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Monday, November 5, 2018

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Housing Guide Fall 2018

An Independent Student Newspaper, Founded in 1900. 2221 University Ave. SE, Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone: (612) 627-4080 Fax: (612) 435-5865 Copyright © 2018 The Minnesota Daily This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted.

OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER Kelly Busche Editor-in-Chief kbusche@mndaily.com (612) 435-1575 Genevieve Locke Business Operations Officer glocke@mndaily.com (612) 435-2761

The Sophomore Year Housing Search

Renters’ Rights

EDITORIAL STAFF Max Chao Managing Editor mchao@mndaily.com =

Christine Ha Managing Production Editor cha@mndaily.com =

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Madeline Deninger City Editor mdeninger@mndaily.com =

Katrina Pross Campus Administration Editor kpross@mndaily.com =

Drew Cove Sports Editor dcove@mndaily.com Sophie Vilensky A&E Editor svilensky@mndaily.com =

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Molly Tynjala Copy Desk Chief mtynjala@mndaily.com Desmond Kamas Chief Page Designer dkamas@mndaily.com Jane Borstad Visuals Editor jborstad@mndaily.com =

The Housing grid

Three ways to save money while living in an apartment

Apartments v. houses

Hailee Schievelbein Visuals Editor hschievelbein@mndaily.com =

EDITORIAL BOARD Ray Weishan Editorials & Opinions Editor rweishan@mndaily.com =

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* The contents of this guide were created by the Minnesota Daily’s Business Team

The Sophomore Year Housing Search

BY EMMA CULBERTSON The frantic search to find affordable and desirable housing for the upcoming school year is a task college students know all too well. The Minnesota Daily’s business department spoke with Eliza Warneke, a University of Minnesota sophomore majoring in nursing, about her journey out of the dorms. The Minnesota Daily: Where did you live last year? Eliza Warneke: Last year I lived in 17th Avenue Residence Hall, but now I live in an apartment in Stadium Village with three other girls. MND: As a freshman last year, when did you start looking for housing for sophomore year? EW: I started looking for housing pretty early, probably mid to late September. It was a very stressful situation, especially as a freshman. … You don’t really know a lot of people, and those that you do know, you don’t know very well. Also, it was difficult to find a place with a price that was within a range that I was comfortable with. There are so many factors to take into consideration, like location, amenities, price and many more. However, I do believe that I got very lucky with my current situation. MND: Why did you choose to live in your current living situation? EW: I currently live in Stadium Village Flats, which I chose for many reasons. SVF is fully furnished and [it is] in a great location if you are a nursing student like me. Many of my classes are only a five minute walk from my apartment, and even less for some great food options like

Chipotle, Noodles & [Company], Haiku [and others].The cost of living at SVF is a bit pricey, but it was manageable for this year. MND: How do you like Stadium Village Flats compared to 17th Avenue? EW: 17th Avenue was a very nice place to live, especially for a dorm. However, I don’t think I could ever go back to living in a dorm. There were many factors that contributed to some negative experiences I had, and many of those have been resolved now that I am living in an apartment. I enjoy having my own space instead of sharing a very small room with another person. And I’d much rather make my own food and choose what to eat, [rather] than [depend] on what the dining hall is serving that day. Although I love living in an apartment, I do believe that dorms are a good option for incoming freshmen, because I don’t think I’d [have been] prepared [enough] to be responsible for rent and making my own food as a freshman. Also, by living in a dorm, you meet many more people. ... So it’s a great way to meet new people and make some friends. MND: Have you thought about housing for next year? EW: I started thinking about housing for next year in early September, just so I could have an idea of what I wanted to do. SVF is increasing their rent by an amount that is out of my range, so I decided to sign a lease somewhere cheaper but still on campus. It was less stressful deciding where to live and who to live with this time around because I already had an idea of who I’d like to live with for my junior year.

Monday, November 5, 2018

RENTERS’ RIGHTS BY BRENNA CONNOLLY This year marks the 50th anniversary since Minnesota lawmaker and University of Minnesota alumnus Walter Mondale authored the 1968 Fair Housing Act. The landmark legislation protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying or securing financing for housing. It is largely seen as the culmination of a civil rights movement against housing discrimination. The Fair Housing Act paved the way for legislation aimed at protecting renters and landlords alike. Here are some rights to be aware of as you begin your off-campus housing journey!

Before you sign

1. Do a walk-through of the unit; inspect the carpets, kitchen appliances and water pressure. It might seem silly to flush the toilets, but get in there! You have the right to ensure your potential apartment is well maintained. 2. To improve your chances of having necessary repairs done, make a list of problems you notice and request the landlord sign the list before you sign your lease. The landlord may refuse, but reaching an agreement about repairs protects both parties in the event of future disagreement on the matter. 3. Clarify what utilities you are responsible for paying for as the tenant. For instance, some landlords cover water, others don’t. If your potential place has a single meter for multiple units, the method used to divide the bill must be mentioned in the lease along with a clause stating that the actual bill for the building and its subsequent breakdown of apportioning will be provided to tenants

upon request.

During your stay

4. Usually, tenants are not allowed to paint the walls, alter flooring or make changes to permanent structures without the consent of the landlord. So make sure you get approval before recruiting your friends to help you breathe new life into those eggshell white walls! 5. Subletting can be a pain to arrange, but it is permitted as long as there is nothing in the lease that says otherwise. When a sublet is secured, the new tenant takes over the duties of the original tenant (read: pays their rent). However, if they fail to do so, the original tenant may be held responsible. It is best to get an agreement in writing from all parties. 6. Your landlord is allowed to enter your residence for “reasonable business purposes,” such as showing the apartment or performing maintenance, but it is illegal to enter without prior notice. There is some fine print to this, so read up before engaging in fisticuffs. But know that renters are afforded general privacy under the law.

After move out

7. Ah, the elusive return of the security deposit. After the lease ends, the landlord has 21 days to either return your deposit in full, with interest, or provide written explanation for why it will not be returned. Landlords may only withhold portions of the security deposit to cover the cost of unpaid rent, damage to the unit beyond normal wear or other money the tenant owes under the agreement of the lease. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the time frame, they must pay the tenant a penalty equal to the withheld amount, with interest, in addition to the amount of the deposit, with interest.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Three ways to save money while living in an apartment

BY JORDAN STRATING

for your apartment building.

Living in an apartment can be pricey. Here are a few tips to make the stress and cost of living on your own a little more manageable.

2. Work at the front desk To get some extra cash to help pay for the cost of living in an apartment, work at the front desk of your apartment building. As an added bonus, you can often work on homework in your downtime and pick up a shift when you have breaks between classes.

1. Watch your energy use Utilities add up, and rent is expensive enough as it is. Be green and save some money by turning off that extra light you aren’t really using. Although it may be convenient to have a washer and dryer in your unit, you can decrease your water bill by living in an apartment building with laundry in the building instead. Additionally, you and your roommates may get your utilities compensated, or some other perk, if you become a tour guide

3. Meal prep Living on your own means you have to cook for yourself — and let’s be honest, sometimes you’re too busy. Meal prepping just one day a week, especially lunch, can save you tons of money and time. Cooking a meal or two and portioning it out for

other days helps you resist spending money on orange chicken from

Panda Express or a sandwich at Erbert and Gerbert’s.

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY FILE PHOTO

Monday, November 5, 2018

Aparments vs. houses BY GENEVIEVE BENSON Looking for off-campus housing can be overwhelming. The pressure to sign a lease right away is difficult with so many options available. Many factors contribute to a great living space, and each renters’ needs and wants for their ideal home are unique. Here is a comprehensive outline to break it down:

Apartment: An apartment can be a great option for students, especially after living in a dorm for your first year of college. There is less responsibility when living in an apartment because they can come furnished and have a system in place for utilities. Living in an apartment can cost less with electricity, water, heating and cooling because some apartments include it in the rent. Usually, apartment maintenance is included and maintenance staff will help with anything from a leaky faucet to a broken air conditioning unit. Having access to on-demand aid comes in handy when you know you can’t fix the problem on your own. Front desk staff are also available to help with issues, mail and building safety. Telling your parents you have extra security and front desk staff can ease their nerves about you living completely on your own. Amenities, amenities, amenities. Apartments advertise luxurious amenities to entice you to sign that lease. We both know you need that indoor hot tub, tanning booth or spacious study lounge. Parking spaces are in demand. Just beware, you’re paying for those services and you’ll feel it when rent is due.

Living in an apartment won’t be the same as having your own home because you are sharing your hallways with hundreds of other people. However, if you can’t find roommates yourself, the management usually has a system to pair you up with new roomies. You can often sublease through that same process, taking away the stress of finding someone to take over your room while you’re taste-testing tapas in España or studying art in the Italian Gallerias. Altogether, apartments tend to be easier to manage and are a great option if you are transitioning from the dorms. Now, time to hit the hot tub.

apartment, such as putting nails in the walls. Make sure to check with your landlord first though; you don’t want to get charged extra for that “Saturdays are for the boys” flag you hung up with box nails. Keep in mind that living in a house brings more freedom and more liability. No matter what you choose, wheth-

er it’s an apartment, house or alternative option, know your rights and read over that lease a few times. Once you sign the contract, you’re agreeing to the terms and conditions on the lease. It’s tempting to sign right away without carefully evaluating the agreement, but this isn’t an Apple software update, it’s your future home.

House: You’ve finally made it. You’re living in what feels like your very own home, which it sort of is. Living in a house can provide renters with a lot more freedom. In a house, you’re not sharing your building with countless other people and you don’t have to wait for an elevator to get to your floor. Picture this: you’re walking through Como to reach your little yellow house with the white porch. With a house, you’re almost guaranteed a yard, a bigger living and parking space and maybe even a garage. It’s the dream, but with all dreams come responsibility. Here’s the good news: landlords often help with maintenance and other issues that arise. Some landlords include yard work, snow plowing the driveway and other services in your rent, which can make your life a whole lot easier. Living in a house affords more privacy and separates you from noisy neighbors. Frequently, landlords that own the house you’re renting will allow you to do things you would not be able to do in an

ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY FILE PHOTO

Monday, November 5, 2018

Best Public Transportation: Dinkytown vs. Stadium Village BY LIAM JONES Apartment and house hunting can be a daunting task, but so can getting from point A to point B, so don’t let your transportation concerns fade into the background when choosing your next living space. A breakdown of the transportation options in two of the most popular living areas, Dinkytown and Stadium Village, might be helpful as you consider your options.

Stadium Village Are you a fan of trains? Well, do I have the place for you! Stadium Village apartments such as WaHu, Dinnaken House, The Hub and Univer-

sity Commons lie conveniently along the light rail. Depending on your apartment, you could be only a few blocks from the Stadium Village or East Bank light rail stop. Looking to go to a concert or the bars with your friends? The light rail makes getting to places fast and convenient, giving you the run of the bars on West Bank, in Midway and in downtown Minneapolis as well as any concert venues or coffee shops in the area. In addition to your love of trains, I’m guessing you might also be a fan of food (who isn’t?). The light rail also helps with grocery runs; in about half an hour, you can find yourself perusing the isles of Aldi or Cub, debating the merits of different cereal brands. These are all great transportation op-

tions for weekend shenanigans and chores, but how about getting around campus? The University bus system has you covered! The 4th Street Circulator shuttles students from Stadium Village to Dinkytown and West Bank while the Campus Connector gets them to any St. Paul classes they might have; just hop on by TCF Bank Stadium. But wait, doesn’t the 4th Street Circulator stop running at 6 p.m.? Sadly, yes. That 3 a.m. study grind in Dinkytown would prove to be problematic … if it weren’t for the Metro Transit #2 Bus! The bus services Dinkytown and Stadium Village much later and even runs across 35W.

Dinkytown Dinkytown is home to many student housing options, from apartments to houses and Co-ops. The community features plenty of entertainment, as well as countless restaurants. But reader, I’m sure the adventurer in you is asking: What else can I get from Dinkytown? I’m glad you asked. The 4th Street Circulator gives students a quick ride to West Bank, dropping them off right outside the Carlson School of Management. For those studying on West Bank, this is a bomb option for fast transportation. A word to the wise, however; make sure to budget time to get over there! During the winter season, this popular bus can be overcrowded and

riders sometimes have to wait for a different one. Don’t have classes on West Bank? If your classes are on the St. Paul Campus, your best bet is a short walk to the Jones Hall stop, where you can hop on the Campus Connector. This same bus also drops students off outside Bruininks Hall, so East Bank students can get a little closer to their classes. Outside the University bus system, Dinkytown has Metro Buses #2, #3 and #6. You know what that means? Not a whole lot if you don’t know where those routes go! Luckily, this article is here to help you out. The #2 Bus can drop you off ONE block from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the city’s free art museum! Trying to hit up Uptown for some shopping, dining or barhopping? The #6 has you covered! Why don’t you take a stroll around the beautiful Loring Park or visit the Walker Art Museum and sculpture garden while you’re at it? The #6 has stops at all of these spots and can even take you to the heart of Downtown. Finally, for you Como fans out there, the #3 is going to be your friend. This party-wagon can get you to Como Avenue, St. Paul Campus and even Downtown St. Paul. You can choose to live in Dinkytown, Stadium Village or a number of other places around town and offcampus. With public transportation like ours, you have tons of options. The world is your oyster!

Monday, November 5, 2018