Lesson 21.1 Housing Decisions Describe the various housing rental alternatives, including commuting to school or work from home, living on campus, apartments, duplexes, and houses. Discuss potential living arrangements and decisions related to moving choices.

Housing Alternatives Still live at home On-Campus May or may not be charged rent Least expensive option! On-Campus Dormitory Small rooms rented to students Contains bed, desk, dresser and maybe couch Sorority and fraternity houses Cooperative housing

Housing Alternatives Duplexes Condominiums Looks like single family home Two separate living quarters with two separate entries Larger than an apartment, but not as expensive as a house Condominiums Own/Rent Individual in shared communities with common grounds (house, apartment, duplex)

Housing Alternatives Houses Apartments Usually most expensive option More roommates to share expenses Apartments Small size Furnished (bed, tables, couches, etc) or unfurnished

Living Arrangements Choose your roommate Get to know each other before moving in Discuss lifestyle habits Smoking, drinking, clean, use of free time, boy/girlfriends Source of income Share common expenses Rent, utilities, food, laundry, etc. Transportation

Living Arrangements Choose where to live Budget rent to be 25-30% of net pay Security deposit Refundable amount of money paid in advance in order to protect landlord against damage or non-payment Cleaning fee May be charged upon leaving

Living Arrangements What to take Furnished or unfurnished? Towels, sheets Dorms need extra-long twin sheets Cleaning supplies Mops, broom, vacuum, detergent, cleaners Personal items Shampoo, cosmetics, medicines Clothing, shoes, dress clothes Pots, pans, dishes, silverware Lamps, hangers, clock, television, decorations

Planning Your Move Plan the move Hire movers? Installation charges Electricity, gas, cable, phone Deposits $75-100 or more may be required Refunded when your credit is established Parents may co-sign to avoid deposits

Lesson 21.2 The Rental Process List the advantages and disadvantages of renting a place to live. Describe the elements of a rental application, rental inventory, and lease. Discuss landlord and tenant responsibilities.

Advantages of Renting Mobility Convenience Minimal responsibilities Can move on short notice Month-to-month or yearly lease Convenience Located near shipping areas, school or city Minimal responsibilities You don’t have to cut grass or worry if something breaks, just call landlord Social life Many young, single or newly married people Lower living expenses Less expensive per month to rent

Disadvantages of Renting Noise Live in close quarters, share walls You can hear music, talking, walking around at late hours Lack of privacy People nearby all the time Can also be an advantage if living alone! Small quarters Lack of storage Often no garage or safe place to store bikes or other items Lack of parking May have to park on the street

Landlord Responsibilities Habitable dwelling that includes Wall, windows, roof and doors to keep out cold and water Floors, walls, ceilings and stairs in good shape Elevators, halls, stairways meet fire and safety standards Secure locks Plumbing facilities up to code Adequate water supply Lighting, wiring, heating and appliances in good shape and meet safety standards Clean and sanitary building and grounds

Tenant Responsibilities Usually clearly stated in lease Must abide by the terms of your agreement Pay rent on or before due date Give at least 30 days notice of moving Keep place in good condition Prevent unnecessary wear and tear Use the apartment/house for the purpose it was intended Notify landlord of any needed repair You must grant access Obey rules of building and be respectful of other tenants