Preface 1

Off Campus Housing Guide Back to Table of Contents

Chapter 1
Financial Matters
Financial Planning
Expense Worksheet
Budget Worksheet

Section One: Financial Matters

Chances are that living off campus is a new experience for you, and you will have questions about what is involved in renting. This Renters’ Guide addresses some of the problems most frequently encountered by student-tenants. The information in this guide is intended to serve as a starting point for effective and responsible tenant action. However, it is of a general nature and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Off-Campus Living Hints

Off-campus living requires the student to assume a great deal of responsibility. To assist students in this transition the Student Life Office tries to assist students in any way possible. Below are some tips for off-campus living, as well as websites and telephone numbers to use if you have questions.

TIPS FOR OFF-CAMPUS LIVING

Tenant Rights

a decent place to live
privacy
receipts
complain to City Housing Inspector if landlord neglects repairs
non-discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, handicap, or income source

Tenant Responsibilities

pay all rent when it is due
abide by the terms of the lease
keeping unit clean, yard work done, and garbage in approved containers
written notice to landlord when moving

Landlord Rights

have the rent paid on time
refuse to rent based on poor references or credit rating
enter unit for repairs and periodic inspections
written notices

Landlord Responsibilities

keep the unit up to City Housing Code
respect privacy of tenant
follow legal process when renting or evicting a tenant
give proper notices
live up to the terms of the lease

Take the initiative to become acquainted with your neighbors. Establishing a positive relationship early can be very helpful if concerns arise in the neighborhood.

Check your unit for College-owned furnishings or trash containers. Law Enforcement or Maintenance will pick them up if you find anything that belongs to the University.

Become familiar with the laws of Lock Haven. You are responsible or knowing and abiding by them even if they are somewhat different than those in your hometown.

FOOD SERVICE: Students residing off campus may use the university food service.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Carol Latronica, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at 893-2317.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

IT COSTS TO LOOK, RENT AND MOVE

Rent is not your only expense when you decide to live off-campus. Financial planning and budgeting is essential. Know what you want, and how much you can spend. Ask yourself:

What geographical area do you want to live in?
What size apartment do you need?
What features or appliances must you have?
Should the apartment be furnished?
What is the maximum rent you can afford?
Does this include utilities?
Will you share a place or live alone?

Evaluate your answers to determine how realistic your expectations were. Reassess how much you need for apartment hunting, rental and utility deposits, moving expenses and initial repair and decoration costs. Use the worksheet provided to estimate how much you need.

To help you better figure out your expenses, see the following Expense and Budget Sheets.

EXPENSE WORKSHEET

Use the worksheet below to estimate how much you will need to search for housing and
move-in.

Expenses:

Tips:

Apartment Hunting:

Transportation $_______________

Food $_______________

Hotel/Lodging $_______________

Total $_______________

* There are listings available at Student Affairs office.

Rental Costs:

Summer Rent $_______________

Rent/Security $_______________

Total $_______________

* Know “Tenant Rights, “ Leases and Security Deposit Laws.

Moving Expenses:

Packing Materials $______________

Moving $______________

Misc. costs (gas, tolls) $______________

Total $_______________

* Make sure you know the exact terms of your movers contract!

Utility Start-up Costs:

Telephone $_______________

Electricity $_______________

Gas(Oil)/Heat $_______________

Water $_______________

Trash $_______________

Cable $_______________

Total $_______________

* See “Utilities” in phone book.

* Be aware of all service fees.

* If only cooking gas (avg. about $10-15 a month, depending on usage).

* Water is most often included in rent for apts., but not for most houses.

Other Expenses:

Household Supplies $_______________

Minor repairs $_______________

Decorating Needs $_______________

Food Supplies $ _______________

Total $_______________

Total Expenses: $_______________

Once you have determined how much you need to get settled, move on to the next step of designing a total financial plan, using the Budget Worksheet .

BUDGET WORKSHEET

Resources

Budgeted

Variable Expenses

Budgeted

Earned

Income:

Personal

Funds:

Educational

Resources:

Other:

Salary

Stipend

Savings

Personal/Family

Scholarships

Loans

Grants

$____________

Medical:

Transportation:

Household:

Clothing:

Personal Care:

Leisure:

Other:

Doctor/Dentist

Medicine

Car

Auto Gas and Oil

Repairs

Licenses, Tickets

Parking

Misc. Items

Food

Repairs

Furnishings

New purchases

Laundry/Cleaning

Toiletries

Hair care

Miscellaneous

Entertainment

Recreation/Hobbies

Travel

Subscriptions

Emergency Fund

Savings

Gifts

Miscellaneous

$____________

Total Resources:

Fixed Expenses

Budgeted

Household:

Educational:

Insurance:

Debt:

Other:

Rent/Mortgage

Electricity

Heating

Cable

Trash

Telephone

Long Distance

Tuition

Fees

Books &Equip

Medical

Life

Property

Auto

Loans

Credit Cards

Dependent Care

Taxes

Memberships

Miscellaneous

$____________

Total Variable Expenses:

BUDGET SUMMARY

TOTAL RESOURCES $____________

TOTAL EXPENSES $____________

BALANCE $____________

Total Fixed Expenses: