HOUSING GUIDE SPRING 2018
A product of The Daily Toreador
how to
FIND YOUR NEXT NEST
Budgeting Basics
Determining how much rent you can afford Page 2
Pondering a Pet
Furry friends in apartments require planning Page 4
Lease Logistics
Questions to ask before signing that contract Page 9
DIY or Don’t Try
Repairs to do yourself vs. calling the pros Page 9
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Budget an important factor in choosing best housing option By Avery Aiken The Daily Toreador
While the idea of moving into an apartment can be exciting, once that initial thrill fades there are several factors to consider before signing a lease agreement. Texas Tech helps students think through these factors by encouraging them to talk with Red to Black Peer Financial Coaching. Lauren Winkelman, president of Red to Black and a student in the personal financial planning master ’s program, said these free coaching sessions are often one-on-one. “We have a spreadsheet where we break down some of the costs and the amenities,” she said. “You take it and say, ‘OK, I have Apartment A and I’m going list
those costs for Apartment A. It’s going to cost me X amount for rent.’ Then you do the same for Apartment B and then you compare the two.” She said it is important to keep in mind that one apartment complex might charge $500 for rent while another complex only charges $425, but there could be additional fees at the lower-priced complex which might ultimately defeat the point of choosing the lower rent cost. For example, complexes sometimes charge an application fee, a security deposit or even a cleaning fee, which would be due when the renters exit their contract, Winkelman said. However, these are not the only kinds of bills to consider.
Time to Sign a Lease In addition to making sure you can afford the rent and other expenses that come with renting an apartment or house, there are certain documents you’ll want to have with you when it comes time to sign your lease. Make sure you ask what specific documents your future landlord might require beforehand so you can be prepared. • Social Security number and government-issued photo ID • Proof of employment, pay stubs, bank statements or tax return (especially if you’re self-employed) • Rental history and/or a list of previous addresses. Include the complex name, property management company or landlord, address and phone number. • Co-signer information if your credit history isn’t sufficient on its own • Personal references or letters of reference, if needed • Criminal history • Proof of renter’s insurance — More complexes are requiring residents to carry renter’s insurance to protect your belongings • Checkbook or money order to pay for deposits, first and last month’s rent, etc. • Vehicle registration, especially if you’re paying extra for reserved parking or the complex has limited parking availability Sources: Apartments.com and BestColleges.com’s Student Renter’s Guide
“If you’re moving from home and you’re going into apartment living with new
roommates, you might not think, ‘OK, well, do they offer washer and dryer?
Are the bills all-inclusive? Is it close to campus so I can walk or am I going to
have to pay for parking?’,” she said. “And so all of these things you may not think of until you get down the road and you’re thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, if I had just gotten closer to campus this would have cost me less.’ Or vice versa.” Several apartment complexes near Tech’s campus tend to take these extraneous factors into consideration and help students choose the living situation that best meets their financial and environmental needs. The Holly apartment complex’s general manager, Jere Mitchell, said the staff works to accommodate the needs of students who come to their apartment complex searching for a place to live. “A lot of people are SEE BUDGET, PAGE 7
Close to campus, The Grove provides plenty of amenities The Grove Apartments, located at 315 N. Utica, are the perfect housing option for Texas Tech students. Only a short distance from campus, The Grove offers beautifully furnished two- and three-bedroom apartments. Each unit includes a fully equipped kitchen, full-sized washer and dryer and walk-in closets. Each apartment features everything you need for your style and budget.
Sponsored Content Each resident of The Grove enjoys the privacy of a private bedroom and bathroom, along with free cable and high-speed internet. With all amenities and utilities included in the rent, each resident has all the comforts of home without breaking the bank. Both indoors and out, The Grove offers great amenities — from the resort-style pool
College living only 2 blocks from Tech! Why live in an apartment -- when you can live in a home?
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(806) 632-4211
to a single-acre dog park to property-wide events that feature food, music and fun. There is something for everyone at The Grove. When it’s time for class, avoid the traffic around campus by hopping on The Grove’s shuttle to and from the Tech campus. We are happy to accommodate all of your living preferences by offering allinclusive rates, individual leasing and roommate matching. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Contact us at grovelubbock@achliving.com or (806) 796-0224 or stop by the Clubhouse to learn more about why The Grove is the ideal apartment for you. For more details or to apply online visit groveatlubbock.com.
Photo courtesy of The Grove
Located just a short drive from the Texas Tech campus, The Grove offers a resort-style pool that’s perfect for fun games with friends or just some summer lounging. The complex also features a one-acre dog park perfect for your furry friends to work out some energy and make new friends. When it comes to your space, The Grove features two- and three-bedroom units that come furnished and include full-sized washers and dryers and walk-in closets. All amenities and utilities are included in the rent price so you can enjoy the comforts of home without going broke. The Grove even has a shuttle bus to take you directly to campus when it’s time for class.
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Rooms with a View
At The Bloc, bedrooms are fully furnished and private, with each featuring its own private bath. The community’s three- and four-bedroom apartments are townhome-style or garden-style flats. Located in the Overton District, The Bloc opened in time for the fall 2017 semester and is one of the newer apartment communities near the Texas Tech campus.
Photos courtesy of The Bloc
Sponsored Content The Bloc also features a state-of-the-art fitness center open to residents 24 hours a day. Group and individual fitness-on-demand rooms also are available. The Bloc offers a resort-style pool complete with a sun deck and cabanas,
as well as tanning rooms. Residents of The Bloc community have access to the only rooftop lounge in Lubbock. Other community amenities include interior courtyards; barbecue areas with covered grills; fire pits; bocce and horseshoes; a free Starbucks coffee bar; and resident life events. The Bloc is located just east of campus.
Owning pets in college means accepting serious responsibility By Avery Aiken The Daily Toreador
For many students, the chance to adopt or purchase a pet is exciting. However, students sometimes can get overwhelmed once they realize how expensive and time consuming pet ownership is. Logan Welch, a senior human development and family studies major from Hamilton, said she contemplated getting a dog for a year before finally making the decision. She understood what a serious responsibility it is. “It is basically like taking care of a toddler,” she said. “They whine, they cry. You can’t just leave him in the bathroom with no food and no water because you
don’t want to deal with him using the bathroom in the house. You have to get him kennel training and you have to get him the kennel, which is also a lot of money.” She spends at least $500 on her dog, Scamp, each year, she said. Vaccinations, grooming, toys and dog food are all expenses that drive up this bill. When Welch first got Scamp, she said she had to spend a substantial amount of money and time getting rid of his fleas. Now, she recommends students adopt pets from the animal shelter because it ends up being less expensive. “If people ever want animals I tell them to go to shelters because they
have all ages from puppies to seniors and their first round of shots are all upto-date,” she said. “So, if you go to a shelter and you pay that $120 or $160. They have all their shots, they’re neutered or spayed. And so, you’re basically getting a puppy for free compared to how much I had to pay over the past few years.” However, after the holidays, the South Plains Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals usually sees a high rise in animal returns, Madison Luscombe, a Lubbock SPCA worker and recent Tech graduate, said. In fact, anytime students travel — as they often do during the holiday season — animal care can become
the second priority because students do not work their schedules around caring for their pets, Luscombe said. Welch, on the other hand, said she makes sure to plan her schedule around caring for Scamp. “I revolve my day around him,” she said. “So, if I work eight-hour shifts, I have to go home during my lunch break because I’m not going to make him stay inside for eight, nine hours. I also don’t have long school days because first thing I do when I wake up is take him out and the first thing I do when I get home is take him out. So, if you like to go out a lot, you’re not going to want a dog.” If adoption is too much of a commitment, students
Daily Toreador file photo
Getting a pet while in college can provide companionship and love but also comes with major financial and time commitments. Because of this, some students find themselves unwilling or unable to care for their pets, which leads to more animals in shelters.
can choose to foster instead. Kim Funk, a senior media strategies major from Austin, said she fostered two dogs for a while. However,
she ended up adopting the dogs she fostered. Funk said she did not plan financially when she got her first two dogs, but knew she wanted a dog while in college as early as her sophomore year. “I am lucky enough that my parents support me financially,” she said, “with the exception that I am responsible for my animals and have two different jobs to take care of them properly.” Welch said because her dog is a registered emotional support animal she does not have to pay a fee for him to live with her in her apartment complex, which decreases the price of owning a dog. However, other students might have to pay an initial deposit and a monthly fee. “The Ranch is pretty cheap compared to most places,” she said. “You have to do an initial $200 down payment and then an extra $25 is added to your rent.” According to University Student Housing’s website, the only animals allowed to live on campus are registered guide dogs or similar disability animals approved through the University Student Housing staff. However, before adopting a dog, Luscombe said college students should be cognizant of several things. They need to make sure they can afford the pet, make sure they have a plan for vacation or dog sitters and make sure they are ready for the responsibility of owning a pet. “Go to a shelter,” Welch said. “Go to the Humane Society. Do your research. Before you do anything, do your research.” Kailin George contributed to this story.
Movin’ on Up Five hacks for making moving easy • Don’t have a dolly for heavy items? Try using a skateboard instead. • When packing, think about giving away or selling items you no longer need • Use plastic zipper bags to move small items (jewelry, makeup, etc.) • Use old T-shirts and towels to wrap breakables • Pack items you will need immediately (laptop, books, makeup, work necessities, etc.) last so they will be easily accessible when you start unpacking in your new place Source: www.apartmentguide.com/ blog/fan-submitted-smart-hackseffortless-move/
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The Scarlet offers boutique living close to campus Which community has the most school spirit in Lubbock? The Scarlet student apartments, of course. Only a block away from Texas Tech, situated in the heart of the Overton district, The Scarlet has a premier location, all new one-of-a-kind amenities and hotel-inspired service that cannot be found elsewhere in town. The Scarlet even has its own Citibus campus shuttle station where students are picked up every six minutes. We’ve re-envisioned traditional student living to provide you an experience that is truly in a league of its own. With 24-hour access to an elite JIM fitness center featuring resistance equipment, free weights, state-of-the-art cardio machines, a spin room and free tanning, plus our full-service business center with HPs and free printing and private study rooms, residents can take care of what’s most important whenever their schedule calls for it. At The Scarlet, you won’t simply sign a lease — you will become a member of boutique student club living. Our must-see amenities also include our signature JOE bar serving Starbucks coffee with a variety of creamers and sugars to customize your cup, a Red Raiders War Room loaded with plush lounging furniture and ceiling-mounted TVs ready to catch every big game, and outdoor basketball and volleyball courts ready for any pickup game. Residents love coming
Sponsored Content home to a stunning resortstyle pool and hot tub with towel and lotion service. Our beautiful, fully furnished apartments come complete with full-sized kitchens, walk-in closets and their own private washers and dryers. As a resident of The Scarlet, you’ll be treated as a VIP with our guest services and vibrant social community that encourages you to live life the way you want. Each unique living space comes outfitted with a 50-inch flat-screen TV, hardwood-style flooring and private bedrooms and bathrooms. With one-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans available, individual leases and our roommate-matching service, we are happy to accommodate your unique living preferences. Plus, our pet-friendly living, all-inclusive rent and exceptional customer service make this the best choice for any student wanting to succeed and have everything at their fingertips. Our office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. We are located at 2202 Mac Davis Lane and can be contacted at TheScarlet@clsliving. com or by phone at (806) 747-2340. Con tac t u s or st op by today to learn more. Hurry, limited spaces are available. For more details or to apply online, visit www. livethescarlet.com.
Photos courtesy of The Scarlet
Living areas in each apartment at The Scarlet come loaded with comfortable furniture sure to make you feel at home whether you’re entertaining friends or just looking for a cozy spot to study. Each living space also comes equipped with a 50-inch flat screen TV and private bedrooms and bathrooms. The Scarlet also features the Red Raiders War Room, a great place to hang out and watch the latest sporting event. Settle in to watch a variety of ceilingmounted TVs with your friends and roommates. If outdoor activities are more your style, check out The Scarlet’s outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
The Holly features luxury living for residents on 30-acre complex Home to the most amenities in Lubbock and the only beach in West Texas, The Holly is the hottest spot for Texas Tech students to call home. Our beautiful community stretches more than 30 acres with its own beachentry lake stocked with almost 2,500 fish waiting to be caught by our outdoorloving residents. Lakeside fun also includes a dock with paddleboats, our own floating island to visit and a lighted jogging track perfect for twilight runs. Our residents can host a barbecue under the stars at our community picnic area with grills or swim laps at The Holly Swim Club, which is made up of two large resort-style pools with lounges and complimentary towel and lotion service. If there is still time in the day, residents can enjoy our outdoor basketball and sand volleyball courts or take a pet for playtime at our fenced-in pet park. Inside, our all-new clubhouse is loaded with must-see amenities second to none. Designed by renowned New York City interior designer Jon Call, every inch of the clubhouse is remarkably beautiful and serves a purpose to enhance the lifestyles of our residents. Along with our on-site management offices, resiBUDGET FROM PAGE 2 scared because they think they can’t afford to live off campus because they think it’s so expensive,” she said. “So, if they are scared about pricing, I would definitely go with one of the cheaper options.” At apartment complexes like The Holly, Mitchell said four-bedroom apartments tend to have less expensive rental rates when compared to one- or two-bedroom apartments. Another way to minimize a housing bill is to monitor things like elec-
Photos courtesy of The Holly
The Holly features a variety of amenities for its residents including a library, which is perfect for study sessions or group meetings. The complex also features a state-of-the-art JIM Fitness Center and each luxurious suite features beautiful furnishings in both public areas and the bedrooms. The beauty extends to the outdoor spaces as well, with a lake stocked with fish, a floating island and two resort-style pools just waiting for summer fun.
dents can enjoy our JIM Fitness Center complete with an array of equipment, free weights, state-of-the-art cardio machines and free tanning to give you a sunkissed glow all year long. If a pick-me-up is in order, residents can swing by our JOE bar serving Starbucks coffee with all the finishes for the perfect cup before or after class. At The Holly, there are many social and study
lounge areas too. In the main clubhouse, residents can sit amongst the black, white and gold accents while cramming for a test or hit the books in our library overlooking the gorgeous Swim Club. For those needing a quiet spot or looking to host a group study session, two private conference rooms also are available. At The Holly, you won’t simply sign a lease — you will become a member of boutique student club living. Whether you’re sun-
ning along the private beachfront lake, hosting friends in the library or enjoying a workout at our JIM Fitness Center, you’ll be able to nurture your creativity and live like an icon. As a member of the Campus Life and Style Autograph Collection, The Holly apartments are in a league of their own. Each fully furnished suite offers private bedrooms, private bathrooms and full-sized kitchens. Enjoy a private
patio or balcony and take in the views right from home. We are happy to accommodate your unique living preferences and offer individual leases for each of our two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments. When it’s time for class, our shuttle service to and from Texas Tech University ensures you don’t have to settle when it comes to resort-style living and an active student lifestyle. Our Guest Services team is here to support your
every need as a thriving student. Contact us today to secure your space. Hurry, spaces are filling up fast. Our office hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. We are located at 3710 Erskine St. and can be contacted at (806) 744-3425 or by email at TheHolly@ clsliving.com. Visit our website at LiveTheHolly.com for more information.
tricity use and the thermostat’s temperature, she said. “Especially in the winter and the summer, your electricity bill is gonna get higher because, for example, you’re putting the heat on when it’s colder out,” Mitchell said. “And for the summer you use your AC a little more, but I would say keep it at like 72 or 75 (degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer.” However, even with the guidance of thoughtful advice, Winkelman said choosing the right
apartment complex and managing the expenses that come along with that new apartment can still be tricky. Often times, this financial process proves to be a transition period for some students as they go from paying rent with the help of their parents or a scholarship to trying to afford it independently. “When (students are) in that transition phase, that’s where (Red to Black) can ask, ‘Are you willing to work off campus or on campus?’ And if they’re in
a position where they can move off campus and maybe save more money, they need to consider what the moving cost is,” she said. Jon Thornton, an assistant manager at the ULofts apartment complex, said the majority of their residents are Tech students who need to ask themselves these kinds of questions. The students who rent at ULofts either are receiving financial assistance from their parents or — as ULofts’ many graduate students often do — pay-
ing for their apartment independently because they want to live alone or with one roommate, he said. “Typically speaking, we have people coming in that are looking for a one bedroom, so they already know what their price range is,” he said. “Because you know you’re going to pay a little more to live by yourself.” U l t i m a t e l y, t h o u g h , Winkelman said one of the most important things to remember is that for every student, a different arrangement will be ap-
propriate for their current situation. Some students might be able to manage all of these decisions themselves, but others are entering financial contracts like a rental agreement for the first time. So, she said Red to Black tries to sort out all the numbers in order to give Tech students the freedom to choose what they feel most comfortable with. “We want every student at Texas Tech University to have the option to take control over their own finances,” she said.
Sponsored Content
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Toreador Housing website allows users to find best places to live
Luxury in Southwest Lubbock
Sponsored Content Tuscany Place Apartments, The Icon at Lubbock and The Cottages at Abbey Glen are new luxury apartment communities located in southwest Lubbock. All three properties are ideally located minutes from Lubbock’s newest shopping hot spots such as West End Shopping Center, The Hub and the Canyon West Shopping Center, as well as the South Plains Mall. The communities also are close to many of Lubbock’s new neighborhood restaurants including Teddy Jack’s Hub City Grill, Saltgrass Steakhouse, The Plaza and Albarran’s Mexican Bar & Grill. Our communities are minutes away from Texas Tech University, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Covenant Medical Center.
Roommate Etiquette You may be sharing space with a stranger. Your best friend. Or someone you’ve been acquainted with for a while but really don’t know too well. Whatever the case, what’s the best way to get along? Follow these simple rules of roommate etiquette to avoid some of the stress that living with roommates can bring: • Establish ground rules regarding class and work schedules, sleep schedules, etc. Try to iron out potential conflicts before they arise. • Keep the noise to a minimum and invest in a good pair of headphones. Whether it’s the TV, video games, a repetitive snooze alarm or an audio rehash of this morning’s chemistry lecture, remember you’re not the only person who can hear what’s going on. — Cengage Brainiac • Decide what items in the room will or won’t be shared (laptop, refrigerator, TV, etc.). • Agree that no clothing, food, technology or any other items will be borrowed or shared without permission and stick to the agreement. • Be respectful of the space. Keep your area picked up and don’t be lazy about shared cleaning responsibilities
(taking out the trash, cleaning out the shared refrigerator, etc.). • Discuss in advance how situations involving visitors and overnight guests (particularly a boyfriend or girlfriend) should be handled. Avoid making your roommate feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in his/her own room. — The Etiquette Professionals • When your roommate requests some quiet time, give it to him/her. He/she will more than likely return the favor when you’re ready to study for that big exam. • Avoid doing things in your dorm space that could make your roommate uncomfortable. You may feel completely comfortable lounging around in your birthday suit; however, your roommate may not share your enthusiasm. — Campus Personality • When conflict arises, talk directly to
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your roommate, then involve a community adviser or apartment staff member if necessary. • Take care of your own pet. If you and your roommates have agree to allow a pet in the apartment, you should still take responsibility for its care. Feeding, walking and cleaning up messes are what make you a responsible pet owner and it’s crucial in a shared living space. • Don’t gossip about your roommate. Remember, shared spaces mean neither of you really has any secrets so the other person has gossip fodder, too. • Don’t get your feelings hurt if your roommate makes plans without you. Just because you are sharing living space doesn’t mean you will necessarily be best friends. Plus, it’s good to have a diverse friend group.
Sources: www.cengagebrain.com, www.etiquetteprofessionals.com, m.facebook.com/notes/campus-personality/campus-roommate-etiquette-tips, Texas Tech University Student Housing, etiquette.about.com/od/RelationshipEtiquette/fl/12-Rules-of-Roommate-Etiquette.htm
Image courtesy of ToreadorHousing.com
The Toreador Housing website is a free resource that allows users to search for places to live by a variety of criteria, including price, number of bedrooms and distance from campus.
Toreador Housing is a tool available to help people in the Texas Tech community find the perfect place to live. Available through the website of The Daily Toreador, the student publication at Tech, Toreador Housing is a free resource that enables users to review local apartment complexes with specifics in mind: distance from campus, number of bedrooms and/or bathrooms, and minimum/maximum price. Through the search function, a Toreador Housing user can generate a customized list of apartments that best fit his or her wish list. Need something within walking distance to Tech? Sort apartments by distance (in one-mile increments) from campus. Have a specific budget in mind? Set a minimum and maximum price to narrow your search. Toreador Housing is your one-stop source for updated information on Lubbock’s rental market. Search results provide addresses, prices and the types of rental units available, as well as a detailed map that denotes locations in relation to the Tech campus. Users can click on an apartment photo for more
Sponsored Content information, including additional photos, floor plans, amenities and contact information. Users also may choose to browse all participating apartment complexes without use of the search function. “Relocating can be stressful. Toreador Housing is a great resource for anyone to use when they’re looking for an apartment,” Dawn Zuerker, advertising manager for The Daily Toreador, said. “Everything is in one place so it’s easier to compare apples to apples. There’s a lot of helpful information to assist you in making an informed decision.” Complexes currently profiled on the site include 21 Hundred at Overton Park, 25Twenty, Anatole at City View, Raiders Walk Apartments, Raiders Pass, The Holly, The Ranch, The Scarlet, The Village at Overton Park, U Club Townhomes at Overton Park, ULofts Apartments, University Pointe and University Trails. To visit the site, go to www.dailytoreador.com and click on Toreador Housing (in the black bar near the top of the page).
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What to ask before you sign The apartment is perfect. It’s got just enough space but not too much. The view is nice and parking is easy. There’s a washer and dryer and the pool is gorgeous. Before you jump into a legal agreement in the form of a lease, take a few minutes and consider some questions to ask a prospective landlord or property management company representative. Because once you sign, you’re pretty much stuck. What does the rent cover? It utilities aren’t included, can you provide an estimate of how much that costs each month? This will help you develop, and hopefully stick to, a monthly budget. How do I pay the rent? Is there an electronic payment option? What are the late fees if I miss a payment? If you’re dealing with an individual landlord or a small company, they may prefer to be paid by check. Most larger property management companies will have an electronic payment option, but you’ll want to make sure you know the process before it’s time for the first rent payment. What are the parking options? Not knowing where to park can be frustrating and may involve more expense if you park somewhere you shouldn’t and get towed. The answer also will allow you to decide if the extra cost of reserved parking is worth it. Is there on-site maintenance or security? How do I request maintenance? Is there a different process after regular business hours? What about in an emergency situation? Find out the answer to this before you need to use it, especially the emergency maintenance request procedure. What is the refund policy for my security deposit? Knowing this before you move in will help you plan how to care for your new space (you’ll want to get that money back, after all) and to know what the landlord’s expectations are. Where is the mail delivered? Is there a secure area for package deliveries? Knowing this will help make sure you actually get your mail and packages. What am I allowed to change in the apartment (ex. paint the walls, use nails vs. adhesive strips for pictures, etc.)? Knowing in advance what you’re allowed to do to make your new space feel like home can save you time and money in the long run. Some complexes don’t even want nails put in the walls, while others don’t care if you paint as long as you return the space to its original condition before you move out. If the policy isn’t explicitly stated in your lease, ask for it in writing. Will the staff conduct inspections? If so, how much notice should I expect? When can the staff enter my apartment without notice? Generally, you should be afforded notice before an employee enters your apartment, except in emergency situations, but it’s good to know exactly how much notice will be provided and what could be involved in a possible inspection. Are there guest restrictions? Some complexes have policies about how long guests can stay or ask that they register their cars with the office for security purposes, etc. What are the penalties if I break my lease? What about in an emergency situation? While you may be planning on completing your full lease, sometimes life happens and you’ll want to know what the policies are if you have to break your lease. Am I allowed to sublet if I’m away for a length of time such as summer or for an internship? College involves periods where you may not always be in Lubbock. If you’re having to also pay rent somewhere else, you may want to find a way to offset some of that cost, but it can be more expensive in the long run if you sublet in violation of your lease. What are the pet policies and deposits? Even if you don’t currently have a pet, you might change your mind at some point so know what the expectations are before you sign anything. Do I have to have renter’s insurance? While renter’s insurance is always a good idea, not every landlord or property management company requires it. Others will make you bring proof of insurance with you to sign the lease. Will we do a walkthrough to document the current state of the apartment before movein? If not, can I provide a list of any pre-move-in problems? This documentation will help you get some or all of your security deposit back. How much notice will I need to give before I move out? Most complexes will require 30 to 60 days, but you’ll need to know if it has to be done in writing, through an electronic form, delivered to the complex office, etc. Are there any plans to update, renovation or expand the complex? Planned updates or renovations could add amenities you can enjoy, which is a plus, but might also involve construction, which is a minus, that you’ll want to consider before you’re locked into a lease. Sources: BestColleges.com’s Student Renter’s Guide, U.S. News & World Report “11 questions to ask before signing an apartment lease,” Apartments.com’s “12 questions to ask before renting an apartment”
Attorney offers advice about signing lease By Jeff Hays Attorney at Law Texas Tech Student Legal Services
Living off campus is part of the college experience. Here are some things to think about when considering your off-campus destination: Slow down. You may be excited about a new property, an outstanding model unit or your friends want you to sign immediately. Take a deep breath before you sign a lease. Make an appointment with Student Legal Services for a lease review. We’ll go over the lease so you know what you are doing. Lease contracts are almost impossible to cancel. A signed lease contract obligates you to thousands of dollars in payments. You
are expected to pay the entire lease amount even if you don’t have a guarantor. Hays Talk to your parents about guaranteeing your lease before you sign. Protect yourself. Take pictures and videos of your apartment’s condition before you move in. These pictures and videos help protect you from move-out charges. Also, fill out the move-in inventory outlining the existing damage and return it within 24 hours so you don’t miss the deadline. Make sure to keep a copy for your records. Keep everything. Find a safe place to keep hard copies of every document
related to your lease. Also, all communication with the landlord must be in writing, e-mail, text or through the property’s online portal. Deposit vs. fees. Knowing what you are paying for is important when you sign the lease. A fee is gone forever and will not be refunded. A deposit can be refunded after you move out depending on the circumstances. Be a good tenant. Abide by all of the lease’s provisions and community rules. Correct your behavior when asked. Visit www.depts.ttu. edu/sls/ for more information about living off campus and related legal issues. Call (806) 742-3289 to set an appointment for your lease review before you sign that lease agreement.
Being handy around the house Moving into a new home or apartment comes with a lot of expenses. From decorating to rent, money can be spent quickly. Knowing how to do some basic repairs will save a significant amount of money. However, knowing when it’s time to call a professional can be key to avoiding larger issues. Here are some home repairs that can be done easily (if you have the right skills) versus some that may require a professional to step in: Do-it-yourself repairs: Snake a drain Change filter (A/C unit) Fill small holes in the wall Loosen/tighten door hinges Change ceiling fan Leak ing washing machine Replace light switch Leaky faucet S cratched floorboards Minor toilet repairs Change a broken lever/handle Unclog toilet
Running toilet Unclog the garbage disposal Loosen a jammed window/ door hinge Change door locks I nstall and replace smoke detector and CO2 alarm Loose showerhead/ faucet Grout tiles Install new faucets Change light bulbs Clean out gutters Clean showerheads Stained bathtub/sinks Small dents in the wall
Prepare water pipes for winter/cold weather Wobbly tables and chairs Clean carpet stains Sagging gates Call someone: Broken toilet Large water leak Stove/oven issues Broken window Roof leaks, shingles, etc. Large hole in the wall Clean the chimney Electrical issues Change a water heater Replace A/C unit Replace thermostat Replace garage door
If you want to save some money, invest in some WD40 and duct tape. You’ll be amazed.
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American Campus Communities provides varied living options
Map courtesy of American Campus Communities website
American Campus Communities operates seven apartment complexes near the Texas Tech campus.
Find your new home at one of American Campus Community’s seven communities, each located just steps away from the Texas Tech campus. The communities are modern and affordable, offering fully furnished apartments with hardwood-style flooring. Every community is pet friendly. All are located on Tech shuttle bus routes and offer on-site maintenance and management, a courtesy patrol officer, after-hours oncall staffs, individual leases and roommate matching. As the exclusive Off-Campus Student Housing Partner of Tech Athletics, ACC offers students the perfect environment to support academic and personal success. An overview of each of ACC’s housing options follows: 21Hundred at Overton Park Two-, four- and five-bedroom apartments located in the center of the Overton Park community. Pricing starts at $529 per installment per person. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Fully equipped kitchens • Private balconies available • State-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Recreation center (billiards, ping-pong, arcade games) • Two pools, including hot tubs, sun decks, poolside cabanas, outdoor gaming area • Limited access community • Bike storage 25Twenty One-, two- and four-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens available. Pricing begins at $529 per installment per person. • Walkway to campus • Flat-screen HD TVs • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• 24-hour recreation center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Movie theater room • Pool with sun deck • Sand volleyball court The Village at Overton Park Two- and four-bedroom flats and townhomes across the street from Jones AT&T Stadium. Starting at $499 per installment per person. • Fully equipped kitchens • Walk-in closets available • Covered patios • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Lap-style pool with hot tub and deck • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) U Club at Overton Park Four-bedroom townhomes with large, threestory floor plans starting at $529 per installment person. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Extra half-bath for guests • Walk-in closets • Fully equipped kitchens • Covered patios • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour recreation center • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Gated community • Bike storage University Trails One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Starting at $429 per installment per person. • Walk-in closets available • 24-hour state-of-the-art
Sponsored Content fitness center • 24-hour Academic Success Center • Recreation center with billiards • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court • Gated community • Bike storage Raiders Pass Two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments within walking distance to Jones AT&T Stadium. Pricing starts at $399 per person per installment. • Private bedrooms and bathrooms • Fully equipped kitchens • Private balconies • State-of-the-art fitness center • Recreation center • Academic Success Center (iMacs, free printing) • Two pools with hot tubs, sun decks • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court University Pointe A gated community offering two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Starting at $469 per installment per person. • Penthouse apartments available • Walk-in closets available • Fully equipped kitchens • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • 24-hour Academic Success Center (PCs, free printing) • Pool with hot tub, sun deck • Sand volleyball court • Basketball court • Bike storage • All utilities included (electricity up to a monthly allowance) The ACC communities are filling fast. To secure a spot today visit AmericanCampus.com/Lubbock. You’ll see why we say, “You’re going to love it here.”
What do I need? There are some items you may want to keep easily accessible on moving day. After a long day, no one wants to unpack 15 boxes just to find some light bulbs, a fork or a roll of toilet paper. Bathroom: Hand mixer Power strip Plunger Coffee maker Chargers Towels Baking accessories Batteries Toilet paper Travel mug Light bulbs Hand soap Water (pitcher/filter) Basic tool kit: Toilet brush Corkscrew/bottle opener Hammer Bedroom: (but only if you’re over 21, of Flat-head screwdriver Blanket course) Phillips screwdriver Extra set of sheets Dish towels Nails Pillows Measuring cups Tape measure Mirror Pots/pans Pliers Iron/ironing board Paper towels Medicine: Hangers Dish soap Prescriptions Laundry hamper Food-storage containers Pain reliever Kitchen: Cleaning: Allergy/cold meds Dishes Broom First-aid kit Utensils Dustpan HDMI cable Cups Mop Step stool Pot holders/oven mitt Disinfectant wipes Smoke detector Can opener Vacuum Sewing kit Trash can Miscellaneous: Umbrella Trash bags Tape Fire extinguisher Microwave Command Strips Flashlight Toaster Extension cord Air freshener
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FEB. 12, 2018
HOUSING GUIDE
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