Don t Panic! We ve got you covered.
Housing
Guide
2020
csu
Fort Collins Living
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
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INDEX DON’T PANIC.......................................................5 WHY LIVE ON CAMPUS .......................................6 U +2 ......................................................................8 STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES ................................10 NEIGHBOR ETIQUETTE .......................................11 PROTECT YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT ..................12 PARTY SMART ......................................................18 MEDIATION AND ROOMMATES .........................20 AMERICAN LIVING ..............................................22 KNOW YOUR STUFF ORDINANCE .....................24 BUDGETING.........................................................26
STAFF COVER DESIGN: ANNA MEISER PUBLICATION DESIGN: ANNA MEISER AND CJ JEWELL. THE CSU HOUSING GUIDE IS PRODUCED BY THE ADVERTISING AND CREATIVE SERVICES STAFFS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN STUDENT MEDIA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OFF-CAMPUS LIFE.
SAFETY FIRST .......................................................28 HOUSING MAP LOCATOR ..................................29
RENT A LOCKER IN THE LORY STUDENT CENTER RENT ONLINE AT: OFFCAMPUSLIFE.COLOSTATE.EDU QUARTER $20
RENT BY THE SEMESTER OFF-CAMPUS LIFE
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rm. 274 LSC | 970.491.2248 | ocl@colostate.edu
FULL $50 HALF $35
DON’T PANIC! OFF-CAMPUS LIFE CAN HELP YOU FIND THE PERFECT PLACE Did you know there is an office on campus to help you find off-campus rental housing?! It is Off-Campus Life, and we have a host of ways to help you find the perfect place to live next year!
HERE’S HOW WE CAN HELP: CSU RentalSearch RentalSearch is an exclusive site for the CSU community to find housing in Fort Collins. Visit rentalsearch. colostate.edu and log in using your EID to search for vacant rentals, rooms for rent, and potential roommates. You can also list your own vacant place, room for rent, or yourself as a potential roommate. NEW! Bulletin Board to sell, trade, and give away your items to the CSU community. CSU Housing Fair
February 5th, 9am-4pm, LSC Grand Ballroom Brought to you by OffCampus Life, this free event is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public and takes place in the Lory Student Center every spring. On this day, you can visit with landlords, apartment complex personnel, property managers, and community resources. See what is available for rent, shop around and compare, ask questions, gather freebies, and enter a drawing for a grand prize! Off-Campus Life Apartment Complex and Property Management Lists On the Off-Campus Life website (ocl.colostate.edu), you will find two easy-to-use resources: • The Apartment Complex List is an extensive list with pricing, lease options, amenities, proximity to campus, etc.—all the details you need to know about apartments catering to students. • The Property Management Company List is a compilation of property managers in town with contact information and direct links to their websites. It’s a great place to search for houses, condos, and duplexes!
Roommate Round-ups Like “speed dating” but for roommates! This program is designed to connect people who have a vacant room or rental and others who need a place to live. Offered multiple times throughout the year, this is a great opportunity to meet people face to face and do on-the-spot roommate interviews! Visit Off-Campus Life’s website calendar for future ROOMMATE dates coming soon. OFF-CAMPUS LIFE
ROUND-UP
Visit Off-Campus Life to get all the help you need in finding the best place that’s right for you! We are located in Room 274 of the LSC, (970) 491-2248
MEET RAMS FIND ROOMMATES VISIT offcampuslife.colostate.edu/calendar for information about upcoming dates
ocl.colostate.edu.
OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCES Be sure to shop around and explore your housing options before signing a lease. Decide what you’re looking for and broaden your search! The following resources will help you do just that: • Newspapers: Collegian, Coloradoan, and other prints • Local realtors • Bulletin boards in public locations • NorthernColoradoRentals.com and other rental websites • Signs in lawns/windows • Word of mouth: ask other students and community members. Find out what management company or apartment complex they have used, who their landlord was, and what it was like to live there.
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It is often assumed that after one year of living in the residence halls, all students move off campus. In reality, nearly 20% of the students living in the halls are either returning, transfer, or upper class students. There are 900 premium spaces set aside for returning students each year, so don’t forget to consider the benefits of staying on campus.
WHY LIVE ON? EIGHT REASONS TO LIVE ON CAMPUS AGAIN
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Higher GPAs: Students who live on campus have higher GPAs than students who live off campus, with the most significant gap among first- and second-year students. Location, location, location: If you want easy access to The Rec, Morgan Library, and campus events, living on campus offers the best location in FoCo. Skip the Commute: When it’s cold and snowy outside, enjoy the luxury of sleeping in and still arriving to class on time without the hassle of scraping car windows, finding parking, biking on icy or wet roads, or waiting at the bus stop.
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Easy living: Forget leases, splitting utilities with roommates, shoveling sidewalks, and grocery shopping. The halls offer one bill that goes directly to your student account with no negotiation required.
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$0 due at signing: If you return to the halls, your deposit from this year carries over to next fall and there are no hidden or surprise application fees, security deposits, or first/last month rent charges.
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Designated spaces for returning, transfer, and upperclass students: You get first choice of available rooms on campus, including premium spaces in Laurel Village, Aspen Hall, 4th floor lofts in Parmelee, single rooms, and Open Housing. There are designated wings and floors in these locations set aside for returning and upper class students only. Plus, students who live in the halls for at least two years receive priority consideration at the Aggie Village apartments for their third year and beyond!
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Flexible, convenient dining: The U Plan, offered only to returning students, provides maximum flexibility with just five meals per week. Returning students also have the option to select the Any 10, Any 14, or Any Meal/Any Time dining plans. You could win big: Apply by Feb 28 to be entered to win free room and board for next year as well as one of five $500 prizes. Visit housing.colostate.edu/liveon for more details
WHY DO YOU LIVE ON? “Living on campus your second year is more independent than your first. I was a part of a close-knit community of students, but my RA was more hands-off and we all spent more time off campus. If you aren’t ready to commit to paying rent, finding roommates, or living far away, residence halls are a FUN way to continue to grow as an upper-classman and also stay plugged in.” Michelle – Braiden Hall “When living on campus, everything seems more convenient. I don’t have to worry about paying bills, or keeping a strict budget for food. If I want to go to the library to study, I can easily walk there in less than five minutes and not worry if I will make the last bus in time.” Moira – Newsom Hall “I love being so interconnected with my community, close to my classes, and having access to great meals every day. Life in the halls is a must for those seeking a deep focus on their academic career and comfort throughout their collegiate experience.”Avery – Braiden Hall “Living on campus for a second year is so much fun. It allows you to get to know more people, as well as build relationships - I feel like I have a family in the residence halls.” Adriana – Pinon Hall
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U+2 KNOW THE FACTS Did you know that in the City of Fort Collins no more than three unrelated individuals may live together? Prior to signing a lease, it is important to know the facts behind the occupancy ordinance and how it may have an impact on you. Some facts… • Occupancy in a residential dwelling unit (single-family, duplex, and apartments) is restricted to: • One family and not more than one additional unrelated person, or • Two adults (and their dependents) and not more than one additional person. • “Family” means any number of persons who are related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, who live together as a single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities. Helpful examples… Allowed: three unrelated friends Allowed: two siblings and one friend Allowed: three unrelated friends and guests who stay 30 nights or less in a 12-month period Not allowed: four unrelated friends Not allowed: two siblings and their 2 friends Not allowed: three unrelated friends and guests who stay more than 30 nights in a 12-month period (anyone who spends more than 30 nights in a dwelling unit in a 12-month period is an occupant)
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There are exceptions… A frequently asked question that students have is whether there are any places that allow for more than three unrelated people to live. The answer is yes! There are options in the City that allow for extra occupancy. Visit offcampuslife. colostate.edu and you will find the “Extra Occupancy” list on the homepage. Some apartment complexes are also exempt to this rule, and you can find those on Off-Campus Life’s apartment complex list. A little history… Since the 1960s, Fort Collins has enforced occupancy restrictions. The City addresses occupancy to help ensure health and safety of residents, and to help protect the quality and character of neighborhoods. Proactive Enforcement… Since January 2016, the City started a pilot program in the Avery Park neighborhood, enforcing the ordinance on a proactive basis. This means the City regularly inspects the Avery Park area, no formal complaint needed, and identifies potential violations. The Avery Park pilot area has been defined as the section of the City bordered by Shields Street on the east, Prospect Road on the south, Taft Hill Road on the west, and Elizabeth Street on the north. Need more information… If you are looking for a little more detail to this law, please visit fcgov.com (just type “occupancy” into the search tab) or contact Neighborhood Services at (970) 224-6046.
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STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES TIPS Slow down and get advised BEFORE you sign a lease. Resist the frenzy! Don’t believe the artificial pressure to hurry into a lease. Don’t be lured by landlord giveaways and discounts to sign early. Fort Collins will not run out of rentals by August. Too often your plans (or your intended roommates’ plans) will change. Such changes are not legal grounds to get out of a lease. Most leases require that you pay a re-let fee (in the hundreds of dollars) and find your own replacements to terminate a lease, even if you’ve never moved in. Never sign until you confirm the landlord has a decent reputation. Don’t assume the best. Search the internet for reviews! If the lease requires a co-signer (or guarantor) you MUST NOT SIGN until you are sure you have a parent/guardian/ sponsor with enough income to satisfy the landlord and the willingness to take on your lease obligations if you default. Some landlords will not let you move in without the guarantor but will hold you responsible for the rent anyway! Come to Student Legal Services BEFORE you sign any lease. We will explain lease jargon and steer students away from problems. Check out our tips for seeking a rental: sls.colostate.edu
#PARTIES #POLICE #CRIMINALRECORD #JOBTURNDOWNS Criminal charges are easy to get and hinder job search. Your goal should be to graduate without a criminal record. Students do get charged for party, alcohol, and marijuana violations that seem small. We hear over and over that students don’t get considered for jobs due to a criminal record, no matter how petty or small the convictions. If you do get charged, make an appointment with Student Legal Services. You should never go to court before being advised. There might be a way to structure a plea agreement that will allow you to seal a conviction later. Prosecutors you meet at court will not tell you about this. Student Legal Services is located in Room 284 of the Lory Student Center. Information on many legal topics can be found at sls.colostate.edu.
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
NEIGHBOR ETIQUETTE MORE THAN A CUP OF SUGAR Fort Collins is known for its friendliness and small town warmth – so take pride in where you live! Get to know your neighbors and city ordinances.
HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS: Introduce Yourself!
A simple “hello” goes a long way. This is your first step in building a good relationship, and it’s a great one, but don’t stop there. Grow the relationship throughout the year, you never know when you will need that cup of sugar or help shoveling your walk.
Keep Neighbors Informed
Contact your neighbors in advance before undertaking something that may affect them… like throwing a big party, building a fence, or getting a dog. Share your contact information (cell phones, etc.) so there is an easy way of communicating during any event you might host or if other questions come up.
Be Aware of Neighborhood Expectations & City Ordinances
Be aware of not only local laws and HOA covenants, but also the neighborhood expectations. Each neighborhood has a different feel. As you get to know your neighbors, ask them about what is expected of each resident.
Be Aware of Differences
Age, faith, ethnic background, and family status can drastically affect how one goes about their daily life. Be aware and respectful of differences between you and your neighbor.
Ask How You Can Help
Neighborly gestures contribute to a positive and welcoming neighborhood for all! Shoveling snow for your neighbor who may need assistance is a great welcoming gesture.
Be Candid
If your neighbor does something that bothers you, respectfully let them know as soon as possible. If you cannot work out a fair compromise, take advantage of free and confidential mediation services offered by the City of Fort Collins Community Mediation Program, fcgov.com/mediation, (970) 224-6022.
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PROTECT YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT Your security deposit is the amount of money collected at the beginning of the lease and held by the landlord to cover damages beyond ordinary wear and tear -- the deposit usually represents a substantial sum of money. Accordingly, you should take care to ensure you get it back. Some landlords are fair and reasonable in returning deposits, others are not. Rather than waiting to find out what type of landlord you have, take a few simple precautions in advance to protect your substantial investment. WHEN YOU MOVE IN Check-In Sheets: Check-in sheets document the condition of your rental unit when you move in. Usually both the tenant and the landlord sign the list to acknowledge its accuracy. You can find examples of check-in sheets on Off-Campus Life’s website, under the “helpful resources” tab. MAKE A VIDEO: Imagine that a judge is viewing your videos, deciding what you should be charged for, what was pre-existing to your tenancy, what was ordinary wear and tear, and what damage was caused by your misuse. • You should make a detailed narrated video before you move in, and before the unit is cluttered with boxes and your items. • Give a detailed, clear narration of the condition of the residence. Go from room to room, blemish to blemish. • Send a Copy to Your Landlord: Even if your landlord refuses to sign the check-in sheet, send them a copy with a request for a reply. Keep a copy of your cover letter, check-in sheet, and video. PHOTOGRAPHS: With the best camera you have access to, which is likely in your pocket, photograph your entire unit while paying close attention to damaged areas. Make sure each photo has a timestamp, and note the area pictured in each photo. WITNESS: Have someone other than a roommate inspect your unit when you move in. Have the same person inspect it when you move out. DURING YOUR TENANCY Be responsible. Take care of your rental unit. Report problems to your landlord promptly. WHEN YOU MOVE OUT The conditions you documented at move in should have been sent to your landlord at the beginning of your lease. Additionally, you should have kept copies of those documents, especially if there was evidence of pre-existing damage prior to your tenancy. You should only be charged if there is evidence you caused new damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2019 2020
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020 17
- including any overtime needed (police, ambulance, etc.). Any cost for damages and clean up could be charged on top of the citation fine received. Remember that YOU are responsible for your guests’ actions!
Hosting a party has its risks, but there are steps you can take to lessen the chances of interacting with police and receiving a ticket if officers do show up. Always remember that when hosting a gathering you are assuming responsibility for any and all issues that may take place. Here are some of the many tips to help you host a safe party. • Register your party! Registering your party can help you avoid a possible noise citation of $1,000+. • Discuss party expectations with your roommates before you host a gathering. Things to consider include: date, timeframe, house rules, number of people, what you will provide guests (consider food), who will be the sober host, who will chat with the neighbors, etc. • Notify your neighbors in advance and provide them with the phone number of the sober host. Ask us for neighbor notification forms (or find them in your party pack). • Designate a sober host to control music volume, access to the party, outside disturbances, and to address any interactions with the neighbors or police. Behaviors of people coming and going (including parking issues) to the party are often most disruptive to neighbors, not the party itself. Make sure the sober host is monitoring the foot traffic to and from the party, and check the backyard. • Think before you post! Posting your get-together using social media can lead to out-of-control parties, unwanted guests and their unwanted behaviors. Remember, as a party host you are responsible for what happens at and as a result of your party, including the actions of others. • Unreasonable Noise/Nuisance Gathering…Know the Difference: The Party Registration program only provides a potential warning for unreasonable noise. The Unreasonable Noise Ordinance is in effect 24 hours a day. Nuisance gatherings are NOT covered! Nuisance gatherings cover other issues that occur on your property and/or extend past the property line: foot traffic to and from your gathering, disrupting neighbors, public urination, leaving trash in yards, trampling bushes, jumping fences, etc., or unlawful consumption or possession of alcohol and/or marijuana. The HOST of the party, if found responsible for a nuisance gathering, can be held accountable for the costs associated with these damages 18
STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
• Engaging in a riot: State Riot Laws provide that anyone convicted of a rioting offense cannot attend any state funded institution for one year. Engaging in a riot, or even just being a bystander and watching it, can result in negative consequences. Note to CSU students: tuition is NOT refunded. • Social Host Ordinance holds host(s) responsible for providing a space in which underage possession/ consumption of alcohol or marijuana is occurring. The host(s) do(es) not have to provide the alcohol/marijuana to be held responsible. • It is illegal to provide alcohol or marijuana to minors. If the guest is over 18 but under 21, the crime is a misdemeanor with possible jail time and fines. If the guest is under age 18, it’s worse: the crime is a felony with possible longer jail times and higher fines. If you’re in doubt of someone’s age, protect yourself and don’t serve. It is illegal legal to: o Consume alcohol or marijuana in public. o Sell or transfer alcohol or marijuana to persons under the age of 21. o Drive under the influence. The use and possession of marijuana, including medical marijuana, is prohibited on all CSU property, regardless of your age. • Keep the size reasonable so your party stays in line with the capacity of your residence and does not disturb your neighbors.
• Be proactive by asking for help. If you’re uncomfortable with the size of your party or people will not leave when asked, call Fort Collins Police Services at 970-419-FCPD (3273) and ask for assistance in breaking up your party before things get out of control. • Be cooperative towards neighbors, police, and others who come to discuss issues. Don’t make the situation or citation worse. When police arrive, all guests need to leave. • Clean up all trash resulting from your party and follow up with your neighbors the next day. Your neighbors may be more tolerant of your next party if they see that you care about how your party may have impacted the neighborhood. • Your actions have impact; make it a positive one. Be a good neighbor both on and off campus. If you are a CSU student, you may be held accountable for your behaviors off campus through the Student Conduct Code. • …and Don’t Forget Your Free Party Pack at Off-Campus Life, which includes a ton of free items: neighbor notices, information about BAC, a pretty sweet water bottle and more party smart tips!
AVOID A $1,000+ NOISE CITATION
The Party Registration program: • Is available year-round, every night of the week. • Provides a 20-minute warning for noise complaints. • Can help you avoid a costly $1,000+ noise citation. • Must be completed in person by 5:00pm Thursday’s with Off Campus Life (LSC Rm. 274). Once you register in person, and assuming your party does not receive a warning or citation, you can start registering your party online! • Has more information at partysmart.colostate.edu.
Party Registration Myth Busters:
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“The List” is given to all police on duty for the night. FALSE The list is never provided to the officers on the street.
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Being on “The List” means police target those addresses. FALSE Police on duty do not have the list, nor do they have the time to target parties as there are higher priority calls coming in.
Dispatch calls every party at midnight to give a warning. FALSE Dispatch only calls when an address receives a noise complaint from a neighbor. Or, if a neighbor can’t determine a specific address when there is a cluster of parties, dispatch calls all surrounding registered parties.
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MEDIATION OF ROOMMATE CONFLICT Roommate conflicts can happen at any time, but when students move into off-campus residences and increase the number of roommates they are living with, they often face more complex issues. People who start out as the best of friends may find themselves feuding over bills, food, overnight guests, cleanliness, noise, parking, pets, house temperature, parties, or alcohol/drug use. Conflict can be scary and uncomfortable, yet it can also be a great opportunity to develop and practice communication and conflict resolution skills. By maintaining open lines of communication with your roommates, you can avoid escalation by addressing issues when they arise. Here are a few tips to help with conflict: Encourage communication and collaboration. Most roommate conflicts occur due to lack of communication. Use “I” statements to communicate any behavior bothering you, rather than judging or accusing the individual. Try to work toward a solution that is mutually acceptable for everyone involved, and be willing to recognize where you may have room for improvement. Remember that conflicts are normal. It’s not essential for roommates to be best friends with one another, or for best friends to be roommates. In fact, sometimes it’s better not to live together in order to get a little break from each other. Be proactive in your roommate relationship so you can feel ready to talk about it when conflict begins.
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Being direct is the key. Sometimes we are afraid to hurt our roommate’s feelings, but this can also end up hurting them more in the end. Remember to stand up for your rights while respecting others. It’s not what you say but how you say it! When you are direct (and respectful), everyone involved usually benefits. Avoid escalation. We recommend avoiding the following behaviors, as they tend to escalate conflicts: • • • • •
Addressing frustrations via text or social media Getting friends/others involved in the dispute Confronting a roommate before cooling-off Confronting a roommate when you are still angry Leaving passive aggressive notes. Face-to-face communication is far more effective than a white board or post-it note.
The Student Resolution Center (SRC) is a great resource on campus for roommate (or other) conflicts. Oftentimes students have a concern but don’t know how to navigate the situation. SRC can help you through Conflict Coaching, in which we meet with you one-on-one to talk through things, brainstorm solutions, and prepare for the conversation with your roommate. For students who feel the lines of communication with their roommate have broken down, SRC can offer a neutral third-party mediation to help facilitate a difficult conversation. To set up an appointment with SRC you can call 970-491-7165, request an appointment at resolutioncenter.colostate.edu, or come visit the office (501 W. Lake St, Suite A, Aggie Village, Walnut Hall). Whatever the conflict, SRC is here to help!
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AMERICAN LIVING ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SEEKING HOUSING You got off the plane and took the bus to your new apartment, • the one you reserved months ago once you received your admissions letter to CSU. According to some stereotypical college American movies, like National Lampoon’s Animal House or Accepted and maybe even Monster’s University, you think you have a good idea of what your new roommates might be like. You go for it and sign the lease, unlock the door and find a neat, clean living room with one roommate cooking dinner and another roommate studying on the couch. Where’s the party you were promised in the movies? Well, that was the movies. You will hear a lot of myths and some truths about living in the United States. Here are a few things we believe you should know, no movie fantasies, about being an international student seeking housing in Fort Collins: •
•
U + 2 – this LAW means you can only live with two roommates who are not related to you -- not two roommates and their two partners, not you and your cousin and her three best friends. Even if your house has five bedrooms, unless the place is zoned for more than three people, only 3 unrelated people can live there. For more detailed information check out: fcgov.com/ neighborhoodservices/occupancy.php.
•
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Parties, pets & smoking – If you want to host parties, own a dog, or smoke certain substances; your housing options may be limited. Most landlords don’t want these in their rentals, and if you violate the policies you could be facing thousands of dollars in fees and possibly getting evicted from your apartment.
•
Private bathrooms –While you may prefer to have your
STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
Utilities included – it depends. The rent looks like a fair price but now you have to pay for a deposit, first and last month rent, internet, TV, electricity, water, heat, gas, sewer, trash, Home Owner’s Association fees, snow removal, pet deposit, carpet cleaning, yard maintenance…and the list goes on. Don’t forget furniture, bed linens and groceries. There are many rental options that do include utilities. Just pay close attention to the lease and what is and isn’t included.
own private bathroom, when it comes to rentals in the United States, your choices may be limited. If you want the “classic American roommate experience,” be prepared to share a bathroom with your roommates and their guests. If you can’t live without a private bathroom, you should • look to rent a room with a master bathroom which means the bathroom is “en suite” and attached to your room. Additionally, you may want to look at apartment complexes that offer individual leases and individual bathrooms.
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Floors are NOT waterproof. Most houses in the United States are made of wood and don’t have drains in the floors like houses in other countries. You must keep water off the floors. This means you must keep the shower head and curtain in the shower and only put toilet paper in the toilet. If you don’t, you’ll have a flood in your house along with an expensive repair bill and a very angry landlord.
Don’t sign a lease until you have read through the entire contract! It might seem very long and boring, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions because a contract is a legally-binding agreement that you must follow. CSU’s Student Legal Services office can help you understand the lease. Call (970) 491-1482 or visit their website, sls.colostate.edu/ before signing a lease! Take pictures and document problems with your rental BEFORE moving in. Most rental places have an inventory form for you to document any damages that currently exist in your apartment. If an inventory form isn’t provided, there is a sample one in the Off-Campus Life Student Handbook, ocl.colostate.edu.
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KNOW YOUR STUFF UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT CITY CODES & ORDINANCES While there are many codes and ordinances within the city, there are a few that get discussed a little more frequently among students. Here is your chance to get a glimpse of how some of these ordinances may have an impact on you. Unreasonable Noise: A violation of this ordinance can come with a $1,000+ price tag (per resident!) and a criminal misdemeanor. In the City of Fort Collins unreasonable noise is determined, typically, when noise is heard beyond property lines. When a noise complaint is called into Fort Collins Police Services, an officer is sent to determine if the level of noise is unreasonable by considering the time of day, type of noise and other factors. While you may think you are doing a good job at keeping the noise down, it is always wise to go outside and walk around your property line to determine if noise can be heard from your residence. Nuisance Gathering Ordinance: This ordinance holds party hosts accountable for any damage to neighboring properties as a result of their gathering. A conviction carries a $1,000+ fine, in ADDITION to the cost of any repairs needed, with the possibility of jail time or community service hours. Examples of these damages include trash and litter, public urination and vandalism. Remember, as a party host you are responsible for what happens at, and as a result of, your party, including the actions of others.
Trash: Residents are not allowed to accumulate trash and discarded items. Trash containers must be stored out of view from the street. Snow: You are responsible for clearing snow and ice off the public sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours of accumulation. Remember it’s easier to shovel fresh snow! Sofas: Furniture manufactured for indoor use is prohibited from outdoor areas. This includes unenclosed porches. Weeds: Weeds & grass on your property can only be up to 6 in. tall. As a renter, it is important to know that a violation of any of the above may cost you additional fees assessed by your property manager. So what happens if I have received any citations related to the issues above?
Public Nuisance Ordinance (PNO): The PNO is a tool for managing chronic problem properties. Properties are considered problematic when citations occur on a regular basis. Property owners are accountable for the use of their properties and the behaviors of tenants. If a property For information on how to avoid receiving these citations, receives two citations (of the same kind) within six months, check out the Party Smart article. three citations (of any kind) in a year, or five citations (of any kind) in two years, the tenants and property owner can be Those are some heavy hitters, but how about other codes and held responsible under the PNO which may require eviction. ordinances that could have a smaller impact on you? Whether It is important to note that citations follow the property, so be you rent or own, there are several important nuisance aware of your property’s prior citations to avoid costly fines or ordinances to be aware of. If violations are not corrected in possible eviction. You can check on property violation history the allotted time, the City will bill the property owner for the by calling Neighborhood Services at the City of Fort Collins at expense, which may be passed down to tenants. The City (970) 224-6046. may also issue citations for chronic problem properties or for violations that can’t be corrected by a contractor.
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020 25
BUDGETING IT MAKES CENTS Renting Tips:
• Rent a furnished apartment. • Consider paying the full semester’s rent at the beginning of each semester. • Consider buying renter’s insurance. It will cover theft or fire damage to your personal property and only costs $10-20 per month.
MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS
Cooking and Shopping Tips:
• Determine all your costs & resources ahead of time. • Develop and stick to a plan that makes sure your required expenses fit with your available resources. Find a tool that works for you; we have several college money management tools including the Schwab MoneyWise on Campus portal as well as tools on our site financialaid.colostate.edu. • Find roommates that have similar values and resources. It is really difficult to find and share living space with someone who has a very different idea about how things should be done and how much can be spent on rent, food, Internet, heating, air conditioning, etc.
• You can often use financial aid to pay toward rent, food, and utilities. Financial aid applies toward your semester University expenses first and the excess may be sent to you in a refund to help pay for rent, food, etc. It is important that this refund cover expenses until mid-January, including January rent, when spring financial aid refunds are sent.
• Learn to cook simple and quick meals. • Pack a lunch every day instead of eating out and you could save $1,000 each year. • Never shop when you are hungry or you may spend more than you have budgeted. • Try to take cash instead of debit or credit cards when shopping so you don’t spend more than you have. • Purchase monthly food cards for the amount of groceries that you have budgeted. • Consider opening a separate bank account for rent and food expenditures. • Pay all bills on time to avoid late fees and ruining your credit. • Opt-in to have your debit card decline funds in your bank account are not sufficient. • Avoid parking tickets by riding your bike or taking the bus. • Create your own scholarships: Latte Scholarship – make your own coffee instead of buying lattes. A $4 latte every day, Monday through Friday for the academic year, is a cost of $640. Soda Scholarship – buy less soda. A $1.50 bottle of soda every day, Monday through Friday for the academic year, is a cost of $240.
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
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RECYCLE ALL ITEMS MUST BE EMPTY AND DRY
METALS & GLASS
CARDBOARD & PAPER
IF YOU LIVE IN AN APARTMENT: Your apartment complex likely provides bins for all your trash and recycling needs. If your apartment does not currently offer recycling service, they will by the end of 2020 (fcgov.com/CRO). You can also take your recyclables to a drop-off center free of charge. The City’s Timberline Recycling Center at 1903 S. Timberline Road (fcgov.com/TRC) and recycling drop-off center at the Larimer County Landfill accept everyday recyclables. Contact WRAP (the Waste Reduction and Recycling Assistance Program) for help to start or improve the recycling program at your complex. fcgov.com/WRAP.
PLASTIC BOTTLES, TUBS & PAPER CARTONS
IF YOU LIVE IN A HOUSE:
KEEP OUT OF CURBSIDE RECYCLING
*
LIQUIDS
DON’T BAG ITEMS KEEP LOOSE IN BIN
*
Trash rates in Fort Collins are based on the size of your trash bin. If you don’t regularly use all the capacity in your trash cart, call your trash hauler to request a smaller cart. The smaller your trash cart, the smaller your trash bill. Recycling is included as part of your trash service for no extra cost. If you don’t already have a cart to hold your recyclables, call your trash hauler to get one.
FOOD
*
Private companies provide trash collection services. Either you, your landlord, or your Home Owner’s Association arrange for trash / recyclables collection.
SCRAP METAL
*
SHREDDED PAPER
Please follow this handy guide for curbside recycling. Starred items can be recycled elsewhere. Learn more at fcgov.com/recycle or fcgov.com/a-z.
*
18-19572 2018
STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020 27
SAFETY FIRST WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PROPERTY WALKING ALONE You’ve just moved into neighborhood and it reminds you so much of the one you had growing up that you soon find yourself leaving your bike unlocked on the front porch or your doors unlocked after dark. It seems like it wouldn’t be a big deal, but all it takes is a few seconds and your precious belongings can vanish without a trace. As a new resident in the neighborhood, it’s important to remember some tips that can help keep you and your belongings safe.
At your house or apartment: Lock that door! Even if you intend to return shortly, or even if you are going down the block. It takes a thief 10 seconds or less to enter an open home and steal your property. Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep. Do we need to remind you about all those horror movies? Put emergency numbers in your cell phone’s address book for quick access. Do not leave messages on your door or answering machine indicating that you are away and when you will return. That is basically an open invitation for thieves to come in and grab what they please.
WHEN YOU LEAVE FOR BREAKS:
Thieves know the college schedule, so make your place look busy and ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for any suspicious strangers lurking around. Keep your windows and doors secured. You don’t want to grant them free access!
If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to dial for them instead of allowing them to enter your home. Do not put your address on your key ring. If it gets lost or stolen, you’ve basically given them the key to enter. Get to know your neighbors! When you move in, introduce yourself and exchange information. Extra eyes never hurts. Do not leave keys in hiding places because thieves will find them. Those fake rocks in the garden aren’t fooling anyone. Check if smoke detectors are working and change the batteries twice a year.
• Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary. • Keep to well-lit and commonly used routes. • Avoid using shortcuts and isolated areas. • Walk purposefully, know where you are going, and project a no-nonsense image. • Avoid dangerous situations.
Store all electronic equipment and small valuables in a safe place, like at a friend’s house or even take them with you! Have a timer for lights so your house looks busy even when you are not home. They’re a cheap way to keep your home safe even when you’re not there.
• If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or a place of business (even if you have just left it). • Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pocket or hand, not buried in a purse or backpack. • When walking to your car, don’t hit the unlock button until you are in close proximity to the vehicle and lock the doors behind you once you are inside.
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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020
APARTMENT LOCATOR
Downtown
La Porte Ave
W. Mountain
15 14Plum Campus 7
1
West
W. Elizabeth
3
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CSU Campus
4
E. Elizabeth
8 11 2
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CSU HOUSING 1005 West Laurel Drake (970) 491-6511 housing.colostate.edu/liveon
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FLATS AT THE OVAL 306 West Laurel (970) 237-3771 flatsattheoval.com
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STATE
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ALL PROPERTY SERVICES 1630 South College (970) 224-4446 AllPropertyServices.com
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LOKAL 1201 West Plum (970) 407-7267 LokalCSU.com
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TBC PROPERTY
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THE BRANDT COMPANY 1504 West Prospect (970) 482-4000 thebrandtcompany.com
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PROSPECT PLAZA 304 West Prospect (970) 482-9513
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THE STANDARD
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CARRIAGE HOUSE APARTMENTS 1171 Springfield Drive (970) 407-7267 Carriagehouseftcollins.com
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PURA VIDA PLACE 518 West Laurel (970) 472-4250 PuraVidaPlace.com
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UNION ON ELIZABETH APARTMENTS
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THE COTTAGES 1200 Gold Drive (970) 495-6705 thecottagesoffc.com
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UNION ON PLUM APARTMENTS
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RAMS VILLAGE 900 Constitution Avenue
970-498-0206 ramsvillage.com
120 West Stuart 844-732-8061 StateFortCollins.com 3021 South Taft Hill (970) 224-0852 TBCprop.com 208 South College (970) 372-6764 thestandardfortcollins.com 1208 West Elizabeth UnionOnElizabeth.com 1323 West Plum 970-407-7267 UnionOnPlum.com
STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2020 29
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