After You Move In

• Complete a "Change of Address" form at the nearest post office. Also update your local address information with Towson Online Services.
• Complete a thorough inventory of your apartment. Give a copy of the inspection form to your landlord and keep a copy for your files.
• Obtain a paper copy of your lease.
• Arrange to have your phone service and other utilities turned on if necessary.
• Consider purchasing renter’s insurance. First, check if your parent's or guardian's homeowners insurance will cover your personal property.
• Check your lease to learn who is responsible for things like lawn maintenance and other repairs. Fines can be issued if properties are not maintained. 
• Find out your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

• Always get a written receipt from your landlord when you pay rent or a deposit.
• Communicate. It is important to communicate with your landlord. Keep the lines of communication open. 
• Keep record or any text messages, emails, or voicemails from your landlord.
• Once you have moved into your new apartment, keep in mind that your landlord still owns the property and can enter it to make inspections or repairs.
• Refer to your lease to understand how facility concerns should be reported or handled. Keep a record of your requests for facility repairs to be made.
• If you think your apartment is uninhabitable, call the health department and the building inspector to inspect your apartment for housing code violations.

Have a clear verbal (or written) understanding of each other's lifestyle, how the apartment will be managed, and what you expect of each other. Consider the following questions:

• What is the protocol for visitors and guests? 
• Will you share any cleaning supplies or grocery items (bread, milk, coffee, butter, eggs)? If so, how will this arrangement work?
• How will bills be divided? Who will put which bills in their name? It may be helpful to make a shareable document with what amount is owed and when it is due.
• How will cleaning duties and chores be divided?
• When are quiet hours needed?
• How will you communicate concerns with each other? 

• Conflict is best resolved through face to face conversations. Text communication can often result in miscommunication.
• The conflict may have arisen because expectations were not clear. Try clarifying the expectations first.
• If you need help to resolve a conflict with your roommate(s), contact Student Accountability & Restorative Practices sarp@towson.edu. The SARP team facilitates conflict resolution circles between students and provide support as you navigate the situation.

• Meet your neighbors. Get their names and contact information. Be open to getting to know them. This will help if conflict arises. 
• Learn what the parking rules are in your neighborhood. Do you have dedicated spaces? Do you need a residential sticker? Be sure to park in appropriate spaces and do not block alleyways or other people's driveways. 
• Know which day Baltimore County will pick up your trash and recycling. You can search your address to find your pick up schedule. There is also a pick up schedule for yard waste (wet grass, branches, twigs, leaves, etc.).

• Be mindful of your noise. Community members want a quiet environment. Loud music or cars, shouting individuals or increased traffic will disrupt your neighbors. Baltimore County has a Social Host Ordinance in place that prohibits unruly social gatherings. Students issued fines for violating the ordinance will also face accountability from the University.
• Take responsibility for your guests. Instruct them to be respectful of your neighbors’ property. Be sure that they park in a safe place that does not inconvenience your neighbors. Ensure that they are not being too loud.
• Get involved in your Community Association. Many communities have associations that allow residents an opportunity to seek membership. These associations are helpful in serving as a voice to legislators regarding community concerns. Some also offer benefits to members, which may include snow removal service. Community associations create great avenues for remedying community issues and neighbor relations. 

• Talk to your neighbors before planning social function. Give out your phone number so they can call you if it gets too loud.
• Limit the number of guests at your social functions.
• Make sure anyone consuming alcohol is 21 or older.
• From time to time, go outside and check on the noise level of your social functions.
• Discourage guests from wandering in front of your home or around your neighborhood.
• Clean up any mess and place into secured trash bags or recycling bins.

• Keep parked cars to a minimum and be aware of the ability of others to get in and out of their driveways without their view being obstructed. Work with neighbors to develop a parking plan if not enough space is available, especially when friends visit.
• Cars should be parked in the street, garage, or in your driveway- not on the lawn or in alleyways.
• Make sure that your car is registered in Maryland or file the necessary paperwork to reside in Maryland with an out-of-state registration. 
• Make sure to register for parking if you are parking on the street. You will need a resident’s parking sticker to park your car on the streets in the neighborhood. Be sure to secure a parking sticker from the Licenses and Permits Office in Baltimore County: Office Building at 111 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Baltimore, MD.

• Secure tags with your current contact information on dogs and cats in case they leave your yard. 
• Remember to clean up after your pet if it uses a neighbor’s yard as its bathroom.
• Take care of your pets. For your individual liability and the safety of your pet, do not leave your pet unattended for long periods of time or let it roam freely.
• Barking dogs or other wandering pets are disruptive and a safety hazard.
• If your pet is aggressive, ensure that your pet cannot come in contact with other people or pets.

• Keep your apartment, home, and property clean at all times. Trash attracts bugs and/or animals and detracts from the appearance of the community.
• Ensure all trash is in a trash container with a secure lid. Uncovered trash can result in roach, ant, rat, and mouse infestations. 
• If you need to dispose of bulk items (mattresses, furniture, appliances) you can donate usable items, drop them off at Baltimore County drop-off facilities, or contract a private collector to pick them up for you. 

• Residents are required to remove snow from sidewalks for safety. 
• Be careful to remove snow from your walkway, stairs, and mailbox for the postal service.
• If you are going to be away during a winter break, make arrangements for snow to be removed while you are away.
• Snow shovels and sidewalk salt can be found at your nearest home improvement or grocery store.