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Is your student moving into a new home or apartment off campus soon? Here are tips for a successful move from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations (OCHNR) and Student Legal Services (SLS).ÌýÌý

Complete a lease reviewÌý

Leases are complicated legal documents that can be difficult to navigate. Students need to read their lease agreement to understand their responsibilities and rights as a tenant.ÌýÌý

Students can sign up for a with OCHNR’s staff attorney, who can help them understand their lease and take note of anything they may have missed. SLS also provides free lease reviews. SLS can be reached by visiting UMC 311 or calling 303-492-6813.Ìý

Understand check-in proceduresÌýÌý

Your student should be aware of check-in procedures, which should be in their lease, or they can ask their landlord. Some landlords may have documents due by a specific date or need proof that the renter set up the utilities. Students should complete tasks by their landlord’s deadlines.Ìý

Fill out a condition sheetÌý

When your student moves into their new residence, encourage them to fill out a condition sheet. This documentation can help them get their security deposit back when it’s time to move out. Their landlord may provide this form, but if not, your student can use this check-in/check-out sheet. Have your student complete the form and take photos to document the residence's condition, including any preexisting damage.Ìý

Set up utilitiesÌý

Your student can check with their landlord and review their lease to see what utilities they are responsible for, including electricity, water, trash, cable or internet. Some of these utilities may need to be in the student’s name while they live at the property. If they plan on living with roommates, they will need to decide who will pay for which utilities and how to divide the costs.Ìý

Consider purchasing renters insuranceÌý

Renters insurance helps protect your student’s belongings if the property is damaged. It can be as low as $10 per month and help save money in the long run.ÌýÌý

If your student purchases renters insurance, encourage them to take a quick video of their residence after moving in with all closets, drawers, cabinets, etc., open. This way, they will have documentation ready if they need to file a claim later.ÌýÌý

Finalize a roommate agreementÌý

By completing a roommate agreement, your student can avoid several common disputes. They can use the sample roommate agreement form, which all roommates should work together to fill out and sign. It covers things like quiet times, pets, parties and overnight guests.ÌýÌý

Know city ordinancesÌý

Students can avoid tickets and fines by knowing Boulder’s city ordinances. For example, students can be ticketed for unreasonable noise at any time of day under Boulder’s noise ordinance. Students may also want to review city ordinances with their roommates before signing a roommate agreement, as they can receive a fine for the actions of their roommates or guests.Ìý

Meet the neighborsÌý

Encourage your student to introduce themselves to their new neighbors and build goodwill in their community. Students can download and fill out these contact cards to share with their neighbors or stop by the OCHNR office in UMC 313 to pick up hard copies.ÌýÌý

Register partiesÌý

Students may avoid an expensive ticket by registering their party with OCHNR. They can register their party even if it’s just a couple of friends to be safe. Once they’ve registered, the police will call them with a warning if they receive a noise complaint. Then, they will have 20 minutes to shut things down. Regardless of party registration, they are still responsible for obeying city laws. Students must take an in-person orientation before using the party registration program. They can visit UMC 313 or email OCHNR to learn more.Ìý