8 things your student should know before moving into a new off-campus residence

Is your student moving into a new residence off campus soon? Here are some key tips for a successful move from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR).

Fill out an apartment condition sheet

When your student moves into a new apartment, encourage them to complete an apartment condition sheet. Their landlord should provide them with an apartment condition form, but if not, they can use our check-in/check-out sheet. Suggest that they complete this and take photos before they move in their belongings to document the condition of the apartment. This is the best way to ensure your student gets their security deposit back when it’s time to move out and prove they didn't cause any pre-existing damage.

Complete a roommate agreement

By completing a roommate agreement, your student can avoid several common disputes. Encourage them to use this sample roommate agreement form. The agreement can cover things like quiet times, pets, parties and overnight guests. This is an agreement that all roommates should sign. Your student can also get free legal advice if they have questions about their rights when living with roommates.

Set up utilities

Encourage your student to check with their landlord and review their lease to see what utilities they are responsible for. This includes things like electricity, water, trash, cable and internet. They should consider what utilities may need to be in their name while living at the property. If your student plans on living with roommates, they should agree on who will pay for what utilities and how the costs will be divided.

Consider purchasing renters insurance

Renters insurance helps protect your student’s belongings and residence. It is not expensive; it can be as low as $10 a month and can save money in the long run. Renters insurance helps protect your student from having to pay to replace damaged property. If your student does purchase renters insurance, encourage them to take a quick video of their apartment once they are moved in. They should open all of the closets, draws, cabinets, etc. to document the condition. This way your student has a file ready to go if something does happen and they need to file a claim with their insurance. 

Complete check-in steps

Some landlords may have documents your student needs to turn in by a certain day, or they may need to see proof that utilities have been set up. Encourage your student to check their lease or with their landlord to understand what they need to do by when to correctly check in to their new residence. This can include things like setting up renters insurance and turning in check-in sheets. 

Sign up for a lease review

Suggest that your student sign up for a lease review with our lawyer, Bruce Sarbaugh. Before they move in, they can bring in their lease before they sign it to make sure everything looks correct. Leases are complicated legal documents that can be difficult to navigate. It’s important that your student reads their lease closely and understands the details of what they have signed. If they have questions or something seems confusing, Bruce can help your student understand their lease.

Know city ordinances

Your student should be aware of city ordinances when they move to a residence in Boulder. By knowing these ordinances, your student can avoid large fines. For example, the use and possession of fireworks in Boulder is illegal. Encourage your student to also go over ordinances with any roommates before signing a roommate agreement, as they can be fined for something a roommate does.

Download the OCHNR Move-In Kit

Encourage your student to check out our Move-In Kit and download documents that will be helpful for living in their new residence, including contact cards to give to their neighbors. This kit is designed to help your student more smoothly join their neighborhood community and be successful with their move-in. 

Visit the OCHNR website for more resources and advice.