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OFF CAMPUS STUDENT SERVICES
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RENTING IN BG |
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Living off campus comes with many responsibilities. In the pages that follow, you'll find helpful tips and information to
help you navigate those responsibilities effectively and make living off campus a positive experience.
One of the most popular and effective opportunities to find housing options off-campus is the Annual Housing Fair. At the Fair, you’ll have an opportunity to meet with many of local property management companies, as well as receive important information from other university and City of Bowling Green departments.
To the left are several links related to the cycle of renting an apartment or house. But before you go any further check out
these quick tips that are important for all renters to consider:
| 11 Smart Renter Tips |
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- In shopping for a place to live, contact the Wood County Health Department at (419) 352-8402 and ask to review their file on the property you are considering renting. This file would contain any
previous health-related complaints, such as mold.
- To increase the likelihood of getting your full security deposit returned to you, photograph, videotape, and/or document the
condition of the property when you move in and when you move out.
- Do not agree to any oral modifications of the written lease. All modifications of the lease should be agreed upon in writing—keep
a copy for your records.
- Follow all procedures set forward by the landlord for rent payments, and if at all possible, do not pay rent in cash. If
this is absolutely necessary, get a receipt from the landlord or office representative to prove you have paid.
- Check smoke detectors monthly. Know where the fire extinguishers are and make sure they are in working condition.
- Contact your landlord at the first sign of any problems at your property, such as neighbors, repairs needed, etc. Additionally,
follow-up in writing to your landlord and document everything, keeping a copy for yourself of everything you have sent to
or received from your landlord.
- If your landlord does not complete a repair in a reasonable amount of time that affects your health or safety, or your landlord
is not fulfilling his/her contract agreed upon in the lease, contact Student Legal Services for advice on an appropriate plan of action.
- Meet all your legal obligations: keep your apartment safe and sanitary; get rid of garbage in a clean, safe, and appropriate
manner; use appliances properly; prevent others from damaging your place; introduce yourself to your neighbors and respect
their rights to live in a safe, quiet, and clean environment; don’t reasonably withhold consent for your landlord to enter
your property.
- Landlords must give reasonable notice, presumed to be 24 hours, to the tenant before entering the apartment (this notice does
not apply in emergency situations). However, if your landlord is not providing reasonable notice, contact Student Legal Services for advice on how to remedy the situation.
- When you move out, leave a written forwarding address for your ex-landlord to send your security deposit. Similarly, leave
a written forwarding address with the Post Office and Bowling Green State University through MyBGSU.
- Become familiar with the City of Bowling Green Zoning Ordinance and occupancy restrictions.
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