Moving-in to your new apartment or house can be a very exciting time. But it is also a critical time to take various precautions and begin the documentation process. There are many steps you should take during move-in time. In addition, you should download the latest version of the Off-Campus Living Guide, a comprehensive guide on how to have a successful off-campus living experience, visit the Non Resident(Off-Campus) Living Guide (PDF).

Utilities

• Hook-up Your Utilities
  • When doing your budget, you not only have to consider your rent each month, but also utility costs on top of that. Generally speaking, the cost of utilities may be the greatest when living alone. If you are sharing an apartment/house, you are also able to share the cost of utility bills.
  • When living in an apartment, many landlords will pay for the water, but you are usually responsible for all other utilities; gas, electric, telephone, cable, internet, cell phone, etc. When living in a house, landlords will typically ask you to pay for all utilities, including the water. It depends on the agreement.
  • Utility costs greatly vary. If you are living in an apartment complex versus an older home, the quality of insulation can be quite different.
  • It is often beneficial to ask tenants that currently live in the apartment complex/house how much they pay for their utility bills on average. Telecommunication electricity and water can vary based on usage. You can call the cable, internet and phone companies to get price quotes for the various packages they offer.

• Factors to Consider:
  • Age of the property: Unless the property has been renovated inside, many times the older apartments/homes may not have a lot of insulation. Windows may be old and allow for air to enter quite easily. Safety exit windows may not exist. Air conditioning units can be purchased, but tend to increase the electric bill drastically.
  • Size of the property: The larger the unit, the more expensive. If you are renting a large house, having roommates helps to share the utility costs.
  • Location of the unit: Where you live in an apartment complex can affect the cost of your rental utilities like maintenance fees are higher at apartment or condominium.

Purchase Renter's Insurance (PDF Document) 

• It is highly recommended to have renter's insurance. Landlords typically have property insurance, but this does not cover your personal property. You want to make sure to have insurance to replace your belongings if they are damaged in a fire or stolen from your apartment, for example.
• It tends to be cheaper to add a policy to the same company as your car insurance, for instance. You may also be added to your parent's homeowner’s insurance (check with their company's policy for details). If either is not an option, it is still inexpensive to purchase renter’s insurance.

Fill out a Move-In Checklist (PDF Document)

• You want to walk through the entire unit, preferably prior to moving your furniture in, and document any and all damages/problems that you see. It is to your benefit to fill out the Move-In Checklist (PDF Document), make a copy for your records, and provide a copy to your landlord within the first 7 days of the lease term.
• You should also send a Notice To Repair letter (PDF Document) to the landlord, outlining all repairs that need to be done.

Take Pictures (PDF Document)

• In addition to filling out the Move-In Checklist, you should also take pictures, so that you have visual documentation of any pre-existing damages (preferably prior to moving in furniture).
• Make sure you always keep a copy of any type of documentation for your records. Never hand over your only copy to anyone!

Video-Tape The Unit (PDF Document)

• In addition to filling out the Move-In Checklist and taking pictures, you may also want to video-tape the entire unit. Make sure you do this as early during the lease as possible (preferably before furniture is moved in). Document the date (i.e. at the beginning and ending of the video-taping, hold out a newspaper with the date clearly visible). Video-tape the entire unit in one taping (do not stop or pause at any time).

Sign a Roommate Contract (PDF Document)

• It is extremely important that you and your roommates are clear on your It is beneficial to all tenants involved to discuss all items on the Roommate Contract. Signing the contract allows for further documentation of verbal agreements.

Purchase Your Residence Parking Permit/ Sticker/ Pass

• Many landlords do not guarantee and/or offer off-street parking. You may need to park your car on the street. Certain areas do require you to have a Residence Parking Permit/ Pass. If you need additional information, contact your Apartment/ Condominium Management.
• Normally, you must have the following in order to purchase a Residence Parking Permit/ Pass.
  1. Current Vehicle Registration
     • Make sure your license plate number is on the registration.
  2. Proof of Residency
     • Resident Applications: Please make sure to have a copy of a current utility bill in your name, your lease with your name on it, or a notarized letter from your landlord to verify residency.

• Make sure you are aware of the local authorities and police parking rules
  • If your car is not parked at the right place, it will be towed at the owner's expense and other fines may apply!

Know your rights!

• You should be knowledgeable on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
• You should be knowledgeable on the property owner's rights and responsibilities as a landlord.
• If you are ever having issues with your landlord and you do not know whom to turn to, you have a variety of options. Contact UPNRat (603) 5544-3965; make an appointment with the UPNR staff.

Meet Your NR Community Representative (JPNR)

• Many streets off-campus within the campus have an appointed NR Community Representative (JPNR). This is the go-to person if you should have any questions and/or issues while living off-campus.
• NR Community Representatives (JPNR) hold street meetings, sports and other fun events throughout the academic year.
• To find out if your street has a NR Community Representative (JPNR), contact UPNR at (603) 5544-3965