1. Transition to Off-Campus Housing

2. Begin your search by asking these questions: How much can I afford to spend on rent? Where would I like to live? What kind of housing would I like? How many people will I feel comfortable living with? Same sex/opposite sex? What transportation is available to me?

3. Where can I find Housing? Off campus housing list on the Dean of Students website (http://dso.nmu.edu) Bulletin boards in the University Center Classified section of the Mining Journal (http://miningjournal.net) The Yellow Pages under Apartments or Realtors

4. Questions To Ask about the Rent/Security Deposit How much is the rent per month? Is there a security deposit? How much is it? How much do I have to pay to move in? Do I have to pay before I move in? When is the rent due? What if I am late paying the rent? Can the rent be raised during the time of the lease? What is included in the rent? Snow removal? Garbage pick up? Utilities? Can I have pets? Is there a limit to the number of people who may live there? Is there adequate parking?

5. What to ask about a Lease Make sure there is a written lease. What are the terms of the lease? If more than one student will be renting the house or apartment, do we all sign the lease? What happens if I have to break the lease? May I sublet to another person?

6. Before you sign a lease… Make sure you understand the lease Make sure the lease is for the period of time you plan to stay Be sure any verbal agreements have been added to the lease in writing Be sure you know how to resolve problems that may arise regarding your lease Make sure the house/apartment is registered with the Fire Marshall

7. Tenants and Landlords A Practical Guide Where can I get a copy of the “Tenants and Landlords – A Practical Guide” booklet? –In the Dean of Students Office 2001 CB Hedgcock Building –On the Dean of Students website (http://dso.nmu.edu)

8. Others Expenses to Consider BEFORE You Sign a Lease Deposits for Utilities - Electric Gas Water/Sewer Telephone Cable Television/Internet Access Garbage bags and/or recycling bins Groceries Laundry Facilities

9. Helpful Hints Do an inventory/damage checklist when you first move in and give a copy to your landlord…TAKE PICTURES Look into Renter’s Insurance Introduce yourself to your neighbors Save all receipts and correspondence Communicate with your roommates… hold a weekly or bi-weekly roommates meeting

10. Renter’s Insurance Where do I get Renter’s Insurance? Check the Yellow Pages in the telephone book under “Insurance”. Several local companies offer this type of insurance (i.e. State Farm, Allstate, Alger General Insurance Agency, Elder Agency, etc.) You can also look on the internet under “Renter’s Insurance” to find companies that offer this type of insurance (i.e. Geico, AAA, Balboa Insurance Group, etc.). You may be able to get this type of insurance under your parent’s insurance policy…check with them to see if this is possible.

11. Meter Violations FineAfter 48 Hours M1Expired Meter$5.00$8.00 Restricted Violations R1Parked too close to Crosswalk$10.00$15.00 R2Improper parking$10.00$15.00 R3Parked too Close to Driveway$10.00$15.00 R4Obstructing Sidewalk$10.00$15.00 R5Double Parked$10.00$15.00 R6Parked too close to Hydrant$10.00$15.00 R7Parked in Alley$10.00$15.00 R8Parked Left Side of Street$10.00$15.00 R9 Parked 1:00 am to 6:00 am (Nov 1 - Apr 1) Winter Parking Ban $50.00$55.00 R10Parked in Loading Zone$15.00$20.00 R11Parked in Restricted Zone$10.00$15.00 R12Parked over Two Hour Limit$10.00$15.00 R13Parked over One Hour Limit$10.00$15.00 R14Parked 1:00 am to 6:00 am$10.00$15.00 R15Parked 7:00 am to 3:00 pm$10.00$15.00 R16Parked on Private Property$10.00$15.00 R18Handicapped Zone$50.00 $75.00 Rates subject to change without notice

12. For Additional Information or Assistance: Visit the Dean of Students Office website @ www.nmu.edu/dso Visit the City of Marquette website @ www.mqtcity.org Visit the ASNMU website @ www.nmu.edu/asnmu