Rent is just one cost when you live off-campus. Don’t forget about your utilities — especially heat. Ask your landlord if utilities are included in your rent, and if so, how much control you have over their use. If utilities are not included, ask to see past bills, or contact the utility companies directly.

Talk with your roommates about how you will be splitting utilities and other costs. Not everybody may want the same internet service, for example.

• Utilities (gas, electric, oil, water)
• Laundry
• Telephone
• Cable or satellite TV
• Internet
• Furniture (don’t just take mattresses and furniture you find on the curb, as they may be infested with bugs)
• Appliances
• Household goods (pots and pans, light bulbs, etc.)
• Sewer service
• Garbage pick-up
• Renters insurance

Before you move in, many landlords require the first month’s rent, a security deposit (often equal to one month’s rent), plus the last month’s rent. You may also have installation fees for cable or satellite service, internet, telephone service, heat and electricity.

Before you move in, your landlord will probably ask for a security deposit. Landlords may use this money to pay for any damage to the apartment, cover unpaid rent and take care of clean-up costs after you move out.

If you want to get your security deposit back when you move out, it’s important to document any damage when you move in.

• Take pictures or video of everything (including the inside of appliances, ceilings, walls, floors, and hallways), so you can prove what condition it was in when you moved in. Complete a detailed list of any damage. Be specific — even the cost of relatively small things such as nail holes in the walls, burns in the carpet and cracks in the windows could be deducted from your security deposit if you can’t prove they were there before you moved in.
• Once you have a list of all the damage, write the date on this list, and then either review it in person with your landlord, or send it to them (you can mail it “return receipt” to prove it was received). Make sure you keep a copy.
• After you move out, designate a member of your house or apartment to keep this information, and follow up with the landlord if they do not return your security deposit (or offer an explanation) within a reasonable time period. Sometimes tenants aren’t even aware that a landlord is withholding the security deposit until everyone has left town.

Use a check or money order to pay your share of the rent or utilities, even if your roommates are close friends of yours. If there is ever a question or dispute, it may be difficult to prove that you paid someone in cash.

Most leases are 12-month contracts, but many students tend to leave for the summer. Make sure all roommates know who will be responsible for paying the rent. If someone wants to sublet the apartment for the summer, make sure everyone (including the landlord) is comfortable with this arrangement. If a roommate or anyone else on the lease does not follow through on their financial or legal obligations, you may still be held responsible.

We strongly urge you to sign a roommate contract with all roommates, even if you are friends prior to living together. A Roommate Contract lets you be very clear on expectations from the very beginning, which often helps you avoid conflicts later.

Call the landlord and set up a time to see the property. Ask as many questions as necessary. If the landlord refuses to answer your questions or is evasive, you may want to look for a different apartment.

If a landlord agrees to make improvements, make sure you get it in writing, along with a specific timeline for completion. Visit the apartment at different times of the day and evening, to make sure it is well-lit and safe. If you are renting from out of town, schedule an appointment to see it when you arrive in Buffalo.

Signing a lease without seeing the property yourself is not recommended. You are encouraged to visit any property you are considering renting. If you need a place to stay in Buffalo while you visit properties, visit our partner accommodations page.

Remember, you may be friendly with your landlord, but that doesn’t mean your landlord is your friend. Research their reputation before you sign your lease.

• Are appliances included and in good repair (stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher)?
• Is the unit furnished?
• Is there laundry on-site? Is it coin-operated?
• Where are the circuit breakers or fuse box?
• Are heating and cooling systems and hot water heater in good condition?

• Are utilities covered in rent? Which utility companies do you use?
• What are average monthly costs for utilities? (Ask for copies of the bills from the previous tenants or contact the utility companies yourself.)

• If there is not off-street parking, is there on-street parking and does it alternate?
• Is there a street parking ban during winter months?

• Will you supply garbage containers and recycling bins? Where are they stored?
• When is garbage collected?
• Who is going to cut the grass, shovel the snow and take out the trash? Will your landlord take care of this or will it be your responsibility?
• Do you live nearby? Can you quickly respond to emergencies?

• Are pets allowed? Is there an additional security deposit required?

• Can I have a copy of the certificate of occupancy? Look for one that is less than three years old. (A certificate of occupancy demonstrates that the apartment has been inspected by a certified inspector in the last three years.)

• If you sign a lease in April for an apartment August 1st, how will you be certain the apartment will be ready to move into on time? How will the landlord be held accountable for any repairs needed prior to your moving in?

A lease is a binding legal document, and not all leases are the same. Make sure you read every word of your lease — don’t just skim it.

• If you have questions about your lease, make sure they’re answered
• Never let anyone pressure you into signing a lease
• Never sign a lease without physically inspecting the apartment

It's important to be a responsible member of the community. Remember — not all of your neighbors may be college students. Be considerate, especially with:

• Not playing loud music
• Keeping noise at a reasonable level
• Not smoking outside, especially near someone else's windows
• Cleaning up your yard

If you own a car, make sure you know the parking rules in your neighborhood, including restrictions on parking in the street during the winter. Check with your local municipality for details.

Once you're in your new home, remember that you're still part of the UB community – be safe, eat well, get around and have fun.

Make Buffalo your home.  Help keep your neighborhood safe, connect with your community and show your UB pride. These are just a few of the benefits of joining your local block club and getting involved in your new neighborhood.