Category: Tips for Renters

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?”

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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.

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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.

Article Sources:
www.rentcarlisle.weebly.com
www.earth911.com/news

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Keep Your Rental Home or Apartment Secure for the Holidays

The BurglarNow that the holidays are here, we want to take a few minutes to remind all of our tenants to enjoy the season, but to be safe.  Renters are often more vulnerable to break-ins during the holidays since so many leave town to visit family and friends for extended period of time.

While we do everything on our end to ensure the safety of our tenants by installing secure door and window locks, well lit parking lots, and in some properties providing gated underground parking and keycard access, we encourage you to take a few minutes to do a security “audit” to diminish the chances of experiencing an unfortunate break-in or robbery during the holiday season.

Whether you are traveling for several days or just going out for an errand, take a few minutes to ensure that your home is secure against any intruders. 

Here are some things to remember:

  • The majority of apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or at school. Burglaries also occur at night when there are obvious signs that no one is home.
  • Most apartment burglars are looking for things that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Items like cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, and other small electronic devices are high on the list.
  • More than 30% of all apartment burglars gained access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars.
  • The burglar’s selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied apartment with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

Source: www.crimedoctor.com

Be vigilant and follow these tips to deter criminals:

  • Never hesitate to report any suspicious activity you may see in and around our properties (or on campus).  Program these numbers into your phone and keep them somewhere visible so you can quickly call for help if needed (you can also call 911). University Police Station – 541-682-8350  After you report any suspicious activity to the police, report it to us by calling the von Klein Emergency # – 541-686-0743
  • Don’t leave a key underneath your door mat or a rock. Most intruders know all the hiding spots so instead, leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor.
  • NEVER leave your apartment door unlocked, even if you are leaving for a few moments to obtain something from you car, get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking nearby could gain access quickly.
  • Use a timer (an inexpensive purchase from a hardware store) for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, notify a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home.
  • A well-lit area is one way to deter crime so keep a light on at night if possible. If you notice that a light is out on our property or parking lots, please notify our office.
  • Do not leave valuable items visible in your home or car.  Close your blinds at night and keep your car doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to them, get to know who they are and try look out for each other. If your neighbors know who you are, they are more likely to report possible criminal activity and get some help.
  • Test and examine each latch, lock, window and door. Look to see if there are solid core doors, peep holes on entry doors, and securely fastened window locks.
  • If there are sliding glass doors, invest in a secondary locking device– it can be as simple as a broom stick that prevents the door from opening or as complex as “Charley Bars” pin-locking mechanisms or anti-lift measures to prevent the door from being lifted from the tracks.

Sources:
10 Tips for Safe and Secure Apartment Living 
5 Apartment Safety Tips to Help You Sleep Easy 
Apartment Safety and Security 

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How to Get Your Security Deposit Back (And Other Things You Should Do When Moving In and Moving Out)

medium_3290560161As a new year approaches, some of our tenant’s leases will be up and will be moving on, and others will be moving in!

One of the most common questions we hear is “How do I get my Security Deposit back?”

Whether your lease is up next month or next year, there are steps you can take to help ensure that you get your deposit back in full.

1. Document EVERYTHING When You Move In and Move Out.

We cannot stress how important it is to document the condition of your rental when moving in and moving out.  WE WILL NOT BE OFFENDED if you photograph or videotape and bring to our attention any issues that are going on inside the house either before moving in or during your lease period.

In fact, we much prefer for our tenants to be proactive and take steps to ensure we are on the same page!

  • We recommend taking 15 minutes to walk from room to room to photograph and make note of anything that is cause for concern right after you get your keys.  If you have the option of dating the photos digitally, it doesn’t hurt!  You can include these images with any move-in paperwork, but at least notate that you took them and keep them for your own reference. 
  • We give our tenants two full weeks from the time they 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 responsible.
  • If anything breaks, “goes bad” or happens to the rental while you’re living there, fully document it for your own records.
  • At the end of the lease, do another walk-through and document your cleaning and repair work.  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. 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.
Document everything.

2. Engage in Open Communication

We understand that problems arise, and it is better to be on the same page from beginning to end.  We want to develop a mutual understanding with our tenants and clearly communicate what of they are responsible for in the lessee/lessor relationship

  • We encourage you to ask questions or disclose any concerns you are having about your rental to our staff right away.  You can do this by calling (541) 485-7776 to speak with a staff member Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also come to our Ferry Street office to meet with one of our staff in person (though we advise calling first). Address: 1301 Ferry St. Eugene, OR 97401
  • If you are having an After Hours Emergency please call (541) 686-0743. Obviously please call 911 if this is a medical emergency or if the local authorities need to get involved.
  • Know your renter’s rights and the housing laws! Click here to see Landlord and Tenant laws in Oregon. Bookmark this site in your browser in case you ever need it for reference! Knowing and understand your rights as a tenant here (or anywhere) can make a huge difference!
  • If you have been charged you for something that you think is unfair, request more information. Remember, landlords are not out to “get” you. 
  • Provide accurate forwarding address information. This may seem basic,  but you would be surprised how many tenants neglect to leave us a forwarding address which makes it difficult to send your deposit back in a timely manner.
  • Talk to our staff to make sure you understand clearly what is expected of our tenants when they move out. 

3. Keep it Clean

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Make sure you understand what kind of condition we expect the rental to be in when moving out so you don’t end up under-cleaning or over-cleaning.  It doesn’t hurt to make it a goal to leave the rental in better condition than when you moved in.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you will need to clean thoroughly and fix any damage you, your guests, or pets have caused.

  • When you leave, return all keys and remove everything, including garbage, food, and cleaning supplies.
  • Clean or repair dirty or broken light fixtures, dirty window tracks, and broken towel bars (there are some of the most frequent issues that we come across).
  • Do not wait until the last minute to fix everything that may be broken in the rental.  
  • If you wish to hire an outside company to help, the typical rate for cleaning from our cleaners is around $30/hour.

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.

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7 Simple Storage Ideas for Your Rental Property

Photo Source: WikiMedia Commons Craig Conley

Finding new ways to make the most of your apartment storage is key to making a rental feel like home.

Unfortunately, finding ample storage can be a challenge for some tenants (depending on the amount of stuff you own). However, with a little creativity (and some inspiration from Pinterest), it is possible to implement simple storage solutions that will transform your living space.

Here are 7 storage ideas we found on Better Homes and Gardens that could help:

1. Hang a skirt around an open sink, using adhesive-backed hook-and-loop tape to hide plumbing. Hide baskets or a low shelving unit of bathroom essentials behind the skirt.

2. Place an open metal shelving unit (like what you would find in an industrial kitchen) with decorative baskets to keep kitchen staples organized.

3. Make your coffee table double as a handy storage container by using a decorative trunk with a flat surface large.

4. Create your own “entryway” by placing a large multi-functional bookcase near your apartment entry. Add hooks to hold jackets, umbrellas, book bags, etc. Decorative baskets on bottom shelves can serve as shoe containers or other out-the-door essentials like hats and sunglasses. Add a memo bar from an office supply store to the top of the bookcase as a place to organize mail and reminders.

5. Wanna fake a vintage built-in bookshelf? Flank a doorway with identical bookcases that reach almost to the ceiling and install moldings around the tops of the shelves. As a style bonus, paint the bookcase before installation, or line the backs with pretty paper.

6. Employ laundry hampers for more than just dirty clothes. Use them around your apartment for stashing umbrellas and hats, extra linens, or kids’ toys.

7. Hang a grid of favorite pictures or prints inside frames with large mats. The bigger mats will provide much-needed white space for an active display. Onlookers will be able to take in each photo, which makes for an effective display.

Article Source: www.bhg.com

4 Ways to make your Von Klein Property Feel like Home

Apartment Decorating

It’s a new season and you are all moved in into your new home! But something may be missing…..your personal touch.

It’s these personal touches that transforms a rental property to a home. How do you give your rental property look that is uniquely yours (without losing your security deposit)?  Read on for some tips:

1. Don’t like the carpet? Cover it with an area rug!
So you want to bring more color and warmth into your rental? Use an area rug that coordinates with your other décor.

It may surprise you how much it can change the look of a room! Depending on where you shop, area rugs are usually inexpensive, and can be used over neutral carpets. Great deals can be found in stores like Target, TJMaxx and Ikea (if you want to take a road trip to Portland!) or you can look online at sites like Overstock.com.

The best part is, you get to take your beautiful area rug with you whenever you move out!

2. Give your furniture a new hue!
Since you can’t paint the walls in your rental, why not add color to your furniture? Give your couch a new life with a slipcover and/or colorful decorative pillows! Slipcovers are usually inexpensive and can be found in stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, etc.

You can also transform your rental just by painting your furniture (make sure you use a dropcloth from the hardware store to prevent spills on the floor)! Adding a new paint job to a dining room table, or a bookshelf, or an end table, can be just as impactful as new color on the walls.

3. Mirror mirror on the wall….
It’s the oldest design trick in the book, because it works! Mirrors reflect light and make a space feel bigger. Hang a large mirror in your dining space, living room, or bedroom across from a window, so it is in a prime position to receive natural light and reflect it back into the room.

Eugene Apartments

4. Make your windows a work of art with bright colors or patterns.
Install a simple curtain rod 6-10 inches above your window using a damage-free wall hook (Commandâ„¢ Brand Products are great) to make the room feel larger. Hanging curtains with your your favorite patterns or colors will give a refreshing contrast to the neutral walls in your living space.

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Moving Day is Here! Von Klein Properties staff is here to help our new residents.

September is going to a very busy month for the Von Klein staff- “Move In Days” are finally here! In fact, our busiest “move in” days are tomorrow, September 1 and September 5th!

This is also the first fall season Von Klein residents are moving into the beautiful new units at The Pearl. Our residents are raving about the Security Features and Amenities at this property.

We are here to help all of our residents have a smooth move in process. So here are some tips to help you:

  • If your move in date and lease signing date are the same, your security deposit is due with your first month’s rent. Please note that you will not receive keys until you have a zero balance.
  • If you are moving in this month, your security deposit was due on August 1st. This policy is in place because it ensures that you have a zero balance on your account and causes less confusion at move in time.
  • To get a parking space you must come to our office (or see your onsite manager, if applicable) for a parking permit when we post a notice on your door for your complex that they are ready. Please bring your driver’s license and registration- and not your insurance.
  • The car must be registered under your name or under your parents name. Each unit comes with ONE parking spot at no extra cost to you. If you lose or misplace your first parking permit, you may purchase a second parking permit for $5.00.

Handy numbers you need to know:
von Klein office – 541-485-7776
von Klein Emergency – 541- 686-0743
EWEB Electric Company – 541-484-6016
Northwest Natural Gas – 541-351-3661
Century Link Phone Company – 1-800-244-1111
Comcast Cable Company – 541-484-3000
University Police Station – 541-682-8350
Diamond Parking – 541-343-3733

Should you ever have questions, see our FAQ page or contact us at (541) 485-7776. Our office is located at 1301 Ferry St., Eugene, OR 97401.  We are here to help you!  Happy move in!

Decorating 101: How to get creative with storage

Rental properties typically do not have a lot of space for you to work with and storage is frequently a challenge.

  • The first step is doing a big inventory of your things before moving in. If you have an object or article of clothing that you have not used in over a year (and has no sentimental value attached to it) then donate it, give it away or sell it.
  • Consider using the kitchen counters walls for storage by hanging a line of hooks close to the ceiling to organize pots and pans. You can also mount a magnetic strip to store for knives.
  • Pay a visit to the Container Store or IKEA and make a small investment for attractive storage containers that can be displayed openly on shelving units.
  • Add asymmetrical shelving along one wall to provide ample storage for books and home accents (as an added bonus, it will also be a design piece in itself).
  • When choosing your furniture, try to find pieces that also have storage such as ottomans, side tables, coffee tables, trundle beds or benches.

5 Tips for Getting Your 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 and Notify
First time renters often feel uneasy about taking pictures or otherwise documenting issues with the rental when they first move in. Please understand that WE WILL NOT BE OFFENDED if you photograph or videotape and bring to our attention any issues that are going on inside the house either 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 responsible.

2. Ongoing Care
Try not to wait until the last week to fix everything that may be broken in the house, and don’t rely on a cleaning service to fix things that are better treated as preventative measures in the first place. Treating things like regular cleaning, landscaping, and simple maintenance as ongoing responsibilities is the best way to ensure that the rental will be in good condition when you move out.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Watch Out For
We’ve seen it all, but there are a few things we see more often than others – dirty or broken light fixtures, dirty window tracks, and broken towel bars are some of the most frequent issues that we come across.

We Want You to Be Happy
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.