Thursday, February 26, 2009
Moving from the residence halls to an apartment may seem like the most important step toward freedom and adulthood, but moving in without completing proper procedures can turn the joys of freedom into a nightmare.
“Leaser/tenant issues are what we deal with the most, especially in June and July, around move-in time, when students actually get into the place they’re renting,” said Bill Larzalere, chief litigation attorney for Legal Services for Students.
To avoid getting into a mess before moving in, Larzalere suggests that students see the actual apartment they will be renting, not just a model.
“And while you’re ther,e knock on some doors and talk to neighbors about management,” Larzalere said. “Ask how they respond to maintenance, or what it’s like living in the complex. Will it be quiet for you to study? Do people throw parties? It’s important to know if the complex fits your lifestyle.”
The next step to stress-free renting is a thorough move-in inspection. According to the Kansas Tenants Handbook, Kansas law requires that the tenant and landlord go through the property together within five days of move-in and make a list describing the condition of the apartment.
Larzalere suggests that students complete the inspection prior to moving in.
“When you first move in, do a move-in inspection with your landlord, all roommates and even parents present. More eyes will catch more things. You want to be thorough. Take time to do a good inspection and mark everything down,” Larzalere said.
Legal Services for Students provides a move-in inspection checklist as well as advice on its Web site. Students can use the LSS checklist to document any existing damages and make sure they don’t miss anything during the inspection.
The Kansas Tenants Handbook also provides a detailed list of things to look for and ask about before moving in such as appliances, security, signs of rodents, electrical wiring and plumbing.
“Test things out. Flush the toilets, open windows, turn on the AC and heat, lock and unlock doors.” Larzalere said. “And make sure you mark everything. If you miss something, you could get charged for something you didn’t do. There’s nothing stopping you from taking pictures or videotaping the inspection.”
According to the Kansas Tenant Handbook, tenants shouldn’t just sign a list the landlord has filled out. The law says the tenant and the landlord have to do the inspection together.
The Kansas Tenants Handbook also suggests asking the landlord for a list of things that will be inspected when you leave. The handbook says to look at closely at these things when moving in. The tenant is supposed to return the unit in the condition it was received in, except for normal wear and tear.
“The inspection also gives you a chance to write what you want to have fixed right away. If you move in and something’s not right tell the landlord you want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Then, get it in writing to guarantee it will get done,” Larzalere said.
When you’re done with the inspection, make a copy of the checklist for your landlord. The Kansas Tenants Handbook states that the tenant and landlord both have to have copies of the list signed by both of you.”
Students can avoid making mistakes by taking their time when moving into their apartments. The process may take longer, but it can help ensure a good deal.
Shandi Appier, Overland Park freshman, and her roommates made a list of everything they wanted and asked lots of questions while they were apartment searching.
“We wanted to make sure we got exactly what we wanted,” Appier said.
Larzalere also took his time when he was looking for an apartment.
“When I first went apartment searching in Lawrence, I looked at 20 different places before I found the right one,” Larzalere said. “Make a day of it, but don’t wait until the hottest day of July. Try to get an early start.”
— — Edited by Liz Schubauer
The skinny on security deposits
The ins and outs of the extra charge.
Renter’s insurance saves trouble
For a small monthly fee insurance can really come to the rescue.
Moving into an apartment requires patience
Working with your landlord
The tenant-landlord relationship can go much smoother if responsibilities are known.
Editorial: Responsibility for housing conditions should be ...
The quality of the houses in the student ghetto is the responsibility ...
Read your lease
Renters have to know what they are getting into.
House of headaches
Apartments should be inspected before move-in
Learn what to look for before signing a lease.
Landlords give it their all to make ...
Responsiblities don’t just rest on students’ shoulders
Pet owners struggle finding housing options
Even pet-friendly apartments have restrictions and costs to put limits on animal ...
How to hunt for an apartment
Simplify your search for a place to live with these four easy ...
Licensing fee may increase rent for some
Students living in buildings more than 50 years old may pay more ...
Housing counseling available to students
Counseling group teaches students about tenant rights and responsibilities.
Tenants run into sublease complications
When breaking a lease, proper planning can prevent unnecessary rent payments and ...
City housing code causes confusion
Tougher enforcement of a code against more than three unrelated residents living ...
The fees to know about before getting ...
Hidden fees, upfront fees and the fees you might not know about.
Inspections important when moving-in
It is important for tenants to know their rights.
‘Student ghetto’ gold mine
Groups search for houses at the beginning of the school year.
City ordinance displaces students
Six undergrads scramble for new housing after enforcement of oft-ignored code
Letter to the editor: Hearn
Regarding a story in last week's University Daily Kansan
Follow up: Landlord disputes city’s zoning claims
Serina Hearn speaks about the conflict she has had with the city ...
First-time renters learn what to expect
Advice is given to first-time renters.
City defers rental inspection proposal
Because of budget concerns, the commission voted to defer a proposal to ...
Rental property licensing may expand
Members of the community came out in both support and rejection of ...
Editorial: New apartments could mean cheaper rent
If you haven’t signed a lease yet, you may want to wait ...
Studying abroad creates subleasing troubles
Difficulties of subleasing when going abroad
Renters have no say on political signs
Landlords can place campaign advertisements in tenants’ yards without permission.
Lawrence's landlord: a developer's story
Doug Compton, owner of First Management, has helped guide Lawrence's development for ...
New apartments compete for student housing
Tough economy proves to be a challenge for new and old apartments ...
Landlords, city in dispute
Renters and leasers in dispute over city zoning laws and property upkeep ...
Legal Services assists students in numerous ways
Some interns at the office have even used Legal Services themselves.
Making money with game-day parking
Whether it’s for home basketball or football games, finding and selling nearby ...
Mission possible: cheap, great
Summer subleasing causes headaches for students
City Commission candidates speak out
Lawrence City Commission hopefuls talk about their opinions on the transit systems, ...
Historic Indiana house slated for demolition
Oread Inn developers will destroy the house to make room for the ...
Students act as own landlords in Ad ...
After being rescued from demolition for $1, the co-operative Ad Astra house ...
DUI law to change on July 1
Ignition locks will be required. Records will disappear after 10 years.
Stouffer Place apartments in decay
Residents complain about cold apartments, slow progress on repairs
Editorial: Oread’s outdated zoning laws allow risky ...
Housing occupancy codes prevent residents from reporting serious safety violations.
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID