WEDNESDAY, JULY 19,2006
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 5
moving in tips
When moving into a newly-leased apartment, there are precautions you can take to help ensure that you won't get charged when you move out for damages that you didn't cause.
Perform the check-in inspection with the landlord present
That way, the landlord is much less likely to blame the current tenants for damages that were already there when move out comes around.
Document the check-in process
Videotape or use a camera that displays the date on the picture to record any present damages when you move in. If you have proof that the damage was already there with a date then you cannot be held accountable for it.
have it checked out right away
If you're concerned about something,
If during the check-in process, or after you've moved in, you come across a problem that you aren't comfortable with, alert the landlord right away, or call a city inspector. Do not live where you don't feel safe.
Invest in renter's insurance
Landlords are responsible for fixing their own property, but they are not responsible for damages that may occur to a tenant's belongings that may result from a fire or a leak caused by another tenant. Renter's insurance can be purchased for as little as $100 a year, but the cost depends on your credit and the monetary amount of personal items you want insured.
—Dani Hurst
Source: Jo Hardesty, managing attorney and director of Legal Services for Students
LEASING (CONTINUED FROM 4)
"We pay a lot of money to live close to campus in a complete shithole," Cook said.
Hearn said that Pinnell and Cook reported these problems to the city before they were tenants, a point Hearn said is key because they had no right to report violations inside a house that they didn't yet occupy. But Cook was subleasing at that time. Hearn said she didn't know that a room had been subtlet.
When Cook moved in, she was told she didn't have to sign anything, but Cook said Hearn knew she was living there because she was sending her checks.
"I want to make it clear that those things were fixed," Hearn said. She added that those problems were fixed within the 14 days the city allots.
"We're very service oriented," Hearn said. "Our practices are very much in keeping with landlord-tenant act."
When asked if Hearn had been reported to the city, Brian Jimenez, code enforcement manager for Lawrence Neighborhood Resources, said yes.
"We have cited her for code violations on houses in the past," he said, "We've had complaints, that's obvious. She's probably no different than any other landlord."
Pinnell, Cook and their roommates aren't the only students that had dealt with undesirable situations.
Karly Prickett, Salina senior has had experience with both good and bad landlords. When she lived at Highpointe, 2001 W. Sixth St., as a junior, only $25 of her $360 security deposit was returned. She was charged to
replace a broiler pan on the stove that she never had, light switch plates because screws had fallen out and for tiles that came loose in her shower.
She said that First Management, the company that owned Highpointe, didn't work for people's needs. She said that they were selfish, self-centered and that they only cared about money.
"This is their business," Hardesty said. "They're trying every way they can to make money."
That's not always the case. When Prickett lived at Meadowbrook apartments, 101 T Windsor Place, as a sophomore, the apartment complex gave her the first month's rent free because the carpet hadn't been cleaned yet.
Now, she lives in a house at 10th and ILinois streets.
"My new landlord's the shit," Prickett said.
She said that the new landlord sends someone over right away if something needs to be fixed. She lives close to Memorial Stadium and the landlord allowed Prickett and her roommates to charge for parking on football game days, and keep the money. It's a practice Prickett said was uncommon on her block.
"He always lets me pay rent four days late because that's when my check comes," she said.
Edited by Janiece Gatson
moving out tips
Here are some tips for when move-out time rolls around to make the process smoother and less stressful.
Cancel your utilities If you don't do this then you will continue to pay for the utilities at that residence in addition to what you'll pay at your new place.
Fill out a mail forwarding form Yes, it's free. Do this as soon as possible to ensure that when you move to a new place your mail will follow in a timely manner.
Rent a storage space
If your lease ends before you find another place to live, or if you live far away and just need a place to keep your stuff for a while,
consider renting a storage space. It can make moving less of a hassle.
Update your personal information for companies that you have accounts with Even if you fill out a mail forwarding form it does not update your information with those companies. It is safer for you to update as soon as possible so your personal information doesn't end up in the wrong hands.
Make plans to move large and heavy items ahead of time
Ask around to see if anyone has a truck or trailer you can borrow. If that doesn't work, reserve a U-Haul a few weeks in advance.
Source: www.iamnext.com