Monthly Tips for Tenants: October

First Comes Leaves, Then Comes Snow...

And whose job is it to rake and shovel? Check your lease. If the job is yours, the lease will say so and the landlord will probably provide a rake, shovel and some salt (used to melt the snow). If it isn’t in your lease, your landlord will likely make arrangements to have the walkways, steps, and driveways cleared. If your lease doesn’t answer these questions and the leaves or snow are piling up, call your landlord or the rental office and get the answer.

So you know, it is usually the landlord's responsibility to shovel if the lease does not state it. Also, the City of Ann Arbor can issue a ticket if snow or ice accumulates.

Parking is a Sacred Commodity

By now this fact is obvious to everyone on campus. Parking Services strongly discourages students from bringing a vehicle to campus, and University Housing echoes this recommendation. Students who must bring a car and are looking for off-campus housing should be clear about what kind of parking is provided before signing a lease. Shannon, a junior transfer student, responded to an ad for a room in a three-bedroom apartment that included parking. After she signed the lease, she discovered that there were only two parking spaces provided for the apartment. Unfortunately each of her roommates also brought a car. Since she was the last to sign a lease, Shannon felt pressured to not “rock the boat" with her roommates and tried to find parking on the street. In this case, the lease should have specified how many spaces were available and Shannon should have had the opportunity to find out how many roommates had cars before she signed the lease. Then she could have decided whether she wanted the place enough to take it without the assurance of available parking every day or to continue looking for another rental.

Use the area bus services if you don’t live close enough to classes to walk. They are reliable, safe, well-maintained, and a good way to meet other people or just relax for a few minutes. Even better, they're free for U-M Students. For more information, visit the U-M Parking and Transportation and Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) Bus sites.

Personal Security Safeguards

We advise that students not knock on the doors of the rentals they’re interested in to find out rental information. It is the responsibility of management to notify current residents in advance and to show you their rental properties. Your safety is potentially at risk if you enter someone’s home unescorted or allow someone to tour your home unescorted. Many houses have signs on the outside with the property manager’s name and phone number. We encourage you to use this posted information in your search for housing. If there is no such information posted on the exterior of the house, you can contact the Housing Information Office (734) 763-3205 and we will tell you if the rental is registered with our office.

If you are out after dark studying, house-hunting, or visiting friends, take advantage of the Department of Public Safety's service, S.A.F.E. Walk. They provide companions to students who are walking at night. Blue Light Emergency Telephones are located throughout the campus area. Contact them at (734) 763-WALK (763-9255).