1. Off Campus Apartment Safety What to think about when looking at apartments

2. Check all pipes to ensure they work Flush the toilet Turn on all sinks Turn on the shower Check for hot water/cold water Make sure all sinks and showers/tubs drain properly

3. Electrical Outlets Make sure all outlets are grounded (have the circular plug) In the Kitchen and Bathroom there should be Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) on the plugs

4. Windows Do the windows lock? How easy is it to open the window from the outside? Are there screens on the window? Make sure no windows are broken before moving in Consider the sunlight and how much enters the house Are there blinds that come with the windows? Is their moisture on the window sill and is there condensation inside the window pane? If so, the window should be repaired.

5. Furniture In many places you will need to provide your own furniture, consider this: Does your furniture fit through the door? How easy is it to move your furniture in and out of the apartment? Take measurements and consider the weight/shape of your furniture when moving

6. Apartment Cleanliness In your apartment, there will probably not be anyone cleaning up the common areas like you have in the Residence Halls. Here are some tips to consider: How often will trash be taken out and by who? Who/How will the bathroom and kitchen be cleaned? Does anyone own a vacuum to clean rugs in the apartment? Is there a dishwasher in the apartment, or is there just a sink to clean dishes?

7. Apartments and Keys Unlike the residence halls, keys are the only barrier between you and everyone outside. Please remember these tips with your apartment keys: If you lose your apartment keys, notify your landlord immediately Spare keys should be left with trusted friends, not hidden outside Do not lend out your keys to others. Talk with your roommates about how to handle key situations, roommates are just as susceptible to crime if keys are lost. Ask your landlord if locks will be changed when you move in and if not, how they have accounted for all keys from previous owners.

8. Roommate Conflicts in Apartments Roommate conflicts in the halls occur, but you have your RA, RD and other options to resolve that issue. In apartments, you don’t have help to resolving the conflict and leases lock you into your rent preventing you from “switching rooms.” Calmly approach your roommate on the issue Take a stance of how you (the affected person) feel, not what you want to change Discuss behaviors and acts rather than personal attacks Be willing to compromise behavior to meet the needs of everyone

9. Chronic Nuisance Property Any apartment that becomes a chronic nuisance property is subject to: Fines Potential closure of property Fees for hearings Some laws that are considered nuisances are (but not limited to): Disorderly Conduct (ORS 166.025 or CMC 5.03.050.020 and/or 5.03.080.050) Noise Disturbance (CMC 5.03.030.010 and 5.03.030.020) Minor in Possession of Alcohol (ORS 471.430 or CMC 5.03.040.010.03) Many others: Refer to the City of Corvallis City Manager’s Website: http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=49

10. Fire Safety in Apartments The majority of fires that claim college students lives are from off-campus apartment fires. Here are some tips to prevent this: Make sure that all extension cords are in useable condition and are used properly (no piggybacking, outlet splitters at the end of extension cords etc.) Candles should only be lit when you are in the room with them Smoking should always be done outside of the apartment Make sure your smoke detectors have good batteries in them, there should be one in each bedroom and the main living area. Consider the amount of flammable material you have in your apartment (cardboard, paper, etc.) Have a fire extinguisher in your apartment, preferably the kitchen and make sure it is full and accessible.

11. Read the Lease, Exceptions in Writing Your lease is your binding contract. You have to abide by all conditions set in the lease. Read the lease before you sign it and ask questions about statements within the lease. If the landlord is allowing you to do something outside of the lease, make sure to get it in writing first. Things such as painting walls, having a pet without a deposit, etc. may result in deposit deductions because there was no documentation of the exception.

12. Resources for Students Student Legal Services (Landlord/Tenant issues) Snell 135 (541) 737-4165 http://asosu.oregonstate.edu/legal-advising Corvallis Police Department (Safety concerns off campus) 180 NW 5 th Street (541) 766-6924 http://www.corvallisoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=58