Housing - Priorities Checklist

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Campus Life > Housing > Undergraduate Housing > Priorities Checklist

Housing Priorities Checklist

What to consider when finding a place to live.

Determine Your Needs
- How much can you afford to pay?
- What locations are practical for you to live in? (consider safety, shopping, laundry, parking, and fun)
- Is transportation necessary and/or available?
- Do you need a furnished or unfurnished unit?
- Do you want to live by yourself or with others? (consider how many others, graduates or undergraduates)
Finding People to Live With
- Choose roommates carefully! (consider study habits, social habits, lifestyle and living expectations, and responsibilities)
- Discuss in detail all types of issues with prospective roommates before you enter into any formal type of living arrangement.
- The people you live with can have a profound effect on your enjoyment of off-campus living.
Finding a Place to Live
After you and your roommates have determined your needs, check:
- Off Campus Life Services at 206 Robert Purcell Community Center o Classified Ads (Ithaca Journal, Cornell Sun, Ithaca Times)
- Friends (word of mouth is very important) o Bulletin Boards
Speak with Prospective Property Owners
- What is the monthly rent? When and where is it to be paid?
- What types of deposits does the property owner require and how much are they? (cleaning, security, pets) Are they refundable?
- Are utilities (heat, hot water, electricity, gas, trash) included in the monthly rental payment?
- Are pets allowed? If yes, what kind?
- Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
- Voice any special concern such as ability to sublet, add extra people to the lease (is there an additional charge?)
- Are there any special rules that the property owner requires that you follow? Be sure both tenant and landlord/lady understand responsibilities and expectations.
Doing Your Research
- Check to insure that your prospective new home is not in violation of the City of Ithaca Building Code. You can do this by checking with Off Campus Life Services (607) 255-5368 or by calling the City of Ithaca Building Department at 108 E. Green St. (607) 274-6508.
- Check with New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) at 1-800-572-1111 to see what the cost of utilities were over the past year.
- Examine the amount of parking available in your new neighborhood. Be sure you are aware of the on-street parking regulations that you are expected to abide by or any associated parking costs.
- Contact the Housing Office and ask if there are any complaints on your prospective landlord/landlady.
- If the property is currently occupied, go and talk with the tenants. Ask questions regarding prompt handling of problems by the property owner, pests that may be in the dwelling, noise levels during the week and on weekends, and water pressure.
The Lease
- Be sure to read the entire lease and understand everything before you sign.
- Document all verbal agreements (repairs, painting, etc.) and be sure that notations of them are signed on all copies of the lease.
- Always pay using a check, money order or bank cashier's check. Never pay in cash unless you immediately get a written receipt!
- Remember that both the tenant's and the property owner's rights should be protected.
- Off Campus Life Services is available to review your lease before you sign it. Call for an appointment at (607) 254-8718.
Moving In and Moving Out
- Before you move in inspect for damages with the owner or manager. Fill out a room inspection sheet, and make notations as to the condition of the apartment, house, or room.
- When you leave at the end of the lease period, inspect again with the owner for any damages. With this documentation, you will be more assured of receiving your security deposit back.