University of Toledo
STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE THE INDEPENDENT
COLLEGIAN
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Spring 2016 | The Independent Collegian |
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HOUSING DIRECTORY Campus View Apartments
1700 Secor Road (419) 535-6667 info@campusviewapts.com www.campusviewapts.com Units available: 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom apartments. Description: Conveniently located next to the University of Toledo’s Student Medical Center, Rocket Hall, and the Law Center. Campus View offers lighted off-street parking with covered parking spots. Private balcony/patio, 24-hour emergency maintenance, landscaping, dishwasher, trash removal, window coverings, and cable/Internet-ready suites are also provided.
Edge 1120
2540 Dorr Street 419-214-6999 www.Edge1120.com Units available: Studio, 1- to 4-bedroom apartments and townhomes. Description: Edge 1120, Toledo’s most contemporary student housing community, is just steps off UT’s campus. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with on-demand fitness trainers, a yoga studio, a sand volleyball court, and super-fast WiFi throughout each building. Each apartment comes with brand-new furniture and a full washer/dryer.
Honors Academic Village
2801 W. Bancroft Street 419-530-5925 www.honorsacademicvillage.com facebook.com/HonorsAcademicVillage Units available: Studio, 2-bedroom 1-bathroom double semi-suite, 2-bedroom 1-bathroom semi-suite, 4-bedroom 2-bathroom. Description: Honors Academic Village is the newest on-campus housing option featuring modern living with on-campus convenience. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, business center, study lounges, iPad bar, a recreation center featuring billiards, foosball and Golden Tee arcade game. With furnished apartments and Wi-Fi throughout, HAV is the place to be!
Lofts at Gateway
1450 Secor Road 419-530-1330 www.loftsatgateway.com www.facebook.com/loftsatgateway Units available: 2 bedroom-1 bath, 4 bedroom-2 bath Description: Located just steps away from the University of Toledo, the Lofts at Gateway provides furnished modern units featuring fully equipped kitchens including stainless steel appliances. Washer & dryer, cable TV, and internet are all included at Lofts at Gateway. Right where you want to be, and right in your budget.
Vivo Apartments
1473 Secor Road 419-535-9096 www.govivotoledo.com Units available: Studio and 1- to 3-bedroom apartments. Description: Located close to the university and within walking distance of major shopping and dining areas, Vivo Toledo’s apartments are sure to satisfy. We have affordable and premium rental options for students who wish to live alone or with others. Amenities include on-site laundry facilities, premium luxury units, and optional furniture packages. We’re also pet friendly!
Olde Towne University Square Apartments
1744 N. Westwood 419-530-5900 www.toledostudenthousing.com facebook.com/OldeTowneApartments Description: Olde Towne offers fully furnished student apartments in a variety of floor plans to choose from, individual liability leases, cable, internet and water are included. Each unit comes with a washer and dryer and every resident has their own private bathroom. Our clubhouse has on-site managers and maintenance throughout the week and 24-hour maintenance. Other amenities include 24-hour computer lab with free printing, 24-hour fitness center, game room, movie theater, pool and basketball court.
University Hills Apartments
2247 University Hills Blvd 419-330-1229 www.liveuhills.com Description: University Hills offers University of Toledo students a great living experience! Choose one of our 1, 2 or 4 bedroom student apartments and you’ll be able to enjoy a walk to a campus that is just 450 feet away. We just finished work on our outdoor fireplace and gathering area. With the opening of the new building in Fall 2015, students can enjoy a 24-hour fitness and business center as well as free tanning, complimentary coffee and more.
CONTENT DIRECTORY Signing your first lease: Tips to remember before you make your apartment official
To help answer some common student questions about signing your first lease, we’ve interviewed Charlon Dewberry, managing attorney at the University of Toledo’s Student Legal Services. PAGE 4
10 signs to help you choose the right apartment
Before you sign a lease, here are some tips that will help you quickly separate the quality apartments from the subpar ones. PAGE 9
Settling in: A complete checklist of move-in essentials
Here’s a handy checklist that will help you keep track of the must-have items every new apartment needs, broken down room by room. PAGE 10
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Signing your first lease
Tips to remember before you make your apartment official By Samantha Rhodes For the IC
You toured the place, asked all the right questions and decided you want to be a renter. But first, you have to finalize the agreement with your landlord. Signing a lease can be an intimidating process, but doesn’t need to be. To help answer some common student questions, we’ve interviewed Charlon Dewberry, managing attorney at the University of Toledo’s Student Legal Services.
In legal terms, what is a lease? “A lease is a legally binding contract which sets forth the rights and obligations agreed to by the property owner (landlord) and the person renting the property (tenant),” Dewberry said. “If either party does not perform their obligations under the lease, then they can be sued for breach of contract.”
What types of leases will students see? Contrary to popular belief, Dewberry points out there is no such thing as a “standard lease that fits all situations.” Some landlords may give the tenant a one-page document while others will present a longer one with multiple pages. “Some leases are on a monthto-month basis, other leases are for a short term – such as 6 months – while other leases are for a longer term, such as one year or two years,” Dewberry said.
Why is it important to read the entire lease? According to Dewberry, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by Chapter 53 of the Ohio Revised Code, which explains the tasks and responsibilities that the tent and landlord
should each perform. “However, one party in a lease can agree to assume some of the tasks and responsibilities that the other party was to perform,” Dewberry said. Dewberry urges students to make sure the landlord isn’t “trying to transfer some of their statutory obligations to the tenant,” or forcing the tenant to assume responsibility for things the landlord is normally under obligation to do. For example, if the tenant signs a lease which says he or she is responsible for paying the cost of repairs to appliances provided in the rental, then the tenant is then responsible for those costs. The lease can also require the tenant to pay a “non-refundable” appliance fee, according to Dewberry. Dewberry said the lease should, at the very least, include provisions concerning the amount of rent to be paid, the date rent is due, identification of the property or premises to be rented, the contact information for the landlord, any fees for late or missed payments, default provisions, how long the lease will last and any responsibilities that the tenant has to pay, such as utilities.
“Take the time to ask questions, to ask for modifications to the printed lease and to investigate multiple properties before making a decision.” CHARLON DEWBERRY Managing Attorney at UT Student Legal Services
Leases should also explain how much advance notice the tenant must give the landlord if he or she does not plan to renew the lease.
the rent, utilities, etc. These agreement forms are available at Student Legal Services in Rocket Hall Room 1610.
What are some red flags to look for?
“Unfortunately, a lot of people assume that they only have to give 30 days advance notice … then they get hit with a bill for another month’s rent or more because they moved without either giving notice or they gave insufficient notice,” Dewberry said. “We have also seen leases automatically renew for an additional year.” Dewberry reminds students that a lease is a binding contract and if signed, the court will assume all of it has been read.
What if you aren’t 100 percent sure? First and foremost, don’t allow yourself to be pressured into signing a lease you don’t understand or agree with. According to Dewberry, tenants have the right to speak up and ask to have terms they don’t like or agree with changed or removed from the lease. “There is a lot of rental property around the university and so tenants should not give in to the hard sale and the pressure tactics that some landlords will engage in to get you to sign the lease as soon as possible,” Dewberry said. “Take the time to ask questions, to ask for modifications to the printed lease and to investigate multiple properties before making a decision.”
What about roommates? According to Dewberry, finding well-matched roommates to live with should be a priority. “Before you sign the lease and definitely before you move in together, have a serious conversation with anyone you plan to move in with,” Dewberry said. “Discuss your study habits, your housekeeping preferences, your socializing preferences … Keep in mind that living with someone is different from hanging out with someone.” According to Dewberry, most leases are “joint and several,” meaning that everyone who signs the lease is jointly and individually responsible for all of the obligations under the lease. “Your liability under your lease does not go away just because your roommate moved out or you are no longer getting along with that person,” Dewberry said. Consequently, it’s crucial to ask yourself the question: “If my roommates move out or never move in, can I afford to rent this place on my own?” Dewberry advises students to fill out a roommate agreement, or a written contract between all roommates that acknowledges their liability to each other for paying their respective share of
According to Dewberry, the following are warning signs: 1. The prospective landlord refuses to give you a written lease – while Ohio law recognizes oral leases, you are running the risk that a dispute is going to arise at some point about what was promised. 2. The prospective landlord won’t let you take a copy of the lease to have someone review it with you. Ask yourself – what are they trying to hide? 3. The property management or ownership keeps changing. 4. You are asked to sign a lease that has blank spaces on it, and your landlord refuses to give you a copy of what you are signing.
Need more help? Student Legal Services and Commuter Services will host a Landlord/Tenant Walk-In Lease Review Clinic on Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Commuter Lounge. Students need to bring their leases, photo identification, and any emails, photos, or correspondence with their landlords. Dewberry urges students who do not understand their leases to consult with an attorney at Student Legal Services before signing, where proposes leases can be reviewed by a licensed attorney. “We would be happy to review your lease with you and explain to you in plain English what the lease says and how those terms will impact your rights and obligations,” Dewberry said. For more information, contact Student Legal Services at 419-530-7230.
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This ad has no design. You can change that. Apply to be the advertising designer by calling 419-530-7788 or emailing artwork@independentcollegian.com. Applicants should be proficient with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Art or design major desired but not required.
Spring 2016 | The Independent Collegian |
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RENTING
By Samantha Rhodes For the IC
Considering which apartment complex will best suit your needs as a tenant can be a long and tedious process. However, before you sign a lease, here are some tips that will help you quickly separate the quality apartments from the subpar ones.
GOOD SIGNS
WARNING SIGNS
Good lighting and availability in the parking lot
Evidence of pests
If the parking lot seems to have spaces available during all times of day, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to snag a spot without waiting. The guest parking policy is also important to ask about if you plan on having people visit. Good lighting and visibility at night means the landlord cares about your safety.
Shine a flashlight in the nooks and crannies of cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom. Other common hiding places for pests include under the refrigerator and laundry room appliances. If you see bug droppings, which look like black pepper, or mice droppings, which resemble maggot-shaped black pellets, then it’s time to start looking elsewhere.
Positive reviews from the neighbors Knock on doors and talk directly to the neighbors within the complex about how responsive the landlord is. Does he or she respond quickly to maintenance requests and act professional? These people will give you honest reviews based on firsthand experience.
A new-looking water heater and other appliances Having hot water is vital — the newer the water heater looks, the less chance you’ll be stuck taking cold showers. Other appliances will also work more effectively the newer they are.
A phone number for a maintenance person
Warping and stains Leaks in the ceiling or under a sink can potentially turn into mold problems, so take a close look at ceilings for blotches of discoloration. Signs of warped wood or linoleum under bathroom and kitchen cabinets, black specks along baseboards or damp-feeling carpet are all sure signs that the landlord isn’t fixing these mold and mildew related problems.
Obvious odors or drafts If a room smells musty, moist, smoky or like bug spray, these strange odors mean there’s an underlying problem the landlord doesn’t want to tell you about.
Good apartments have a phone number tenants can call for a maintenance person — even after hours. Inquire about how many maintenance people work on the property, how to get in touch with them, and when they are available.
A lack of working smoke detectors
Soundproof walls and insulation
A burglary bulletin board in the office
Some apartments have a concrete sheet between the walls and under the floors to minimize outdoor sounds, such as street traffic. Ask the landlord about details such as insulation that you can’t see with the naked eye.
If the complex office has a burglary bulletin board that’s covered, chances are your area has a high crime rate. Be sure to check out the surrounding houses near the apartment, not just the complex itself.
If the landlord doesn’t care enough to install or replace a smoke detector’s batteries, he or she doesn’t value the tenants’ safety.
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SETTLING IN
PLANNING
A complete checklist of move-in essentials Moving in is a pretty stressful experience — and if you’re doing it by yourself for the first time, you might get overwhelmed by the number of things you’ll need to really make your place liveable. Here’s a handy checklist that will help you keep track of the must-have items every new apartment needs. We’ve broken it down room by room, and we’ve included some suggested amounts.
ADDITIONAL PACKING AND UNPACKING TIPS • Know exactly where you packed everything you’re going to need the first night. Those things are going to include your bedding, toiletries and a towel. • Get toilet paper as soon as possible. • Measure the door to your apartment before you bring any big items through, like a couch or set of dressers. • If you’re moving heavy stuff, don’t forget to bend from the knees. • Don’t throw away your boxes if you can help it — they’ll come in handy when you pack up again. Just slice the tape on them, fold them straight and store them in a closet. • Make sure to check with your landlord before putting tacks or nails in the wall.
The kitchen • Plates (at least 4) • Cups (both mugs and glasses) • Bowls (at least 4) • Silverware PRO TIP: Pack a lot of spoons and forks. You’ll run out faster than you think. • Two pots (a small one and a big one) • Two non-stick skillets (a small one and a big one) • A baking sheet • A cake tin OR cupcake tin • A can opener and bottle opener • A vegetable peeler • Measuring spoons and cups • A strainer/colander • An oven mitt • Kitchen towel • A cutting board • One good kitchen knife • Tupperware • Saran Wrap / tinfoil / plastic bags • Dish washing supplies
The bedroom • A mattress (bed frame optional) • Sheets and a comforter • At least on dresser or chest • Full length mirror • Hangers • Shoe rack
The living room • Couch or futon • Blankets and throw pillows PRO TIP: Comfy blankets can get pricey, but they’ll be worth the investment the next time you decide to Netflix and chill. • Coasters • Small lamps • Coffee table • Wall décor • Book case • TV cabinet
For cleaning purposes • An all-purpose cleaner PRO TIP: Many useful ways to clean up things include baking soda, vinegar and club soda, so it wouldn’t hurt to keep those on hand. • Sponges • A toilet brush and cleaner • Broom and dust pan • Mop and mop bucket • Vacuum • Paper towels
The laundry room • Laundry basket • Detergent • Bleach • Dryer sheets • Iron and ironing board
For around the house • Duct tape • Flashlight • AA and AAA batteries • Fire extinguisher • Basic tool set • Sewing kit with needle and thread
The bathroom • Toothbrush, mouthwash and floss • Basic medicine including ibuprofen, cough syrup, Pepto Bismol and antihistamine pills. • First aid kit with bandages and antiseptic • Plunger • Bath mat • Towel set • Drain catch PRO TIP: Drain catches (aka hair catches) will help you avoid getting your pipes clogged. Sure, emptying them is a disgusting task, but standing in inches of gross water is so much worse.
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