Author: Lauren

How to Decorate Your Apartment on a Tight Budget

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Making your rental property feel like a warm and inviting space can be a challenge if you are on a tight budget, as many students are. We also know that decorating can be a tough when your options are limited by rental rules.

The good news is there are many “tricks”professional decorators use that are inexpensive and effective. Whether your taste is traditional, eclectic, minimalist or kitschy it is possible to create a desirable living space without spending a fortune when you use a little bit of creativity.

Here are 9 tried and true ideas on how to decorate your rental property on a budget.

1. Re-purpose furniture from a thrift store or resale sites like CraigsList. Not only is this a budget friendly way of finding furniture, you are recycling and that is good for your wallet and the planet. If you get a thrift store sofa, consider covering it with an inexpensive slip cover in a soft or muted color that blends with your accent colors.  You can also give used dressers, coffee tables, dining room tables and other pieces a new life with a fresh coat of paint.

2. If you must buy new furniture, find some that you can assemble yourself (IKEA is a great place to find this).  Remember- what you move in, you will eventually need to move out. So go light and stick with the essential pieces- a few living room pieces for seating and storage, a dining room table, a bed and a dresser is really all you need to get started.

3. Decide on a color scheme and stick with it…Blending colors that contrast with white walls will make the space feel more open. Cool colors like green, turquoise, blue, and purple can make a room feel more spacious and elegant. Warm colors like orange, yellow, and red can make the space appear cozy and intimate.

4. Go to the local discount store or dollar store for more basic items like kitchen utensils, trash cans and more.

5. Bring in area rugs to add more color. If you are decorating on a budget, an area rug is a big purchase. Look for bargains online and at discount stores like IKEA, thrift stores or resale sites like Ebay or CraigsList. Once you find the right rug that fits in with your color scheme, place the rug in the middle of the room to frame your space.

6. Add soft lighting throughout the apartment with inexpensive lamps. Tack a scarf or square of neat fabric to the ceiling over a drab boring light fixture. The fabric hangs far enough down that it won’t heat up or scorch, and the pretty colored light shines through below.

7. Staple fabric over a bulletin board. Hang on the wall and pin your favorite pictures on it.

8.  Make your windows a work of art. There are numerous ways to creatively dress up your windows without it costing a fortune. To make your ceilings seem taller, hang the curtains 6-10 inches above the window. Consult with a DYI website to get easy sewing tips on simple curtains. If you don’t sew, you can always use an adhesive fabric tape. Hang your homemade curtains with inexpensive clip rings which can be purchased at most hardware stores or any Target or Walmart. If you want an even easier window treatment, you can of course purchase inexpensive pre-made curtains at most stores. Fabric shower-curtains are another option, and are easy to install. You can even make a window valance using a scarf or a tablecloth.

9. Make your own throw pillows in the same color scheme as your curtains to pull together the look in your living room and bedroom.

All you need is a little imagination and even the thriftiest decorator can create a lovely and desirable living space in your apartment.  Let us know what ideas you come up with!

Dos and Don’ts of Being a Good Neighbor in Your Apartment Community

Photo Source: Apartment Life on Facebook

It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time renter or an experienced one, one of best pieces of advice we can give to our tenants is to be considerate of your neighbors (you know- the people who live upstairs, downstairs, next door, 3 doors down, etc).

Living with multiple neighbors is a big adjustment for those new to apartment living, but it is a good policy to be on good terms with all or most residents in your apartment community. Think of it like an insurance policy. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you are surrounded by people who are there for you is priceless.

A strong network of neighbors will help make your property more secure if they are actively watching out for each other while away. Neighbors are great for watering the plants, checking the mail, removing flyers or packages left at the door that could otherwise alert potential burglars that you are away.

Good neighbors can come to the rescue when you are in a bind whether it’s something small like lending you an iron, or cup of milk for a recipe; or something major like providing assistance in the the unfortunate case of an emergency.

The stress and tension that results from bad neighbors can create a miserable apartment living experience. Nobody enjoys receiving dirty looks, snide comments, or enduring other passive aggressive and immature behavior (like blasting loud music intentionally).

To avoid this, here are some tips to help you build positive relationships with other tenants.

DO

  • Make a good first impression by introducing yourself…i.e. “Hi, I’m Becky I live just down the hall from you”.

  • Ask some basic questions, learn a little about them and share a little about yourself.

  • Acknowledge your neighbor with a smile and a quick “hello” when passing by.

  • Let your neighbor(s) know you are there should they every need help with something

  • Exchange contact information (if you are comfortable doing so).

  • Make an effort to be polite and respectful.

  • Show common courtesy.

  • Repay a neighbor who does you a favor with a small thank-you gift or note. Let them know you appreciate their favor.

  • Be willing to return the favor to a neighbor who helps you.

  • Be tolerant. Try not to take your neighbor’s actions or comments personally. Chances are they were not directed to you.

  • Watch your noise levels. You are probably being too loud if neighbors can hear your conversation or music inside their homes.

  • Clean up after a party, including debris left around property.

  • Ask for assistance when you need it; many neighbors are willing to lend a hammer or an ear.

  • Calmly and politely discuss concerns with your neighbors as soon as they arise and before they escalate into larger issues.

  • Return all borrowed items quickly and with gratitude (include a thank you note or a small gift is a nice touch).

 

DON’T

  • Feel like you have to be a social butterfly (in fact, being too friendly can come across as being a busybody, which will turn some people off).

  • Blow them off when when they say “hello” or wish you a good day.

  • Host a large party without inviting or at least talking to your neighbors.

  • Drop by every day unannounced. Having a good neighbor in your building can be great, but it doesn’t mean you have to be best friends. Unless they really are your best friend, use good judgment and respect their space and privacy.

  • Park in your neighbor’s parking space.

  • Allow your friends or visitors to park in your neighbor’s parking space.

  • Park on the sidewalk or on grass or other landscaping.

  • Assume they won’t have a problem with your loud music or conversations.

If you are having a difficulty resolving a conflict with a neighbor, Conflict Resolution Services can help open a discussion between you and your neighbors with the hope of furthering understanding and finding resolution. Conflict Resolution Services Go to studentlife.uoregon.edu and click on “Conflict Resolution Services.” 541-346-6105 or -0617

 

Five Things You Can Do to Get Your Security Deposit Back

Cleaning

One of the most common questions that we get from our tenants is “How do I get my security deposit back?”

Getting your security deposit back is a legitimate concern for a lot of renters.   Aside from the typical cleaning, there are some key factors that renters should know about to protect themselves and their money.

1. Document the Condition of the Apartment BEFORE Moving In.

We encourage our tenants to do a meticulous walk through before moving in. Using a checklist, detail the condition of each room in the apartment. Photograph and make note of any flaws that exists already (broken towel bars, cupboards that don’t close all the way, blemishes on the walls, scratches in the wood, etc).

2. Notify us of any problems before you move in.

Once you have documented any issues with your apartment, no matter how small, please bring them to our attention! We need to be made aware of any problems our tenants on the property before moving in or during your lease period.
We understand that problems arise, and it is better to be on the same page from beginning to end. Developing a mutual understanding of what you may be responsible for is an essential part of any lessee/lessor relationship. In fact, we give two full weeks from the time you move in to notify us of any issues with the rental. We can decide together whether it is something that needs to be fixed or just noted on the agreement so that you are not held responsible for the damage.

3. Maintain and clean your living space.

There is a famous saying that goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This certainly applies to renters. Take preventative measures to avoid unnecessary hassle when you move out. Take care of the carpets, clean up stains before they set, clean the bathrooms and the kitchen on a regular basis to prevent mold and mildew, etc. Do not wait until the last week to fix everything that may have been broken during your lease. Make it a goal to leave the apartment or house in better condition than how you found it.

4. Do the Walk-Through.

At the end of the lease, the hands-down safest bet for getting back the security deposit is to do a walk-through. We will discuss problem areas and give the renter the opportunity to correct any issues, or quote a price for a third party to do so. The typical rate for cleaning from our cleaners is around $30/hour. We can tell you approximately how long we think it will take, and work with you to find the best solution for everyone. We highly recommend scheduling this walk through a week in advance of the end of the lease to ensure a time that works best for your schedule.

5. Prepare for the Unavoidable.

It is our practice to clean the carpets and drapes between each renter. This is unfortunately a cost that cannot be avoided, no matter how strict your “No Shoes” policy. However, the good news is, like our cleaning service, we have agreements with carpet cleaners in town that are typically half of what a renter might pay on their own.

Ultimately, we want our renters to be happy with their home. If you feel that you are not being treated fairly, or that the rental is not up to par, we want to know about it. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We have a variety of avenues for our renters to reach us – you can use the Contact Us page of our website, Facebook Page, or call us directly at (541) 485-7776.

photo credit: bark via photopin cc

Nine Signs You Are a Bad Roommate

9 Signs You are a Bad Roommate

Are you a bad roommate? Hopefully, you are in a situation where there is mutual respect for boundaries and everyone feels comfortable with each other. But, as we all know, that is not always the case.

After a long day of working or studying, there is nothing worse than coming home to a terrible roommate. Here are 9 signs that you are a less-than-ideal roommate.

1. Your Motto is “My Way or the Highway”. 

Good luck with that! Sharing your space with another person can be challenging, even a close friend. For your living arrangement work, it’s important that both parties compromise and adapt to each others lifestyle and habits. You can help mitigate awkward situations by determining if you are a good match BEFORE you move in.   Click here for tips on finding a the right roommate for you.

2. You are Miss or Mr. Passive Aggressive.

Whether you live with a stranger or a close friend, accept that at some point there is probably going to be conflict. Open communication is absolutely necessary when living in such close living quarters. Even if you avoid conflict at all costs, it will only cause anger an resentment to build up inside you until you are completely unbearable to live with. There is a good chance your roommate has no idea what they did to anger you, so talk about it, come to a agreement and move on!

3.  You honestly believe your roommate doesn’t care if you take or borrow without asking.

So you have a roommate who keeps the fridge stocked, the dishes clean, and plenty of clean laundry around for you to borrow. Why should they mind a T-shirt here, a carton of milk there? It’s communal right? Trust us, they mind. Nobody wants to be stuck with a roommate who takes food without replacing it or who borrows your favorite shoes or shirt without asking!

4. You are consistently late paying your bills or rent.

This is the worst!!! Pay your bills on time. Pay them early if that is an option. If you can’t afford your bills you may need to make different living arrangements or work an extra job. Do not ask your roommate(s) (who are probably also strapped for cash) to cover you! It’s not fair to them, and word will get around that you are a loser.  Who wants that?

5. You act as if your Mom will clean up after you.

Unless you have maid service, which you probably don’t, clean up your own messes! Think it’s ok to clean the dishes in the next couple of days or even next week? It’s not! Nobody wants to live with a messy or disorganized person! Who wants to come home to someones clutter and filth? You don’t have to be a super clean neat freak, but it’s important to be on the same page with your roommate about what’s acceptable and what’s not when it comes to cleanliness. Clean up your own messes, nobody else will.

6.  You ask lots of personal questions.

Your roommate has physical and emotional boundaries. Respect them. Just because you are living in the same space, you do not have the right to pry into their personal business! If your roommate wants to volunteer the information to you, fine. But give your roommate the space they need and respect their privacy.

7.  You frequently bring the party into your living room during the wee hours of the morning.

It’s one thing to be social, but it’s another thing to disregard your roommate(s) need for sleep or quiet study time. You must agree on acceptable noise levels in advance. Besides, you don’t want your neighbor to have report you, you just might receive a noise ordinance!

8. You are addicted to cigarettes.

Cigarette smoking stinks. It’s disgusting. It makes everything else, including your roommate’s stuff, smell like cigarettes. Yuck. Don’t smoke. If you must smoke, do it in a designated area and do your laundry often.

9. You contribute NOTHING.

You need stuff in your apartment: furniture, cookware, dishes, electronics, etc. Don’t be the roommate that contributes nothing. Suddenly you are the guy (or gal) that takes advantage of your roommate’s stuff.

Bottom Line: Be considerate!  Be considerate! Be considerate! And figure out in advance if you are a good match! 

photo credit: foshydog via photopin cc

10 Things to Do this Summer in Eugene

Photo source: Eugene, Cascades & Coast Facebook
Photo source: Eugene, Cascades & Coast Facebook

Spending the summer in Eugene a.k.a. “Emerald City” or “Track Town USA” this year? You are in luck! Eugene is one of the world’s most livable cities known for natural beauty, eclectic shops, restaurants, music, festivals, arts, and outdoor recreational opportunities like bicycling, kayaking, and running. The city comes alive each summer with numerous festivals, performances, outdoor recreation and more!

Here are 10 awesome things you can do this summer in our lovely city:

1. Oregon Bach Festival

June 26, 2014-July 13, 2014
Multiple Locations
The Oregon Bach Festival presents three weeks of choral-orchestral masterworks, guest artists, chamber music, social events, and education programs. Based in Eugene, the University of Oregon event also produces a summer series in Portland (Bachfest PDX), with concerts throughout Oregon. Visit oregonbachfestival.com/festival for concert times and info.

2. Art and the Vineyard & Freedom Festival Fireworks

July 04, 2014 – July 06, 2014
Location: Alton Baker Park Club Rd and Coburg Rd, Eugene, OR 97401
Art and the Vineyard is the premier art and wine festival in the Southern Willamette Valley. The festival, which is the principal fundraiser for the Maude Kerns Art Center, attracts over 25,000 visitors annually during the Fourth of July weekend. Browse and shop art, taste wines, enjoy great food and listen to live music next to the river.

3. IAFF World Junior Championships

July 22, 2014 – July 27, 2014
Hayward Field 1580 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR
The biennial IAAF World Championships is the jewel of the IAAF World Athletics Series of events which also includes indoor, junior, youth, cross country, race walking and road running during a four year cycle of World Championships and or Cup events for each of these types of competition.

4. Lane County Fair

July 23, 2014 – July 27, 2014
Location: Lane Events Center 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Excellent family fun, concerts, carnival rides, games, animals and entertainment. This year’s concert line-up kicks-off with Everclear, Soul Asylum, Eve 6 and Spacehog, all on Wednesday the 23! On Thursday, July 24, platinum band TESLA takes the stage. Friday, July 25, features country music superstar Trace Adkins. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo rock the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 26. Then on Sunday, July 27, Josh Turner takes the stage to close out the biggest Fair ever!

5. Faerieworlds 2014

July 25, 2014 – July 27, 2014
Location: Mt Pisgah Arboretum Howard Buford Park, Eugene, OR 97401
Faerieworlds is an annual music and arts festival held annually. The festival’s primary theme is the “realm of the faerie.” Dress up, dance, sing, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the picturesque park. Vendors, lots of live music, magic, and much more awaits!

6. Whiteaker Block Party

August 02, 2014
Whiteaker Neighborhood 3rd & Van Buren, Eugene, OR 97402
Enjoy this massively exciting block party that features local bands, a kids zone, street performers, beer gardens, raffles, food carts, art and craft vendors and a stunning fashion show, all in a single day at this unique, Bohemian neighborhood in Eugene!

7. Eugene Celebration – 2014

August 22, 2014 – August 24, 2014
Location: Downtown Eugene Broadway & Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401
The Eugene Celebration performance line-up includes outdoor as well as indoor stage entertainment, running as late as 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights so that you can dance the day AND night away! Great food from local vendors, beer and wine gardens, cultural kiosks and crafts; plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy.

8. Eugene Saturday Market

Saturdays May- November
Location: Downtown Park Blocks 8th & Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401
Since the 1970s, rain or shine, the Saturday Market has been a vibrant hub for local artisans. It is the longest running weekly open-air crafts festival in the United States! Nearly 200 booths feature locally handcrafted gifts, international foods and entertainment. An iconic Eugene event held outdoors April to November, and indoors November through December.

9. Go Cycling & Mountain Biking

Eugene has over 100 miles of dedicated bicycle lanes and paths, from city streets to riverbank trails. In fact, Eugene has more bridges for bicycles than for cars. Challenging single-track trails cut through lava fields and towering forests in the area of Oakridge, rated among the top mountain biking destinations in the country.

10. Take in the local Arts & Culture

From small community theaters to the expansive Hult Center for the Performing Arts, numerous
resident companies stage opera, ballet, choral, theater and symphonic productions. World-class music festivals include the Oregon Festival of American Music and the Grammy-award winning Oregon Bach Festival. Numerous art galleries host local and international artists showcased through exhibits and artwalks. From local history to space exploration, area museums are both educational and interactive. Sculptures and hand-painted murals can be found throughout city streets, parks and the University of Oregon campus. Springfield is home to some of the most expansive murals. Two campus museums offer one-of-a-kind artifacts. Discover the world’s oldest “running” shoes or artwork ranging from Paul Cézanne to Andy Warhol.

Article source: Eugene, Cascades & Coast

Hosting a Gathering? 8 Ways to Do it Responsibly

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Now that warmer weather is here to stay (for a while anyway) and the spring term will soon be wrapping up, graduations are happening, and lots of you are are eager to celebrate!

We are all for celebrations and fun, but urge our tenants to be responsible to avoid unnecessary damage,  fines, or worse-injury and jail time. Remember that you can be held responsible for the actions of your guests and an out of control party can cost you hundreds of dollars in both criminal and civil fines.

Here are some tips on how to host a gathering without risking fines or even jail time.

1. Know and respect local laws and ordinances.

Here are just some common offenses listed by the Eugene Police Department you need to be aware of:

Allowing Alcohol Consumption by Minors: No person who exercises control of private real property shall knowingly allow a minor to drink alcohol on the property or remain on the property after consuming. Offense: Violation Fine: Up to $1,000

Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor: No one shall sell, give, or otherwise make available any
alcoholic liquor to a person under the age of 21 years. Offense: Class A Misd. Fine: Up to $6,250 (jailable)

Disorderly Conduct: With intent to cause public inconvenience or annoyance or recklessly creating a risk thereof: a) Engages in fighting or violent behavior; b) Makes unreasonable noise; c) Disturbs any lawful assembly; d) Obstructs any vehicular or pedestrian traffic; e) Refuses to disperse when ordered to do so; f) Initiates or circulates a report known to be false regarding fire, crime or other emergency; g) Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition. Offense: Crime Fine: Up to $1,000 (jailable)

Open Container/ Consumption in Public: Consumption of alcoholic liquor or possession of an open alcoholic beverage container is prohibited in all public places and all private property extended to the public for use. Offense: Crime Fine: Up to $500 (jailable)

Prohibited Noise: Intentionally or recklessly creating or continuing any noise disturbance (meaning any sound which injures or endangers the safety or health of a human, or which annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities). Operating or permitting the use or operation of any device designed for sound production between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that is plainly audible within another dwelling; the same applies on public property or right-of-ways if it is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more.

2. Be considerate to your neighbors.

If you are hosting a gathering, the most responsible thing you can do is to talk to your neighbors before you have your party. Tell them your plans, and give them a telephone number and the name of the person to contact if there is a problem (and be responsive to their calls!).

3. Keep it small.

Your house or apartment is designed to accommodate a certain number of people. Your gathering
should not exceed the capacity of your home. Remember,more guests equals more responsibility. “Come one, come all” parties usually result in police contact. Don’t let random people who are walking around looking for a party into your house.

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4. Be cooperative with any neighbor, police, or other concerned person who might come by to discuss a problem.

5. End your party at a reasonable time.

6. Clean up after your party.

7. Drink Responsibly.

Very very important!  As the party host, you are liable for your guests.  If you choose to serve alcohol, ensure that you only serve to persons 21 years of age or older or you could risk serious consequences. Ensure people don’t drive under the influence (a person riding a bicycle under the influence also may be arrested for DUII). Arrange for transportation by a designated driver before anyone drinks. Make sure arrangements are understood by everyone.

8. In case of emergency, have these numbers handy:

Eugene Police Department
9-1-1 Emergencies/crimes in progress
682-5111 Non-emergency Police
682-5137 Crime prevention
682-8350 13th & Alder police station

University Campus/DPS
346-5444 Dept. of Public Safety
346-0653 Assault Prevention Shuttle
346-3216 Office of Student Life

Article Sources

Eugene Police Department

University of Oregon: “Throwing a Party?”

photo credit: missmareck via photopin cc

photo credit: marsmet553 via photopin cc

Your Stuff is Worth More than You Think! Get Renters Insurance!

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It doesn’t matter where you live, your personal belongings are important and losing them could be devastating. The responsibility for protecting all your belongings is yours — along with the cost of replacing them if disaster strikes.

If you don’t have renters insurance, you are betting against an unforeseen circumstance happening to you: a fire, theft, vandalism, water damage, a natural disaster, or worse. Is that a wager you can afford to lose?

Too many people forgo renters insurance because they think their stuff isn’t worth much. This is not the wisest choice because

a) renters insurance is usually very affordable
b) you stuff is worth a lot more than you might think

According to USAA.com, “the average renter has more than $20,000 in personal belongings. Just think about how much it would cost to replace your clothing, books, furniture, laptop computer, flat-screen TV, bicycle, smartphone and everything else you’ve accumulated over the years.”

Renters insurance differs from company to company, so make sure you compare benefits before buying.  If you already have insurance for your vehicle, start with that company and request information.

Some key features to look for (source: USAA.com):

Replacement cost coverage. This provides enough money to buy a new item to replace the one you’ve lost. That’s better than a policy that only covers an item’s actual cash value. For example, if your 10-year-old TV is destroyed, a replacement cost policy would cover the price of a brand-new set. An actual cash value plan would only give you what the TV was worth at the time it was destroyed.

Protection against severe weather and other events. Make sure your policy not only covers property damaged or destroyed by fire but also by flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Coverage of items in your car. The policy should pay for personal items if they are stolen from your vehicle.

Living expenses if forced to move. If damage to your apartment or rental property requires you to temporarily live elsewhere, renters insurance will reimburse your living expenses.

Medical expense coverage. This helps reimburse guests for medical expenses related to injuries that happen at your place.

Liability insurance. If an injured guest sues you, liability coverage can help with legal bills and will pay damages if you’re found liable for them.

Visit the U of O’s Off-Campus Student Resources and Programs page for more resources.

photo credit: Sakurako Kitsa via photopin cc

11 Questions to Ask Your Roommate(s) Before You Sign a Lease

medium_3541111970Now that spring is approaching, we will soon be leasing for the upcoming school year!

Have you thought about your roommate situation?

Don’t be so eager to find someone who seems nice or willing to share the costs that you neglect to find out important details about their personality, habits and lifestyle preferences. This can lead to a disaster!

Think about what is important and non-negotiable for you. It is far better to be upfront and honest about your expectations than feeling miserable about your living situation in a few months. Before signing any lease, get to know your potential roommate(s). We highly recommend setting up an interview and ask direct questions.

Here are some important details you will want to pay attention to:

1. Sleeping habits: early risers or night owl? Light sleeper or deep sleeper?

2. Typical work or school schedule? (Will it conflict with yours?)

3. How does this person describe their cleaning habits and expectations and does it match yours?

4. Any allergies? Examples: peanuts, perfume, milk, flowers, mold, smoke).

5. Lifestyle habits: Do they smoke, drink, listen to loud music, stay out late? Are you ok with that?

6. How would the candidate describe their decorating style (if they have one)? Does it match yours?

7. Social habits? Will there be friends over often? If so, will you get along with these friends? Is there a boyfriend or girlfriend in the picture?

8. How will you combine your belongings? Who will provide the living room furniture, pots, dishes, electronics, etc? Can you share these items?

9. Does the potential roommate have a job? What is their basic financial situation? Nobody wants to be stuck with unpaid utility bills or rent!

10. Can you rely on this person to be honest and be courteous to you and other potential roommates?

11. What is their maturity level on a scale to 1-10?

Answers to these questions should help provide you with a sense of whether or not this is the right fit for your lifestyle. Always go with your gut. If you get a weird feeling about a potential roommate, tell them politely that you don’t think it would be a good match and move on.

photo credit: valkyrieh116 via photopin cc

Von Klein Property Management to Begin Leasing for 2014-2015 School Year in February!

The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Drustard
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Are you a student looking for a new home (or simply want to keep the one that you currently have)? Beginning February 5, 2014 Von Klein Property Management will begin leasing for 2014-2015 school year! We have an abundance of properties suited to a range of styles and budget. These rental units go fast, so act quickly! To schedule an appointment for any of our properties, contact us at (541) 485-7776 Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also email us at vkpm@vonkleinrentals.com. For all other inquiries, please use our contact form by clicking here.

On February 5, 2014 we will accept applications and make viewing appointments for the following buildings.

The Commons

1875 Alder Street, Eugene, Oregon
This complex features huge 4 and 5 bedroom units with high end amenities right next to campus!!! Click here to learn more about this building’s features.

Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.
Commons on Alder – 1875 Alder St.

Steelhead Townhouses

540 East 14th Ave, Eugene, Oregon
These sophisticated townhouses were designed with energy efficiency and comfort in mind. Each unit boasts four spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and plenty of space and amenities. Click here to learn more about this popular complex.

Steelhead Townhouses – 540 East 14th Ave
Steelhead Townhouses – 540 East 14th Ave

Kokanee Place

1570 High Street, Eugene, Oregon
Each unit in Kokanee Place is comprised of a three-story townhouse, beatiful architectural styling, 20-foot high vaulted ceilings, and an undeniable”wow” factor. Offering a host of additional features, the Kokanee is just something you must see for yourself to believe. Click here to learn more about the comfortable features in this building.

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Kokanee Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

 

Kokanee Place
Kokanee Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Indigo Place

89 East 19th Ave, Eugene, Oregon
Free Internet, Low energy bills, Washer/dryer in each unit, Oversized windows, high ceilings, remarkable views, abundant natural light….need we go on? Learn more about this architecturally stunning property near the heart of the charming South University neighborhood.

Indigo Place – 889 East 19th Ave
Indigo Place – 889 East 19th Ave Photo @ Peter Dustrud
Indigo Place Eugene
Indigo Place Photo @ Peter Dustrud

Prefontaine

This 20 unit residential living complex is located at the epicenter of the University of Oregon campus, on the corner of 18th Avenue and University Street. This property features rises five stories, providing majestic views of the beloved McArthur Court and Hayward Field. Click here to learn more about the Prefontaine’s features.

The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Drustard
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud
The Prefontaine – 1801 University St. Photo @ Peter Dustrud

 

1856 Onyx Alley House

This charming 2 bedroom/1 bathroom house is conveniently located close the heart of the University of Oregon campus and is available in August 2014-August 2015! Click here to learn more or call (541) 485-7776 to schedule a tour.

1856 Onyx Alley House
1856 Onyx Alley House

10 Things You Should Do to Winterize Your Rental Home or Apartment

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Yup, winter is officially here, though in Oregon, it feels as if winter has been here for months!  Sometimes, keeping the cold wet Oregon air out and warm air in can be a challenge.

If you have not already done so, this is the time to do a small audit in your apartment or rental home to make sure your space has been “winterized”. A surprising amount of wasted energy and costs can be reduced by simply following some basic tips.

These tips will show you how to be more energy efficient and save energy, money, and will go a long way to improving the environment.

1. Close your storm windows.
This is hands down the simplest yet most overlooked way to keep the cold air out. Simply raise your screen windows and lower your storm windows for the extra layer of protection from winter.

2. Open your curtains during the day.
If your windows are facing the sun, let the sunshine in and turn on nature’s heater!

3. Keep doors closed.
If you have a large closet or any other rooms that aren’t heated (and don’t need to be), keep the doors closed to minimize the space requiring heating. This also eliminates the need to insulate these small spaces.

4. Look for any gaps at bottom of your doors.
You can lose a lot of heat at the bottom of your doors, especially ones with large gaps. You can buy a plastic “door sweep” that runs along the bottom of the door to seal it. You can also use a towel across the bottom of the door is a nice quick fix.

5. Insulate outlets & switches.
Electrical outlets can let a surprising amount of cold air in. You can stock up on little foam outlet gaskets to keep electrical outlets sealed and remove the covers whenever you like and take them with you when you move out.

6. Check your heating system.
Any heating system it should be checked out annually to make sure it is running safely and optimally. Check with us to see if there’s anything you need to do for the system to run properly such as changing your air filter at least every three months.

7. Use an at-home window insulation kit.
Consider investing in an at-home window insulation kit, available at your local hardware store. Such kits allow you to cover windows with clear, plastic layers that you can remove when you move out.

8. Install curtains.
You might be surprised to know that attractive drapes will both brighten your space and add a warm layer between you and the dreary weather outside.

9. Make sure your heat sources aren’t blocked.
This may seem obvious, but make sure your furniture is not blocking any vents or radiators! This can have a big impact on how efficiently your home or apartment is heated.

10. Use the ceiling fan (if you have them).
If you think ceiling fans are just for cooling, think again. If you run fans in reverse, they’ll push warm air downward, to where you can enjoy it.

For more tips to learn how to save energy and cut costs, visit www.energystar.gov.

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