What do I do if my water has been shut off?
Contact your local community’s water department or city hall to find further information on what needs to be done in order to reestablish water service.
What do I do if my electricity has been shut off?
Contact your local electricity provider, such as MidAmerican Energy or Linn County REC, to discuss what options you have in order to have your electricity restored.
What do I do if my gas has been shut off?
Contact MidAmerican Energy or your local gas provider to find further information on what needs to be completed in order to reestablish gas service to your home.
What do I do if my home has bugs, rodents, bats, or other creepy crawlies?
Depending on the size of the animal or critter you can contact a pest control company (bugs, cockroaches, etc.), Animal Control, or the local Police Department to assist with your new found friend.
"We just lost all of our security deposit!"
How to protect your deposit…
- know and understand damage deposit information
- complete an inspection checklist upon moving in
- CLEAN the rental unit thoroughly upon moving out
- call TLA with any questions
"We're being EVICTED?!"
How to protect yourself…
- pay rent on time
- do not smoke or keep pets illegally
- maintain reasonably noise levels, especially at night
- contact TLA immediately if you are notified of an eviction
"Hey, I'm moving out…you can cover my rent, right?"
How to protect yourself…
- make sure your potential roommate(s) are financially stable
- ask about your potential roommate(s) habits, significant other, cleanliness, etc. before signing a lease with them
- see the sample roommate agreement
"That toilet has been broken for days. Yuck!"
How to get repairs when you need them…
- be sure to have your landlord and property management's contact information before signing a lease
- keep documentation of the conditions and needed repairs
- reference the TLA website for more information regarding repairs, maintenance and living conditions
"We should have lived closer to campus!"
How to find really great housing…
- research multiple properties and property managements well ahead of signing a lease
- view a variety of housing before deciding
- DO NOT sign a lease for a property you have not seen
"Where's my car?"
How to avoid a parking disaster…
- check the parking status at your apartment: free, paid, assigned, on-street, off-street, underground, etc.
- register your vehicle if parking spaces are assigned at your building
- be respectful of other spaces, especially when having guests park at your building
"We're being sued?"
How to avoid small claims court…
- DO NOT abandon your property
- know and understand damage deposit information
- contact TLA immediately
"I'll never find a replacement while I study abroad."
How to avoid getting stuck with the rent…
- think about subleasing early, especially if you know you'll be studying abroad or student teaching
- see the sample subleasing agreement
- know that you are still legally bound to the original leasing agreement
"I thought you called the electric company?"
How to move in with ALL your utilities set up…
- inquire with the landlord which companies he/she would recommend
- call utility companies well in advance to set up service (especially cable/internet)
- be prepared to put down a deposit on some utilities, especially as a first-time renter
"This ISN'T what I agreed to!"
How to protect yourself…
- READ and UNDERSTAND the leasing agreement before signing
- never sign and incomplete lease
- be sure to get a signed copy for yourself before leaving the rental office
- contact TLA for answers to your renting questions
