Where to Begin—A Guide to Off-Campus Living
Move-in/Move-out
Here are some tips and hints to help you get moved in, protect your security deposit, and organize your new place before the first blow-out of the new school year.
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First -- read your lease (yes, again) and know when you are expected to move in. Even if you have permission to move in late, your landlord will want the rent paid. One of the worst things you can do to start off a new lease with a new landlord is to be late with your first month’s rent!
Second -- make sure you have a place to move in to! Confirm with your landlord that any repairs or remodeling will be completed by your move-in date and that the current tenants will be moved out. It’s much easier to call ahead than to try and find temporary storage for all your stuff.
Pre-arrange to have all the utilities put in your name. Typically, a standard lease requires that you do this within three to 10 days after you move in. However, it may take up to two weeks to get a new phone installed. If you plan ahead, many of the utility companies may be able to schedule a transfer of the account ahead of time. Also, get your free CU Internet account set up -- call ITS at 303-735-4357.
Arrange a time to go through your house or apartment before the official check-in and walk through with your landlord. This will give you time to really scour the premises, take note of anything damaged, and take pictures of the place without having the watchful eyes of your landlord following your every move.
When you do have your check-in walk-through, don't be shy! Make thorough notes of everything. Take pictures and video of the whole place, and give copies to your landlord. It’s simply the best way to preserve your security deposit -- period.
Talk to your roommates and sign a roommate agreement. It doesn’t matter how great your roommate(s) may be, it’s always best to get in writing things like the division of the security deposit, responsibilities for paying bills and doing household chores, whether you want to share food, and what happens when someone is late paying rent. Agreeing beforehand will save a lot of grief (and friendships!).
Finally, schmooze your neighbors and your landlord. Go out of your way to say hello to your neighbors -- get to know them and let them get to know you. Do something nice for your neighbors within the first week or so -- like take a pizza or cookies over, invite them to a party, or offer to shovel their walk. It’s one of the best ways to avoid neighbor complaints later in the year.