Many
students are concerned about living off campus simply because of potential
problems. After all, you’ll need to take extra steps to stay safe and avoid
disputes with your landlord. However, these are minor challenges to overcome,
especially when you consider all the advantages of living in student rentals in Waterloo.
In fact, with the right planning, there is no reason you should experience any
issues at all.
1. Avoid Becoming a Target for a
Break-In
Take
measures to prevent your home from becoming appealing to thieves. When you go
out, draw the curtains of any windows with a street view or at least keep
valuables out of sight. Always confirm that windows and doors are securely
fastened — including when you are in the house.
2. Stay Alert
Be on the
lookout for anyone in your neighbourhood acting suspiciously. Take extra care
when arriving home late in the evening.
3. Never Hide Keys
Leaving a
key under the doormat or elsewhere in the entranceway is all but inviting
thieves into your home. If you worry about getting locked out, give a spare key
to a trusted neighbour.
4. Prevent Fires
Check your
smoke alarm on a regular basis. Avoid accidents by never leaving the oven or
dryer on when you leave home, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Unplug items
like hair straighteners as soon as you’ve finished with them.
5. Report Maintenance Needs
Confirm what
your responsibilities are and what are the responsibilities of your landlord by
reading your lease. For instance, you may be required to shovel snow and keep the
yard in good condition. However, your landlord should carry out repairs to
appliances and fixtures. If you need any maintenance, inform your landlord as
soon as possible.
6. Take Out the Garbage
It is
crucial that you take out the trash regularly. Letting it build up will attract
pests ranging from flies to rats, which could cause damage to your unit.
7. Be Respectful
If you are
renting a room in your landlord’s apartment, go a step further. Keep common
areas clean, avoid making too much noise, and obey the rules of the house.
You can
eliminate the headaches that come with renting off-campus University of
Waterloo housing by staying in a student rental like King Street
Towers. Staff are on call 24 hours a day to resolve any problem you may face,
only people who live in the building are allowed to enter unattended, and you
have no need to worry about repairs — simply submit a maintenance request for
whatever you need.
