Off-Campus Housing

A lease is a legally binding CONTRACT between the landlord and tenant to transfer possession of property to the tenant for a certain period of time in exchange for rent payments. Make sure you have read and understand every provision of your lease before you sign it. Leases are binding contracts and are difficult to break once signed.

Important Things to Look For In A Lease

Standard clauses in a lease include:

• Names and addresses of all parties involved.
• The amount of rent, when its due, and late fees.
• The beginning and ending dates of the lease.
• The amount of the security deposit.
• Who is responsible for paying utilities (water, electricity, gas, phone, etc.).
• Whether or not pets are permitted.
• Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance (who replaces air filters).
• Who is responsible for trash disposal and yard maintenance.

READ YOUR LEASE CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING,

Especially the small print.

It is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities as outlined in a lease agreement. Have a parent or other responsible person read it. It is not recommended that you sign a lease on an apartment that is under construction unless you fully understand and accept the risk involved.

A rental agreement is merely a page of information about you, (including your financial status), which the landlord uses to decide whether or not he/she wants to rent to you. However, the landlord is prohibited from discriminating against you on the basis of race, sex, religion or ethnic origin. When filling out a rental application, you may be required to pay the landlord a fee for running a credit check on you. Read the application carefully to ensure that it does not place any obligation on you if you decide not to rent.

While you are looking for a place to live in the Fall, you may be able to sign an agreement and pay a deposit to hold the unit until Fall. Make sure you know if this agreement is an actual lease or only an agreement to hold the unit. Examine a blank copy of the lease before you sign the holding agreement, so you will know what you should expect to sign in the Fall. You should insist that a holding agreement be in writing. Make a copy of the “hold” check and a copy of the hold agreement for your records.

1. Joint and several liability means any one roommate can be held responsible for the actions of any or all other roommates.
   • Any or all roommates can be sued to recover the damage done by one roommate.
   • All roommates can be evicted if one roommate fails to pay the rent.
   • If one roommate moves out, the total monthly rent remains the same, and the remaining roommates are responsible for paying it.
2. Separate or Individual Leases have a relationship comparable to that of tenants who live in separate apartments in the same building.
   • If a roommate leaves, the other roommates are not required to make up the departed roommate’s rent payment.
   • The landlord may evict one roommate without evicting all roommates.
   • Generally, if one roommate moves out, the landlord can fill that space without consulting the remaining roommates.
3. A Guarantor is someone who signs the lease with you to guarantee payment. If you fail to pay your rent, the guarantor will be legally responsible for paying it.

If you need to move or vacate the premises before your lease is up, it would be wise to speak with the landlord. It may be possible for you to negotiate with the property owner/manager to terminate the lease or sublet the apartment. You should not think that you will only forfeit your security deposit if you move out early. According to the terms of the lease, you are liable for the rent for the remaining months on the lease.

There are some legitimate reasons for leaving before your lease expires. Some examples include: the apartment has been damaged by fire or the landlord is not in compliance with the rental agreement. You may consider seeking legal advice before giving notice.

Points to consider if you must break your lease:

• Talk to your landlord. He/She may have another tenant ready to move in and allow that person to take over your lease.
• Send a certified letter to the landlord giving notice that you intend to break your lease and the date you will be vacating the apartment.
• In some cases, the landlord may want to be compensated for the trouble of re-renting the unit.
• If you are able to negotiate an amicable lease breaking, you and the landlord should sign a written statement of release.
• If you are unable to obtain a written release and your lease permits you to sublease, place an advertisement in the classified section of the George-Anne.

Subleasing occurs when a tenant rents the apartment to a third party (subtenant). The subtenant is responsible to the tenant for performing all obligations set forth in the sublease agreement. This means that finding a subtenant does not release you from your obligations under the original lease. For example, if the subtenant does not pay the rent, you remain responsible for the amount due. Contact the management office before you negotiate a sublease agreement. You must be sure that you are entitled to do so under your lease. Some management companies may assist you in subleasing the rental property.

It is important for you to know your responsibilities as a tenant. If you are not familiar with your responsibilities, you may find yourself unintentionally breaking the lease agreement.

• Pay your rent on time.
• Respect the property. Remember you are responsible for any damage done to the property by you or your guests.
• Obey the law and landlord rules.
• Do not disturb the neighbors.
• Notify the landlord of any needed repairs or maintenance. Remember to follow-up verbal requests in writing.
• Place garbage and trash in proper containers.

Landlords usually require a security deposit at the time the lease is signed. The deposit is normally equal to one month’s rent. Remember, if you sign a lease several months in advance you might be required to submit a reservation deposit or possibly a security deposit at the time the lease is signed.

Security deposits:

• Are normally refundable, either in full or in part depending on the condition of your unit at move-out. Your responsibilities and requirements for the return of the deposit should be clearly stated in your lease.
• May not be the same as the last month’s rent and usually may not be applied to rent due under the lease terms.

Some complexes charge a cleaning or redecorating fee in addition to the security deposit. Generally, these fees are non-refundable. If the fee is non-refundable, it must be stated as such in the lease.

Read your lease carefully and if it does not say, “refundable” or “non-refundable” for the deposits or cleaning charges, ask for clarification in writing as part of the lease agreement.

Inspect your new apartment to document any pre-existing problems. Ideally you and the landlord should walk through the rental unit before moving in any of your belongings. Ask a friend to accompany you — four eyes are better than two. Many apartment complexes have pre-printed inspection forms to record any damage or problems you may see. If not, get a pad of paper or notebook to record your findings. At the end of the inspection you and the landlord should sign and date the form. You keep the original and give a copy to the landlord for their records. Get it in writing on your contract if the landlord tells you something will be fixed. Videotaping or taking pictures during your walk through will provide a visual supplement to your written notes. (Failure to perform a move in inspection may cause problems with refunding your security deposit).

What to look for:

1. Inspect all the walls and ceilings: make a note of any dents, holes or cracks in the plaster; scuff marks that don’t rub off; and tears, bubbles or peeling wallpaper.
2. Check for signs of water damage on walls, ceilings, baseboards, and in closets.
3. Inspect all the floors: make a note of stains or discoloration in carpets; tears in linoleum; cracked or chipped tiles; and dents, scuffs or stains on hardwood floors.
4. Inspect all trim (including moldings, door and window sills and door and window frames) for stains, cracks, leaks or other problems.
5. Inspect all electrical outlets and lights to make sure they are functioning; pay close attention to any 2- or 3-way light switches and dimmers.
6. In the bathroom(s): make sure all faucets (hot and cold) work without leaking; inspect for chips or scratches in fixtures and tile; inspect walls around the tub for ‘sponginess’; and check countertops for dents, scratches, or stains.
7. In the kitchen: make sure all faucets (hot and cold) work without leaking; inspect for chips or scratches in fixtures and tile; inspect countertops for dents, scratches, or stains; and make sure all appliances work and are clean.
8. Make sure all exterior doors and windows work, seal properly, and have functioning locks; be especially alert to evidence of water infiltration.
9. If you have a deck, balcony or patio, inspect it for chipped flagstone, warped or cracked boards, or problems with exterior siding.
10. If you have a storage area, make sure it is cleaned out and that the locks are secure.
11. Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
12. If your landlord gave you an apartment inspection sheet, complete it noting all problems, no matter how small; if the landlord didn’t give you an inspection sheet, write a formal letter noting the problems you found.
13. Request that your landlord repair any problems you want taken care of as soon as possible.

Your unit should be clean when you move in. If it is not clean, ask the landlord to have it cleaned or make an adjustment in your first month’s rent to offset the cost of cleaning it (make sure to get this in writing).

The most common problem for tenants is getting the landlord to fulfill his or her responsibility to make necessary repairs on the premises. If you are living with several people, identify one individual as the spokesperson for the group. When there are problems, have your spokesperson immediately contact the landlord and follow-up in writing if necessary. Do not be afraid to keep calling if the problem is not resolved.

Be part of a community that cares about the area in which you live and have consideration for the people who live there – Be a good neighbor.

• Introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors.
• Put your trash where it belongs – in the trashcan.
• If you are living in a house, maintain the lawn and trim hedges.
• If you have pets, clean up after them. Also, be aware of your pet’s effect on others.
• Park your car in the designated area, and inform guests where they are to park.
• Inform neighbors when you are having people over and keep the volume down.

When you’re outside make sure to smile and wave at your other neighbors. Start a conversation. These small actions make good neighbors and neighborhoods.

Just as you inspected your apartment for damages before you moved in, management will inspect it for damages when you move out. The condition of your apartment after you leave it will often determine how much of your security deposit is returned. Being organized and taking your time can make all the difference. Follow these suggestions to help make your move out inspection easier.

1. Give written notice of your intent to vacate (usually 30 days before you plan to leave, but check your lease for accuracy), even if you plan to leave when your lease expires.
2. Obtain a copy of the move out cleaning instructions.
3. Schedule an appointment for both you and the landlord to inspect the empty, cleaned apartment.
4. Clean the apartment in accordance with the manager’s move out cleaning instructions. If none are available, follow these suggestions:
   • Move all of your belongings out of the apartment before starting.
   • Make a final run through, checking all closets, cabinets, appliances, and your storage area for forgotten belongings.
   • Clean sinks, tubs, toilets, and countertops in the kitchen and bathroom(s).
   • Clean all kitchen appliances, including the oven.
   • Make a last run to the dumpster – don’t leave trash behind for your landlord to remove.
   • Check your balcony, patio, or deck for forgotten plant pots, barbecue tools, etc.
   • Make sure all light fixtures have working bulbs.
   • Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
   • If you painted any walls, you might want to seriously consider re-painting them the original color (your landlord may charge you for re-painting if s/he must do it after you leave).
   • Sweep or vacuum all tile, linoleum, or hard wood floors (your landlord may require you to clean them).
   • Vacuum all carpeted floors (your landlord may require you to shampoo them).
5. Complete your Move-out Inventory Form and walk through the empty, cleaned apartment. Compare the condition of the apartment with the Move-in Inventory to ascertain that you are responsible for any damage found.
6. Write down the damage for which you are responsible or any additional cleaning which the landlord wants you to perform.
7. If you and the landlord agree on the damage and cleaning items, both of you should sign the list, and indicate which items you will be permitted to clean or repair before turning the premises back over to the landlord.
8. Provide the landlord with a forwarding address to mail your security deposit.
9. Turn in all keys to the apartment and mailbox.

Choosing a roommate can be difficult: Do you live with friends and risk harming the relationship if you have disagreements? Do you take a chance to broaden your views and live with new people?

While there are benefits to shared living and divided expenses, there could also be some challenges when living with someone who has different ideas on cleanliness, studying, and social habits. Roommates can have an emotional as well as financial effect on each other’s lives. It’s important to choose a roommate wisely and to get to know your roommate.

Be open and honest about your expectations. To determine your compatibility, ask the following questions.

1. What time do you prefer to go to bed/wake up? Are you a morning person or a night person?
2. What room temperature are you comfortable with?
3. Do you prefer peace and quiet or do you prefer to have the stereo/television on for noise? What hours are acceptable to watch TV/listen to the stereo? At what volume? What kind of music do you like to listen to?
4. How neat do you like for your room to be?
5. Do you smoke? Are you willing to live with someone who smokes? Can guests smoke in the apartment?
6. Do you drink alcohol? Are you willing to live with someone who drinks alcohol? Can guests drink in the apartment?
7. Are there times you would prefer to have no guests in the apartment? (Also, friends of the opposite gender?) Are you willing to live with someone who has overnight guests?
8. Do you like to study alone/with others, in quiet/with music, in your room/in the library?
9. Do you feel comfortable sharing clothes, food, appliances, music, personal hygiene items, electronic equipment, computers, books, etc.?
10. Would you prefer that I ask to borrow an item before I use it?
11. How will the utility bills be divided and paid? TIP: It is a good idea to split the utility bills between roommates. This way, one person is not responsible for all of the bills.
12. How will we divide the cleaning duties?
13. What are your pet peeves?

Power

Georgia Power
305 S. Main Street | 1-888-660-5890

• Deposit based on credit history; Fee to establish account.
• Additional connection\start-up information can be found at georgiapower.com

Water and Gas

City of Statesboro Utilities
50 East Main Street | 912-764-5468

• Utility application available on City of Statesboro website: statesboroga.gov
• Water – Deposit and Service Fees.
• Natural Gas – Deposit and Service Fees.

Internet, Television, Phone

Bulloch Broadband powered by Bulloch Solutions
2903 Northside Drive West | 912-865-1100

• Additional information can be found at bulloch.solutions

Dish Network or Direct TV
406 South Main Street | 912-681-6811

• dish.com
• directpackages.com

Frontier Communications
76 East Grady Street | 912-764-3271

• frontier.com
• Spanish Language Page – frontier.com

Northland Cable
32 East Vine Street | 912-4809-8715

• yournorthland.com/statesboro

Power

Excelsior Electric Membership Corp.
402 Northside Drive West | 912-764-2123

• Deposit based on credit history.

Georgia Power
305 S. Main Street | 1-888-660-5890

• Deposit based on credit history; Fee to establish account.
• Additional connection\start-up information can be found at georgiapower.com

Water

MSO Water Systems
236 North Main Street | 912-489-6668

• Water – Deposit and Service Fees.

Internet, Television, Phone

Bulloch Solutions
2903 Northside Drive West | 912-865-1100

• Additional information can be found at bulloch.solutions

Dish Network or Direct TV
406 South Main Street | 912-681-6811

• dish.com
• directpackages.com

Frontier Communications
76 East Grady Street | 912-764-3271

• frontier.com
• Spanish Language Page – frontier.com

Northland Cable
32 East Vine Street | 912-489-8715

• yournorthland.com/statesboro

If you have children you will need to register for classes in the Bulloch County School System.

A child must be six years of age before Sept. 1 to enter the first grade. New students must verify their address at the school bus garage, located Simons Road, (912) 764-1502, off Highway 80 in the vicinity of the William James School. You will need to take with you her birth certificate, proof of immunization, and social security card. In addition to those items, you will also need two forms of proof of residence. This can be a rent receipt, water, power, gas or cable bill. If you have not received a utility bill at your new address, the power company can provide you with a form that will satisfy the school system proof of residence requirement. Once the registration process is complete, you will be referred to the appropriate school. For more information, contact the Bulloch County Board of Education at (912) 764-5405 or (912) 764-6201.

There are also private school options available

• Bulloch Academy (912) 764-6297
• Trinity Christian School (912) 489-1375
• Bible Baptist (912) 764-5615).

The Georgia State patrol office operates the licensing division every Tuesday through Saturday, except for certain holidays. For more information call 912-681-5999.

Newcomers register to vote in local, state and national elections at the voter registration office on the first floor of the Bulloch County Courthouse. For more information, call 912-764-6502.

A Department of Justice study found that, “The risk of burglary was higher for households living in rental properties,” regardless of whether the renter was in the unit or not. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that in 2012, homeowners and renters were faced with nearly $10 billion in structure damage. While many renters believe they are protected under their landlord’s plan, this is not the case. Understanding these details and how to select appropriate rental coverage means financial security. Visit:  http://www.insurancequotes.org/renters-insurance/ for more information.