HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 3/1/2016 - Memorandum From Emily Allen Re: Csu Students Transitioning Off Campus2016
Walk 1-4 Bedroom or Apartments Bike / Private Bedrooms to Class! & Bathrooms
Rates Staring @ $545 / Rates Include Cable, Internet, Water, Sewer
Fully Furnished / 2 Stops on the MAX Line / Great Mountain Views
970.484.7267 / 1721 Choice Center Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Student Handbook
This handbook is for informational purposes only and should never be used as a
substitute for individualized counseling or legal advice from an attorney or other qualified
professionals. Information contained in this handbook does not constitute legal advice.
Please note that laws and ordinances discussed herein can change or be amended due to
subsequent court decisions or other legislation. Advertisements of any products or services
in this handbook do not constitute an endorsement by Colorado State University Off-
Campus Life or City of Fort Collins Neighborhood Services.
OFF-CAMPUS LIFE AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES PRESENT:
For more information about this
handbook, please contact:
Off-Campus Life
(970) 491-2248
ocl.colostate.edu
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. FIRST STEPS • 3
» Thinking About Moving Off
Campus?
» Where to Look
» How to Decide
2. LEASES • 8
» Legal Terms You Need to Know
» Negotiating Your Lease
» Terminating Your Lease Early
3. MOVING IN • 12
» Changing Your Address
» Utilities, Electric, Cable and
More…
» Garbage Service
» Recycling
» Renter’s Insurance
» Security Deposit
4. MANAGING A BUDGET • 22
» Balancing a Budget
» Food
» Credit Cards
5. ROOMMATES • 26
» Roommate Issues to Consider
» Joint & Several Liability
6. SAFETY • 28
» Walking
» At Home
» Fire Safety
7. TRANSPORTATION • 32
» Transfort
» Biking
8. CITY CODES & ORDINANCES • 48
» Public Nuisance Ordinance
» Nuisance Gathering Ordinance
» Other Municipal Codes
9. BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR • 58
» Neighbor Conflicts
» Party Registration
» Being a Good Pet Owner
» Occupancy Limit (U+2)
10. COMMUNITY • 66
» On Campus
» In the Community
» Community Liaison Resources
11. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
RESOURCES • 70
» Housing Options
» Leases
» Budget Spreadsheet
APPENDIX • 72
» Rental Checklist
» Request for Return of Security
Deposit
» Roommate Agreement
» Sublease Agreement
» Lease Agreement
1
FIRST STEPS
THINKING ABOUT
MOVING OFF
CAMPUS?
This handbook is designed to help
you make a successful transition
into the Fort Collins community.
After reading this booklet, you
will know what to look for when
choosing a place to live and what
you need to know when signing a
lease. Additionally, you will learn
about city codes and ordinances
unique to Fort Collins and will be
provided with helpful tips on being
a good neighbor, managing parties
responsibly, and healthy roommate
relationships.
Should I Live Off
Campus?
Don’t take this decision lightly.
Living off campus can be a
dramatic change. Ask yourself
these questions to help make
the right decision for you:
» Can I afford to live off
campus?
» Do I know what type of
housing I want?
» Am I ready to be more
independent and take on
additional responsibilities?
» Will I be able to manage
and pay a utility bill?
» Am I willing to spend extra
time to commute to class?
» Am I okay with having
to travel back to campus for
cocurricular events or study
sessions after class?
» Do I know what type of
transportation I will need (car,
bike, bus)?
» Is cooking going to be a
problem?
» Do I have an idea of who
I would like to live with off
campus?
» Will I be able to
communicate effectively
with my roommates and
neighbors?
» Am I familiar with city
codes/ordinances and how
they can affect me?
4
Roommate
Round-up
» Events designed to bring
people together who are in need
of a roommate(s).
» Off-Campus Life staff
present a quick overview of the
services provided by the office
and talk about good roommating
practices.
» Potential roommates
have the opportunity to
introduce themselves and
talk in a comfortable, casual
environment.
» Visit ocl.colostate.edu/
calendar for Roommate Round-
up dates and locations.
Use Local Sources
» Visit ocl.colostate.edu for:
◦ Apartment Complex list
◦ Property Management list
» Northerncoloradorentals.
com
» Newspaper classified
ads (The Collegian, The
Coloradoan, etc.)
» Local realtors
» Craigslist.com
» Bulletin boards in public
locations
Online RentalSearch
» The premier rental listing site
for CSU students.
» Connects students with
housing opportunities across the
Fort Collins community.
» Search numerous rental
listings or post your own.
» Log on with your student eID
and password.
» Search the database at
rentalsearch.colostate.edu
WHERE TO LOOK
SEARCH OR POST
BEST HOUSING PLACE OFF TO CAMPUS FIND
RentalSearch
THE
HAVE A PLACE?
NEED ONE?
rentalsearch.colostate.edu
1
FIRST STEPS
5
Anyone from landlords
to property managers to
tenants can become victims
of rental scams.
HOW TO AVOID
RENTAL SCAMS
» Never accept more
payment than the amount
you request.
» Always ask for
references.
» Google the potential
landlord’s name to see if
anything comes up that is of
concern.
» Take all money orders
or checks to your bank and
make sure they clear.
BEWARE
OF RENTAL
SCAMS!
Housing Fair
» Free annual event that takes
place every spring; this year
please join us on February 10th in
the Lory Student Center Grand
Ballroom.
» Meet with numerous landlords,
realtors, property management
companies, and utility providers.
» Have a chance to win door
prizes, including the annual grand
prizes!
6
HOW TO DECIDE
People have different priorities
when it comes to housing
selections. Ask yourself what
is important to you. Do some
background research to gain a
basic idea of the neighborhood/
apartment complex. Try to contact
the current tenants; ask them
about the landlord and neighbors.
Have they experienced problems?
Most Importantly:
» Do not sign the lease without
first making an appointment with
Student Legal Services or looking
at the website (sls.colostate.edu)
» Be leery of special deals to get
you to sign a lease fast and early.
» Do not rent a place you only
looked at online or in the paper.
Make sure you tour the property.
Location
» How long does it take to travel
to campus?
» Is it close to bus stops?
» Can you walk/bike or do you
need to drive to campus?
» If driving, how much will it cost
to park your car?
» Are there other students
nearby, or is it mainly a single
family neighborhood?
» Are there any amenities/stores
nearby (e.g. pharmacy, grocery
stores, restaurants, laundromat, or
gas stations)?
» Check out our transportation
section on page 32.
Safety
» Would you feel comfortable
living there day and night?
» Are all windows in good
condition and lockable?
» Are there smoke/carbon
monoxide detectors?
» If the apartment has a security
system, is it working?
» Is there more than one fire exit
from the unit?
» Is the entrance well lit? Is your
view blocked by shrubs?
» Who has access to the house
key, and when were the locks last
changed?
Responsibilities
» Is there a snow shoveling
service provided, or will you be
responsible for shoveling snow?
» Is there a lawn service, or will
7
1
FIRST STEPS
» How much is the rent?
» When is the rent due?
» What is included in the rent (e.g. trash, water)?
» Who is responsible for paying utilities hookup/installation fee?
» What is NOT included in the rent?
» What type of heating is used (gas or electric), and how may
that impact your heating bill?
» What are the late fees if you do not pay your rent on time?
» If you own a pet, what is the pet fee and/or pet deposit?
Exterior/Interior
Considerations
» What type of parking is
available — garage or street
parking?
» Do you need a permit to park
on the street?
» Is the parking sufficient (one
space per car/visitors)?
» Is the parking area well lit?
» Is the unit furnished? If so,
what is included? Is the furniture
in good condition?
» Are laundry facilities provided?
» Are kitchen appliances in
working order?
» Will moving in and out be
difficult because of stairs?
» Will your furniture fit through
the front door?
» Is there any evidence of
pests?
» Are the ceilings and walls in
good repair?
» Is the carpet/floor clean?
» Does the plumbing work?
» Is there a good supply of hot
water (ask current tenants)?
» Are there sufficient electrical
outlets, and do they work?
» Are there adequate telephone
and/or cable jacks?
» How old is the unit?
» If looking at renting an
apartment, can you hear the
people above or below you?
» Is there enough storage space
(closets, basement, garage, etc.)?
Never go alone to visit a house or apartment.
Bring a friend!
8
LEGAL TERMS
YOU NEED TO
KNOW
Civil:
Non-criminal legal matters
generally relating to the rights of
private individuals. Most housing
disputes are handled in civil courts
rather than criminal courts.
Constructive Eviction
Takes place when a landlord
makes a property uninhabitable or
unusable for the original purposes
in which the lease was signed. Get
legal advice before moving out
on the basis of conditions you do
not like. The situation must meet
certain requirements, and there are
specific steps that you must take.
Default:
Failure to fulfill a legal obligation
such as making a required
appearance at a court case or
paying the agreed upon rent
amount.
Mitigate:
Making compromises to avoid legal
action.
Leases are legally binding documents and should be read
carefully before signing. Oral leases are also legally binding,
although harder to prove in court. Always put your lease in
writing. A written agreement protects you and the landlord by
defining rental terms, rules, and expectations.
Visit Student Legal Services in
the Lory Student Center for more
information on leases and make
an appointment to speak to an
attorney free of charge. Visit
sls.colostate.edu.
9
2
LEASES
NEGOTIATING
YOUR LEASE
Say you’ve found the perfect
house or apartment but the rent is
too high or they won’t allow your
pet. Don’t give up! You may be
able to negotiate with the landlord
for the type of lease agreement
that would ideally suit you. Make
sure the person you bargain
with has the power to fulfill their
promises.
What Should Be In The
Lease?
» The amount of rent
» The length of the rental period
» The amount of security
deposit and return date
» Who is responsible for
paying utilities, and initiating/
disconnecting city services
» Who is responsible for repairs
» Whether subleasing is
allowed, and under what terms
» When a landlord may enter
your rental unit
Other considerations
» Is a pet deposit required?
» Are there monetary penalties
for code violations?
» Are rooms rented individually
or is the entire property leased as
a whole?
» Read through the lease to
make sure all terms are well
defined and written in clear and
concise language.
GET ALL
AGREEMENTS IN
WRITING!
» Strategies - Most
likely, your demands will
meet some opposition, so
it is important to give some
thought to your negotiating
strategies.
» Use of information -
The better informed you
are, the more confident
and assertive you can be
when making a request.
Planning ahead and
researching your options is
very important.
» Competition - A good
supportive argument, for
example, is that there’s
10
TERMINATING
YOUR LEASE
EARLY
» Tenants are legally
responsible for rent until the
premise is re-rented or the lease
has expired.
» A voluntary early termination
of a lease can occur at any time if
the landlord and tenant mutually
agree to such termination.
» Early termination isn’t always
an option offered by landlords.
If this is the case and you still
are moving out, you could either
continue to pay rent or work out a
sublease agreement if allowed.
» The tenant may be liable for
the landlord’s reasonable costs
of re-renting – it depends on the
terms of the lease.
» It is strongly recommended
that you seek legal advice before
pursuing an early termination of
your lease.
Remember...
» Student Legal Services (in the
LSC), provides free legal advice
for full-time CSU students.
» If you are a part-time CSU
student, SLS will allow you to pay
its portion of student fees (under
$10) and receive service.
Assignments &
Subletting
If you absolutely must get out
of your lease agreement early,
assigning is your best option.
This can occur only with landlord
approval. Assignment replaces you
with someone new and removes
you from further obligations
under the lease. If your landlord
will not agree to an assignment,
subletting is another option to
consider. When you sublet your
place, a third party known as a
subtenant takes over your lease.
It is important to remember that
you will be in charge of finding this
subtenant. In addition, subletting
does not release you from the
responsibilities of your lease if
the subtenant fails to fulfill their
obligations.
STEPS
1. The first thing to do is check
with your landlord to make sure
subletting is an option.
11
2
LEASES
Getting evicted is NOT a
good way to get out of a
lease! If you get evicted,
that eviction goes on your
credit record and may make
it difficult for you to rent or
get credit in the future. In
addition, the tenant may still
be responsible for paying
rent to the landlord until the
end of the lease, even if
the landlord can re-rent the
property.
4. Interview potential candidates
keeping in mind you will be
responsible for the rent due if the
subtenant you choose fails to
uphold their end of the agreement.
5. You and your subtenant must fill
out a sublease agreement stating
the terms of the sublease. Your
landlord may be able to provide a
pre-drafted sublet agreement. If
not, a sample sublease agreement
can be found on page 82.
6. Before your subtenant moves
in, have your landlord do a
walkthrough of your home so your
subtenant, and not you, will be
held responsible for any damages
that occur after you leave.
Finding a subtenant can be
a long process. If you know
you need out of your lease
by a certain date, make sure
to give yourself plenty of time
to find someone appropriate.
Remember to use
Student Legal Services
as a resource!
You have the right to edit
the lease before signing.
12
Moving in to your new place can be an exciting and stressful time.
Between making sure you have all of the basics, arranging furniture, and
getting all the utilities hooked up, there is a lot to consider. Here is some
helpful information to make the process easier.
Remember to take pictures
before you move in so you
have proof of the condition.
Rental Housing
Standards
When it comes to leasing, you
have rights! While it is important
for you to be a good tenant, it is
just as important for your landlord
to fulfill their obligations as a
property owner. The following
are the minimum habitability
requirements that MUST be met
for any property in Fort Collins.
» Insect screens are required.
» Doors are required to have
locks that operate from inside
without a key.
» Every bedroom should have
at least one window that opens.
» Every bathroom should
have a window that opens or an
exhaust fan.
» You should not have to
pass through someone else’s
bedroom to have access to a
bathroom.
» All plumbing fixtures should
be maintained in a safe, sanitary
and functional condition, free
from obstructions, leaks and
defects.
» Units should have hot and
cold running water.
» Units should have
permanent heating that can
maintain 68°F.
» Every rental housing unit
containing gas appliances or an
attached garage should have
an approved carbon monoxide
alarm.
» All rooms should have at
least two separate electric
outlets.
» All rooms and public areas
should have at least one electric
light fixture.
» Basement bedrooms should
have an emergency escape
window no more than 48 inches
above the floor and at least 720
square inches.
» Smoke alarms (electric or
battery operated) should be
13
3
MOVING IN / OUT
CHANGING
YOUR
ADDRESS
Changing your address is a
relatively simple process and
should be one of the first steps
you take when moving into your
new place. We recommend doing
it online through the U.S. Postal
Services’ website, usps.com/
moversguide, but you can also
pick up a form at the closest
post office and submit it to them
directly, or print one off and mail it.
NOTE: If you choose to fill out the
form online, you will be required to
provide a valid e-mail address and
credit card number for security
and verification purposes.
Voter Registration
Moving is also a great time
to register to vote or update
your current voter registration
information. You can register
online at the Colorado Secretary
of State website. You can also
fill out a form and drop it in the
mailbox, and the County Clerk
and Recorder will handle the rest!
UTILITIES,
ELECTRIC,
CABLE, AND
MORE…
This may be your first time
connecting utilities. Perhaps
you’re not sure which company
to call or how far in advance you
need to make arrangements. No
problem - here is a quick guide to
utilities in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins Utilities
» The City of Fort Collins
Utilities provides electricity, water,
wastewater, and stormwater
services.
» Start or stop your utility
services with a phone call or
online at www.fcgov.com.
» There is a service fee to set
up a new account.
» Plan ahead when you move.
Allow three business days to
connect or disconnect service.
» Utilities may be included
in your rent. Check with your
landlord.
117 N. Mason St.
14
Xcel Energy
» Xcel Energy provides natural
gas to the Fort Collins area.
Service can be started 24/7 by
submitting a quick online request
form at xcelenergy.com or
contacting Customer Service by
phone at 1-800-895-4999.
» Be sure to do this at least 24
hours prior to when you need the
service. A security deposit may be
required, but there are a variety of
ways you can waive the deposit.
» Your actual energy costs will
depend on the efficiency of your
appliances, the insulation in your
home, and your personal lifestyle.
» Xcel Energy has a variety of
billing systems available such as
automatic bank withdrawal, My
Account online billing, credit/debit
card payment, and payment by
phone or mail.
» They also have an “Averaged
Monthly Payment” program that
evens out your monthly payments,
making each bill about the same
all year. Go to xcelenergy.com/
billing&payment to learn more.
Saving Energy and
Water Starts with
You
You can save money every
month and help out the
environment by conserving
energy and water. Even as a
renter, small actions can add up
to make a big difference. You’re
in control. Here are the top six
tips for you to conserve:
» Turn off lights and
appliances when you’re not
using them. That game console
can use a lot of electricity so
unplug it when you’re done.
» Set your computer to
hibernate after 30 minutes
of inactivity, and turn off your
monitor when you leave the
room for more than 20 minutes.
» Talk to your landlord about
setting your hot water heater
temperature to no more than
120 degrees. Don’t worry
-- you’ll still have a nice hot
shower.
» Install LED light bulbs.
Discounted prices are available
at local retailers.
15
3
MOVING IN / OUT
Comcast
1201 University Ave.
(877) 562-4906
comcast.com
DISH Fort Collins
140 W. Oak St. 1
(877) 404-3508
dishfortcollinssatellitetv.com
Direct TV
145 W. Mountain Ave.
(970) 818-8028
directv.com
TV Providers
Phone Services
» To establish a phone
service, call your chosen
provider a minimum of three
business days before service is
needed.
» Installation fees may apply.
» A deposit may be required
for long distance service.
Cable Television
» There are many companies
located in Fort Collins offering
television services. Make sure
to shop around for a good price
and package that works best for
you.
» Many cable companies also
offer high-speed internet and
digital phone services.
Century Link
(800) 475-7526
centurylink.com
Comcast
(970) 493-7400
comcast.com
16
» Trash rates in Fort Collins are
based on volume; you are charged
based on the size of your trash
bin.
» Services for trash collection
are offered by private companies,
so you “subscribe” directly to local
trash companies or through your
Home Owners Association (HOA).
» If you live in a house or
apartment that does not provide
a trash dumpster, you will need to
arrange for garbage pick-up.
» Note: It is illegal to throw
away cardboard and electronics
in Fort Collins. Please reuse or
recycle these items.
» For more information see
the city’s website fcgov.com/
recycling.
Trash Collection in
Fort Collins
Gallegos Sanitation, Inc.
(970) 484-5556
gsiwaste.com
Ram Waste Systems, Inc.
(970) 226-3396
ramwastesystems.com
Waste Management
(970) 482-6319
wm.com
If you don’t use all the capacity in your trash bin, call to
request a smaller one and save money each month. The
less you throw away, the less you’ll pay on your trash bill!
GARBAGE SERVICE
17
If you live in a house:
» In Fort Collins, recycling
must be provided by your
chosen trash company at
no additional cost. They
are required to provide
you with twice-monthly
unlimited recycling – and a
bin in the size of your choice
ranging up to a 96-gallon,
wheeled cart to contain the
recyclables.
» Please remember if an
item can be reused there are
plenty of thrift stores in Fort
Collins who are willing to get
the item to someone who can
use it.
» All haulers in Fort Collins
are also required to provide
single-stream recycling. This
means all your recyclables
go in the same bin.
If you live in an
apartment:
» Your apartment complex
should provide bins and a
dumpster for all your trash
and recycling needs. Talk
to your apartment manager
if recycling isn’t available
– sometimes it just takes
one person to convince the
landlord that recycling can
work in your complex and
people want it.
» Contact WRAP (The
Waste Reduction and
Recycling Assistance
Program) for help to start
or improve the recycling
program at your complex.
(970) 221-6288,
fcgov.com/recycle
» If your apartment does not
offer recycling and refuses to
add the service, you can take
your recyclables to a drop-off
center free of charge. The
City's Recycling Drop-Off
Center at 1702 Riverside
Ave. is open Monday -
Sunday during daylight
hours. The Larimer County
recycle drop-off at the landfill,
5887 S. Taft Hill Rd., is open
7 days per week during
daylight hours.
3
18
Curbside recycling
The following items are collected for curbside recycling. Download a
recycling guidelines poster and more at fcgov.com/recycle.
Containers:
» Clean plastic bottles, tubs and containers
◦ No plastic bags, pesticide or motor oil containers, styrofoam, or
containers larger than 2.5 gallons
» Glass bottles and jars of any color
◦ No light bulbs, plate glass, ceramics or cookware
» Aluminum cans (don’t crush or flatten cans)
◦ Steel (tin) cans
◦ Labels are okay
» Metal jar lids and bottle caps
» Empty aerosol cans
◦ No caps
» Aluminum foil
◦ Flattened, clean foil only
» Paper cartons
◦ milk, juice, & soup containers
Paper:
» Newspapers and newspaper inserts (no plastic newspaper bags)
» Magazines and catalogs
» Opened junk mail
◦ Please open your mail to remove any promotional stickers, credit
cards, membership cards, or other non-paper items
» Office paper
◦ No dark and fluorescent colored office paper or colored sticky
notes
Cardboard and paperboard:
» All corrugated cardboard (cardboard with more than one layer)
must be recycled according to the City of Fort Collins cardboard
ordinance
» Corrugated cardboard
◦ Packing boxes and non-greasy pizza boxes (typically just the top)
broken down along the fold
◦ No cardboard exceeding 2’ x 2’ in size (oversized pieces can be
cut down)
» Paperboard
◦ Broken down cereal boxes, clothing boxes, greeting cards, tissue
paper, shoe boxes, and egg cartons
Environmental
Services
19
3
MOVING IN / OUT
RENTER’S
INSURANCE
Be sure to purchase renter’s
insurance. It is inexpensive and
will protect your belongings from
damage or theft. More importantly,
it will protect you from having to
pay thousands of dollars if you
accidentally cause damage to the
property, such as in the case of fire
or water damage.
Before you start making calls:
» First step, check to see if you
are covered under your parents’
homeowner’s insurance.
» If you’re not covered under
your parents, do an assessment
of your property and determine
approximately how much money
it would cost to replace your
belongings. You will also need to
decide which items you want to
have fully covered (e.g. jewelry or
collectibles).
» If you pay for car insurance,
you may want to check in with
your company to see if they will
provide renter’s insurance at a
discounted rate.
When calling each
company, be ready with the
following information:
» Your name, phone number,
and property address
» The names of everyone
who lives at the property and
how long they have lived at the
residence
» Prior addresses
» Employment history
» Any insurance claim history
you have including details such as
dates, type of loss, and the extent
of damages
» Some companies may ask
information about your residence,
including building materials or
square footage.
3
MOVING IN / OUT
Variables Impacting Rates
Policies can be fitted to your specific needs. These factors will
affect the cost of renter’s insurance:
» Whether the structure is frame or brick
» How much theft and fire protection the home has (e.g., dead
bolts, smoke detectors, etc.)
» Whether you live in or out of city limits
20
Deductible:
Most policies have a deductible.
This is a specific amount of money
deducted from every claim you file.
When getting your quotes make
sure to inquire about deductible
amounts because they can range
anywhere from $50-$250 (or
more). Also, the deductible may
vary depending on whether the
item is lost, stolen, or damaged.
All of this should be taken into
consideration when making your
final decision.
Liability:
Liability coverage can range from
$100,000 to $300,000. In most
cases, more coverage is better.
Check to see if your policy will
cover your attorney costs in a civil
suit, and/or medical damages for
you and others.
Minimum Coverage:
Some policies won’t cover your
property for less than a specific
amount. Usually the minimum
range is between $8,000 and
$10,000.
Renter’s Insurance
Terms
SECURITY
DEPOSIT
It is essential to take pictures
and make a narrated video
describing your cleaning efforts
and pointing out repair matters
that are pre-existing conditions
or ordinary wear and tear items.
Give copies to the landlord right
after moving out to encourage
fair treatment of your security
deposit and deter wrongful
charges.
If the damages are more than the
security deposit, the landlord may
sue the tenant to recover those
damages, or may turn the matter
over to collections.
If the tenant has fulfilled all the
terms of the lease (including
proper termination), has paid
the rent in full and on time, and
has caused no damage beyond
normal wear and tear, then the
tenant is entitled to the return of
the full security deposit.
Make sure when purchasing
renter’s insurance you
compare quotes from a
21
Normal wear and tear means
deterioration not due to tenant’s
negligence, e.g. peeling/cracked
paint. For a list of examples of
normal wear and tear, refer to
the Landlord Tenant Handbook
found at fcgov.com.
Will I get my deposit back?
» Under Colorado’s Security
Deposit law, the landlord has
30 days (up to 60 days if stated
in the lease) to return the full
amount of the security deposit.
» The landlord can charge
their tenant for any damages
to the premises as long as
they provide the tenant with
an itemized statement within
the time period specified in the
lease. The itemized statement
will outline:
◦ Unpaid rent or utility bills
owed by the tenant
◦ Payment for damages
to the premises beyond
“normal wear and tear”
◦ Any cleaning which the
tenant agreed to in the
lease
◦ Any other breach of the
lease that causes financial
damage to the landlord.
If you don’t get a deposit
back:
» If the landlord fails to
return the deposit with no
written proof of charges, you
may send a “7-Day Demand”
letter to the landlord. Or, if
you receive charges you don’t
agree with, you can send a “7
Day Dispute” letter.
» The letter should state that
you will sue the landlord for
three times the amount of the
deposit withheld.
» It should be sent by
certified mail, return receipt
requested, and you should
always keep a copy.
» If the landlord returns the
deposit within seven days, the
problem is solved.
» For a copy of the letter,
refer to the Landlord Tenant
Handbook online at fcgov.com
under Neighborhood Services,
or the templates at Student
Legal Services’ website, sls.
22
BALANCING A
BUDGET
If your income and expenses
do not balance and/or show a
negative balance, here are some
suggestions on how to improve
your budget:
» Increase your income/
resources: Obtain a part-time job,
financial aid, or a loan.
» Decrease your expenses:
Start with the easy stuff by
cutting variable expenses like
entertainment (cable services),
credit-card purchases, or food.
If that isn’t enough, you can cut
fixed expenses by seeking less
expensive housing and/or sharing
housing with others.
» Change schedule for paying
bills: There may be a better way to
divide payments or spread them
over the coming months. Check to
see if you can adjust your payment
schedule.
» Watch your daily spending:
Carry only as much money as you
need each day. Extra cash in your
pocket is often a temptation to
spend.
$ Don’t take on more than you can afford! Your
rent should be no more than 30% of your
monthly income.
When planning your
budget, don’t forget to
take into account times
during the year when
your spending might
be higher such as for
air conditioning in the
summer, heat in the
winter, and gifts during
the holidays.
Before moving off campus,
it’s important to know how
much it will cost. Students living
off campus for the first time often
report they were not prepared for
the expenses they incurred. Paying
your bills on time requires both
planning and money. You will need
money for utilities, transportation,
food, furniture, etc. So, it is always
a good idea to plan a budget
ahead of time.
23
4
BUDGETING
See page 72 for a sample
budget spreadsheet. For
college students, budget
planning may be easier to do
on a semester basis.
If you are new to budgeting,
you might want to keep
track of your expenses
for a couple of months to
find out where your money
goes. Don’t expect to have a
perfect budget the first time
you set one up. A budget is
something you keep working
and reworking until it fits for
you.
Off-Campus Meal Plans
Still interested in having
some meals on campus?
Housing and Dining Services
offers a variety of affordable
meal plans for students
living in the community.
These meals roll over from
semester to semester as
long as you are at CSU, and
include dining at all of the
locations on campus, as well
as to-go meals: housing.
colostate.edu/dining
Financial advice is available
through the following
resources:
Student Financial Services
Centennial Hall
Colorado State University
(970) 491-6321
Consumer Credit Counseling
Service
1247 Riverside Ave.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
(800) 424-2227
Nutrition Center
The Kendall Anderson Nutrition
Center through the Health and
Human Science Department
offers cooking classes throughout
the year for a small fee. To
find this information, visit
nutritioncenter.colostate.edu or
call (970) 491-8615.
FOOD
Now that you may no longer
be eating in the dining centers
on campus, you need to start
thinking about your options.
Start by answering some of the
24
CREDIT CARDS
The decision to get a credit card
should not be taken lightly. If used
responsibly, it can be a great way
to establish good credit which
will be important later in life when
applying for loans, buying cars,
or purchasing a home. On the
other hand, when a credit card is
abused it can result in low credit
scores and overspending. Credit
cards can also present a security
risk through loss, theft, or identity
fraud.
Some credit card
companies will raise
your interest rate for a
completely unrelated
loan or credit card if you
are late on a payment.
This is called Universal
Default.
Here are a few things to keep
in mind when deciding to get
a credit card:
» Not all credit cards are
equal! For college students,
specially designed student
cards exist.
» Some cards charge an
annual fee.
» Every credit card will have
an APR (Annual Percentage
Rate). This is the interest rate
you will be required to pay for
your purchases. When looking
at rates, remember the higher
the rate, the more you will have
to pay if you aren’t able to pay
off your bill in full each month.
» Many cards offer an
introductory rate with a lower
APR, but keep in mind this isn’t
permanent. Make sure you
know what interest fees you will
be paying once the introductory
period has passed.
25
If you decide to get a credit
card, BE SMART ABOUT IT!
» Don’t overspend! In
addition to paying the money
back at a later date you will
also have to pay all of the
accrued interest, which is not
cheap!
» Only carry one card at a
time. Credit cards are a great
tool to build up credit and a
good thing to have around in
case of emergencies, but filling
your wallet with them can
result in increased spending
and confusion when paying
bills.
» Make sure not to exceed
your credit limit. Every card
has its limit and exceeding
it can result in fees and
penalties.
At the end of the month
pay off as much of the
bill as you possibly can.
Any part of your bill that
rolls over will result in
interest fees which can
really add up! 4
BUDGETING
» Some credit card companies
charge extra if you want to pay
your bill online or by phone.
» Some (but not all) credit card
companies offer a grace period
in which you have 20-30 days to
pay your bill if you get behind.
Some, on the other hand, will
charge a late fee.
» If you fail to make a payment
on time or at the very least,
within the grace period, it will
negatively affect your credit
score. This is called a penalty
rate.
» Some credit card companies
have a “Change of Terms”
policy which means they can
change the terms of your credit
card agreement at any time.
This includes the ability to
raise your interest rates for any
reason.
26
Groceries can create
some of the biggest issues
between roommates. Here
are a few ideas to help:
» You can designate
cabinets for each roommate.
» Condiments are
something everyone needs
and you do not want your
fridge to have four ketchup
bottles taking up space.
Have each roommate
donate a condiment before
you move in.
ROOMMATE
ISSUES TO
CONSIDER
» Privacy
» Noise
» Guests
» Pets
» Personal belongings
» Smoking/alcohol/drugs
» Parties
» Bills/deposits
» Cleaning
» Groceries/food
» Parking
» Study habits
» Partners
» Sharing a bathroom
» And much more
Who are you going to live with? This is a BIG decision and needs
to be given careful consideration. There are legal, financial, and
personal implications that affect people living together. Even if your best
friend appears to be the perfect roommate, they may not live up to your
expectations.
27
Roommate Agreements
You should always have some
sort of written agreement in place.
A sample roommate agreement
can be found on page 80 of
this handbook, and inside of the
Landlord Tenant Handbook at
fcgov.com.
PRO: You’re only
responsible for your lease.
CON: If a roommate leaves,
the landlord can assign a
new tenant.
Rent by the room
5
ROOMMATES
5
Roommate Conflict
If you’re experiencing a roommate
conflict and would like assistance
in resolving the situation, contact
Conflict Resolution and Student
Conduct Services (CRSCS) at
(970) 491-7165 to schedule a
consultation. As long as one of the
parties involved is a CSU student,
CRSCS can provide mediation at
no cost.
JOINT & SEVERAL
LIABILITY
If one roommate moves out, the
remaining roommates may be
responsible for that person’s share
of the rent and damages. Tenants
are responsible for rent until the
lease has expired, or in most
cases, until the premises are
re-rented.
28
It is
ALWAYS
better to
be safe
than
SORRY.
WALKING
» Avoid walking alone at night.
» Change your routines.
» Use well-lit traveled routes.
» Avoid shortcuts and dark,
isolated areas.
» Walk purposefully, know where
you are going, and project a
confident image.
» If you feel threatened, cross
the street, locate an emergency
phone, or enter a store or place of
business.
» Have your door keys ready; carry
them in your pockets, not buried in a
purse or backpack.
» When walking to your car,
don’t hit the unlock button until
you are close.
29
AT HOME
» Lock your doors and windows,
even when you are inside your
home or just stepping out for a
short while. It takes a thief ten
seconds or less to enter an open
room and steal your property.
» Keep emergency numbers on
your phone.
» Do not leave messages on
your door indicating you are
away and when you will return
(including your schedule).
» If someone asks to use your
phone for an emergency call, offer
to call for them instead of allowing
them access to your home.
» Do not put your address on
your key ring.
» Know your neighbors.
» Do not leave keys in hiding
places. Thieves will find them.
» Close blinds and curtains at
night so individuals outside cannot
see in.
Leaving for Breaks:
» During winter breaks, you are
still responsible for keeping public
sidewalks adjacent to your home
free of snow and ice. Please make
arrangements with friends or
neighbors.
» Thieves know the university
schedule, so make your place
look lived in.
» Tell your neighbors you’ll be
out of town and ask them to keep
an eye out.
» Keep all windows and doors
secured.
» Store electronic equipment
and small valuables (jewelry) in a
safe place.
» Cancel your newspaper so
it doesn’t pile up outside your
house.
» Contact the post office and
have them hold your mail while
you are away.
» Have a timer for lights so your
house looks occupied, even while
you are gone.
» If your neighbors have an extra
vehicle, ask if they are willing to
park in your driveway.
Keep your heat on during
winter months so pipes don’t
break. Coming back to a flood
would be a bummer, not to
30
Fire Prevention:
» Make sure smoke detectors
are working properly. Test the
batteries at least once a month
and install new ones at least once
a semester.
» DO NOT remove batteries
from smoke detectors to prevent
false alarms.
» Know at least two ways out of
every room.
» Make an escape plan in case
of emergencies and if possible
practice it at least once.
» Purchase collapsible escape
ladders for upper floor windows and
know how to use them.
» Don’t overload outlets.
FIRE SAFETY
Housing
Standards
Smoke detectors
must be installed
in each story of
the dwelling, in all
bedrooms, and in
halls and areas that
are in the immediate
vicinity of the
bedrooms.
31
» Don’t leave lit candles or
incense unattended. Make sure
candles aren’t in the vicinity of
anything flammable including
drapes, posters, or fabrics.
» Don’t leave food unattended
on the stove or in the microwave,
and make sure all burners are
turned off before leaving the
house.
» Make sure cigarettes are fully
extinguished. When smoking,
use a sturdy, non-tipping ashtray.
DON’T smoke in bed!
» Keep a fire extinguisher near
the kitchen.
» Make sure the wattage in light
bulbs matches the correct wattage
for the fixtures.
» Don’t run the dryer without
a lint trap. Clean the lint trap
regularly.
» Keep your electrical wiring
in good condition. Have wire
replaced if it is frayed or cracked.
If you are renting, it is your
landlord’s responsibility to keep
the wiring up to date. Let them
know if there are any issues.
In Case of Fire:
» Never ignore a fire alarm.
Leave at once and close all doors
behind you on your way out.
» Once you are out of harm’s
way call 911 immediately.
» Use the stairs. DO NOT take
the elevator.
» Test every door for heat. If a
door feels hot or you see smoke
seeping out DO NOT OPEN IT.
» Crawl low in smoke.
» If possible, cover your mouth
with a cloth to avoid inhaling
smoke and gases. Many people
who die in fires actually die from
smoke inhalation, not from the
flames.
» Don’t go back in, no matter
what!
» If a fire starts while cooking,
put a lid over the burning pan or
use the fire extinguisher. Never
pour water on grease fires.
» If you are trapped in your
home DON’T PANIC! Close your
door and seal off any cracks with
wet towels. As soon as you are
able, call the fire department and
give your name, address, and
32
TRANSFORT
Is it possible to get around
Fort Collins without a car?
Yes. The city bus system, known
as Transfort, operates over twenty
bus routes throughout Fort Collins
Monday through Saturday, except
major holidays. There is excellent
bus service around CSU. CSU
routes generally operate Monday
- Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm
when CSU is in session. Several
routes operate until 10:30pm and
MAX operates until midnight.
Do CSU students have
to pay to ride Transfort?
Transfort is FREE for all
full and part-time CSU
students upon presentation
of a current CSU RamCard
(student ID) when boarding
the bus except for the Horn
and the MAX. This service is
made possible in part by a
contribution from Associated
Students of Colorado State
University (ASCSU).
You probably have been wondering how you are going to get
to class if you move off campus. Here are some options:
IMAGE COURTESY OF CITY OF FORT COLLINS, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
33
Does Transfort offer late
night service?
Through a partnership with ASCSU
and the City of Fort Collins, the
Green and Gold routes provide
late night weekend service out of
the downtown area. This service
costs $1 and operates Fridays and
Saturdays from 10:30 pm to 2:30
am.
How can I contact Transfort?
There are three staffed transit
centers in Fort Collins. Contact
them via phone at (970) 221-6620.
Schedules and real-time bus
arrival information can be viewed
on the Ride Transfort app or online
at ridetransfort.com.
MAX Bus Rapid Transit
The MAX route operates every 10
minutes at peak frequency along
the Mason corridor from 5:00 am
to midnight, Monday - Saturday.
Stops near the campus are located
at University Ave., Prospect Rd.,
and Laurel St.
Around the Horn
Around the Horn provides service
within CSU’s main campus and
connects riders with the Vet
Teaching Hospital and remote
parking. It operates every 10
minutes Monday - Friday from
7:00 am to 6:30 pm and every 30
minutes on Saturdays during the
same hours.
FLEX Service
Transfort operates a Regional
Express bus service between
Fort Collins and Longmont from
Monday - Saturday. An expanded
service to Boulder will begin
January 18, 2016.
TRANSPORTATION
7
Transfort buses are equipped
with bike racks that hold up to
three bicycles. MAX buses hold
up to four bicycles on interior
racks. Racks are available on
a first come, first served basis.
There is no extra charge for
using the bike racks. More
information about how to load
and unload a bike can be found
in the Transfort bus schedule.
34
Other transportation
options
CSU RideShare:
CSU RideShare is a website
that gives students, faculty
and staff at Colorado State
University the ability to
make potential carpool
arrangements quickly and
securely. Registering with
CSU RideShare is free
and allows you to conduct
searches conveniently online.
Make contact with potential
carpoolers, discuss what
your needs and expectations
are, and set your plans! Visit
RideShare.colostate.edu.
Walking:
If your house is close to
campus, walking can be a
good option. Fort Collins is a
relatively safe city. However,
that does not mean you should
not be cautious when you are
walking around town. Check
out the “Safety” section in the
handbook for more information.
Safe Walk:
You can contact the CSUPD at
(970) 491-1155 for a free Safe
Walk to and from a location within
three blocks of campus. Campus
Service Officers are on duty every
evening to provide this service.
Lockers:
Need a locker? Off-Campus
Life rents out lockers located
in the LSC. Lockers are
$20-$30 a semester charged
to your student account and
are accessible whenever the
LSC is open. Visit the OCL
office to get yours!
Parking:
Parking permits are sold online
through Parking Services. You may
park in Z and A lots without a permit
after 4:00 pm (exceptions: certain
marked spaces in A lots by Morgan
Library, Clark C, Engineering,
Administration Building after 7:00
pm), and X, Q, W lots after 8pm.
After Friday evening, parking
without a permit is allowed until 7:00
am Monday morning. For more
information, contact CSU Parking
Services (970) 491-7041. For a map
of parking lots, please visit:
35
TRANSPORTATION
7
BIKING
Is a Bike-n-Ride service
available?
Yes. Bicycling is a popular and
viable means of transportation
at CSU and in Fort Collins.
There are numerous locations
for bicycle parking on campus.
There are more than 75 miles
shared use paths open to
cyclists in Fort Collins, including
the Spring Creek and Poudre
River Trails, both paved. Fort
Collins solidified its place
among the nation’s most
bicycle friendly communities
when the League of American
Bicyclists announced Fort
Collins achieved Platinum
Level designation in the Bicycle
Friendly Community program in
May 2013.
Biking on Campus
All bicycles ridden or parked
on the CSU campus must be
registered with the CSUPD.
The one-time registration
requirement costs $10 and can
be done in Green Hall. Bikes are
required to obey the same traffic
regulations as an automobile
(e.g. stop signs), and bikes are
not permitted on sidewalks. Have
a light on your bike when riding
at night. Remember, it is a $35
fine per safety violation. CSU is a
Platinum Bike Friendly University
with a Campus Bicycle Advisory
Committee.
PER MONTH
*Student prices available only on select packages.
Pricing based on a 12-month lease.
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beg friends to
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CONFLICT
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41
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Fort Collins, CO 80521
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42
HOMEBUYER’S FIRST TIME
Whether you are a First Time Homebuyer, relocating to Colorado, or a
parent looking to invest in your student’s future, this class was designed
specifically to teach you the process of buying and how to avoid
common mistakes.
contact us!
970.491.2248
LSC 274
ocl.colostate.edu
/first-time-homebuyer-class
Lance Volmer
RE/MAX Advanced, Inc
(C) 970-218-3016
Lancev26@gmail.com
UPCOMING DATES!
43
44
Student Financial Services
Contact Student Financial Services to discuss:
Financial aid and scholarship eligibility to apply to off-
campus living expenses
When can a financial aid refund be used for living expenses
The fastest way to receive funding
How enrollment impacts financial aid & scholarship eligibility
Financial aid and summer classes
Help with budgeting when considering living off-campus
45
√ 1, 2, 3, AND 4 BEDROOM UNITS
√ INDIVIDUAL LEASES
√ STUDY HALL & COMPUTER LAB
√ POOLS, SPAS & TANNING
√ FREE CABLE AND WI-FI INTERNET
√ BUS STOPS TO CSU & FRCC
√ AND SO MUCH MORE!
Call: (970) 498-0206 | Click: www.RamsVillage.com | Visit: 900 Constitution Ave Ft Collins
STOP BY FOR A TOUR TODAY!
46
47
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Pet Friendly • Resport Style Swimming Pool • Fitness
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• Dog Park • Playground • Basketball & Volleyball
Courts • Business/Study Center
Make the most of
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and live somewhere
that you love!
970.484.5559
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115 Briarwood Road | Fort Collins, CO | 80521
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48
OCCUPANCY LIMIT (U+2)
The occupancy limit is a hot topic in Fort Collins. The City
has a housing occupancy limit, and it is important for all
students to learn about this code.
How does this code apply to the majority of
CSU students living off campus?
Unless you are living in a certified extra-occupancy rental
house or certain designated apartments, you cannot have
more than three unrelated persons residing in the same
dwelling unit. If the occupants claim to be related, they will
be required to provide proof.
49
CITY CODES
Frequently asked 7
questions
Who can live in a house
without violating the U+2
rule?
You may have:
1) One family (related by blood,
marriage, or adoption) and
not more than one additional
person.
2) Two adults and their
dependents, if any, and not
more than one additional
person.
3) Three unrelated
individuals.
For example:
You could have any
combination of a family
plus one additional person
(a boarder, a caretaker, a
nanny, etc., or any number
of siblings and an additional
roommate) or you could have
up to three unrelated adults
(three unrelated roommates,
two single moms and their kids
plus another roommate, etc).
However, you cannot have two
related people (like brothers)
and two additional people. In
this scenario, the two brothers
would be considered a “family”
and they can have one
additional person.
Are there apartments
and homes that allow for
more than three unrelated
friends to live together?
Yes! The list is always
changing, so check out the Off-
Campus Life website for the
most up-to-date version at
ocl.colostate.edu.
CITY CODES
8
50
How is the occupancy
ordinance enforced and
what does the process look
like?
1. When someone calls the
city to report a property they
believe is over-occupied, staff
will be interested in the following
information: complainant’s contact
information (unless they choose
to be anonymous), address of
property in question, reasons for
suspecting over-occupancy and
any supporting evidence (tenants’
names, license plate numbers,
etc.).
2. Once city staff completes
an intake form based on the
information provided by the
complainant, they will begin
an investigation and contact
the owner/property manager to
request a copy of the Disclosure
form. Disclosure forms have
been required since December
2005, and there is a potential
fine up to $1000 for not having
a Disclosure form upon request.
The form acknowledges that all
involved parties (sellers, leasers,
tenants, buyers) have been
informed of the occupancy limit in
Fort Collins and is required to be
signed by all parties at the time of
lease signing.
3. If the investigation produces
“reasonable cause” to suspect
over-occupancy the inspector
will give notice to all tenants,
the landlord, and the property
manager they are in violation
and may issue citations to
all occupants, owners, and
managers. They will have
20 days to correct the over
occupancy violation and will need
to schedule an inspection to
confirm compliance.
4. Correcting the situation
within the time period on a first
complaint will likely result in no
citation or penalty being issued.
However, if the occupancy
investigator determines the
household “blatantly” violated the
ordinance, then a citation may
be issued to the owner, property
manager/landlord and/or each
tenant of the property. Fines can
51
What if a house can easily
accommodate more than
three residents?
The property owner can get an
Extra-Occupancy designation if
the house meets certain criteria
and is in a designated district
that allows it. You can find
additional information on Extra
Occupancy at ocl.colostate.
edu.
What if I have guests on
most weekends? Will
I be in violation even
though these guests don’t
technically live with me?
The current code classifies
anyone who spends more than
30 nights in a dwelling unit in a
12 month period as an occupant.
Therefore, a frequent guest
could actually be considered an
occupant. If the City receives
a complaint, there will be an
investigation to see if there is
reasonable suspicion of an
occupancy limit violation.
If you have further questions,
please contact Neighborhood
Services:
(970) 224-6046
fcgov.com/
neighborhoodservices
HELP FROM STUDENT
LEGAL SERVICES
If you receive notice of an
investigation by the City or
are living in an over-occupied
situation, visit Student Legal
Services in LSC Room 284.
Disclosure Statement
Be prepared to sign this form
at the beginning of your lease
term! Your landlord should
supply a copy to you. This is a
form new tenants are required
to sign prior to signing a
lease acknowledging they
have been informed of the
occupancy limit in Fort Collins.
The Disclosure form can
be found on the City of Fort
Collins’ website.
CITY CODES
8
52
PUBLIC
NUISANCE
ORDINANCE
If you live in a house that has
had multiple violations, you may
be in jeopardy of becoming
a “public nuisance property.”
Violations of this ordinance,
called PNO, result in a letter
being sent to the tenants, as well
as the owner of the property,
requesting an immediate fix of
the problem.
Public nuisances
» Noise
» Trash
» Overgrown weeds
» Over occupancy
» Inoperable vehicles
» Unkempt lawns
» Parking
» Snow removal
» Animal violations
» Indoor furniture left outside
» Any municipal code
violations
A violation occurs when a
property receives:
» Two citations of the same
violation in six months (e.g. two
noise tickets)
» Three citations of any kind
in one year (e.g. one noise,
one overgrown weeds, one
nuisance gathering)
» Five citations of any kind in
two years
Don’t get caught up in
someone else’s mess!
Public Nuisance Ordinance
violations stay with the
property, not with the tenants.
When you are looking to rent,
check to see if the rental
you’re planning on moving into
has received any citations.
Do your homework and check
the history of the property
PRIOR TO RENTING by
calling Neighborhood Services,
(970) 224-6046.
The last thing you want is
to move into a house with a
history of violations.
The following list of code
violations are cause for
citations which could lead to
a PNO violation.
53
NUISANCE
GATHERING
ORDINANCE
This ordinance makes it a
misdemeanor criminal offense
to the responsible individual
(the party host, not necessarily
the people actually littering or
vandalizing) when the following
types of nuisances occur on
neighboring private or public
property:
» Trash and litter
» Public urination
» Vandalism
A conviction carries a minimum
of $500 and up to a $2,650
fine with a possibility of jail
time or community service
hours. Additionally, you could
be assessed the costs of
police and fire personnel
overtime, repairs to city streets,
and cleanup or repair for
any damage to neighboring
property.
UNREASONABLE
NOISE
ORDINANCE
The City of Fort Collins has legal
standards for the following:
Noise
How much noise is too much
noise? The City does not use
decibel measurements to
determine unreasonable noise. If
a neighbor can stand on the edge
of their property line and hear
noise coming from your house,
it is probably too loud. The noise
ordinance is in effect 24 hours a
day.
Fort Collins police officers
typically respond to parties
on a complaint basis.
This means you have to have
disturbed someone in your
neighborhood who then calls the
police. The responding police
officer has the discretion to decide
if the noise coming from your
property is unreasonable. If the
noise is determined unreasonable,
the officer can issue a ticket with
a fine up to $2,650 per resident
for the first offense. If convicted,
a noise violation constitutes a
criminal misdemeanor. Remember,
you can register your Friday and
54
Riots
A riot is defined as a public
disturbance involving three or more
people whose conduct creates
a danger of damage or injury to
people or property or substantially
obstructs the performance of any
government function.
Consequences of engaging in a
riot can include a $1,000 fine and/
or 12 months in jail, even if you are
simply watching a riot happen. If
you are near or in a riot situation,
LEAVE when the police tell you to!
Engaging in a riot can have
long-term consequences. State
Riot Laws provide that anyone
convicted of a rioting offense
cannot attend any state funded
institution of higher education for at
least one year.
CSU students take note:
Engaging in a riot – or even just
being a bystander and watching it
– can get you into trouble. Having
a role in a riot can mean automatic
suspension from all state
supported institutions of higher
education – including CSU – for
12 months if convicted – and your
tuition is NOT refunded.
Fireworks
» The possession and use
without a permit of fireworks of
any kind is illegal in the city of Fort
Collins. The penalty for a fireworks
violation will result in confiscation
of the fireworks, summons to
municipal court, and a fine up to
$2,650. To avoid a summons, a
costly fine, possible injury, or fire,
it’s best to leave the fireworks
shows to the professionals.
Furniture
» No furniture designed for
indoor use can be placed in your
yard or on an unenclosed porch;
i.e. sofas cannot be on your front
or back lawn, roof, or unenclosed
porch.
» There are many options to
dispose of unwanted furniture.
Search online for furniture removal
in Fort Collins, contact non-profit
organizations or consignment
shops to donate your furniture.
Trash
» Trash containers must be
stored out of view of the street.
55
pick-up and must be put
away the same day of pick-
up.
» Trash cannot be placed
on the street or sidewalk
where it can interfere with
bicyclists, pedestrians, and
vehicles.
» Trash can include bagged
leaves, newspapers, or other
discarded items.
» In Fort Collins, it is
illegal to throw cardboard
or electronics in your trash
bin; they must be recycled
or reused. Find more
information and recycling
locations at fcgov.com/
recycle.
Snow Removal
» Whether you own or
rent your home, you are
responsible for clearing snow
and ice off public sidewalks
adjacent to your property
within 24 hours after the
snow stops falling.
» If your walk has not
been shoveled, a neighbor
Snow violations will be
enforced even if you leave
town over break. See if
a neighbor is willing to
cover your shoveling
responsibilities while you
are away.
may report it to the Nuisance
Hotline, or City inspectors may
proactively cite the offense while
out in the field. You will be billed
if the City hires someone to
remove the snow, which can be
very expensive. You may need
to use an ice-melt material in
order to make your sidewalk
safe for pedestrians.
Yards/Grass
» Weeds and grass cannot
exceed a height of six inches in
yards and alleys within city limits
» Leaves and branches may be
temporarily piled provided they
are being gathered for disposal;
piles cannot remain in your yard
for an indefinite period of time.
» Do not rake leaves into the
street since it is unlawful and
can cause storm water drainage
problems.
56
Parking
» Cars cannot be parked on the
street in the same place for more
than 48 hours.
» Trailers cannot be parked on
the street.
» Vehicles must be parked
facing the correct direction on the
street.
» Inoperable vehicles must be
stored out of public view (expired
tags mean your car is considered
inoperable).
» Vehicles may not be parked on
lawns.
» Vehicles cannot block a
driveway or sidewalk (including
your own).
» Complaints can be reported
to the Nuisance Hotline, (970)
416-2200 or online at: fcgov.com/
nuisance.
Residential Parking
Permit Program
» This program provides
convenient on-street parking
for residents by reducing the
impact of non-resident vehicles
in participating neighborhoods.
» It limits parking to only
residents and their guests
during the posted time limits.
» There are no visible
permits.
» The system works by
reading registered license
plates and issuing citations for
those not registered.
» Go to fcgov.com/parking
for more info.
IMAGE COURTESY OF JOHN GRIMM, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
57
and the environment. Pet feces
deposited on any property
not owned or occupied by the
owner or keeper (such as parks,
playgrounds, natural areas,
trails, or a neighbor’s yard) must
be picked up immediately and
disposed of properly. Pet feces
deposited on property owned or
occupied by the animal’s owner
or keeper must be periodically
removed to prevent creation of
a public nuisance. Failure to
remove pet waste may result in a
municipal fine.
Noise/Barking Dogs
Barking or howling dogs can be
a major irritant in a neighborhood
setting. While it is important
to understand dogs bark
incessantly for specific reasons
(boredom, anxiety, fear, etc.), it is
unlawful to allow this behavior to
negatively impact others. Animal
Control Officers will respond
to noise disturbances when a
citizen makes a formal complaint
through the Humane Society,
(970) 226-3647.
A Public Nuisance violation
could be declared if any owner
or keeper fails to exercise proper
care and control of his/her animal
which causes a safety or health
hazard, damages or destroys the
property of another, or creates
offensive odors which interfere
with or disrupt another person.
Animals
Licenses
All dogs and cats within city limits
must be licensed yearly through
the Larimer Humane Society.
Failure to properly license your
pet can result in a Municipal fine
if the animal is impounded. Pet
licenses can be purchased online
at larimerhumane.org.
Rabies Vaccination
Requirements
Any person who owns or keeps a
dog or cat within the city must have
such dog or cat vaccinated against
rabies when the dog or cat becomes
four months of age and again within
12 months of the date of such initial
vaccination, and must continue
to have the dog or cat vaccinated
at intervals recommended by the
58
Fort Collins is known for its friendliness and
small-town warmth. Take pride in where you
live and get to know your neighbors!
Here are some helpful tips:
Neighbor Etiquette
Introduce Yourself
» A simple “hello” goes a long
way. This is your first step in
building a good relationship.
And don’t forget to keep saying
“hello.” Grow the relationship
throughout the year; you never
know when you will need that
cup of sugar or help shoveling
your walk.
Keep Neighbors Informed
» Contact your neighbors in
advance before undertaking
something that may affect them
(e.g. throwing a party or building
a fence).
» Share your contact
information (cell phone, etc.)
so there is an easy way of
communicating should a problem
arise or if questions come up.
59
NEIGHBOR
CONFLICTS
Sometimes conflicts come up
between neighbors. These
problems usually arise because
the two households did not have
an effective communication
system to assist them in
cooperatively resolving their
dispute.
» Noise and nuisance
complaints, e.g. parties,
vehicles, etc.
» Parking problems
» Over-occupancy concerns
» Animal disturbances (barking)
» Property maintenance/upkeep
(or lack thereof)
Effective communication is one
of the best methods to help
neighbors in resolving their
disputes.
Handle problems politely
If your neighbors do something
that bothers you, respectfully let
them know as soon as possible.
If you think your neighbors make
unreasonable complaints or
don’t like you, keep in mind your
neighbors may have suffered from
problems with a previous renter.
Be patient and polite, and if you
cannot work out a fair compromise
take advantage of the free and
confidential mediation services
offered by the City of Fort Collins
Community Mediation Program,
(970) 224-6022 or the Conflict
Resolution and Student Conduct
Services, 325 NW Aylesworth Hall,
(970) 491-7165.
GOOD NEIGHBOR
9
GOOD NEIGHBOR
Be Aware of
Neighborhood
Expectations & City
Ordinances
» Be aware of not only
the local laws and HOA
covenants, but also
neighborhood expectations.
Each neighborhood has a
different feel, so as you get
to know your neighbors, ask
them about what is expected
of each resident.
Be Aware of Differences
» Age, faith, ethnic
60
» Discuss party expectations
with your roommates before
you host a gathering. Things to
consider include: date, time, house
rules, how many people to have
over, what you will provide guests,
who will be the sober host, who
will chat with the neighbors, etc.
» Notify your neighbors in
advance and provide them with a
phone number of the sober host.
» Designate a sober host to
control music volume, access to
the party, outside disturbances,
and to address any interactions
with the neighbors or police.
Neighbors typically report it’s the
behaviors of people coming and
going (including parking issues)
to the party that they find most
disruptive, not the party itself.
Make sure the sober host is
Here are some important tips
for hosting a responsible party.
These tips are not meant to be
all-inclusive; always remember
when hosting a gathering, you
are assuming responsibility for
any and all issues that may
take place. For more detailed
information, stop by the
Off-Campus Life office.
61
GOOD NEIGHBOR
9
monitoring the foot traffic to and
from the party, and don’t forget to
check the backyard. Encourage
your guests to be quiet and
respectful before they come in
and when they leave.
» Think before you post! We
strongly advise you not to post
your party using social media
outlets. Whether you are inviting
20 of your closest friends or
extending an open invite to the
community, your message is
out there, being shared by more
people than you think, and they
are all headed to your gathering.
Simply put, what you put out on
social media cannot be taken
back. Posting your get-together
using social media can lead to
out-of-control parties, unwanted
guests (are you really comfortable
with complete strangers in your
home?) and their unwanted
behaviors, and more guests than
your gathering can accommodate
without unwanted consequences.
Remember, as a party host you
are responsible for what happens
at and as a result of your party,
including the actions of others.
» Keep the size reasonable so
your party stays in line with the
capacity of your residence and to
avoid disturbing your neighbors.
Have a guest list! Remember,
unwanted guests do not know you
or care if you receive a ticket.
» It is illegal to provide
alcohol to minors. If the minor
is over 18 but under 21, the
crime is a misdemeanor with
penalties of up to 18 months in
prison and a $5,000 fine. If the
guest is under age 18 it’s worse:
the crime is a felony punishable
by up to six years in prison and
a $500,000 fine. If you’re in
doubt of someone’s age, protect
yourself and don’t serve.
» Be proactive by asking for
help. If you’re uncomfortable
with the size of your party or
people will not leave despite your
requests, call Fort Collins Police
Services’ dispatch non-emergency
number, (970) 221-6540 ext. 2,
62
PARTY
REGISTRATION
Having a party? CSU students
and Fort Collins residents can
avoid a noise citation and being
a nuisance to their neighbors by
registering their party.
» CSU students can register
their Friday or Saturday night
parties in person at Off-Campus
Life by the preceding Thursday
at 5:00 pm.
» CSU students can also
register some holiday parties
by the Thursday preceeding the
holiday: New Years Eve, Cinco
de Mayo, St. Patricks Day, 4th of
July, and Halloween.
» The party host provides their
name, address, and two phone
numbers.
» Registrants may receive a
20-minute warning from Fort
Collins Police Services if there
are complaints or concerns
about the noise.
» If a second noise complaint
is received after the 20-minute
period, officers will be sent to
the residence to deal with the
issue.
» To learn more, visit the
Off-Campus Life office, in LSC
Room 274.
Free Party Packs!
The Party Pack is
designed to help students
have fun and entertain
friends without disturbing
neighbors, violating the
law, destroying property,
endangering themselves
or others, or getting the
police involved. Each
Party Pack includes
freebies like a water bottle,
trash bags, decks of
cards, etc.
Receive a Citation?
Did you know, as a CSU
student, you may be held
accountable for your
behaviors off campus
through the Student Code
of Conduct? For more
information contact the
Conflict Resolution and
Student Conduct Services
Office at (970) 491-7165.
63
GOOD NEIGHBOR
9
BEING A GOOD
PET OWNER
Owning a pet can bring a lot of
happiness to a person’s life, but
it can also create a lot of stress.
Like a child, a pet is totally
dependent on you financially and
otherwise. Make sure you are
ready for the responsibilities that
accompany pet ownership, such
as the requirement of picking up
pet waste.
Proper care for your pet:
» Good Nutrition – just like
people, pets require a healthy
diet. Poor skin, coat, muscle
tone, and obesity can result
from poor quality food. Also,
pets are not humans, and a diet
heavy in table scraps can lead
to obesity and pancreatitis.
» Exercise – regular exercise
keeps your dog in good
condition by maintaining proper
body weight. This reduces
risks of heart and joint problems,
diabetes, and a number of other
weight-related issues.
» Health Care – annual
examinations and vaccination
updates are very important.
Remember preventative
healthcare is the cheapest kind!
» Safety – make sure the
environment you live in is pet-
friendly.
PHOT O COURTESY OF LINDSAY MASON AND KATHARINE MARIE
PHOTOGRAPHY
64
» Y/N Do you have at least
$1,000 to spend on your pet
annually?
» Y/N Can you afford the $20-
$50 dollars it will cost monthly to
feed a pet?
» Y/N Are you away from the
house for long periods of time
during the day?
» Y/N Are you willing to spend
the time necessary to train your
pet?
» Y/N If you are considering a
dog, do you have a fenced yard or
are you willing to dedicate at least
a half hour everyday to walking
your pet?
» Y/N Does your property
management company or
apartment complex allow pets?
» Y/N If you have roommates,
are they all in agreement about
getting a pet? Do any of them
have allergies?
» Y/N Do you travel a lot? If so,
will you be able to bring your pet
with you?
How you answer these questions
may determine if now is the best
time to be considering a pet, or
it may be necessary for you to
consider a smaller pet that requires
less maintenance, such as a fish.
Are you Ready for a Pet?
PHOTO COURTESY OF GRACE READER
65
GOOD NEIGHBOR
9
Check your home for:
» Toxic chemicals – rodent
poison, antifreeze, onions,
chocolate, or milk your pet can
access.
» Secure enclosures – good
fencing, gate closures. etc.
» Sharp objects – these might
include nails sticking out of the
fence or metal landscape borders.
If you have metal landscape
borders, you can purchase
specially designed plastic capping
to cover the sharp edge. The
capping is much less expensive
than a trip to the veterinarian for
the cut.
» Grooming – good grooming
is more than just the occasional
bath. Your pet needs to have
regular toenail clippings and teeth
cleanings as well.
» Maintenance – this refers
to some of the more unpleasant
aspects of pet care such
as yard cleanup, litter box
cleaning, cage cleaning, and
fish tank maintenance. A clean
environment for your pet is
a healthy environment. Poor
sanitation can lead to behavioral
problems, such as litter box
avoidance, as well as health
problems such as skin infections
and the spread of communicable
diseases.
» License – In order to license
your pet, which is required, you
need to update their rabies shots.
Pets offer
us their
unconditional
love. In return
we should
provide them
with the proper
care and
affection they
need to live
long, happy,
healthy lives.
“ANNABELLE THE TURTLE” COURTESY OF KATHARINE MARIE
PHOTOGRAPHY
66
Living off campus doesn’t mean
you have to be disconnected
from the University. Want to get
involved and stay active but don’t
know where to start? Try these:
RamEvents
This student-led group seeks
to bring events to campus and
has brought artists such as
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis,
Laverne Cox, early movie
screenings such as 300 and
Disturbia, and comedians
such as Christian Finnegan
and Pablo Francisco. You
can check out their calendar,
ramevents.colostate.edu
or on their Facebook page:
RamEventsatCSU.
Fall Clean Up, CSUnity &
Adopt-a-Neighbor Programs
Want to get involved in a
neighborhood community service
project? These programs are
geared towards helping elderly
and physically-limited residents
throughout the Fort Collins
community.
We encourage you to sign up for
these volunteer opportunities as
they help give students positive
attention and appreciation from
the Fort Collins community.
Call Off-Campus Life for more
information: (970) 491-2248.
ON CAMPUS
67
TRANSPORTATION
9
TRANSPORTATION
9
Online Events Listing
SOURCE is a daily online
newsletter for CSU-related
event listings, news, information,
and announcements. For more
information, go to source.
colostate.edu. Also check out the
Events @ Colorado State calendar
for highlights of upcoming events
open to the CSU community. For
more information, go to
events.colostate.edu.
Student Involvement Fair
The Student Involvement Fair
usually takes place at the
beginning of fall and spring
semesters. With over 100 student
organizations participating and
recruiting, the fair is the best
way to find and join a student
group. Visit their website at
ramlink.colostate.edu for more
information.
COMMUNITY
10
Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance
There are special student-priced tickets to plays, musicals, band/
choir/orchestra concerts, special guest concerts, dance shows,
and more!
Most tickets are sold through the Campus Box Office.
Visit the School of the Arts website for schedules, show and
ticket information, theatre information, and directions at sota.
colostate.edu.
Did you know you can also audition for musical ensembles and
theatre productions at CSU even as a non-major? Auditions are
held at the beginning of each semester for certain ensembles.
The University Chorus is also open to all students and doesn’t
require an audition.
Check out the School of the Arts website for information and
links to each program at sota.colostate.edu, and email Walt
Jones (walt.jones@colostate.edu) to be placed on the theatre
audition notice list.
Student Leadership,
Involvement & Community
Engagement (SLiCE)
SLiCE provides leadership
development, service-learning, and
volunteer opportunities. Visit their
office in the Lory Student Center,
check out their website at
slice.colostate.edu, or call them
at (970) 491-1682.
» Student Organizations
Want to join a student organization
or interested in starting one?
68
Campus Recreation:
You probably know where
the Recreation Center is, but
do you know they offer so
much more than just a place
to work out? Interested in
joining an intramural sports
team, an instructional class,
or various strength and
fitness programs? Contact the
Campus Recreation Center
for more information.
Visit campusrec.colostate.
edu or call (970) 491-6359.
IN THE
COMMUNITY
United Way
United Way of Larimer County
brings together people and
organizations from across the
community to drive lasting change.
As the central resource for
volunteerism in Larimer County,
United Way helps mobilize and
engage businesses, faith-based
volunteers, families, groups,
individuals, and youth volunteers in
meaningful opportunities based on
their skills and interests.
Call 2-1-1 (1-866-485-0211) on
your phone to get or give help,
search the online database at
www.uwaylc.org/eVolunteer , or
email volunteer@uwaylc.org.
IMAGE COURTESY OF CLAUDIO BRISIGHELLO, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
COMMUNITY
10
Quick References:
Associated Students of
Colorado State University
(ASCSU), (970) 491-5931
Community Mediation
Program
(970) 224-6022
CSU Police Department
Non-Emergency
(970) 491-6425
Fort Collins Police Services
Non-Emergency
(970) 221-6540
Fort Collins Utilities
(970) 212-2900
fcgov.com/utilities
Landlord/Tenant Handbook
fcgov.com/
neighborhoodservices
Neighborhood Services
281 North College
(970) 224-6046
fcgov.com/
neighborhoodservices
City of Fort Collins
Nuisance Hotline
(970) 416-2200
Occupancy Limit FAQs
fcgov.com/
neighborhoodservices
COMMUNITY
LIAISON
RESOURCES
The Community Liaison Program
is a partnership between Colorado
State University and the City of
Fort Collins. The program aims
to enhance relations between
student and long-term residents in
Fort Collins.
The Community Liaison can
help students:
• Understand the rental process
• Recognize rights and
responsibilities of Fort Collins
residents
• Understand local codes and
ordinances and the process of
enforcement
• Connect with volunteer
opportunities in the community
• Learn tips to improve neighbor
relations
For more information about
the Community Liaison
Program go to:
ocl.colostate.edu/clc
or call (970) 491-6707.
70
HOUSING
OPTIONS
From the Off-Campus Life website,
you will find several resources:
» CSU RentalSearch. Use your
CSU eID and ePassword which is
the same as what you use to log
on to RamWeb.
» The Apartment Complex and
Property Management lists are
on the main Off-Campus Life
webpage at ocl.colostate.edu.
Moving to a different
country can be daunting.
However, there are
different resources that can
help make the transition a
little easier.
Important
documentation
These documents will help
increase the chances of a rental
application being accepted by any
landlord:
» Visa
» Proof of enrollment at CSU
» Proof of employment letter
(assistantship, fellowship)
» Proof of sponsorship
(department, etc.)
» Any other documentation
demonstrating your continued/
extended presence in Fort Collins.
Short-Term Housing
See the International section of
the Off-Campus Life website for a
list of short-term housing options
in Fort Collins.
71
INTERNATIONAL
11
LEASES
Leases are important when
renting; however, they can also be
confusing. Student Legal Services
can help you understand your
lease. If you are a fee-paying
student, you have access to
lawyers who can help review the
lease with you and answer any
questions or concerns you may
have about the lease. See their
website at sls.colostate.edu.
Common things in the lease:
» The amount of rent
» The length of the rental period
» The amount of security deposit
and return date
» Who is responsible for repairs
» Whether subleasing is allowed,
and under what terms
» When a landlord may enter
your property
» s
Furnishing Your Apartment
Finding furniture for a short
period of time can be difficult.
See the Off-Campus Life
website for a list of pre-
furnished apartments, and
different options for purchasing
or renting furniture.
Fitting In
It can be difficult to find
friends. There are student
organizations that help bring
students together. To look
at these organizations, visit
ramlink.colostate.edu.
There are various offices at
Colorado State University
focusing on different student
populations:
» Asian/Pacific American
Cultural Center (APACC)
» Black/African American
Cultural Center (BAACC)
» El Centro
» Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender, Questioning,
Queer, Ally Resource Center
(GLBTQ²A)
» Native American Cultural
Center (NACC)
» Women and Gender
Advocacy Center
» Adult Learner and
Veteran Services
72
Income
Take-Home Pay (net pay)
Loans/Grants/Scholarships
Savings/Checking
Parental Contribution
Interest/Dividends
Social Services
Other
Total income:
EXPENSES
Rent
Tuition
Books/Supplies
Utilities
Groceries
Entertainment
Car Payment
Insurance (car/renter’s/etc.)
Gasoline
Loans
Credit Cards
Clothing
Cable TV
Household Supplies
Laundry
Miscellaneous
Total expenses
Total Income — Total Expenses:
REMAINING BALANCE:
BUDGET SPREADSHEET
73
Living Area
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Thermostat
Furniture
Other
Dining Area
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
APPENDIX
The rental checklist was
produced by Off-Campus Life
and is intended for use by
both renters and landlords. Be
sure to inspect the housing
unit thoroughly and mark any
damages or defects found.
Proper inspection before signing
a lease can ease the moving-
out process for all parties
involved. After this sheet is filled
out completely, have both the
tenant(s) and the landlord sign
the reverse side and distribute
copies to all people involved.
Also, make sketches or take
pictures (and write the date on
them) of the damaged areas
and attach to the form.
RENTAL CHECKLIST
74
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Thermostat
Furniture
Other
Bathroom
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Tub Faucet
Toilet and Lid
Cabinet/Mirror/Shelves
Sink
Sink Faucets
Plumbing
Bathtub/Shower
Floor/Tile
Baseboards
Window/Screen
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Exhaust Fan
Door
Other
Kitchen Area
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
75
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Refrigerator Exterior
Refrigerator Interior
Refrigerator Temperature
and Light
Freezer Temperature
Sink/Faucets
Disposal and Switch
Dishwasher
Stove Hood/Light/Fan
Stove Burners/Knobs
Exhaust Fan
Oven Interior/Broiler Pan
Countertops
Microwave
Fire Extinguisher
Cabinets/Drawers
Laundry Area
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Washer
APPENDIX
12
76
Dryer
Bedroom #1
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Closet Doors
Closet Shelves/Rods
Dresser
Bed/Mattress/Box spring
Heat
Other
Bedroom #2
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Closet Doors
Closet Shelves/Rods
Dresser
77
Bed/Mattress/Box Spring
Heat
Other
Bedroom #3
General Cleanliness
Walls
Ceiling
Floor/Carpet
Baseboards
Windows/Screens
Electrical Outlets
Light Fixtures
Curtains/Rods/Blinds
Closet Doors
Closet Shelves/Rods
Dresser
Bed/Mattress/Box Spring
Heat
Other
Misc.
Hallways
Doorways
Basement
Doors
Linen Closet
Other
Exterior
General Cleanliness
Roof
Paint
APPENDIX
12
78
Wood
Lawn
Driveway
Sidewalks
Porch/Patio
Other
Additional Comments (be specific):
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
This unit located at _____________________________________
has been inspected for damages and defects by the tenant(s) and/or
landlord. This document will be used as a reference at the end of the
specified tenancy to rate the overall condition in which the tenant(s)
leave(s) the premises. Copies of this document should be kept on file by
both the tenant(s) and the landlord. If any repairs need to be performed,
it should be put in writing with a final date and signed by the tenant(s)
and landlord. Any additional damages to be documented should be
attached on a separate page.
Signed,
Tenant_____________________________________________
Date_________________
Tenant___________________________________________
Date________________
Tenant_____________________________________________
Date_________________
Landlord___________________________________________
Date_________________
79
APPENDIX
12
Type Your Return Address Here
Date
Name of Landlord or Manager
(or Registered Agent if owned or managed by a Corporation)
Address
City, State, Zip
Certified Mail:
Return Receipt Requested
Dear _________________:
We, (name of tenants), were tenants at (complete address of
dwelling), from (begin date of lease) to (end date of lease).
An amount of $ (security deposit amount) was paid by us as a
damage deposit.
We have received your letter of (date of letter received) and do
not agree with the deductions listed for the following reasons:
• List out reasons here
Kindly send the amount of $ (security deposit amount) to us at
(current mailing address) within seven (7) days of your receipt
of this letter. If the amount is not refunded, we intend to file suit
under Colorado Revised Statute § 38-12-103 (3), asking treble
damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
Sincerely,
Your Name (s)
* Note: Original sent certified, one copy sent regular mail,
and one copy retained by tenant.
For renters who DID RECEIVE a written statement within
thirty or sixty days, but who do not agree with the claims
of damages:
REQUEST FOR RETURN OF
SECURITY DEPOSIT
80
This agreement made this ________ day of ____________,
20___, is a contract between:
__________________________,
_____________________________,
__________________________,
_____________________________,
__________________________,
_____________________________,
__________________________,
_____________________________,
These persons have signed a lease for _____months for a term
lasting from ___________ to ___________. A copy of the lease is
attached.
A security or damage deposit of $___________ was paid to __
____________________________________, (owner/manager)
of the above premises, and the parties wish to provide for the
sharing of responsibilities in renting the above premises.
WE THEREFORE AGREE:
1. To follow the rules and conditions set out in the attached lease.
2. To each pay 1/ _________ of the following expenses incurred
in renting this premises. (Check if applicable)
_____________ Rent ($/ month)
_____________ Electricity
_____________ Utilities
_____________ General maintenance and upkeep
_____________ Damages not due to negligence of any person
_____________ Other ________________________________
3. That 1/ _________ of the security deposit is the property of
each of us.
ROOMMATE AGREEMENT
81
4. To remain a resident of the premises during the term of the
lease, or to continue to pay tenant’s share of the rent during the
term, unless:
a. the person at their own expense, locates a tenant to sublet
their share, the new tenant being acceptable to other parties of
this agreement; and
b. written consent to sublet is obtained from the owner/manager
of the premises (if that is required in the lease).
5. That any repairs or improvements to the premises which will
be paid for by all the tenants shall be approved in advance,
when the cost exceeds $___________________.
6. If pets are permitted under the lease, each pet owner shall
be solely responsible for all damages caused by their pet. This
includes, but is not limited to, damage to furniture, carpeting,
doors, lawn and garden.
7. To the special conditions as set forth below:
a. Food
b. Cleanliness
c. Sharing of personal items
d. Smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs
e. Overnight guests and visitors
f. Privacy
g. Noise/Study times
h. Security
i. Other
APPENDIX
82
SUBLEASE AGREEMENT
This is an agreement to sublet real property according to the terms specified
below. The sublessor agrees to sublet and the subtenant agrees to take the
premises described below. Both parties agree to keep, perform and fulfill the
promises, conditions and agreements below:
1. The sublessor is: ________________________________________________
2. The subtenant is: ________________________________________________
3. The location of the premises is: ____________________________________
City of Fort Collins, County of Larimer, Colorado. Unit No. ___________
4. The term of this sublease is ______________, beginning __________, 20___.
The rent is $_____________per month, payable in advance on the ______ day
of each month. The rent is payable to _________________________________
at (address) _____________________________________________________.
5. The sublease agreement will terminate on (date) _____________________.
There shall be no holding over under the terms of this sublease agreement under
any circumstances.
6. All charges for utilities connected with premises which are to be paid by the
sublessor under the master lease shall be paid by the subtenant for the term of this
sublease.
7. Subtenant agrees to surrender and deliver to the sublessor the premises and all
furniture and decorations within the premises in as good a condition as they were
at the beginning of the term, reasonable wear and tear excepted. The subtenant
will be liable to the sublessor for any damages occurring to the premises or the
10. This sublease agreement incorporates and is subject to the original lease
agreement between the sublessor and his lessor, a copy of which is attached
hereto, and which is hereby referred to and incorporated as if it were set out
here at length. The subtenant agrees to assume all of the obligations and
responsibilities of the sublessor under the original lease for the duration of the
sublease agreement.
11. In the event of any legal action concerning this sublease, the losing party
shall pay to the prevailing party reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs to be
fixed by the court wherein such judgment shall be entered.
12. Other ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
83
13. This lease constitutes the sole agreement between the parties, and
no additions, deletions or modifications may be accomplished without the
written consent of both parties (ANY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS MADE AT
THE TIME OF EXECUTING THIS LEASE ARE NOT LEGALLY VALID AND,
THEREFORE, ARE NOT BINDING UPON EITHER PARTY).
14. The words “sublessor” and “subtenant” as used herein include the plural as
well as the singular; no regard for gender is intended by the language in this
sublease.
15. If the subtenant is under 18 years of age, then his/her legal guardian or
parent guarantees and agrees to perform all of the terms, covenants and
conditions of this sublease by affixing his signature below.
16. Each signatory to this sublease acknowledges receipt of an executed copy
thereof.
17. This sublease is not binding upon either party unless approved by the
landlord as provided below.
18. The parties hereby bind themselves to this agreement by their signatures
affixed below on this ______day of ____________, 20___.
SUBLESSOR SUBTENANT ____________________________ ___________
(Parent/guardian if subtenant is under 18 years of age).
I hereby give my consent to subletting of the above-described premises as set
out in this sublease agreement.
Date: __________________________
Landlord/Agent___________________________________________________
ORIGINAL LEASE ATTACHED: _______Yes _______No
INVENTORY CHECKLIST ATTACHED: _______Yes _______No
APPENDIX
84
This form shall not be construed as legal advice. It may not suit your
situation, and all landlords, tenants, and replacement tenants are
encouraged to seek legal advice before signing any such document.
ASSIGNMENT OF LEASE
Effective _____________ (date), Tenant hereby assigns to
New Tenant, with Landlord’s written approval, all terms, conditions, and
obligations of the lease dated _______ between Tenant and Landlord,
concerning the property located at ___________________________.
Landlord shall handle Tenant’s security deposit in the manner
provided for in the lease and Colorado statute, and the required time
period shall begin running as of the date of this assignment. [or modify to
fit the situation, perhaps the New Tenant will pay the departing Tenant…]
Landlord and Tenant shall conduct a walk-through on
_____________ at _______ (time) to document the condition of the
premises for purposes of fair reconciliation of Tenant’s security deposit.
Effective on the date first stated above, Tenant is hereby
released from any further obligations under the lease. This does not
prevent Landlord from collecting, out of security deposit or otherwise,
for any damages caused, or unpaid obligations accrued, prior to the
effective date of this Assignment.
Other terms: _________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Landlord, Print Name: Date
_______________________________________________
Tenant, Print Name: Date
_______________________________________________
New Tenant, Print Name: Date
_______________________________________________
Existing Tenant Approval Date
LEASE AGREEMENT
85
Residence hall applications received by February 29 will receive a free
Live On t-shirt and will be entered into a drawing for:
ONE GRAND PRIZE of FREE ROOM & BOARD for next year
and FIVE PRIZES valued at $500
Learn more about the benefits for returning students and apply today:
housing.colostate.edu/liveon
AGGIE VILLAGE APARTMENTS
OPENING FALL 2016 - APPLY NOW
A CSU Global Community at Prospect and Centre -
for upperclass undergraduate and international students.
For more information and floor plans, visit housing.colostate.edu/aggie-village
WHY LIVE CLOSE TO CAMPUS WHEN YOU CAN
?
An equal-access and equal-
opportunity University.
86
• Massive Pool
• 3 Huge Hot Tubs
• Tanning Shelves
• Outdoor TVs, Kitchen,
and Outdoor Fire Pit
• Huge 24-Hour
Fitness Center
• Men’s & Women’s
Saunas
• 24-Hour Computer
Lab and Study Rooms
• Tanning Rooms
• Covered Vehicle Parking
• Covered Bicycle Storage
• Flat-Screen HDTV in
Every Living Room
• Private Bathrooms in
Every Bedroom
Now Leasing for Fall 2016
spaces filling quickly! sign today!
DistrictCSU.com • 970-658-5540 • 1308 W. Plum St.
Text DistrictCSU to 47464 /DistrictCSU
» Office of International
Programs
» Fraternity and Sorority
Life
Off-Campus Life
LSC Room 274
(970) 491-2248
ocl.colostate.edu
Student Legal Services
LSC Room 284
(970) 491-1482
sls.colostate.edu
Student organizations on
campus include: academic
clubs, professional fraternities,
community service organizations,
sports clubs, religious groups,
hobbies, performance groups,
honor societies…you name it, they
have it.
Additional Fines
Be aware that many
property managers and
landlords will assess
an additional fee if you
receive certain citations.
and ask for assistance in breaking
up your party prior to things
getting out of control.
» Be cooperative towards
neighbors, police, and others who
come to discuss issue. When
police arrive, all guests need to
leave.
» Clean up all trash resulting
from your party and follow up with
your neighbors the next day. Your
neighbors may be more tolerant
of your next party if they see you
are respectful and care about the
neighborhood.
You could avoid up
to a $2,650 noise
citation by registering
your party with Party
Registration...
background, family status,
etc. can drastically affect how
one goes about their daily
life. Be aware and respectful
of differences between you
and your neighbors.
Ask How You Can Help
» Neighborly gestures
contribute to a positive and
welcoming neighborhood
for all! Shoveling snow for
your neighbor who may need
assistance is a welcome
gesture.
veterinarian. Any person who owns
or keeps a dog or cat within the
city must ensure such dog or cat
at all times has a current rabies
vaccination tag affixed to its collar or
harness.
Leash Law
It is unlawful for the owner or
keeper of any pet, except birds, to
permit such animal to be at large in
the city. This means all pets (cats
too!) must be kept on a leash if
they are not confined to a fenced
yard or a designated dog park.
Pet Waste
Pet waste not only causes
offensive odors, but feces left
behind are also unsightly and
pose a threat to human health
CITY CODES
8
CITY CODES
8
» Trash containers can be
placed out for collection no earlier
than 12 hours before scheduled
Anyone convicted
of engaging in a riot
will automatically be
suspended from all state
institutions of higher
education for at least
one year.
Saturday evening parties at the
Off-Campus Life office by 5:00 pm
the Thursday before your party.
CITY CODES
8
IMAGE COURTESY OF ROBERT S. DONOVAN, CC
BY-NC 2.0; MAGE (OPOSING PAGE) COURTESY OF
CHRISTINAEATSBRAINS, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
be as high as $1,000 per day for
every day in violation. After being
cited, the parties will have 10
days to pay the fine or request a
hearing.
5. If participants request a
hearing, they will be scheduled to
appear before a court-appointed
hearing officer. The inspector will
also be at the hearing and any
neighbor willing to participate
as a witness can also attend.
Hearing decisions are final, and
all statements are made under
oath with the consequence of
criminal charges (such as perjury
or false information to authorities)
if false statements are made.
6. If an investigation results in
reasonable cause to suspect a
violation of the Rental Housing
Standards, inspectors may
also conduct a rental housing
inspection throughout the entire
property to determine if any
health or safety problems exist.
parking.colostate.edu.
RamRide:
RamRide provides a free, safe,
non-judgmental ride home for
CSU students with the goal of
improving safety in the Fort Collins
community. RamRide is a student-
run safe ride program through Off-
Campus Life. To volunteer, please
visit their website at ramride.
colostate.edu. To request a ride,
download the RamRide App, or
call (970) 491-3333.
location in the building or house.
If possible open a window for air
and signal for help. DON’T JUMP!
Wait for help to arrive.
SAFETY
6
Be very careful with space
heaters and keep flammable
items at least 3 feet away
from water heaters, heaters,
furnaces, and fireplaces
(that includes furniture!).
Call 911
mention a costly mistake.
SAFETY
6
following questions:
» Do you enjoy cooking?
» Do you know how to cook?
» Do you have the time to
cook?
» Are you going to eat out
often?
» Can you afford eating out?
colostate.edu.
3
MOVING IN / OUT
Storage Units
If you’re moving away for
the summer or studying
abroad for a semester, a
storage unit can be a great
way to save yourself the
expense and hassle of
transporting all your stuff
back and forth.
Typically, the price
depends on the size of
storage unit you choose
to rent.
number of companies. Don’t
go with the first company
you call or you could end
up spending more than is
necessary.
Remember to take pictures
before you move in so you
have proof of the condition.
Documenting the condition
of the property
» Student or non-student status, and sometimes marital status
» Whether you live in a complex with four or more units
» Whether you have other policies with the company (i.e., auto
insurance)
» How much property and liability coverage you want or need
MOVING IN / OUT
RECYCLING
Want to ensure that
nearly 100% of your
glass is recycled back
into new bottles? Take
your clean glass to the
Fort Collins glass-only
bins at the Rivendell
Recycling Facility,
1702 Riverside Ave.
» Ask your landlord to install
efficient shower heads and
faucet aerators. Every drop
counts.
» Look at your electric and
water use online. Challenge
your roommates to use less.
Go to http://lose-a-watt.com/ for
more information on keeping
your residence energy friendly.
Xcel Energy
(800) 772-7858
Monday - Friday
6:00am - 7:00pm
xcelenergy.com
(970) 212-2900
fcgov.com/utilities
Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs.,
Fri. 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed. 10:00AM - 5:00PM
City of Fort Collins Utilities
installed in each of the following
areas:
◦ On the ceiling or wall
outside of each bedroom.
◦ In each bedroom.
◦ On each story within a
dwelling unit, including
basements.
If you ever feel your housing is
substandard, call (970) 416-
2324 for more information or to
request a free inspection. The
list above is not a complete
list. To see more information
on Minimum Rental Habitability
Standards, visit
fcgov.com/building.
2. If you have roommates, be
sure to discuss the idea of
subletting with them. It is possible
to sublease just your part of the
lease, but it is important that your
roommates are in agreement. Find
out what requirements they have
for your future replacement.
3. Make a sublet posting on
rentalsearch.colostate.edu.
a place down the street
for $25 less per month.
Instead of just bluntly
stating the difference, ask
why the difference exists
and begin to chip away at
the reasons.
» Collaboration -
Playing on the mutual
benefits theme, make
some offers. A “what if”
question followed by a
respectful silence can do
wonders.
◦ “What if I do the
painting?”
◦ “What if we put down
a larger deposit?”
you be mowing the lawn?
» Does the lawn have to be
watered or is there a sprinkler
system? Who pays for the water?
» Are you responsible for your
own maintenance, or is there a
maintenance service provided?
» Has the unit been cited for a
code violation recently?
Cost