Before Renting
While Renting
After Renting
 

 

Before Renting

This section will cover the essential information you need to know before renting from a property management company. You will learn about the rental process, housing search considerations, how to find housing, housing inspection, and signing a lease.

Rental Process
  • Secure roommates and locate housing. Have a conversation with roommates before moving in together and lay out the expectations by writing an agreement. Some things to consider talking through are cleanliness, throwing parties, sharing items, taking out the trash and having guests over.
  • Apply for housing. Many housing options are first come first serve. It is ideal to begin the housing search several months in advance to beat the rush and begin the initial steps of applying. Applying early also gives you time to prepare the necessary documents that property management companies require upon renting. Make sure you check what documents are required with your property manager.
  • Walk through each rental property that you are interested in with the landlord and evaluate the living space.  
  • Thoroughly evaluate the Lease Agreement. Carefully read through the leasing documents and ask questions to clarify any uncertainties about the lease agreement with your landlord.
  • Sign Lease Agreement. Once you have read through the leasing paperwork and feel comfortable with the answers to your questions, it is time to sign the lease and make it official. 
  • Pay security deposit and rent.

 

Housing Search Considerations
  • Number of rooms and bedrooms: How many roommates do you have and how many bedrooms do you need? What about general living space?
  • Price: What is your budget? Can you afford to live in the neighborhood you want to live in?
  • Location and transportation: Make sure you are okay with the location of your new home. Is proximity to public transportation a priority?
  • Parking: Are you provided parking space or is it an additional cost? Is there on-site parking or will you have to park on the street?
  • Pets and Accessibility: Do you have pets or any special needs? Not all locations allow pets and not all locations cater to individuals with disabilities.
  • Compatibility: Does your housing preference suit you? Does it fit your need of comfort?

 

How to Find Housing

There are a number of resources you can use to find housing. They range all the way from a simple internet search to the on-campus Corvallis Housing Fair. Here is a list of some resources for finding housing around Corvallis: Google Search, Craigslist, Property Management Websites, Barometer advertisements, Corvallis Housing Fair, Bulletin Boards.

 

Housing Inspection

It is crucial to do a housing inspection prior to move in. Some things to look for include mold, general cleanliness, cabinets, floors, insects, bathroom fan, air conditioning, plumbing and condition of appliances.  Your landlord is responsible for the pre-existing damages in your home prior to move-in. For this reason, photograph or videotape the condition of the unit before you move into it. Record the condition and ask the landlord to sign the record so they are aware.

 

Signing a Lease
  • Warning: Never sign a lease without seeing the property
  • Read it very carefully!
  • Remember, this is a legal process
  • Don’t rush and ask questions
  • Get everything in writing to keep a paper trail
  • Research your landlord
  • Get a copy of the lease before you sign and have ASOSU Student Legal Services review it with you.
  • Be sure to get a copy once signed.

 

 

While Renting

This section will cover the essential information that you need to know while renting from a property management company. You will learn about how to pay rent, tenant and landlord rights, common tenant problems, and house repairs. 

How to Pay Your Rent
  • Rent is typically due on the 1st of every month. Make sure you talk to your property manager and are clear on the date that you will be paying rent. Talk to your roommates to make sure that rent payment expectations are set out far in advance.

 

Landlord Obligations

Your landlord is obligated to abide by a number of different laws that are in place to protect YOU. Obligations:

  • Comply with all applicable building, housing, health and safety codes, including the Corvallis Livability Code.
  • Keep the property fit, safe and in habitable condition.
  • Maintain all appliances, services and equipment set forth in agreement.
  • Provide 24-hour notice prior to entering the unit (unless there is an emergency).
  • Provide smoke detector alarms.
Tenant Obligations
  • Being a tenant of a rental property, you are responsible to follow these tenant obligations:
    • Keep the property safe, sanitary and free from damage.
    • Dispose of all garbage in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.
      • Note: $250 fine for Theft of Service – for using somebody else’s dumpster.
    • Use electrical, plumbing and appliances fixtures properly.
    • Inform the landlord in a timely manner about issues with the property that may arise (i.e. broken appliances, mold, plumbing problems, etc.).
    • Comply with housing, health and safety codes that apply to tenants.
    • Do not disturb your neighbor’s peaceful enjoyment.
    • Allow the landlord to enter the premises if the request is reasonable, and proper advance notice is given.
    • Follow rules in lease agreement
    • Replace light bulbs, furnace fixtures.
    • Keep heat on during winter to protect pipes.

 

Common Tenant Problems and Overcoming Them

These are common housing issues identified by property managers. Residents may be cited for:

  • Water damage and bidets.
  • Lack of ventilation.
  • Accumulated trash.
  • Leaving trash cans out after trash pick-up day.
  • Couches and other furniture in front yard.
  • Grease fires –extinguish with baking soda.
  • Damage from placing hot plates on the countertops.
  • Noise violations.
  • Putting trash items down the sink or other plumbing.
  • Failure to call in work orders.

 

House Repairs

Here is a list of common housing issues: clogged pipes or plumbing, mold, heating systems, broken windows, locks, electrical wiring/outlets, drippy faucet or running toilets, appliances non-functional.

  • What do I do when I need a repair?
    • In the situation that you do not receive a response from your landlord within a reasonable time, considering contacting ASOSU Legal Services at (541) 737-4165 or the Corvallis Rental Housing Program.
    • Follow up with repair request in writing. Have a copy for your record. Provide your name and phone number, rental address and detailed description of the repairs needed. Pictures may be beneficial.
    • If your repair is an emergency, call your landlord as soon as possible
    • “According to Oregon Law, a landlord shall at all times during the tenancy maintain the dwelling unit in a habitable condition.”

 

After Renting

This section will cover the essential information that you need to know as you prepare to move out.

 

Moving Out 

Now it’s time to move out of a place you used to call home. Here are a few tips for getting your security deposit back:

  • Keep your house in great condition from the day you move-in.
  • Clean regularly. Not only will this enhance appearance, but it will prevent long term damage of the property and help keep great hygiene.
  • Prevent damages. Be mindful of your surroundings and make sure your guests do the same. Make sure there are no spills or stains.
  • Leave the home in the same condition you got it in. This is where your move-in documentation will come in handy. 
  • Consider donating reusable unwanted items to local nonprofit organizations or bring them to Great Move Out event hosted by CCR during spring term. Check back soon for more information about the Great Move Out.
  • Do not leave large items such as furniture or televisions on the side of the road or sidewalk. You may be subject to hefty fines from your property management company or landlord if you choose to do so.