Housing Guide - Fall 2015

2015-2016 2015 - 2016

MSU Reporter

HOUSING GUIDE

2

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Finding a roommate you can live with Housing can be a delicate balance between household chores and all out war.

NICOLE SCHMIDT News Editor It goes without saying that getting a roommate can be stressful. It is not easy to get to know a new person in the first place, and being expected to tolerate completely new people at a house or apartment is hard to ask of people.

While we cannot anticipate how our new roomies will behave in the new living quarters (sigh), we can control how we act in this new situation. Focusing on how we can be a better roommate can in turn leads those around you to be more respectful of you.

Here are five tips for being a better roommate:

HerCampus.com

Get to know your roommates.

Part of living with any person, be it family members, friends, or random roommates, is getting to know the lifestyle of your roommates. Asking about their schedule, eating habits, sleeping habits, etc. can get

rid of the awkward the trial and error process that so many roommates go through.

Discussing these habits also opens the conversation Compromise.

It may seem like a kindergarten principle, but compromise is pivotal in having a good living situation.

NOW LEASING

The fact of the matter is that you are not going to be able to live exactly how you want.

Knowing this, compromising will be your friend while negotiating certain sticking points.

ROOMMATES page 9

NOW LEASING

Stadium Commons

Woodside Apartments

Corner of Skylark Drive & Stadium Road

311 E. Roosevelt Circle Mankato, MN

Stadium commons are new 4 plex units, with upper and lower units available.

Woodside Apartments offers all the modern amenities you are seeking!

Blocks from MSU campus.

Convenient access to Hwy. 22 & Madison Avenue.

Across the street from the WOW! Zone & Hilltop Hy-Vee. Convenient access to Hwy 14 & Hwy 22.

BRAND NEW! 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Units.

1 Stall Attached Garage (secure).

ALL UNITS ARE TWO YEARS OLD OR LESS! Studio: 588 sq. ft. $750 plus all utilities

Upper Unit: 1425 sq. ft.: $1400 plus all utilities

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath: 1088 sq. ft. $950 plus all utilities

Lower Unit: 1385 sq. ft.: $1400 plus all utilities One Pet Allowed ($400 non refundable fee).

Application & Background Check Req'd.

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath: 1233 sq. ft. $1200 plus all utilities

507-625-8612

www.rentwithconnect.com

One Pet Allowed ($400 non refundable fee).

Application & Background Check Req'd.

3

2015 - 2016

Housing Amenities Included: • Heat, Electricity, Water and Trash - No Monthly Bills • Live-In On-site Management • Individual Contracts • 24-Hour Security • Cable, Computer, and Printer Kiosks • FREE Laundry • FREE Wireless Internet • FREE Maintenance

On-Campus Housing Furnished Rooms

> Single and Double Room Options Available > Easy Access to Computer Lab, Student Health Services and Pharmacy, Dining and Convenience Stores > Lofts, Desks and Dressers Provided

Apartment Housing Furnished Apartments

> > > >

3- and 5-Person Apartments Available FREE Parking FREE Snow Removal On the University Bus Route with pick-ups every 14-30 minutes > Only 2 blocks from campus New Dining Hall opening to students in January 2017!

For More Information Contact Us At:

Department of Residential Life

111 Carkoski Commons -Mankato, MN 56001 Phone 507-389-1011 (V) , 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY) Fax: 507-389-2687 www.mnsu.edu/reslife Virtual Tours Online TODAY! www.mnsu.edu/reslife

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the Department of Residential Life.

4

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Shining a light on your monthly utility bills RAE FRAME Editor in Chief Here are some tips to ponder as you settle in to your new place and start selecting service providers.

Getting Connected It’s always a good idea to have a conversation with new roommates to understand their entertainment preferences before you sign up for a new service—some people will shell out for HBO while others are fine ditching TV and signing up for Netflix instead. If one member of your house is willing to share their Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime account, you might be able to catch your shows without paying extra for television.

As a rule, it tends to be cheaper to get your internet and television in a package,

be sure to read the fine print and understand how long you’re signing up for service.

Once you find the right company for you, understand that installation may take a while due to high capacity during move-in season.

Some housing complexes will require you to contract with a certain company for your internet and television, and that information should be clearly presented in your lease—another great reason to give it a thorough reading before you sign on the dotted line. You can usually get a good idea of a company by speaking with tenants in an apartment or non-affiliated review companies, so avoid depending on a company’s website reviews.

Gas, Electric, and More Air conditioning, heating, water, and appliances vary

greatly by property and are important things to keep an eye out for during tours and inspections. Understanding your predicted gas, electric, and other utility costs will help you make the best decision for you. Some renting companies will supply you with estimates from previous tenants and some companies will even cover the cost of your utilities (or at least include them in the rental price).

If your property does not have a washer and dryer, be sure to budget some time and money to avoid wearing yesterday’s pants out on the town.

Splitting the Bill There are many ways to split up the utilities but the most important thing is that no one is left footing the bill if someone moves

out unceremoniously. One method roommates can use is to divide the utilities individually, so no one person has all the bills in their name.

This may mean one person has two or three smaller bills while another has the large bill, we encourage students to divvy up the costs in a way that is fair and requires everyone to be responsible for their part of monthly payments.

Whatever your situation, it’s important to make sure that everyone in the household is prepared and informed about their financial responsibilities.

At the end of the year, be sure to contact your service providers and cancel your services (or transfer them to a new address) or you may be surprised by an unexpected bill at your new home.

LIVE CLOSEST

NOW LEASING FOR AUGUST 2016 1600 Warren St #7 Mankato, MN 56001 507-385-7977

5

2015 - 2016

Dining on a dime: budgeting a smarter meal Tips for maintaining a reasonable diet throughout your time in school.

LUKE LONIEN Sports Editor Budgeting for college is very important, especially if you don’t have financial assistance to help you through college. Lucky for me, my parents have helped me, but sometimes you eat all of the food bought for you and you won’t be traveling home anytime soon. In cases like this, it’s incredibly helpful to know how to build a better budget.

I’ll start with this: don’t be like me. You should go to the gym and eat healthily and I do not do either of those things. I try to stay away from Chipotle, but again that has been very difficult for me, as my roommate had a bunch of “buy one, get one” cards.

I know that cheap food is not very healthy, but deciding to make your own food is way better than eating out on the town or in the student union.

The best meal to make when at home is spaghetti because it is cheap and delicious.

Learning how to cook your own food is the biggest battle, but it really isn’t that hard. With some practice, you can save a ton of money and feel really great about something you created.

I have learned that buying groceries with roommates is the best way to go. Some people think that is a bad idea and it may have its negatives, but it’s cheaper in the long run because frankly, do you really need three kinds of coffee creamer in your fridge? No you don’t. It

will take some work to figure out who is buying what, but if someone spends a little more money than the other, it is easy to make up for it on the next grocery run.

I don’t have a problem with going out for some food and beverages if you are of age, but it is flat out expensive. Stay in and make your own food as a social group--my roommates and I make tacos every Monday and it makes Mondays way better. Honestly, everyone should give Taco Mondays a try.

A tip I have for all college students is to go find the coupon books and make good use of them. I also like to do a lot of my shopping at Hy-Vee since they have a nice five percent discount for

all students with a school ID card.

Everyone in college wants to have a social life, I get it, but I remember this quote saying, “Live like no one will know so you can live like no one can later.” It really hit me and so I try to stay in more often and eat food I have already bought so I can save some money and pay for school. Granted, doing this alone will not pay off your college debt but it certainly helps.

Following a smarter food budget will save you money and give you a chance to flex your culinary muscles—or to catch up on your Netflix queue with friends and some pizza rolls.

METROPOLITAN LIVING! Spectacular Views!

Large spacious bedrooms and living space!

3 Bedroom Apartments Individuals may come in as a single

Individual or Group Leases

Rent as low as $450/per room Rent Includes: Cable, Internet, Water, Garbage & Sewer.

Stadium Centre Lofts For Leasing Information Please Call 507-625-0987

6

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Parking, parties, and pet ownership Additional information on some of the odds and ends of the housing experience.

RAE FRAME Editor in Chief After the lease is signed, the cable is hooked up, and roommate cleaning schedules have been established, students may realize there are still a few things to get ironed out. As you decide between parking on campus or taking the bus, wonder how many people can fit in your apartment, or debate adopting a furry friend, here is some extra information that will make those decisions a bit easier.

Parking and Transportation Parking can be quite an adventure for students who drive to campus every day. If

ApartmentGuide.com

you attend MNSU and you’re looking to snag a spot in the Free Lot, plan to rise early (the lot regularly fills up by 10 a.m.) or arrive late to park in one of the permit lots after they open up to parking at 6:30 p.m. at the latest.

Parking permits are available online and in-

person, visit www.mnsu.edu/ campushub/parkingrates/ to find the correct forms and information about each type of parking permit.

In addition to avoiding parking woes, motorcycles often land convenient parking and cyclists have the added benefit of a commute

At Highland Hills, our location is everything!

with a fitness element.

Since this equipment often has sentimental or financial value, it’s important to lock up your bikes with a strong lock (I swear by Kryptonite) and remember to thread the chain through both wheels and the bike frame. Many bikes have quick-release front wheels, which means the frame of the bike can be removed from the wheel and taken in a matter of seconds.

Check out Nicollet Bike Shop on Riverfront or visit a sporting goods store for a selection of locks and some great advice on how to care for and protect your bike.

ODDS & ENDS page 10

• Save time • Save gas • Save parking fees • Sleep in longer

Studio, 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Bedroom Apartments

1340 Warren Street Mankato, MN

507-388-9351

www.highlandmankato.com

2015 - 2016

7

8

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

Tenant rights and leasing responsibilities Understanding your housing agreement will save you a lot of grief at year’s end.

Reporter Archives Finding the right housing situation can be a tricky thing. Whether this is your first time away from home, you are new to the state (or country, for that matter) or this is just one more move of many, the whole process of renting a house, apartment, etc. can be very muddled at times.

As prospective tenants, it is important to remember that you are allowed various rights and responsibilities under Minnesota state law.

The same goes for your landlords.

As specified by the Landlord and Tenants Handbook put forth by the Minnesota Attorney

General’s office, here is a rundown of what you should know in preparation for renting your next home away from home.

Entering into an Agreement A

property

owner

agreeing to let someone temporarily use their building – be it a house or apartment for the exchange of money or labor – is a legally binding contract. This remains true whether the agreement is made orally or in writing.

This first section outlines

the fixed and malleable terms and requirements needed before diving in to your new place.

• Always ask to inspect a unit you are interested in before putting money down on it. Pay attention to utilities, plumbing, heating, electrical system, appliances and lighting. Landlords with single-metered buildings must provide interested tenants with the total utilities costs of the building for the previous year. In some cases, a list of problematic areas found can be submitted by the interested party and come to terms with between the two parties before

RIGHTS page 12

9

2015 - 2016

ROOMMATES “Part of living with any person, be it family members, friends, or random roommates, is getting to know the lifestyle of your roommates” continued from page 2 For example, if your roommates like to stay up until 2 a.m. while you like to go to bed around 10 p.m., tell yourself you will not get angry until it is 11 p.m. Opening up direct communication on the matter is also effective; tell your roommate they can play music until midnight, but it has to be in their own room.

Bear in mind that compromise is a two-way street. You may have to give up a little in order to keep everyone happy.

Do your dishes.

For the sake of emphasis, I will say it again: do your dishes. Bottom line.

Nothing is more painful to

people who are tidy than having a full sink of smelly, dirty dishes. If you are not the person who cares if dishes sit in the sink, please remember that your roommates may get upset with the situation. Speaking from experience, I usually end up doing the dishes that sit around in the sink for too long out of annoyance of the mess. This is neither fair nor enjoyable.

If you do leave dishes dirty, do make sure they are yours. It is borderline rude to use someone’s dishes and leave them in them dirty in the sink for days.

Bottom line, try to get your dishes done the same day you use them. At the very least, put them in the

dishwasher so they are out of sight and smelling range.

Always ask before you act.

Are you planning on having friends over this weekend?

Don’t just assume it is ok—ask! It can never hurt to respectfully ask if you can do something.

By extending this courtesy, you may receive the same courtesy in response.

Asking also creates an atmosphere of trust. There should be no need for gossip or chitchat about having your friends over for the evening id they are already fully informed on the situation.

So before you act, ask!

Be understanding of situations.

All it really comes down to is that everyone is different. The biggest realization I had this year was the fact that a bad roommate doesn’t have to be a bad person. If you understand that everyone comes from different cultures, lifestyles, and living habits, you can loosen that death grip you have on your “ideal roommate” list.

So through the dirty dishes, late night music, and smelly trash piles, realize that living together is hard, and that they could be thinking some of the same things about you.

10

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

ODDS & ENDS continued from page 6 Parties I’ve found that information on party safety is greatly lacking on campuses all over the country, so the most important thing is to acknowledge the importance of attending get togethers with people that you trust will look out for you—and to be prepared to look out for those around you. Knowing your limits and being mindful of what you put into your body is as important in the dining hall as it is in a party.

In addition to personal safety, you should understand city regulations that pertain to issues such as noise levels, occupancy, and underage consumption.

Noise Ordinance: “When noise gets too loud, police may show up and a citation

may be issued. If that happens, a strike will be made against the property and the landlord will be notified. When a property has three strikes, the rental license may be suspended, which could mean finding a new place to live,” (livekato. com).

Social Host Ordinance: “Mankato has a social ordinance that makes it unlawful for any person to host or allow a gathering where alcoholic beverages are present. When the person knows, or should reasonably know, that an underage person consumes any alcoholic beverage it’s a violation of city ordinance and will result in criminal charges for all renters,” (livekato.com).

The City of Mankato has developed these

WE SPECIALIZE IN STUDENT HOUSING Now Leasing for August 2016 - Townhomes - Studio to 6 Bedroom Units - Apartments & Houses

ordinances to protect you and your neighbors— ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep before a big exam or simply a quiet night in after a stressful week. Complete explanations and additional information on Mankato City Code is available at livekato.com/cit y-codesand-ordinances/.

Pet Ownership Putting it simply, do not adopt a pet that you cannot afford, are not allowed to have, or do not plan to take with you at the end of school. According to the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS) in Mankato, there is a huge spike in abandoned or stray pets at the end of the semester.

There are many pet-

friendly complexes in Mankato for those of you who, like me, already have a furry friend, just be prepared to put down a reasonable sum of money on a pet deposit. It is also important to note that feeding, entertaining, providing veterinary care, and sometimes even adopting your buddy creature can add to your final tally, so do a little reading to better understand what your pet will cost you in the long run.

Pets are a commitment and adoption should mean a forever home. Consider volunteering with a therapy dog group or as a dog walker with BENCHS if you aren’t ready to have a permanent companion just yet.

Only 1 Mile Away From Campus!

115 Parkway Ave., Mankato, MN 56001

Call 507-387-1217 Today!

Visit our new website: www.glenwoodterrace.com

Call Today to Schedule a Showing!

• 1 Bedrooms @ $670

• Air-Conditioned Units

• 2 Bedrooms @ $820

• Outdoor Grills

• Beautiful Outdoor Pool

• On-Site Laundry

• Spacious Apartments

• Heat, Sewage & Water Included

• FREE Parking on Campus

• Pets Allowed

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Evenings and Weekends by Appointment

2015 - 2016

11

12

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

RIGHTS continued from page 8 signing, though landlords are not legally bound to do so.

• Landlords must perform background checks on any current or prospective manager they hire. When it comes to someone who has access to your living space, hiring someone with counts of murder, kidnapping and sexual assault is highly frowned upon. As in, it is not permitted.

• Some landlords require a screening to cover the cost of checking your references; some do not. Always ask if applying at a certain place comes with such a fee, how much it will cost and if it is refundable. A landlord may not charge you a screening fee if they know that no units are available, skip out on giving you a receipt, or

bank your fee before all prior applicants have been looked through. A landlord must return your fee if someone else if someone before you gets the unit or your application is rejected for an unlisted reason. A written criteria must be provided by the landlord before accepting the fee outlining the information on the screening service they use (if they do use one), the standards used to determine if you are eligible to rent and if they rejected your application and why.

• Many places for rent require a security deposit (or damage deposit) to cover the costs of any irregular damage you inflict of your unit. There is no set limit on the deposit and it can sometimes be used to

pay unpaid rent or utilities.

At the end of your lease period, your landlord should return the security deposit to you in full, with interest, unless you still owe some from previous damages.

• Leases are something you will likely encounter at one point in your life.

Always make sure to read through it carefully before signing, for it outlines all the terms of your rental agreement. Whether it is for a periodic lease (usually month to month) or definite term (6 months to a year), always make sure you know what you are getting into.

• Before you are all set to go with your new place, your landlord must provide you with a copy of any standing citations stemming from inspection orders, if that is

the case. If no citation has been issued, then a written summary of the inspection will suffice. Point being, you are supposed to be informed when an inspector finds something wrong and issues your complex/ building a citation.

• Revisiting the topic of utilities, make sure an agreement is made between your landlord and you on who pays what utilities and have it in writing. Some landlords pay for certain utilities while you handle the others.

• Landlords are universally responsible in the state of Minn. for making sure your rental unit is 1) fit to live in, 2) kept in

RIGHTS page 14

All of our houses are affordable.

Most of them are historical.

You'll always be comfortable.

Call or Text Jeremy to schedule an appointment!

Call Only

507.351.5192

Call or Text

952.994.5966

Renting with WiseRents is only logical.

13

2015 - 2016

Brand new Cachet building now complete!

Featuring more amenities than any other complex: outdoor swimming pool indoor hot-tub workout facility fitness class space tanning beds

lounge w/ wi-fi and TVs billiards hockey rink basketball court volleyball courts

frisbee golf course bonfire pits picnic area dog park sponsored events

Sign a Lease for 2016-2017 Today!

To schedule a tour, call (507) 625-2787 or visit our office at 200 Briargate Rd., Mankato, MN 56001 leasing@briargatemankato.com www.briargatemankato.com

Vist our table in the CSU or Myers Field House MondaysWednesdays!

14

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE

RIGHTS continued from page 12 reasonable repair, 3) up to date on state health and housing codes and 4) made reasonably energy efficient.

Other duties can become the tenants if agreed upon between the tenant and landlord.

• Speak with your landlord before making any significant alterations to the property, such as painting wall, resurfacing floors or adding carpet. In most cases, these changes can only be made with your landlord’s permission.

We’ve gone over a few important things to consider while looking for a place. Once you have settled on where you are going to live, here are some equally important factors to consider during your tenancy.

During the tenancy • A rather simple concept here: pay your rent on time. How much and when to pay are decided in your lease. If you are rooming with other people, it is up to you and them to decide how to divide that (maybe someone will pick up utilities for a decreased rent amount). Late fees are perfectly legal as long as it is in writing when the fee will be imposed (given you aren’t evicted first).

• The right to privacy is highly cherished and there are many rules in order to make sure tenants’ rights are not violated.

Landlords may only enter a tenant’s unit for “reasonable business purposes,” which include showing the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, state officials and insurance agents;

performing maintenance work; checking on tenant disturbances or on a tenant the landlord believes is violating the lease; seeing if there is someone staying in the unit who is not part of the lease; or performing housekeeping in a senior housing unit. The landlord must give prior notice before entering the unit, except in safety and medical emergencies, when the tenant’s safety must be confirmed, and when entry is needed to comply with state or local ordinances.

• Tenants cannot be hindered from being able to call the police or any other emergency assistance.

• If a tenant is having trouble getting the landlord to make necessary repairs or maintenance to the unit, they have a number of options. Tenants can either file a complaint with an inspector, have a court order the landlord to make repairs or sue the landlord in district court under the Tenant’s Remedies Act, among others.

• N eighborhood organizations can also act on behalf of a tenant or all tenants in a building (with permission from a majority) in such legal matters.

When the day comes that you feel it’s time to end your tenancy, the details surrounding the exit from your contract are decidedly less complicated.

Ending the tenancy • Always give proper advance notice when planning to exit your lease.

Without going through the right steps, it could end up

costing you wasted time and money. Review your lease to make sure you know how long before leaving you must give your landlord a heads up. Each place is different but many places require at least 30 days prior.

• In some cases “breaklease” fees allow you to get out of your lease with a sum of money, possibly in addition to your security deposit.

• As an exception, victims of domestic abuse are allowed to terminate their lease by providing written evidence that they fear for their safety from their partner, and specific their intent to terminate their tenancy and when.

• If you are planning on leaving in winter on a day

that isn’t your designated leave-day, notify your landlord at least three days ahead of time. That way, they can take precautions so that the pipes don’t freeze.

• Don’t forget to grab your security deposit on the way out.

This may be a lot to keep in mind but in time it can become second nature. To boil things down, always read the fine line and make sure open and clear communication is established between you and your landlord.

For more information on the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in Minn., visit www. ag.state.mn.us/consumer/ handbooks/LT/ Happy hunting!

NOW LEASING 5 BEDROOM UNITS FOR 2016-2017!

• CLOSE TO CAMPUS • LARGE 1500 SQUARE FT. split level townhomes • GUARANTEED parking permit • FULL SIZE WASHER, DRYER, MICROWAVE & DISHWASHER in every unit

Email us at: kietzerco@yahoo.com Call us at: (507) 345-1607 www.warrenstreettownhomes.com

2015 - 2016

15

16

THE REPORTER HOUSING GUIDE 2015-2016