From the dorms to an Apartment
Found a nifty article.
From the Dorms to an Apartment
Roxana Hadad
Fed up with sharing your bathroom and eating cafeteria food? Maybe it's time to move into your own apartment. But before you start packing, learn what you can about the big move.
Finding an Apartment
The good ol' days when the university residence hall association found available housing for you are no more. Finding an apartment takes research and time. Be on the lookout for ads placed by landlords, sublet announcements or "roommate wanted" notices. Look in the classified section of your local or college paper and check the off-campus housing office and Web page. Talk to your friends and classmates, too-they might know of some great open spots.
Rent and Amenities
How much you pay in rent depends a lot on where the apartment is located. Apartments that are closer to campus or near the most active streets are generally pricier than those that are farther from campus or the downtown area.
Find out what is included with the rent. Sometimes garages, parking and storage spaces are included with the advertised price; a lot of times they're additional. For places that are advertised as 'furnished,' find out what furniture specifically comes with the apartment. Also check to see if appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) are included, and if laundry facilities are provided in the building.
Decide whether you want to look for roommates. Living by yourself gives you more freedom, but paying for everything on your own can be expensive.
Leases
When it comes to leases, be sure to read the fine print! Discuss the contract with the landlord and make sure everything you agree to is in writing. Be sure to ask:
* Is the lease for an academic or a calendar year? If it is a 12-month contract, can you sublet the apartment in the summer?
* Is there a charge for each additional person living in the apartment?
* What happens if you break the lease? Is there a fine?
If your campus or community has a tenant union, have them look at the lease before you sign it.
Security Deposit
Security deposits range from $100 to a full-month's rent. If you have a roommate, each of you will probably be charged separately. At the end of your lease, your deposit will be returned or used to pay for any damages to the place you were renting.
Review all of the policies regarding security deposit return. Find out what you need to do to be sure you get your deposit back (as well as what would lose you your deposit!).
If you have a pet, you may also be charged a pet deposit, which can range anywhere from $50 to $300 and is not always refundable.
Utilities
Rent often includes heat and water, but not always, so be sure to ask. If it's not included, you could spend from $15 to $50 a month (depending on the climate).
Almost always, you're the one who has to pay the electricity. This bill will go up during the months you use air conditioners and will be affected by appliance use. And don't forget to include any hook-up fees required at the start of your service.
Also remember to figure in the cost of things like Internet access, cable television and telephone lines.
Food
The cafeteria food might have been hurting your stomach, but a new gourmet lifestyle could hurt your wallet. When using your new kitchen, try to budget your shopping lists and develop your cooking skills. Using pre-packaged foods and eating out can get expensive.
Renter's Insurance
Don't think nothing will happen, because it will! Renter's insurance covers the cost of your possessions if disaster strikes. The $100 to $250 you'll spend annually will be worth it.
Transportation
Living farther from campus might mean cheaper rent, but when you add in transportation costs, the cheaper apartment could be the more expensive choice.
Owning a car can be the most expensive way to get around. Factor in registration fees, city taxes, insurance and permit fees. Check into costs for parking on campus as well.
Public transportation can also add up. The $1.50 or so for the train or bus amounts to about $45 a month and nearly $300 a year.
If you're not that far from campus, walking can cut down transportation costs. But remember to consider the weather, the safety of your neighborhood and your class schedule (are you taking night classes?) when budgeting how much money you'll need for public transportation.
There's a lot to think about when moving into an apartment. But plan it out right, and you'll be on your way to life on your own.
Know Your Renter's Rights and Rest Easy
Bridget Kulla
Don’t lose the security deposit on your apartment or get evicted because you weren’t familiar with your rights and responsibilities. It pays to know your renter’s rights.
Your Lease
Your lease is a binding contract. If you are familiar with the terms of your lease and what the law requires of you and your landlord, you can avoid problems. Fail to abide by the terms of your lease and you’ll form a bad tenant history which will make it difficult to rent in the future.
Security Deposits
A security deposit is a payment made to your landlord when you move in to ensure that your rent will be paid and other responsibilities of your lease are upheld. Some states limit the amount landlords can ask for in a security deposit. Check local rent control regulations for other rent or deposit limits.
Most states hold strict guidelines as to when and how to return security deposits. Landlords are usually required to return your deposit 14 to 30 days after you move out. Some states require landlords to pay back your security deposit with interest.
Tenants are not responsible for normal wear and tear, like small nail holes or faded paint. Your landlord can keep all or part of the deposit to cover costs of unpaid rent or excessive damage, like broken windows. Usually your landlord will have to provide a list of damages, the repairs needed to fix them, and written evidence, such as invoices or bills, indicating the costs. If repair expenses exceed your security deposit, your landlord can sue you for the additional costs. Your landlord must return the balance of the deposit once all repairs have been made.
Making an Apartment Inventory
It’s smart to make a thorough inventory of your unit when you move in. Inspect your apartment carefully, specifically noting any damage. Don’t forget to check things like water pressure and appliances. If possible, make this inventory with your landlord and both sign it.
Photos and videos are good additions. Write the date on the photos or videos and give your landlord copies. This way when you move out there will be no disputes about the condition of the unit when you rented it.
Some states require landlords to provide move-in statements detailing the condition of the apartment when you moved in, including any preexisting damage. Even if you live in a state that requires move-in statements, you should still create your own inventory.
Renter’s Rights
Knowing your rights as a tenant will help you avoid problems down the road. Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, familial status, and physical or mental disability. States and cities often prohibit discrimination based on marital status and sexual orientation as well.
Some of your rights that are protected by federal law include:
* A landlord cannot end a tenancy for discriminatory reasons.
* A landlord cannot harass you-this includes locking you out or turning off your utilities.
* You have the right to a habitable premises-this means that your unit cannot have unsafe conditions like holes in the floor or bad wiring, and it must be free of gross infestations of vermin like cockroaches and mice. You landlord must ensure the water, electricity and heat work. Conditions that make your apartment uninhabitable must be fixed by your landlord.
* You have the right to privacy-your landlord cannot come into your apartment without prior notice unless there is an emergency, like a fire.
Laws differ from state to state and city to city, so become familiar with local laws. To avoid misunderstandings with your landlord, get all of your correspondence in writing. If you feel your rights are being violated, contact a local renter’s rights advocate for assistance.
You can get out of your lease if your landlord has seriously violated your renter’s rights or broken the terms of the lease. To legally get out of your lease or have a portion of your rent returned, you must have thorough documentation of your landlord’s negligence and your attempts to have them resolve the problem. Be careful-if you break a lease without good cause, you will still be responsible for paying rent.
Eviction
A bad relationship with your landlord could end in eviction. Tenants are evicted if they don’t pay rent, but landlords may also evict if lease terms have been violated, if tenants create a health or safety hazard, or if there is a personality dispute between landlord and tenant. It may sound like your landlord can kick you out at their whim, but detailed state laws outline the requirements for ending a tenancy.
Before a landlord can evict you, your tenancy must be officially terminated. This typically means giving you written notice explaining why you are being evicted. If you do not move or fix the violation, your landlord can sue to evict you. You can file a counter-claim if your apartment is uninhabitable or the landlord is otherwise violating your rights. Be prepared to provide proof of your complaints and of your previous efforts to have your landlord correct them.
If you have not left rent unpaid or violated the lease, your landlord can still give you a move-out notice. Your landlord does not need to provide a reason to end a rental agreement, but they must give you 30- or 60-days notice.
From the Dorms to an Apartment
Roxana Hadad
Fed up with sharing your bathroom and eating cafeteria food? Maybe it's time to move into your own apartment. But before you start packing, learn what you can about the big move.
Finding an Apartment
The good ol' days when the university residence hall association found available housing for you are no more. Finding an apartment takes research and time. Be on the lookout for ads placed by landlords, sublet announcements or "roommate wanted" notices. Look in the classified section of your local or college paper and check the off-campus housing office and Web page. Talk to your friends and classmates, too-they might know of some great open spots.
Rent and Amenities
How much you pay in rent depends a lot on where the apartment is located. Apartments that are closer to campus or near the most active streets are generally pricier than those that are farther from campus or the downtown area.
Find out what is included with the rent. Sometimes garages, parking and storage spaces are included with the advertised price; a lot of times they're additional. For places that are advertised as 'furnished,' find out what furniture specifically comes with the apartment. Also check to see if appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.) are included, and if laundry facilities are provided in the building.
Decide whether you want to look for roommates. Living by yourself gives you more freedom, but paying for everything on your own can be expensive.
Leases
When it comes to leases, be sure to read the fine print! Discuss the contract with the landlord and make sure everything you agree to is in writing. Be sure to ask:
* Is the lease for an academic or a calendar year? If it is a 12-month contract, can you sublet the apartment in the summer?
* Is there a charge for each additional person living in the apartment?
* What happens if you break the lease? Is there a fine?
If your campus or community has a tenant union, have them look at the lease before you sign it.
Security Deposit
Security deposits range from $100 to a full-month's rent. If you have a roommate, each of you will probably be charged separately. At the end of your lease, your deposit will be returned or used to pay for any damages to the place you were renting.
Review all of the policies regarding security deposit return. Find out what you need to do to be sure you get your deposit back (as well as what would lose you your deposit!).
If you have a pet, you may also be charged a pet deposit, which can range anywhere from $50 to $300 and is not always refundable.
Utilities
Rent often includes heat and water, but not always, so be sure to ask. If it's not included, you could spend from $15 to $50 a month (depending on the climate).
Almost always, you're the one who has to pay the electricity. This bill will go up during the months you use air conditioners and will be affected by appliance use. And don't forget to include any hook-up fees required at the start of your service.
Also remember to figure in the cost of things like Internet access, cable television and telephone lines.
Food
The cafeteria food might have been hurting your stomach, but a new gourmet lifestyle could hurt your wallet. When using your new kitchen, try to budget your shopping lists and develop your cooking skills. Using pre-packaged foods and eating out can get expensive.
Renter's Insurance
Don't think nothing will happen, because it will! Renter's insurance covers the cost of your possessions if disaster strikes. The $100 to $250 you'll spend annually will be worth it.
Transportation
Living farther from campus might mean cheaper rent, but when you add in transportation costs, the cheaper apartment could be the more expensive choice.
Owning a car can be the most expensive way to get around. Factor in registration fees, city taxes, insurance and permit fees. Check into costs for parking on campus as well.
Public transportation can also add up. The $1.50 or so for the train or bus amounts to about $45 a month and nearly $300 a year.
If you're not that far from campus, walking can cut down transportation costs. But remember to consider the weather, the safety of your neighborhood and your class schedule (are you taking night classes?) when budgeting how much money you'll need for public transportation.
There's a lot to think about when moving into an apartment. But plan it out right, and you'll be on your way to life on your own.
Know Your Renter's Rights and Rest Easy
Bridget Kulla
Don’t lose the security deposit on your apartment or get evicted because you weren’t familiar with your rights and responsibilities. It pays to know your renter’s rights.
Your Lease
Your lease is a binding contract. If you are familiar with the terms of your lease and what the law requires of you and your landlord, you can avoid problems. Fail to abide by the terms of your lease and you’ll form a bad tenant history which will make it difficult to rent in the future.
Security Deposits
A security deposit is a payment made to your landlord when you move in to ensure that your rent will be paid and other responsibilities of your lease are upheld. Some states limit the amount landlords can ask for in a security deposit. Check local rent control regulations for other rent or deposit limits.
Most states hold strict guidelines as to when and how to return security deposits. Landlords are usually required to return your deposit 14 to 30 days after you move out. Some states require landlords to pay back your security deposit with interest.
Tenants are not responsible for normal wear and tear, like small nail holes or faded paint. Your landlord can keep all or part of the deposit to cover costs of unpaid rent or excessive damage, like broken windows. Usually your landlord will have to provide a list of damages, the repairs needed to fix them, and written evidence, such as invoices or bills, indicating the costs. If repair expenses exceed your security deposit, your landlord can sue you for the additional costs. Your landlord must return the balance of the deposit once all repairs have been made.
Making an Apartment Inventory
It’s smart to make a thorough inventory of your unit when you move in. Inspect your apartment carefully, specifically noting any damage. Don’t forget to check things like water pressure and appliances. If possible, make this inventory with your landlord and both sign it.
Photos and videos are good additions. Write the date on the photos or videos and give your landlord copies. This way when you move out there will be no disputes about the condition of the unit when you rented it.
Some states require landlords to provide move-in statements detailing the condition of the apartment when you moved in, including any preexisting damage. Even if you live in a state that requires move-in statements, you should still create your own inventory.
Renter’s Rights
Knowing your rights as a tenant will help you avoid problems down the road. Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, familial status, and physical or mental disability. States and cities often prohibit discrimination based on marital status and sexual orientation as well.
Some of your rights that are protected by federal law include:
* A landlord cannot end a tenancy for discriminatory reasons.
* A landlord cannot harass you-this includes locking you out or turning off your utilities.
* You have the right to a habitable premises-this means that your unit cannot have unsafe conditions like holes in the floor or bad wiring, and it must be free of gross infestations of vermin like cockroaches and mice. You landlord must ensure the water, electricity and heat work. Conditions that make your apartment uninhabitable must be fixed by your landlord.
* You have the right to privacy-your landlord cannot come into your apartment without prior notice unless there is an emergency, like a fire.
Laws differ from state to state and city to city, so become familiar with local laws. To avoid misunderstandings with your landlord, get all of your correspondence in writing. If you feel your rights are being violated, contact a local renter’s rights advocate for assistance.
You can get out of your lease if your landlord has seriously violated your renter’s rights or broken the terms of the lease. To legally get out of your lease or have a portion of your rent returned, you must have thorough documentation of your landlord’s negligence and your attempts to have them resolve the problem. Be careful-if you break a lease without good cause, you will still be responsible for paying rent.
Eviction
A bad relationship with your landlord could end in eviction. Tenants are evicted if they don’t pay rent, but landlords may also evict if lease terms have been violated, if tenants create a health or safety hazard, or if there is a personality dispute between landlord and tenant. It may sound like your landlord can kick you out at their whim, but detailed state laws outline the requirements for ending a tenancy.
Before a landlord can evict you, your tenancy must be officially terminated. This typically means giving you written notice explaining why you are being evicted. If you do not move or fix the violation, your landlord can sue to evict you. You can file a counter-claim if your apartment is uninhabitable or the landlord is otherwise violating your rights. Be prepared to provide proof of your complaints and of your previous efforts to have your landlord correct them.
If you have not left rent unpaid or violated the lease, your landlord can still give you a move-out notice. Your landlord does not need to provide a reason to end a rental agreement, but they must give you 30- or 60-days notice.