With increased independence comes increased responsibility. As a tenant and community member of Corvallis, there are ways that you can live responsibly to prevent yourself from getting into difficult situations. The follow section provides you with important information to keep yourself safe and remain an upstanding member of the Corvallis community.

Tenant responsibilities

  • Use the property only as a home.
  • Pay your rent on time.
  • Behave in a manner that will not disturb your neighbors.
  • Use the rooms, appliances, plumbing fixtures and facilities in a reasonable manner.
  • Keep the rental clean, sanitary and free of trash.
  • Not remove batteries from — or tamper with — a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector.
  • Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage or remove any part of the rental property.
  • Be responsible for the actions of anyone who is on the premises with your permission.
  • Return the property to your landlord in the same condition in which you received it, except for reasonable wear and tear.

Code of Student Conduct

Oregon State University’s Code of Student Conduct applies to all students whether living on or off campus. Students are expected to be upstanding members of the Corvallis and university communities. Breaking the law or violating a city ordinance is also a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Sanctions may include alcohol and drug education, community service and reflection papers. For more serious violations, a student may be suspended or expelled from the university. Look at it this way — as an Oregon State student, you represent the university — whether you’re socializing on campus, eating at a restaurant in Corvallis or visiting friends in Portland. Represent us well.

Theft prevention

Corvallis is a safe place to live, and the crime rate is relatively low. Break-ins and bike thefts are the most common, so learn how to keep your home, car and belongings safe: 

  • Keep all doors and windows locked, including garage doors. A surprising majority of burglaries are reported as unforced entry.
  • Prevent window shopping. Close curtains or blinds.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your car.
  • Be bright. Connect an automatic timer plug to an interior lamp and turn on your porch light to deter burglars.
  • Burglars often target homes when they see mail piling up on the doorstep. Use the free hold mail service if you’re going to be away.
  • Don’t trust the garden gnome. Burglars know all the hiding spots for house keys.
  • Getting to know your neighbors can greatly reduce the chances of a break-in.
  • Use a U-lock or other sturdy lock to secure your bike. Don’t leave it parked in a public place overnight. when riding at night.

Fire safety

  • Cooking accidents are the leading cause of home fires and injuries.
    • Do not leave cooking food unattended or stack anything on a stovetop. If your cooking catches fire, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover, because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool. Never throw water on a grease fire. Use baking soda instead.
    • Other fire hazards:
      • Candles — Never leave a candle unattended.
      • Overloaded electrical circuits — Don’t plug too many things into the same outlet.
      • Open coil heaters — Keep away from curtains and clothing.
    • Smoke alarms are required outside of every sleeping area and on every level of the residence. Do not tamper with smoke alarms. Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries as needed.

Bike safety

OSU is one of the top ten most bike friendly campuses in the nation, according to Best Colleges Online. To help keep it that way, follow these and other bike safety tips:

  • Be bright, be seen. According to Oregon law, bicyclists must have a rear reflector and a front headlight that is visible from 500 feet away when riding at night. It is also smart to use reflectors on other parts of your bike as well. The brighter you are, the safer you are.
  • Bicyclists in Oregon must follow all vehicle laws. This includes stopping at stop signs and using turn signals with your hands. Yes, you can receive a ticket if you don’t.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Don’t drink and ride. You can receive a DUII for riding a bicycle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Lock your bike using a U-lock or other sturdy lock. Bike theft is common in Corvallis, and thieves often look for the most expensive bikes to steal.
  • Know your bike’s serial number and register your bike with the Department of Public Safety in Cascade Hall. Registering your bike may increase the likelihood that it’s retrieved and returned to you if it’s stolen.

 

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