabinet next to the laundry. It is above the rubbish bins. This first-aid kit can be used for treating any minor injuries.

If you are being attacked, attempt seek a safe location either inside the building or away from the building to avoid injury. Call 911 immediately and alert the Community Manager immediately with details of the incident.

If you witness someone else being attacked, try to help the victim to a safe location either inside the building or away from the building to avoid injury. Call 911 immediately and alert the Community Manager with details of the incident.

If you are a victim of harm, seek immediate medical attention and call 911 and report the incident to the Community Manager.

If someone has to be transported via ambulance, they will most likely be sent to Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas at 1500 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701.

Health (Illness)​

Zeta House has a first-aid kit in a cabinet next to the laundry. It is above the rubbish bins. This first-aid kit can be used for treating any minor injuries.

For life-saving trauma care, call 911 and alert the Community Manager.

For non-emergency situations, make use of your in-network clinic. If you don't have health insurance, we recommend using UT Health Austin at Health Transformation Building, 1601 Trinity St Building A, Austin, TX 78712, United States. This clinic will take walk-ins, and is relatively affordable.

For infectious diseases, please isolate and alert the Community Manager. The Community Manager will be distributing health equipment and supplies to all residents to help reduce contamination.

Harassment​

Zeta House has zero tolerance for harassment between residents. Harassment includes any behavior that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living environment for other residents.

If you experience or witness harassment from another resident:

  • Document all incidents, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of what occurred
  • Gather evidence such as screenshots of messages, emails, recordings, or photos where applicable
  • Maintain your personal boundaries and avoid escalating the situation
  • Alert the Community Manager with your documentation and evidence
  • The Community Manager will investigate the incident and take appropriate action according to house policies
  • In cases of severe harassment, the Community Manager may involve law enforcement or initiate lease termination procedures
  • If you feel in immediate danger, secure yourself in a safe location and call 911 before contacting the Community Manager

Zeta House has security cameras installed externally that may provide additional evidence in cases of harassment. Report any concerns about harassment promptly to ensure a safe and respectful living environment for all residents.

Residents can access the Texas Sex Offender Registry online at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website: https://sor.dps.texas.gov/.

Zeta House is not responsible for the resident's personal safety nor personal security. Zeta House also does not guarantee the effectiveness of security devices3.

Firearms​

Tenants who lawfully own firearms4 are permitted to bring them onto the property, provided they comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Texas state firearm regulations.

Firearms must be stored securely in a locked container or gun safe at all times while on the Premises. Firearms may not be left unattended in common areas, shared spaces, or vehicles parked on the property

Ammunition must also be stored in a separate locked container to minimize risks.

The use, display, or carrying of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other dangerous weapons is strictly prohibited in shared spaces, common areas, and outdoor facilities of Zeta House.

Open carry or concealed carry of firearms is prohibited in all shared areas, including the kitchen, living areas, bathrooms, and coworking spaces.

Lost/Missing Possessions​

If you find that you are missing possessions or lost items. Please provide evidence of this item existing originally, evidence of where it was last placed and alert the Community Manager. We will do our best to locate this item, however Zeta House does not insure any of your personal belongings.

Before you end your lease, please ensure that you have removed all of your of your personal belongings, and cleared perishable items from the fridge and elsewhere.

If you leave items at Zeta House after you end your lease, your items will be held for a maximum of 60 days5. The Community Manager will notify you about your items left over. If you want to claim your items and have them delivered to you, a delivery & handling fee will be charged based on the size, amount and weight of items.

Information and Network Security​

WiFi and Network​

Zeta House's network for residents is secured over WPA3. The WiFi network password can only be shared between residents and guests of residents. Do not provide the password to anyone outside. Doing so, may expose Zeta House's network to attackers.

The internet at Zeta House is shared among the residents. Any abuse of the network will be investigated. Otherwise communications on the network will be kept private.

Recording Laws​

Texas is a "one-party consent" state under Texas Penal Code § 16.02 (Unlawful Interception of Communications). This means:

  • Only one party to a conversation needs to consent to the recording for it to be legal.
  • If you are participating in the conversation, you can legally record it without informing other participants.
  • This applies to both audio recordings and video recordings that capture audio.
  • You cannot record conversations that you are not a part of without the consent of at least one participant.
  • This one-party consent rule applies to in-person conversations as well as phone calls, video calls, and other electronic communications.

For Zeta House residents:

  • You may record conversations in which you are participating without notifying other parties.
  • Recording conversations to which you are not a party (eavesdropping) is illegal without the consent of at least one participant.
  • When using recording devices in common areas, be mindful of others' reasonable expectations of privacy.
  • Video recording in public spaces is generally permitted, but audio recording must follow one-party consent rules.

Be aware that while recording may be legal under Texas law, using recordings for harassment, blackmail, or other malicious purposes may violate other laws and Zeta House policies.

Contact Information​

Operational Staff​

  • Contact the Community Manager on the designated WhatsApp group or directly for information about the day to day operations.
  • Contact the Property Manager on the designated WhatsApp group or directly for information about the property and/or policies.

Emergency Services (911)​

  • For any immediate threats to safety, health, or life, call 911 immediately.
  • Utilize 911 for emergencies such as fires, serious injuries, or immediate security threats.
  • Provide the operator with clear, concise information, including your address at Zeta House.

Footnotes​

  1. Security Device Requirements (Texas Property Code § 92.153-92.165): ↩

  2. Smoke Detector Compliance (§ 92.252-92.263): ↩

  3. Texas Property Code § 92.205 (Landlord Liability Limitations): ↩

  4. Crime Prevention (Texas Penal Code § 46.035): ↩

  5. Abandoned Property (§ 93.011-93.013) ↩