Can you pass the renter’s test? ■ property managers may require co-signers or credit checks for prospective tenants Amber Fossen for the Emerald Every student has to face the ordeal of moving at some point in time. Some merely move from one residence hall to another. Others may trans fer schools, and some stu dents may decide it is time to venture off campus. Those who are considering moving off of Duck turf should keep in mind that in order to claim your own establishment, there are some things every renter needs to know. “Different properties have different criteria,” said Tim Breen, a representative of Jen nings & Co. Property Manage ment. Property value is the main reason rental unit stan dards differ. Homes or apart ments in good condition with good locations come with heavier screening. There are, however, standards that go with renting even the most dingy dwellings. Proving that you can afford your new living space is the first test every beginning renter must pass. “We either need X amount of income or a co-signer,” said Breen. The function of a co-signer is to es tablish credit. “It’s just like es tablishing credit for anything else — you have to have a co signer.” What is the quickest way for your application to be turned down? “If you’ve ever been evicted before,” Breen said. Getting evicted impacts your future rental history sig nificantly. Rental agencies shy away from problematic tenants, so it is best to keep a clean history. Once a student has proved they can rent responsibly, there are still more hoops to jump through. Credit checks are also a standard part of screening any rental applica tion. Paying your bills on time makes a difference to rental agencies. Fortunately for students seeking off-campus living, rental agencies are used to dealing with first-time renters. “Typically, what we see is your average student who’s been in the dorms for a year with no rental history,” Breen said. After a student has rented their first apart ment, the “next time they move, they’ll have some his tory.” So what lures students from the University nest? For senior Sheila Vineyard, who has lived off campus since her freshman year, it was the need for change. “I felt like the dorms were an extension of high school,” she said. Student Christoff Jefferis left the cozy nook of resi dence hall life for a different reason. “You have a lot of kids who are under 21, and by that point I was over 21,” said Jefferis. Although unsatisfied with campus living, Jefferis is quick to point out that living off campus has problems be sides just getting your appli cation approved. “If you want to live next to campus, you have to pay for crappy apartments,” said Jef feris. For whatever reasons you become swayed to live in the hustle and bustle of the out side world rather than among the student popula tion, be sure you’re prepared to meet the requirements. Practically on Campus CLAIR LU APARTMENTS at 735 E. 17th (between Alder Hilyard) j 1 Bedroom, Furnished Apartments On site laundry & parking SUMMER RATE $310 FALL RATE $410 343-2114 or 344-1583 V Two & Four blocks from UO Studio, 1 & 2 Bdrm Apartments • Swimming pool • Parking • On site laundry • Most with fireplace and dishwasher • Great on site management! Call about great summer rates! 484-9922 2267 Augusta 1,2,4 bedrooms • spacious • dishwashers 2345 Patterson 1,2,3 bedrooms • pool • sauna • patios • dishwashers 344-6540 344-6540 The Cedars f Arlie Property Management 722 Country Club Road, Eugene, Oregon 97401 (541) 344-5500 ph. kathy@arlie.com (541) 485-2550 fax Newly renovated Walking distance to University ot Oregon All utilities included 2 phone lines in each Enhanced security Locking bicycle parking Off street parking $50/mo reduction for July & August 2001 September 2001 Free w/lease Professionally managed On-site laundry Rates from $?R0/mnl Do something nice. Recycle this paper. Give it to a friend. Family Housing & University Apartments UO students with dependents or over the age of twenty-one, are invited to apply for a variety of apartments and houses which may feature some or all of the following: Playgrounds • Community Activities On-site parking • Free Internet Access Laundry Facilities • Free LocalTelephone On-site Child Care • Locations Close to Campus Rent ranges from $295/month for a studio to $880/month for a five-bedroom house, with everything in between. Residence Halls On Campus UO freshman, transfer, and graduate students are invited to apply for a variety of rooms which feature all of the following: Free Internet Access • Free CableTelevision Free Local Telephone • Community Activities Access to Free Washing Machines and 750 Dryers Access to Seven Dining Venues • Custodial Services Room & Board Rates range from $655/month to $1066/month, including meals & amenities. For more information About Family Housing & University Apartments call 346-4280, about the Residence Halls call 346-4277 Log on ,o www.houSing.uoregon.edu. or „op by oor office on .he corner of ,«h Age,, in fheW.f,on Complex. University Housing • University oS Oregon epua,-opportunity. affirmative-action institution committed to cuiturai diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.