Living There

Be a Good Roommate and Neighbor

When living off-campus, you must realize that you are now sharing space with other people. Here are some simple (but important!) ways to be a respectful to your roommates and neighbors:

Roommate Courtesy:

Keep your area clean
Flush the toilet
Remove your stuff from the shower (i.e. empty shampoo bottles, hair, plastic)
Do your share of the housework
Have respectful guests
If you are sick, do your best to prevent sharing germs
Don’t steal
If there is ever a doubt, ask
Don’t touch other people’s stuff unless you are allowed
Keep your things in your own area (i.e. don’t leave your coat in the living room)

Neighbor Courtesy:

Don’t play loud music at unreasonable hours
Don’t throw trash on neighbor’s lawn
Watch your pets closely
Keep your yard presentable
Don’t steal your neighbor’s newspaper
Don’t throw out-of-control parties
Watch for intruders
Don’t park your car in front of your neighbor’s house (unless you have no other choice)
Control odors coming from your house
Don’t block neighbor’s driveway

Repairs

Who is responsible?

Under Colorado law, landlords are responsible for repairs if:

It is stated in the lease that it is the landlord’s responsibility to make repairs.
There is a hazardous, dangerous condition caused by gas-burning equipment.
The repairs are needed in common areas (i.e. sidewalk, parking lot or for apartments in hallways or stairs).
The needed repair is required to get the rental up to code.

If none of these conditions apply, Colorado law states that the tenant is presumed responsible for repairs. Therefore, it is wise to clearly state who is responsible for repairs in your lease-including who to contact, how to contact, how long it will take to get the repair done. Get all promises of repairs in writing.

If a repair has not been made after your landlord agreed to fix it:

Follow up with a written note. Then wait for a reasonable period of time. If repairs are still not done…
Contact the landlord to ask why repairs have not been completed-they may have a good reason. After this wait for a reasonable period of time. If repairs are still not done…
Write another letter to your landlord stating the history of the problem. State specific dates that promise of repairs were made. If the lease states landlord is responsible for repairs, quote the portion in this letter. Request a specific date for repairs to be made. Keep a copy for your files and send the letter by certified mail. After this wait a reasonable amount of time, and if no action is taken by your landlord contact UNC Student Representative Council Legal services lawyer Mr. Brandon Houchens at (970) 351-4281

Responsibilities as a Tenant

As a Tenant, you will have certain responsibilities to your landlord. The biggest responsibilities as a tenant are to respect the terms of the lease and pay rent on time.

Here is a list of common tenant responsibilities. It is not, however, all inclusive. Be sure to talk to you landlord to see if there are additional things expected of you.

Pay the rent on time. If you fail to pay on time, late fees or eviction may be put into place.
Keep the rental and the surrounding area clean and in good condition.
Maintain the smoke detector, fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector. The landlord is responsible for providing these in the rental, but you are responsible for maintaining them.
Use common sense and good manners.
Your landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings, so you may want to purchase Renter’s Insurance.
Respect the people who live around you. Keep the noise level to a minimum during the late-night hours.
Repair damages that you know you or your guests created.
Do not sublet unless it is approved by your landlord.
Do not sneak in pets in if they are not allowed by the lease.
Give your landlord proper notice when planning to move out (should be outlined in your lease).
Clean the rental when you move out-this will avoid withholding of your security deposit for cleaning costs.