Category: Tips for Renters

Essential Money Management Tips for Students

Money Management Tips College

Adjusting to college life is filled with obstacles, but basic financial management is one of the biggest challenges students must overcome to be successful not just in college, but in life. Unless you are living on trust fund, the costs of student life can be overwhelming. However, adopting simple money management habits like smart budgeting and spending can make all the difference in the world.

In order to form a strong foundation for money management, there are two essential steps students need to master:

#1- Know where your money is going.
#2- Create and follow a realistic budget.

Mastering these two steps will take time and patience. But the payoff in the long run is freedom from financial stress, dept and the means to provide for yourself and others.

#1 Know Where Your Money is Going

If you don’t already do this, get into the habit TODAY of keeping a spending log. Knowing where your money is going will allow to to take control of your finances and give you the ability to buy the things you really want in the future. A spending log is a very simple but powerful tool to get started. Click here to learn more and to download a spending log you can begin using today.

#2 Create and follow a realistic budget

Following a budget will ensure that you have enough to provide what you need and allow you to reach goals like saving enough money for Spring Break, buying a new bike etc. For this to be successful, it may take months of practice and patience and a willingness to make sacrifices.

To create a budget you can actually follow, review your spending log to see where your money is currently going and where you can cut back. To do this, you must determine between what you need (food, clothing, rent, gas, textbooks) and what you want (the other stuff). Here’s a great tip from the article, 10 budget tips for college students.

You must learn to balance between needs and wants. Your needs will always come first, and your wants second. You have to live within your means, so if your wants exceed your needs, you must either get another job, or sacrifice those wants. It’s a tough thing, but you can do it! It’s only for a little while. List monthly income sources, including savings, wages and parental allowances, and then write down estimated expenses for the month. It isn’t easy to identify college living expenses in advance, but you should try. Take costs such as school supplies, food outside your meal plan, personal care items and laundry into account. Then, try managing your budget and tracking expenses using an online personal finance management tool like Mint.com, which helps you easily create and stick to a budget.

Resources

Click here for a simple budget worksheet to help get you started. You can also learn more about personal budgeting, visit StudentAid.gov/Budget.

We recommend The Live Like a Duck program for students. This money management program provides tools and tips to help students and their families make sound financial decisions while you attend the UO.

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Going Somewhere for Winter Break? Follow These Safety Tips

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Reposted from The Pond & Beyond

The holiday break brings relaxation from the day-to-day demands of college life and for many, an opportunity to leave the area to enjoy time with family and friends. However, students are not the only ones who look forward to this time of year!

Here are some tips to keep your things safe while you’re away.
These simple and effective tips to protect your property can make the difference between coming home relaxed and ready to take on the new challenges of winter term and becoming a statistic for future students to learn from.

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Lock doors and windows
Take valuables like small electronics with you
Cose your blinds and leave a radio or TV and a light on

THEFT FROM VEHICLE PREVENTION

Don’t leave ANYTHING in your vehicle
Lock all doors and windows
Park in well-lit areas

THEFT OF VEHICLE PREVENTION

Use a steering wheel locking device
Use a vehicle security system that disables the ignition

Not Leaving for the Break?
For those who will be in the area for winter break, help protector your neighbor’s stuff by reporting suspicious activity to the Eugene Police non-emergency number at 541-682-5111!

Be sure to click here to download our Winter Break Safety Tips!

photo credit: UC Irvine via photopin cc

Five Tips to Get Through Finals Week

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It’s hard to believe, but finals week is here! Final exams can be a stressful time for students, especially if you are juggling a job, an apartment and multiple activities. We wish all of our tenants good luck on finals or any exam you may be taking right now. Here are some tips to help you do your best!

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1) Optimize and organize your study space

A well organized study room is very essential during this time. Make sure that you have enough space to organize your textbooks & notes, your chair & study table are comfortable and that the lighting in the room is good. be sure to remove any potential distractions like your phone, tablets (unless it’s needed to study), game systems, TV and anything else that would cause you to lose focus. If music is a distraction, replace it with white noise to minimize interruptions to your study time.

2) Eat right and exercise

It is CRITICAL to take care of your body during exam time, yet so many students neglect their health during this time. Stick to the basics: a balanced diet that includes vegetables & fruits, avoid sugar and go for healthy snacks (e.g. yoghurt, almonds, fruits) to keep your blood sugar stable. If you are going to study for a long time, eat some protein. On the day of the exams, do not forget to eat breakfast! Research has shown that high-carb, high-fiber, slow-digesting foods such as oatmeal are the best for exam day. Also, remember to drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day) to keep your body hydrated. Exercise is also essential during this time as it helps you refresh your mind.

3) Manage your time wisely

It’s very common for students to wait until the last minute to “cram”, but according to experts, this is not advisable. Write down a list all the exams that you are preparing for, and then set a study timetable. Note that, there are some subjects that may require more study time than others however, you should never neglect any of them. Smart time management will also help you avoid cramming which lowers your ability to retain information.

4) Take regular breaks

Research shown that regular breaks are very essential for long term retention of knowledge. Not all the people are the same and therefore make sure that you develop a study routine that works for you. When you feel tired, take a short break to stretch and at least have your mind rest for a while before resuming your studies.

5) Look at the past exams

If possible, reviewing old exams will help you understand the format of the questions and train your brain to perform better on exam day. You can also time yourself to ensure that you spend the right amount of time on each section.

We hope these tips help you get through finals week successfully! On the day of the exam, make sure that you have everything that you will need ready (e.g. writing materials etc). Also get the directions of the room/place where the exam is going to take place and do not forget to look at the rules and regulations. Good luck!

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Off Campus Living Tips- Know Your Neighborhood!

Eugene is full of great neighborhoods U of O students call home.
Eugene is full of great neighborhoods U of O students call home.

Living in off campus neighborhoods can be an enriching experience for college students by giving you an opportunity to interact with a more diverse group of neighbors. In other words, not all of your neighbors will be college students. Some are retired professionals while others are families with small children.

Eugene is filled with vibrant neighborhoods that are accessible to students, and we can help you find a great place to rent in many of these areas. Click here to see a list of properties available now, or call our office at (541) 485-7776 and we’ll be happy to help.

Here’s some info about 2 popular neighborhoods close to the U of O campus where permanent residents and renters co-exist:

The West University Neighborhood (WUN)

Approximately 75% of West University’s residents are U of O students. This charming community has lots of new construction and complexes that are coming up. Some of the popular spots that you will enjoy in the neighborhood include the Glenwood restaurant, The Duck Store, Yogurt Extreme and Starbucks. The neighborhood encompasses the area west from Kincaid Street to Willamette Street, and north from East 19th Avenue to Franklin Boulevard.

The South University Neighborhood

The South University Neighborhood consists of 60% students while the other 40% are members of the university faculty, retired folks, university staff and families with small children. Students who live in this area have a much different experience here than in other traditional off campus neighborhoods and are expected to keep quieter and follow a more traditional schedule (no late night parties, etc). Some of the popular spots include Toms Market, Safeway, Eugene City bakery and Prince Puckers Ice Cream.

Don’t forget these quick tips to help you be a better neighbor:

1. Make sure you introduce yourself to the homeowners in the area. It’s simple, but you’d be surprised how often this step is neglected! Let your new neighbors know that you care about the neighborhood and you will plan to show them the respect they deserve. You can also exchange contacts and learn about them a bit.

2. Communicate. Ask for assistance when you need it and discuss your concerns with neighbors before they escalate.

3. Keep the noise down. You should try and keep your conversation or music that you are listening to low in your room. The neighbors have the right to call the police in case you are too noisy, you should respect them and their rights.

4. Park your cars in appropriate places. There are drive ways and parking places provided in the neighborhoods. In order to ensure you do not obstruct others, you should park your cars in those places.

5. In case of conflict you should seek help. You can contact UO conflict resolution centre at uodos.uoregon.edu or 541-346-3216 and crs.uoregon.edu, 541-346-0617.

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Tips And Answers to Your Questions About Subleasing

Questions about subleases

We understand that life happens. For many number of reasons, you may find yourself in a situation where it’s necessary to take some time off and find a responsible person to take over your lease.

Whether you are taking a semester abroad, or taking an unexpected leave of absence, you must take steps to have successful subletting experience. Here are some tips and answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I sublet my apartment with Von Klein Property Management Company?

Certainly! However, you need to come into our office at 1301 Ferry St. and fill out a sublet form.

Do you keep a list of residents who are trying to sublet their apartment and share that with interested prospects that call in?

Yes and we inform possible tenants when they come into the office. We also keep a sublease listing to share.

Do you have any recommendations for places I can post my sublet?

Craigs list and school boards seems to get the most activity. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is a great place find the ideal subletter. Ask the people in your networks for referrals.
Here are some other places to search and post ads

University Housing, 541-346-4277
Oregon Daily Emerald, 541-346-3712
The Register Guard, 541-388-2309
The Eugene Weekly, 541-484-0519
Eugene Craigslist

Do you have any other tips about finding a sublet?

Incentives are always good. Like first month’s rent free or offer to pay their security deposit.

Am I responsible for giving tours if I find a potential sublet?

If you are still living in the unit, it is up to you to schedule tours. However if the unit is vacant, we can always show or check out keys.

If I find someone interested in subletting my apartment, what do I do next?

Have them fill out an application and bring it to our office. If the office is close, we have a drop slot by our front door.

Are there any sublet fees?

No!

What happens with my security deposit?

Once the new contract is signed and you have turned in keys, you give us a forwarding address to send your security deposit to.

If the person subletting my apartment does not pay rent or damages on the apartment, how will that affect me?

It doesn’t. They sign a new contract and you and your cosigner are off the hook

Any other words of advice?

Start early! As soon as you know that you will need to sublet your apartment, contact our office to give us your dates of departure and start your search.

Be Considerate of Your Roommate!

If you have a roommate that will live with the new renter, include them in the search process. This will help ensure that the roommate is comfortable with the new arrangement. And besides, if the tables were turned, wouldn’t you want to give input regarding who lives with you?

Keep in mind there is a difference between subletting and switching room mates. If you have questions regarding changing room mates, please call the office at (541) 485-7776 for further information about this, or any other questions you have.

Article Sources:

www.bloomingtonrenter.com

www.boilerapartments.com

www.renthop.com

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Planning Your Next Move

Moving DayAs summer comes to a close, many of our tenants will be packing up and ready to move on their next adventure.

To help you with the transition, we found a handy checklist on apartmentguide.com for you to follow as you plan your next move.

Here are some of their suggestions we recommend along with some of our own:

5-6 weeks before you move

☐ Set up a moving file or notebook to keep all of your moving information in one place.

☐ Contact your insurance company to arrange for renter’s insurance at your new location and set a date to cancel your current policy after you move out.

☐ Start gathering moving supplies and moving boxes.

4-5 weeks before your move

☐ File a change of address form with the United States Postal Service. Click here to do it online.

☐ Begin packing your belongings starting with the items you use less frequently.

☐ Donate or throw away items you don’t need.

☐ Start using up household items, such as frozen food or detergent, that you will not want to move. As you are packing to move please keep in mind that von Klein Property Management is accepting donations of nonperishable foods at its main office to donate to Food for Lane County.

☐ Hire movers or arrange to rent a moving truck for your move.

☐ Call your utility providers and make arrangements to have your utilities canceled after you move
out. Set up your utilities at your new locations. Utilities to set up may include phone, power, water and cable/satellite.

☐ Arrange for temporary storage of items if needed.

2-3 weeks before your move

☐ Cancel or transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions.

☐ Return any library books and collect any items out for repair or cleaning.

☐ Review your lease agreement and our cleaning checklist to see what kind of cleaning is necessary when you move out. Click here to access the cleaning checklist.

The week of your move

☐ Gather items from our suggested list of cleaners you will need: oven cleaner (unless you have a self cleaning oven), Windex for window cleaning, Ajax/Comet cleaner, Bleach (always be cautious with bleach around carpets and vinyl floors.) Scouring pads, A multipurpose degreasing cleaner, Rags, Paper towels, Toilet brush, Small stiff brush Vacuum, Mop and Wax

☐ Thoroughly clean your apartment and prepare it for the check-out process using our cleaning checklist.

☐ Confirm moving day details with your moving company or truck rental company.

☐ Pack the essentials you will need shortly after you move in a Priority Box.

☐ Pack the clothes, toiletries and personal items you will need in the days following your move in suitcases.

☐ Schedule a walk through with someone from the main office to check the cleanliness of the apartment/house at least two days in advance. You may call the office at 541-485-7776 to make an appointment.

Moving Day

☐ Finish any last minute packing, remembering to put any items you will need right away in your Priority Box.

☐ Perform any last minute cleaning, and take out the trash.

☐ Set out water or cold beverages for you and those helping you move.

☐ Set aside any boxes/items that require special care and might need to be moved separately in a car. It is also a good idea to move any personal bags, suitcases, and your Priority Box separately so you can get to any items you might need immediately.

☐ If you are moving yourself, pick up your moving truck and any moving accessories. Inspect the truck to make sure it is in good condition and that you have all the accessories you need. Make sure to pay attention to all the conditions you have to meet before you return the truck.

☐ If you are moving yourself, load the items you will need right away last so they can be unloaded first.

☐ If you are using a moving company, give the movers any special moving/handling instructions. Review and sign any paperwork when your movers arrive. Make sure that you understand what you’re signing and ask questions if you need to.

☐ Be sure to have completed all items on our cleaning checklist.

☐ Sign any final paperwork, perform any necessary final walk-throughs and turn over all keys and garage remotes to the office or complex manager during the scheduled walk-through. Get a copy of any final paperwork for your records.

☐ Forwarding addresses must be left with the resident manager or our main office as well as the Post Office (www.usps.com) to ensure prompt return of your deposit.

☐ Do NOT leave your keys in your apartment.

Moving

Click here for more helpful moving/cleaning tips.

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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.

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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! 

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