Before You Sign a LeaseConsider these tips when inspecting the house or apartment and before you sign a lease.  It is a good idea to try to see the exact house or apartment where you will be living.  The Crimson Choice website at www.crimsonchoice.ua.edu, lists approved rental properties that participate in their program and The Alabama Tenant’s Handbook at www.arisecitizens.org can provide valuable information regarding your rights as a tenant.  Portions of this document were adapted from The Alabama Tenant’s Handbook published by Alabama Appleseed, Arise Citizens’ Policy Project and Legal Services of Alabama. The House or Apartment

• Run the water and flush the toilet to make sure the water drains properly.
• Check to see if there are any loose wires and make sure all outlets are covered.
• Check for holes in the floor, walls, and ceilings.
• Look for water stains as these may be a sign there are leaks.
• Check to make sure the air conditioner, heater and water heater work properly.
• Check to see if common areas and the laundry room are kept clean.
• Consider purchasing renter’s insurance.  The Landlord’s homeowner’s policy will not cover your items if damaged, destroyed or stolen.
• Check with your Landlord regarding limitations to the number of unrelated tenants that can live together in certain areas of the city.
• Is there a limitation to the number of guests you can have at one time in your house or apartment and is there a limitation to how long they can stay?

Utilities

• Are any utilities included it the rent?  If so, what is included?
• Consider contacting the Off-Campus Association to assist with utility deposits.
• If you don’t use the OCA, you will need to know if you will be living in Tuscaloosa or Northport in order to know which utility companies to contact.  
• If there are multiple renters, how will utility payments be handled?
• Is pest control provided inside and outside the house/apartment?

Parking

• Is the parking lot properly lit and is there covered parking?
• Are there assigned parking places?
• What is the policy for visitor parking and is there a limitation to the number of guests you can have with cars?
• Are there decals to guarantee that you always have a parking spot?

Location

• Visit the area at various times of the day and night to see if you feel safe.
• Is the house or apartment close to a grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, laundry mat or a railroad track and if so, will that bother you?
• Know the rules for living in the city and neighborhood where you are renting.

Furniture & Appliances

• Is the house or apartment furnished?  If so, what is provided?
• What condition is the furniture in if it is furnished?
• If the house or apartment is furnished, can you have any of the furniture removed so you can use your own furniture?
• If you need to provide your own furniture, consider what you have and how much you can afford to spend.
• Consider going to garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores if looking for furniture.
• What appliances are provided and what condition are they in?
• Are there washer and dryer connections? Can you rent a washer and dryer from the Landlord?
• What appliances will you need to purchase?

Budgeting Consider the expenses you will have on a monthly basis as well as a onetime cost.

• Rent
• Utilities
• Food – at home and eating out
• Laundry costs
• Transportation costs if you chose to drive to campus
• Parking decal to park on campus or at your house or apartment
• Furniture and Appliances
• Linens, dishes, pots and pans, eating utensils
• Household products, cleaning supplies
• Renter’s Insurance

Moving Out

• Know what the lease says about moving out or terminating your lease early
• How far in advance are you supposed to notify the Landlord and does it have to be in writing?
• Ask about your security deposit and leave a forwarding address so the Landlord can refund your deposit.  The security deposit should be refunded within 35 days after you move out.
• Clean up before you leave.  The Landlord will inspect for damages and cleanliness.
• If something is damaged, the Landlord can have it fixed and deduct the cost from your security deposit.  The Landlord has to give you a written list of damages, the cost of the repairs and the amount that will be deducted from the security deposit.
• If you are due a refund from the security deposit and it is not refunded within 35 days, the Landlord may then owe you double the amount of the original security deposit.

Stay informed about what’s happening on campus

• Sign up for the cell phone text alert option provided by Student Media.
• Check email regularly, daily if possible.
• Pick up a copy of the Crimson White each day it is published.
• Check MyBama for announcements.

Handyman hints While this is not a University of Alabama website, it does provide some helpful information: http://www.myfirstapartment.com