Housing and Residential Communities

1. Housing and Residential Communities Off Campus Resources

2. Housing and Residential Communities’ Off Campus Resources office is located in the Housing office in Mary Burke Hall, East. Our staff will gladly assist you and your student in locating off campus housing and provide you with a variety of resources to guide you and your student in your search. Our website is http://offcampushousing.ua.edu Search for housing, roommates, roommate matching, shuttle service, furnished, resource guides, tips, etc.

3. If Your Student is Still Looking • Know what you are looking for – house or apartment. • One bedroom, two bedroom, etc. Do they want a roommate? Some properties provide roommate matching. • Do they have furniture? Some properties are furnished, others provide furniture options. • Will they have transportation? • Do they prefer an all-inclusive property? (utilities are included in the rent payment) • Drive by the property at night. Is it well lit? • Is the property clean and well maintained?

4. The Lease • In Alabama, someone can legally enter into a contract at the age of 19 and in most cases, they will need someone to co-sign on the lease. • You will pay an application fee and once approved, you will pay the security deposit to hold the space. The security deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent. • The first month’s rent will be due when your student picks up the keys to the rental property. • Most leases are for a 12 month period starting the end of July or early August, but in reality, are for 11-1/2 months to allow time for repairs if needed.

5. Most leases are joint leases, meaning the landlord isn’t concerned with who pays the rent as long as it is paid on time. • Some properties do provide individual leases, which means your student is only responsible for their portion of the rent. • Always read the lease, including the fine print, and ask questions before you sign it if you don’t understand something. • Always correspond in writing and keep a copy for your records. This includes maintenance requests. Make sure the property has your student’s correct email and cell phone number.

6. Budgeting • Some expenses you/your student should plan for: • Rent – needs to be paid on time each month • Utilities - unless included in the rent, assume $100- • $130/month for utilities for budgeting. • Food – Bama Dining does provide a “Commuter” meal • plan • Laundry • Transportation – some properties do provide a shuttle service to and from campus, Monday-Friday • Renter’s Insurance • Misc.

7. Roommates • Encourage your student and their roommate(s) to discuss how they will split payments as well as what type of environment they prefer. Discuss study habits, noise levels, visitors, etc. • Select someone who will be financially responsible and will pay their portion of the rent/utilities on time. • Use the Roommate Agreement located on the Off Campus Housing site at http://offcampushousing.ua.edu to start the conversation.

8. Moving in • On move in day, you will be asked to pay the first month’s rent. Before you pay your rent, ask the landlord to walk through the property with you. • Document any damages. There is a Rental Inspection Form located on the Off Campus Housing site at if one is not provided. • If there are pre-existing damages, ask the landlord to sign that s/he is aware of the damages and ask, in writing, that repairs be made within 14 days. • Take photos or video before you unpack – ceiling, floors, walls, windows, doors, appliances (inside and out).

9. Make sure the windows open, close and lock securely, that doors lock securely, the AC/heat works, toilets flush properly, the hot water works and water drains properly. • Do the appliances work properly? • The more thoroughly you document the condition of the property before you move in, the better prepared you will be should questions come up later on.

10. Additional Information • If the rental property is not “all inclusive,” utilities will need to be turned on and deposits paid. The Off Campus Association can assist with some of the utility deposits. • City of Tuscaloosa Ordinance - no more than 3 unrelated people can live together in the City of Tuscaloosa and no more than 2 unrelated in the Historic Districts. Call Tuscaloosa’s 311# to determine restrictions for the property. • Become familiar with Alabama’s Landlord/Tenant rights and responsibilities found on our website.

11. Moving Out • Take pictures once you have moved everything out and • ask the Landlord to walk through the property with you to • document any damages. Refer to the Rental Inspection • Sheet used when your student moved in. • Be sure to leave a forwarding address in writing with the Landlord so that your security deposit can be returned if your student is eligible for a refund. • The Landlord has 35 days after the end of the Lease to refund the security deposit. If there are damages, the Landlord must provide a list of the damages and the repair costs. • The cost of the repairs can be subtracted from the security deposit. The list of repairs and costs must be provided within 35 days of the end of the lease.

12. Useful Websites • http://offcampushousing.ua.edu • www.crimsonchoice.ua.edu • www.arisecitizens.org - click on “publications”, “housing”, then “A Decent Place to Live” and “Alabama’s 2006 Landlord-Tenant Law”