Fair Housing & Renter’s Insurance

ROOMMATES

Having roommates can make living in Chicago far more affordable and a bit less lonely, especially right when you get here! No matter how you find a roommate or even if you know them prior to signing a lease together, it’s very important to come to an agreement on issues like cleaning, quiet times, privacy, guest visitation, shared items, and bills as soon as possible to make sure they don’t become a problem later.

We also recommend looking for potential roommates on Columbia’s Facebook group for your class. You’ll be able to connect and break the ice over the common bond of being Columbia creatives, taking similar classes, sharing interests, and everything in between.

FAIR HOUSING

Fair housing is a right protected by federal and state law. Fair housing means you may freely choose a place to live, limited only by what you can afford and what you’re seeking. Your choice should not be limited based on your race, sex, color, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, or source of income. It is a violation of the law when a landlord, agent, or other housing employee discriminates against you for any of the previously listed identifiers, AND if they do any of the following:

▶ Refuses to rent an available apartment to you if you are otherwise qualified.

▶ Tells you untruthfully that an apartment is not for rent. Watch lines like, “I rented just after you called.”

▶ Sets or enforces lease terms, privileges or conditions that are not required for other tenants. Watch out for tactics like having to pay a larger security deposit.

▶ Refuses to make reasonable accommodation for your disability.

Watch out for excuses like “My insurance will go up.” ▶ Sexually harasses you.

▶ Tells you that the building has a policy of “adults only” or “no teenagers” or that families with children can occupy only certain apartments. Watch out for rules like

“only one person per bedroom.”

▶ Intimidates you or retaliates in any way against you for exercising your fair housing rights or assisting another in doing so.

RENTER’S INSURANCE

Once you move out of your guardian’s home (even if you’re moving into the residence halls instead of an apartment), it can be wise to obtain renter’s insurance. Most people are not covered by their landlord’s policy, so it’s in your best interest to get your own if you’d like that assurance and peace of mind. Most policies for students are for unfurnished properties and cover high-theft items like televisions, stereos, computers, bikes and jewelry. Policies will vary according to the insurance company, so it’s best to contact several insurance agencies and get different quotes. Contact the Insurance Information Institute at 800-331-9146 or visit iii.org for more consumer information and resources about renter’s insurance.

OTHER QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

These are some other important things to answer before falling completely headover-heels in love with the first apartment you see. Know that there might be some heartbreak when you don’t get the first place you want, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

▶ Is the apartment within walking distance from campus? If not, is it within a reasonable walking distance to the nearest public transportation?

How long is the total commute to campus, including walking time?

▶ If you plan to ride a bike to school (plenty of people do, this is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country), how long will that ride take?

Does the apartment provide a place for you to securely store your bike?

▶ How is the water pressure in the bathroom? In the kitchen? Turn the water on while walking through—this isn’t rude, no one will be offended.

▶ Is there enough storage space?

Closets? Any secure storage space in the basement provided for tenants?

▶ What kind of security does the building have? Door buzzers? Special locks? Front or back gates? ▶ Is there any previous damage in the unit? Some apartments require a security deposit upon move-in, so cover your bases by taking notes or pictures of anything that looks like it might’ve been caused by previous tenants during your apartment visit.

Documenting previous damage might come in handy during your future move-out.

▶ Do you see a fire extinguisher anywhere in the apartment? Fire alarms? If you don’t, ask. Both should be provided for you and be in good working condition.

▶ Are you aware of your renter’s rights?

We highly recommend checking out the Housing section on the City of

Chicago’s website at chicago.gov for further information and resources, as their site goes into far more detail than we can here.