Roommates
True or False: Your friends will become great roommates because you get along with them
False (not necessarily): being a good roommates includes responsibilities such as paying rent on time & not violating terms & agreements of the lease. Be mindful about that and be sure to have conversations about living with one another.
True or False: Shuttle buses that run from JFK/UMass to Campus Center/Bayside are available 24/7
False: Make sure to check the schedules for shuttle buses on the UMB website, especially when you’re staying at school late to study. They run frequently starting early and into the night, but not 24/7.
Where can you leave your trash carts or barrel?
Next to the snow banks
What do landlords have to provide you with?
Your landlord is responsible for providing their tenants with a working heating system
Name the 2 common types of rental agreements.
Leases & tenancy-at-will
Can your future roommates ask for cash payments or bank transfers before you see the place to reserve the apartment for you to view (just in case someone moves in beforehand)?
There are no laws that allows landlords or your future roommates to do so, especially before seeing the place yourself. Be alert that this may be a scam
Where can students go if they’re facing a lack of basic necessities and food insecurities?
U-ACCESS - the university’s food insecurity support office and pantry
What is frostbite?
Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and body tissue.
Can your property owner evict you (end your tenancy) with the proper written notice?
No, if a property owner wants to evict you, they must end your tenancy with the proper written notice, and file a summary process action in court. Ultimately, only a judge can evict you
True or False: Your landlord is responsible for your rental unit to be free of pest infestations being free of garbage and other waste
True
True or False: if your roommates leave their belongings in the kitchen or another common space, it’s acceptable to borrow or use without their permission because you are sharing everything
False: Be respectful of other tenants’ space and belongings, even if you are sharing the bedroom with them not just other common spaces. Have an honest conversation about what you can or cannt use/borrow
What is The Ride?
The Ride is a service offered by the MBTA, The Ride will provide drop off directly to the front doors of the Campus Center.
Why would the city fine you for shoveling?
Because it could push snow into the street.
Can a landlord cannot charge interest or a penalty on late rent until 30 days after the due date?
Yes
Who can charge you finder’s fees or broker’s fees?
Only a licensed real estate broker or salesperson can charge you a fee for the purpose of finding an apartment. The amount, due date, and the purpose of the fee must be disclosed to you prior to any transaction
Why it is important to talk to your potential roommates as much as possible about responsibilities and consider filling out a roommate agreement form?
You might be responsible for your roommate’s damages to your apartment or violating leasing terms
Where is the BeaconCard office that I can go to replace my missing Beacon Card?
BeaconCard Office in Quinn 2-59 (2nd Floor, between Parking & Transportation and Health Services, room 59)
True or False: You have to clear your sidewalks immediately after the snowfall ends
FALSE: You have three hours of snowfall ending or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight to clear sidewalks within
By law, how much can the property owner’s insurance has to cover up in costs per household for costs or damages to tenants affected by a fire?
By law, the property owner’s insurance has to cover up to $750 in costs per household for costs or damages to tenants affected by a fire.
TRUE or FALSE: Your landlord can evict you for any reason a month after proper written notification
FALSE: If a property owner wants to evict you, they must end your tenancy with the proper written notice, and file a summary process action in court. Ultimately, only a judge can evict you
True or False: you should never ask your potential roommate
False: Be respectful of other tenants’ space and belongings, even if you are sharing the bedroom with them not just other common spaces. Have an honest conversation about what you can or cannt use/borrow
The name of the university resource that provides free legal assistance and advice to students.
Justice Bridge
Why are plastic shovels better the metal shovels?
Metal tools may cause damage to your roof
Property owners and their brokers CANNOT charge what?
A fee to hold the apartment.
When can the utility company can terminate your utility?
The utility company must notify you 30 days before the scheduled termination