Housing Guide 2021

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CSU HOUSING GUIDE 2021

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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 3

INDEX

DON’T PANIC.................................................................... 5 WHY LIVE ON CAMPUS................................................. 6 U +2...................................................................................... 8 STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES......................................... 10 PROTECT YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT....................... 11 HOUSING MAP LOCATOR............................................. 30 AMERICAN LIVING........................................................... 12

STAFF

COVER DESIGN: Jorge Espinoza PUBLICATION DESIGN: Jorge Espinoza The CSU Housing Guide is produced by the advertising and creative services staffs of Rocky Mountain Student Media in partnership with Off-Campus Life.

DON’T PANIC! Off-Campus Life Can Help You Find the Perfect Place

Did you know there is an office on campus to help you find off-campus rental housing?! It is Off-Campus Life, and we have a host of ways to help you find the perfect place to live next year!

CSU RENTALSEARCH

PARTY SMART.................................................................. 18

RentalSearch is an exclusive site for the CSU community to find housing in Fort Collins. Visit rentalsearch.colostate.edu and log in using your EID to search for vacant rentals, rooms for rent, and potential roommates. You can also list your own vacant place, room for rent, or yourself as a potential roommate. NEW! Bulletin Board to sell, trade, and give away your items to the CSU community

ROOMMATE CONFLICTS............................................... 20 NEIGHBOR ETIQUETTE.................................................. 22 KNOW YOUR STUFF ORDINANCES........................... 24 BEING A GOOD PET OWNER....................................... 26 SAFETY FIRST................................................................... 28 BUDGETING TIPS............................................................. 30

Find Properties For Rent

Find Rooms For Rent

Find Roommates

List

OFF-CAMPUS LIFE APARTMENT COMPLEX AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LISTS

LIST AND FIND: VACANT HOMES ROOMS TO RENT ROOMMATE LISTINGS

OFF-CAMPUS LIFE

4 | STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021

NEW!

Bulletin Board to sell, trade, and give away your items to the CSU community RENTALSEARCH.COLOSTATE.EDU

On the Off-Campus Life website (ocl. colostate.edu), you will find two easy-to-use resources: • The Apartment Complex List is an extensive list with pricing, lease options, amenities, proximity to campus, etc.—all the details you need to know about apartments catering to students.

• The Property Management Company List is a compilation of property managers in town with contact information and direct links to their websites. It’s a great place to search for houses, condos, and duplexes!

CSU HOUSING FAIR February 3rd, 10am-4pm, virtual event Brought to you by Off-Campus Life, this free, virtual event is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public. On this day, you can visit with landlords, apartment complex personnel, property managers, and community resources. See what is available for rent, shop around and compare, ask questions, gather freebies, and enter a drawing for a grand prize! You can attend the virtual housing fair by going to offcampuslife.colostate.edu.

ROOMMATE ROUND-UPS Like “speed dating” but for roommates!

This program is designed to connect people who have a vacant room or rental and others who need a place to live.

Join a virtual Roommate Round Up session to meet other students to find potential roommates and housing. Visit Off-Campus Life’s calendar on our website for dates and the link to the Zoom meeting. This is a great opportunity to meet people face to face and do on-the-spot roommate interviews!

OTHER AVAILABLE SOURCES Be sure to shop around and explore your housing options before signing a lease. Decide what you’re looking for and broaden your search! The following resources will help you do just that: • Newspapers: Collegian, Coloradoan, and other prints • Local realtors • Bulletin boards in public locations • NorthernColoradoRentals.com and other rental websites • Signs in lawns/windows • Word of mouth: ask other students and community members.

Find out what management company or apartment complex they have used, who their landlord was, and what it was like to live there.

Visit Off-Campus Life to get all the help you need in finding the best place that’s right for you! Call (970) 491-2248, ocl@colostate.edu, or stop by our virtual front desk at offcampuslife.colostate.edu.

STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 5

WHY LIVE ON? EIGHT REASONS TO LIVE ON CAMPUS AGAIN It is often assumed that after one year of living in the residence halls, all students move off campus. In reality, many students – returning and transfer students – choose to live in the residence halls beyond their first year. There are several on-campus living options to choose from, including premium rooms in the halls as well as the Aggie Village Apartments, so don’t forget to consider them all and weigh the benefits as you make these important decisions.

HIGHER GPAS: Students who live in the residence halls have higher GPAs than students who live off campus, with the most significant gap among first- and second-year students.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: If you want easy access to The Rec, Morgan Library, and campus offices and activities, living on campus offers the best location in FoCo. SKIP THE COMMUTE: When it’s cold and snowy outside, enjoy the luxury of sleeping in and still arriving to class on time without the hassle of scraping car windows, finding parking, biking on icy or wet roads, or waiting at the bus stop.

EASY LIVING: Forget leases, splitting utilities with roommates, shoveling sidewalks, and grocery shopping. The halls offer one bill that goes directly to your student account with no negotiation required. Plus, there are no hidden or surprise application fees, security deposits, or first/last month rent charges. $0 DUE AT SIGNING: Current hall residents* who apply to return during the Live On campaign (Jan. 19-March 31), benefit from having their current deposit carry over to the next academic year.

DESIGNATED SPACES FOR RETURNING, TRANSFER, AND UPPER-CLASS STUDENTS IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS: Current residents* who apply during the Live On campaign get first choice of available residence hall rooms, including premium spaces in Laurel Village Alpine, Aspen Hall, 4th floor lofts in Parmelee Hall, single rooms, and the All Gender & Open Housing community in Summit Hall. There are designated wings and floors in these locations set aside for returning and upper-class students.

FLEXIBLE, CONVENIENT DINING: The U Plan, offered only to residents who have lived on a college campus for at least two fullterm semesters*, provides maximum flexibility with just five meals per week. Students also retain the option to select the Any 10, Any 14, or Any 21 dining plans.

YOU COULD WIN BIG: Apply by March 31 to be entered to win free room and board for next year. Visit housing.colostate.edu/liveon for more details.

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PRIORITY IN AGGIE VILLAGE: Students who live in the halls for at least two years receive priority consideration at the popular Aggie Village apartments for their third year and beyond! We advise interested students to apply as soon as they can. It’s also a good idea for Aggie applicants to select a space in the residence halls as a backup.

• Leasing at Aggie Village ends on May 31 at the end of each year with the option to renew for the summer and/or following academic year for continuing students.

• Rent is billed monthly to CSU student accounts. Upfront fullsemester billing is also available upon request.

• The application is open year-round! Apply through myhousing.colostate.edu.

• More info can be found at housing.colostate.edu/ apartments/aggie.

Virtual tours, photos, and details about these and all University Housing options can be found at housing.colostate.edu. *Students with a 2020-2021 on-campus housing exemption are also eligible.

WHY DO YOU LIVE ON? “When you live on in the halls, you don’t have to cook or meal prep as you always have meal swipes, which means you have more time to study, sleep, and do other recreational activities you enjoy.”

Truong – Corbett Hall “Living on campus your second year is more independent than your first. I was a part of a close-knit community of students, but my RA was more hands-off and we all spent more time off campus. If you aren’t ready to commit to paying rent, finding roommates, or living far away, residence halls are a FUN way to continue to grow as an upper-classman and also stay plugged in.”

Michelle – Braiden Hall “When living on campus, everything seems more convenient. I don’t have to worry about paying bills, or keeping a strict budget for food. If I want to go to the library to study, I can easily walk there in less than five minutes and not worry if I will make the last bus in time.”

Moira – Newsom Hall “Living on campus for a second year is so much fun. It allows you to get to know more people, as well as build relationships - I feel like I have a family in the residence halls.”

Adriana – Laurel Village, Piñon Hall STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 7

U+2: KNOW THE FACTS

Did you know that in the City of Fort Collins no more than three unrelated individuals may live together? Prior to signing a lease, it is important to know the facts behind the occupancy ordinance and how it may have an impact on you.

SOME FACTS… 1. Occupancy in a residential dwelling unit (single-family, duplex, and apartments) is restricted to: • One family and not more than one additional unrelated person, or • Two adults (and their dependents) and not more than one additional person.

2. “Family” means any number of persons who are related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, who live together as a single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities.

HELPFUL EXAMPLES… 1. Allowed: three unrelated friends 2. Allowed: two siblings and one friend 3. Allowed: three unrelated friends and guests who stay 30 nights or less in a 12-month period 4. Not allowed: four unrelated friends 5. Not allowed: two siblings and their 2 friends 6. Not allowed: three unrelated friends and guests who stay more than 30 nights in a 12-month period (anyone who spends more than 30 nights in a dwelling unit in a 12-month period is an occupant) THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS… A frequently asked question that students have is whether there are any places that allow for more than three unrelated people to live. The answer is yes! There are options in the City that allow for extra occupancy. Visit offcampuslife.colostate.edu and you will find the “Extra Occupancy” list on the

Need more information…

If you are looking for a little more detail to this law, please visit fcgov.com (just type “occupancy” into the search tab) or contact Neighborhood Services at (970) 224-6046.

homepage. Some apartment complexes are also exempt to this rule, and you can find those on Off-Campus Life’s apartment complex list.

A LITTLE HISTORY… Since the 1960s, Fort Collins has enforced occupancy restrictions. The City addresses occupancy to help ensure health and safety of residents, and to help protect the quality and character of neighborhoods.

PROACTIVE ENFORCEMENT… Since January 2016, the City started a pilot program in the Avery Park neighborhood, enforcing the ordinance on a proactive basis. This means the City regularly inspects the Avery Park area, no formal complaint needed, and identifies potential violations. The Avery Park pilot area has been defined as the section of the City bordered by Shields Street on the east, Prospect Road on the south, Taft Hill Road on the west, and Elizabeth Street on the north.

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STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES TIPS

Criminal charges are easy to get and hinder job search.

Your goal should be to graduate without a criminal record.

Students do get charged for party, alcohol, and marijuana violations that seem small. We hear over and over that students don’t get considered for jobs due to a criminal record, no matter how petty or small the convictions. If you do get charged, make an appointment with Student Legal Services. You should never go to court before being advised. There might be a way to structure a plea agreement that will allow you to seal a conviction later. Prosecutors you meet at court will not tell you about this.

Slow down and get advised BEFORE you sign a lease.

Resist the frenzy! Don’t believe the artificial pressure to hurry into a lease. Don’t be lured by landlord giveaways and discounts to sign early.

Fort Collins will not run out of rentals by August. Too often your plans (or your intended roommates’ plans) will change. Such changes are not legal grounds to get out of a lease. Most leases require that you pay a re-let fee (in the hundreds of dollars) and find Student Legal Services can be contacted by telephone at 970.491.1482 or submit a request for a call back or an your own replacements to terminate a lease, even if you’ve never appointment at SLS.COLOSTATE.EDU moved in.

Never sign until you confirm the landlord has a decent reputation.

Don’t assume the best. Search the internet for reviews!

If the lease requires a co-signer (or guarantor) you MUST NOT SIGN until you are sure you have a parent/guardian/sponsor with enough income to satisfy the landlord and the willingness to take on your lease obligations if you default. Some landlords will not let you move in without the guarantor but will hold you responsible for the rent anyway!

Come to Student Legal Services BEFORE you sign any lease. We will explain lease jargon and steer students away from problems.

Check out our tips for seeking a rental: sls.colostate.edu

PROTECT YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT

Your security deposit is the amount of money collected at the beginning of the lease and held by the landlord to cover damages beyond ordinary wear and tear -- the deposit usually represents a substantial sum of money. Accordingly, you should take care to ensure you get it back. Some landlords are fair and reasonable in returning deposits, others are not. Rather than waiting to find out what type of landlord you have, take a few simple precautions in advance to protect your substantial investment.

PHOTOGRAPHS With the best camera you have access to, photograph your entire unit, paying close attention to damaged areas. When the photos are developed, note the date they were taken and the area pictured on the back of each photo.

WHEN YOU MOVE IN Check-In Sheets: Check-in sheets document the condition of your rental unit when you move in. Usually both the tenant and the landlord sign the list to acknowledge its accuracy. You can find examples of check-in sheets on Off-Campus Life’s website, under the “helpful resources” tab.

Make a Video: Imagine that a judge is viewing your videos, deciding what you should be charged for, what was pre-existing to your tenancy, what was ordinary wear and tear, and what was damage caused by your misuse.

You should make a detailed narrated video before you move in, and before the unit is cluttered with boxes and your items.

Give a detailed, clear narration of the condition of the residence.

Go from room to room, blemish to blemish.

Send a Copy to Your Landlord: Even if your landlord refuses to sign the check-in sheet, send them a copy with a request for a reply.

Keep a copy of your cover letter, check-in sheet, and video.

DURING YOUR TENANCY Be responsible. Take care of your rental unit. Report problems to your landlord promptly.

RESPONSIBLE SOCIAL GATHERING TIPS One of the most effective ways to avoid the spread of COVID-19 is not hosting or attending social gatherings. If you do find yourself in a social situation, please be sure to consider the following:

KEEP IT CLEAN Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, as well as before guests arrive and after they leave.

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PLAY SAFE GAMES

Avoid games or activities where people touch the same items.

OFF-CAMPUS LIFE

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Now leasing for fall 2021, starting March 15

Wear a face covering and encourage your guests to, especially when you are within 6 feet of each other.

Contact tracing is required and you are expected to provide a list of attendees to the health department in case of an outbreak.

Avoid shared drinks and food like chips, dips, and platters. Provide disposable dishes and utensils.

START YOUR .

E R U T N E V AD

Fully furnished Utilities/ wifi/ tv - included!

5,7, & 12 month leases on-site laundry plentiful free parking

KEEP TRACK OF GUESTS

DON’T SHARE FOOD

WHEN YOU MOVE OUT The conditions you documented at move in should have been sent to your landlord at the beginning of your lease. Additionally, you should have kept copies of those documents, especially if there was evidence of pre-existing damage prior to your tenancy. You should only be charged if there is evidence you caused new damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.

steps to campus

(Utilities included)

Limit personal indoor and outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 people from no more than two households

WEAR MASKS

2021 monthly rates

SMALL GATHERINGS

WITNESS Have someone other than a roommate inspect your unit when you move in. Have the same person inspect it when you move out.

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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 11

AMERICAN LIVING

ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SEEKING HOUSING

1. U + 2 – this LAW means you can only live with two roommates who are not related to you -- not two roommates and their two partners, not you and your cousin and her three best friends. Even if your house has five bedrooms, unless the place is zoned for more than three people, that’s all you get. For more detailed information check out: fcgov.com/neighborhoodservices/ occupancy.php.

4. Utilities included – it depends. The rent looks like a fair price but now you have to pay for a deposit, first and last month rent, internet, TV, electricity, water, heat, gas, sewer, trash, Home Owner’s Association fees, snow removal, pet deposit, carpet cleaning, yard maintenance…and the list goes on. Don’t forget furniture, bed linens and groceries. There are many rental options that do include utilities. Just pay

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3. Floors are NOT waterproof. Most houses in the United States are made of wood and don’t have drains in the floors like houses in other countries. You must keep water off the floors. This means you must keep the shower head and curtain in the shower and only put toilet paper in the toilet.

If you don’t, you’ll have a flood in your house along with an expensive repair bill and a very angry landlord.

close attention to the lease and what is and isn’t included.

5. Parties, pets & smoking – If you like to party or want to own a dog or smoke hookah, your housing options may be limited. Most landlords don’t want these in their rentals, and if you violate the policies you could be facing thousands of dollars in fees and possibly getting evicted from your apartment.

6. Don’t sign a lease until you have read through the entire contract! It might seem very long and boring, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions because a contract is a legally-binding agreement that you must follow. CSU’s Student Legal Services office can help you understand the lease. Call (970) 491-1482 or visit their website, sls.colostate.edu/ before signing a lease!

7. Take pictures and document problems with your rental BEFORE moving in. Most rental places have an inventory form for you to document any damages that currently exist in your apartment. If an inventory form isn’t provided, there is a sample one in the Off-Campus Life Student Handbook, ocl. colostate.edu.

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2. Private bathrooms – not so fast. While you may prefer to have your own private bathroom, when it comes to rentals in the United States, your choices may be limited.

If you want the “classic American roommate experience,” be prepared to share a bathroom with your roommates and their guests. If you can’t live without a private bathroom, you should look to rent a room with a master bathroom which means the bathroom is “en suite” and attached to your room. Additionally, you may want to look at apartment complexes that offer individual leases and individual bathrooms.

S SHIELDS ST

You got off the plane and took the bus to your new apartment, the one you reserved months ago once you received your admissions letter to CSU. According to some stereotypical college American movies, like National Lampoon’s Animal House or Accepted and maybe even Monster’s University, you think you have a good idea of what your new roommates might be like.

You have pictured yourself drinking beer and going to parties every weekend. You envision having a cranky landlord who will get mad about the dartboard in the bathroom or the sofa on the roof.

You go for it and sign the lease, unlock the door and find a neat, clean living room with one roommate cooking dinner and another roommate studying on the couch.

Where’s the party you were promised in the movies? Well, that was the movies. You will hear a lot of myths and some truths about living in the United States. Here are a few things we believe you should know, no movie fantasies, about being an international student seeking housing in Fort Collins:

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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 13

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STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 17

PARTY REGISTRATION MYTH BUSTERS:

AVOID A $1,000+ NOISE CITATION

REGISTER OVER ZOOM BY 5PM, THE THURSDAY BEFORE YOUR PARTY

COVID-19 TIPS

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PARTY REGISTRATION MONDAY-THURSDAY 8AM-5PM

an

PARTY SMART

officials immediately if someone who has COVID-19 attends your gathering.

The purpose of the Party Registration program is to provide party hosts with an opportunity to receive a warning, providing a 20-minute window to voluntarily terminate a party after a noise complaint has been received. The information that you provide while registering your party will be sent to Fort Collins Police Services Dispatch prior to the party. If an unreasonable noise complaint is called in regarding your party, dispatch will call both you and your alternate notifying you of this and giving you a 20-minute warning to shut down your party. Please note that the 20-minute warning is only implemented for unreasonable noise, not nuisance complaints. Furthermore, if another complaint is called into One of the most effective ways to avoid the spread of dispatch after the 20-minute window, a police officer will be COVID-19 is not hosting or attending social gatherings. If sent out to your address. you do find yourself in a social situation, please be sure to consider the following Responsible Social Gathering Tips.

The Party Registration program: Party Registration will be available Monday through • Is available year-round, every night of the week.

Thursday between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. To register a party • Provides a 20-minute warning for noise complaints. with Off-Campus Life please use our Drop-in Virtual Meeting • Can help you avoid a costly $1,000+ noise citation. or schedule an appointment on the Off-Campus Life Contact • Must be completed in person by 5:00pm Thursday’s Us Page. You can register a party for any day of the week, with Off-Campus Life (LSC Rm. 274). Once you register but only during the hours listed above. Registration must take in person, and assuming your party does not receive a place the Thursday before your party by 5:00pm. warning or citation, you can start registering your party Contact tracing is required and expected from the health online! department in case of an outbreak. You will be expected • Has more information at partysmart.colostate.edu. to complete and provide this Contact Tracing Guest List to

“The List” is given to all police on duty for the night.

• FALSE – The list is never provided to the officers on the street.

Dispatch calls every party at midnight to give a warning.

• FALSE – Dispatch only calls when an address receives a noise complaint from a neighbor. Or, if a neighbor can’t determine a specific address when there is a cluster of parties, dispatch calls all surrounding registered parties.

Being on “The List” means police target those addresses.

• FALSE – Police on duty do not have the list, nor do they have the time to target parties as there are higher priority calls coming in.

For more information on party registration, visit:

PARTYSMART.COLOSTATE.EDU

STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021 | 19

Renting Nice Homes to Nice People for Over 30 Years

OFF-CAMPUS ROOMMATE CONFLICTS

Roommate conflicts can happen at any time, but when students move into off-campus residences and increase the number of roommates they are living with, they often face more complex issues. People who start out as the best of friends may find themselves feuding over bills, food, overnight guests, cleanliness, noise, parking, pets, house temperature, parties, or alcohol/drug use.

Conflict can be scary and uncomfortable, yet it can also be a great opportunity to develop and practice communication and conflict resolution skills. By maintaining open lines of communication with your roommates, you can avoid escalation by addressing issues when they arise. Here are a few tips to help with conflict: 1. Encourage communication and collaboration. Most roommate conflicts occur due to lack of communication. Use “I” statements to communicate any behavior bothering you, rather than judging or accusing the individual. Try to work toward a solution that is mutually acceptable for everyone involved, and be willing to recognize where you may have room for improvement.

2. Remember that conflicts are normal. It’s not essential for roommates to be best friends with one another, or for best friends to be roommates. In fact, sometimes it’s better not to live together in order to get a little break from each other. Be proactive in your roommate relationship so you can feel ready to talk about it when conflict begins.

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3. Being direct is the key. Sometimes we are afraid to hurt our roommate’s feelings, but this can also end up hurting them more in the end. Remember to stand up for your rights while respecting others. It’s not what you say but how you say it! When you are direct (and respectful), everyone involved usually benefits.

4. Avoid the following behaviors. Communication through text message or social media, getting friends and others involved who do not need to be involved, and/or confronting a roommate when there has been no time allowed for “cooling-off” are not effective methods of communication. Avoid confronting your roommate when you are angry. Face-to-face communication is far more effective than a white board or post-it note.

The Student Resolution Center (SRC) is a great resource on campus for roommate (or other) conflicts. Oftentimes students have a concern but don’t know how to navigate the situation. SRC can help you through Conflict Coaching, in which we meet with you one-on-one to talk through things, brainstorm solutions, and prepare for the conversation with your roommate. For students who feel the lines of communication with their roommate have broken down, SRC can offer a neutral third-party mediation to help facilitate a difficult conversation. To set up an appointment with SRC you can call 970-491-7165, request an appointment at resolutioncenter.colostate.edu, or come visit the office (501 W. Lake St, Suite A, Aggie Village, Walnut Hall). Whatever the conflict, SRC is here to help!

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NEIGHBOR ETIQUETTE

Fort Collins is known for its friendliness and small-town warmth – so take pride in where you live! Get to know your neighbors and city ordinances.

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS: Introduce Yourself! A simple “hello” goes a long way. This is your first step in building a good relationship, and it’s a great one, but don’t stop there. 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… like throwing a big party, building a fence, or getting a dog.

Share your contact information (cell phones, etc.) so there is an easy way of communicating during any event you might host or if other questions come up.

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Be Aware of Neighborhood Expectations & City Ordinances Be aware of not only local laws and HOA covenants, but also the neighborhood expectations. Each neighborhood has a different feel. As you get to know your neighbors, ask them about what is expected of each resident.

Be Aware of Differences Age, faith, ethnic background, and family status can drastically affect how one goes about their daily life. Be aware and respectful of differences between you and your neighbor.

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 great welcoming gesture.

Be Candid If your neighbor does something that bothers you, respectfully let them know as soon as possible. If you cannot work out a fair compromise, take advantage of free and confidential mediation services offered by the City of Fort Collins Community Mediation Program, fcgov.com/mediation, (970) 224-6022.

Utilities

We Need Your Help:

TRASH IT. DON’T FLUSH IT.

Wipes, facial tissues, trash, cotton balls, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, condoms, dental floss, cotton swabs, hair and cigarette butts belong in the trash, not the sewer system.

Even if these products claim to be ‘flushable,’ they don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog pipes.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Remember, only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper. All other items should be thrown in the trash (not the recycle bin).

Mountain View College Ministry Thursday Nights 328 Remington St. Fort Collins Get

Spread this message to help avoid messy, costly sewer backups and property damage.

C o n n e c te d

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE? Learn more about customer responsibility and service line repairs at fcgov.com/sewer-line-repairs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION fcgov.com/sewer-blockages | wastewater-sewer@fcgov.com | 970-212-2900 | V/TDD 711

Aids and services are available for persons with disabilities.

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KNOW YOUR STUFF: UNDERSTANDING IMPORTANT CITY CODES & ORDINANCES While there are many codes and ordinances within the city, there are a few that get discussed a little more frequently among students. Here is your chance to get a glimpse of how some of these ordinances may have an impact on you.

Unreasonable Noise: A violation of this ordinance can come with a $1,000+ price tag (per resident!) and a criminal misdemeanor. In the City of Fort Collins unreasonable noise is determined, typically, when noise is heard beyond property lines. When a noise complaint is called into Fort Collins Police Services, an officer is sent to determine if the level of noise is unreasonable by considering the time of day, type of noise and other factors. While you may think you are doing a good job at keeping the noise down, it is always wise to go outside and walk around your property line to determine if noise can be heard from your residence.

Nuisance Gathering Ordinance: This ordinance holds party hosts accountable for any damage to neighboring properties as a result of their gathering. A conviction carries a $1,000+ fine, in ADDITION to the cost of any repairs needed, with the possibility of jail time or community service hours. Examples of these damages include trash and litter, public urination and vandalism. Remember, as a party host you are responsible for what happens at, and as a result of, your party, including the actions of others.

For information on how to avoid receiving these citations, check out the Party Smart article.

Those are some heavy hitters, but how about other codes and ordinances that could have a smaller impact on you?

Whether you rent or own, there are several important nuisance ordinances to be aware of. If violations are not corrected in the allotted time, the City will bill the property owner for the expense, which may be passed down to tenants. The City may also issue citations for chronic problem properties or for violations that can’t be corrected by a contractor.

• Trash: Residents are not allowed to accumulate trash and discarded items. Trash containers must be stored out of view from the street.

• Snow: You are responsible for clearing snow and ice off the public sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours of accumulation. Remember it’s easier to shovel fresh snow!

• Sofas: Furniture manufactured for indoor use is prohibited from outdoor areas. This includes unenclosed porches.

• Weeds: Weeds and grass on your property can only be up to 6 inches tall.

As a renter, it is important to know that a violation of any of the above may cost you additional fees assessed by your property manager. So what happens if I have received any citations related to the issues above?

Public Nuisance Ordinance (PNO): The PNO is a tool for managing chronic problem properties.

Properties are considered problematic when citations occur on a regular basis. Property owners are accountable for the use of their properties and the behaviors of tenants. If a property receives two citations (of the same kind) within six months, three citations (of any kind) in a year, or five citations (of any kind) in two years, the tenants and property owner can be held responsible under the PNO which may require eviction. It is important to note that citations follow the property, so be aware of your property’s prior citations to avoid costly fines or possible eviction. You can check on property violation history by calling Neighborhood Services at the City of Fort Collins at (970) 224-6046.

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Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. V/TDD: 711

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RAMride 2.0 BEING A GOOD PET OWNER

Owning a pet is a fairly significant responsibility and involves a number of things to consider. Like a child, a pet is totally dependent on you for its well-being, financially and otherwise. Make sure you are ready for the responsibilities that accompany pet ownership!

While this article is geared mostly for dogs and cats, many of the suggestions discussed apply to any pet you may own.

PROPER CARE FOR YOUR PET: • Good Nutrition – just like people, pets require a healthy diet. Poor skin, hair 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 the risk of heart and joint problems, diabetes and a number of other weight related issues.

• Health Care – annual examinations by a veterinarian is the best way to prevent medical issues and potential pain or suffering for your pet. At times a pet needs medical attention but they have little to no means of communicating that to you. By having routine examinations your vet will have a good baseline of information to compare to when your pet is not feeling well.

• Safety – keeping pets safe is something that many pet owners take for granted. However, it is important to assess the safety of the environment that your pet lives in.

• Are there any toxic chemicals inside or outside of the house, or in the garage in locations that your pet can access?

• If toxins such as rodent poison are used in your home, can your pet access them?

• Are enclosures for your pet, such as fencing, secure?

Can they get caught or hooked on the fence? Nails 26 | STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021

sticking out of the fence are a common source of cuts for dogs.

• Does your rental have metal landscaping? Metal landscape borders are another common source of cuts for pets and can inflict a deep paw wound. If you have metal landscape borders that do not have a rolled edge you can purchase plastic capping that slides over the top of the sharp edge. The capping is much less expensive than a trip to the veterinarian for the cut.

• Grooming – no one likes being around a smelly pet. Good grooming – bathing, nail clipping, brushing and parasite control helps reduce skin and coat problems, keeps your pet healthier and makes it more pleasant for everyone around.

• 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, health problems such as skin infections and possibly the spread of communicable diseases.

• Licensing – City of Fort Collins residents are required to vaccinate and license their dogs and cats on an annual basis. Larimer County residents are required to have their animals vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian and need to license their dogs on an annual basis. There are also vaccine and/or license requirements for goats, chickens, and ducks. You can read more about the requirements and license your pet online at larimerhumane.org.

Pets provide a great amount of affection and companionship to their owners and in turn, a responsible pet owner provides proper care and affection to their pet.

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SAFETY FIRST

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND PROPERTY AT YOUR HOUSE OR APARTMENT: •Lock that door! Even if you intend to return shortly, or even if you are going down the block. It takes a thief 10 seconds or less to enter an open home and steal your property.

•Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep. Do we need to remind you about all those horror movies?

•Put emergency numbers in your cell phone’s address book for quick access.

•Do not leave messages on your door or answering machine indicating that you are away and when you will return. That is basically an open invitation for thieves to come in and grab what they please.

•If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to dial for them instead of allowing them to enter your home.

•Do not put your address on your key ring. If it gets lost or stolen, you’ve basically given them the key to enter.

•Get to know your neighbors! When you move in, introduce yourself and exchange information.

•Do not leave keys in hiding places because thieves will find them. Those fake rocks in the garden aren’t fooling anyone.

•Check if smoke detectors are working and change the batteries twice a year.

WHEN YOU ARE LEAVING FOR BREAKS: •Thieves know the college schedule, so make your place look busy and ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for any suspicious strangers lurking around.

•Keep your windows and doors secured.

You don’t want to grant them free access!

•Store all electronic equipment and small valuables in a safe place, like at a friend’s house or even take them with you!

•Have a timer for lights so your house looks busy even when you are not home.

They’re a cheap way to keep your home safe even when you’re not there.

WHEN YOU ARE WALKING: •Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.

•Keep to well-lit and commonly used routes.

•Avoid using shortcuts and isolated areas.

•Walk purposefully, know where you are going, and project a no-nonsense image.

•Avoid dangerous situations.

•If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or a place of business (even if you have just left it).

•Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pocket or hand, not buried in a purse or backpack.

•When walking to your car, don’t hit the unlock button until you are in close proximity to the vehicle and lock the doors behind you once you are inside.

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BUDGETING FOR THE OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT

Living on campus has its perks. Being close to everything on campus, having someone else do all the cooking, shopping and cleaning and never having to shovel or mow. On the other hand, living off campus provides the flexibility to do your own cooking and shopping which means you can be more cost effective.

Below are a few financial tips to help manage your finances when living off campus:

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or fire damage to your personal property and only costs $10-20 per month.

Cooking and Shopping Tips: • Learn to cook simple and quick meals.

• Pack a lunch every day instead of eating out and you Money Management Tips: could save $1,000 each year.

• Determine all your costs ahead of time.

• Never shop when you are hungry or you may spend • Determine all your resources ahead of time. more than you have budgeted.

• Develop and stick to a plan that makes sure your • Try to take cash instead of debit or credit cards when required expenses fit with your available resources. shopping so you don’t spend more than you have.

Find a tool that works for you; we have several college • Purchase monthly food cards for the amount of money management tools including the Schwab groceries that you have budgeted.

MoneyWise on Campus portal as well as tools on our • Consider opening a separate bank account for rent site financialaid.colostate.edu. and food expenditures.

• Find roommates that have similar values and • Pay all bills on time to avoid late fees and ruining your resources. It is really difficult to find and share living space with someone who has a very different idea about credit. how things should be done and how much can be spent • Opt-in to have your debit card not authorize when funds in your bank account are not sufficient. on rent, food, Internet, heating, air conditioning, etc.

• Avoid parking tickets by riding your bike or taking the • You can often use financial aid to pay toward rent, bus. food, and utilities. Financial aid applies toward your semester University expenses first and the excess may • Create your own scholarship. be sent to you in a refund to help pay for rent, food, etc. ● Latte scholarship- make your own coffee It is important that this refund cover expenses until midinstead of buying lattes January, including January rent, when spring financial aid ♦ A $4 latte every day, Monday through refunds are sent.

Friday for the academic year,

is a cost of $640.

Renting Tips:

● Soda scholarship ♦ A $1.50 bottle of soda every day, Monday • Rent a furnished apartment.

through Friday for the academic year, is a • Consider paying the full semester’s rent at the

cost of $240. beginning of each semester.

Best wishes on managing your college finances well!

• Consider buying renter’s insurance. It will cover theft 30 | STUDENT HOUSING GUIDE 2021

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THIS IS LIVING.

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Call 970.407.7267 In Person at: 1323 West Plum Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521

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