UVM Off Campus Living Workshop: Module 3 Slideshow
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In this slideshow, Ita Meno from Burlington's Division of Housing and Code Enforcement shares important tips to renters on everything from getting repairs, what minimum housing code is, and what to do if you have an unresponsive landlord.
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UVM Off Campus Living Workshop: Module 3 Slideshow
- 3. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 3 Off Campus Living Workshop u v m . e d u / o s c r
- 4. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 4 CHAPTER 3 B u r l i n g t o n ’ s D i v i s i o n o f H o u s i n g & C o d e E n f o r c e m e n t : H o u s i n g C o d e All rentalunits inBurlington go through a permitting process. Thereare manyordinances that Burlington’s Division of Housing and Code Enforcement havethe authority to enforce.In this chapter youwill learn all about minimumhousing code, repairs, and who to contact if your landlord is unresponsive to yourcommunications.
- 5. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 5 OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY All trash and recyclables should fit in designated containers. If there is insufficient capacity foryourhousehold’s needs you should communicate this toyourlandlord orproperty manager. The recycling in the front of this picture is neatly stacked but the trash bins in the back areoverflowing, which could lead tovermin infestations, noxious odors, among other negative consequences. This kind of problem could lead toa fine or notification ofyourlandlord.
- 6. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 6 OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY G r a s s i s n o t f o r p a r k i n g . Even a few minutes of the weight of a carcan damage a lawn considerably. It is against cityordinance to parkon green spaces and for good reason. Thesespaces arevital to managing water from rain and snow and degrading it can cost a lot of time and energyfor repair – which youcould be chargedfor.
- 7. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 7 OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY I n s i d e f u r n i t u r e s t a y s i n s i d e . It is a violation to have stuffed furnitureon porches. Thistype of furniturewas not designed to withstand the elements and can causemanyissues: • Mold and mildew fromstaying wet • Insect/vermininfestations • Fire hazards from cigarettes being left/flicked onto them. This is also a hefty $500fine.
- 8. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 8 E x t e r i o r f i x t u r e s m u s t b e i n g o o d r e p a i r . Broken stair treads, railings, etc. must be repaired once younotify the landlord/property manager.Theseare safety hazardsthat can causeserious injuryor death. OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY
- 9. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 9 E x t e r i o r o f t h e b u i l d i n g . Anydamage to walls, roof orfascia should reported immediately to landlord/property manager. This can lead to squirrels and other critters getting trapped and dying in the walls and ceiling of anapartment. This typeof damage can also escalate quicklyand if youdon’t report it, youmay beheld liable for the costly repairs. OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY
- 10. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 10 F a r m i n g , d o m e s t i c a n i m a l s , e t c . While some landlords/property managers may beexcited to have you garden orfarm on the property, this is something youshould certainlycheckis allowed. Checkyourlease and makesure you abide by all city ordinances related to keeping domestic animals within the city. PROTIP: Thereis a limited numberof chickensyou can keep! OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY
- 11. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 11 A l t e r i n g t h e l a n d s c a p i n g a n d m a i n t a i n i n g t h e g r o u n d s . Do not makechangesto the grounds of your rental without approval of the landloard/property manager. Also, understand who is responsible for maintain green spaces (mowing), snow shoveling, trash removal, etc. This should all be outlined in yourlease. OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY
- 12. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 12 N e v e r l e a v e a n y p r o p e r t y o n c i t y g r e e n b e l t s . The green strip ofland between the street and the sidewalk is called a green belt. It is against city ordinance toleave property (other than trash/recycling bins on pick-up day) on the green belt. If you aretryingto dispose ofusable items check resourcevt.org or if the items areunusable you can ask if yourtrash hauler can pick them up. Otherwise, you must dispose ofit properly by taking it toa CSWDdrop-off site (there is one on Pine Street). OUTSIDE THE PROPERTY
- 13. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 13 INSIDE THE PROPERTY Y o u r g u i d e t o w h a t c r i t t e r s m a y b e i n y o u r p l a c e . Tell-tale sign of a bedbug problem. Checkthe seams of your mattress for black spots that look likesharpie dots. You aremuch more likelyto notice the excrement of bugs/vermin before yousee them (if youever do, they are good at hiding). If yoususpect an issue makesure to let your landlord/property managerknow before it becomes aninfestation.
- 14. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 14 INSIDE THE PROPERTY H e a t i n g i n B u r l i n g t o n Fixtures that burnfuel need to have an external exhaust to make sure carbon monoxideisn’t trapped inside. Checkwhere these vents are andmake surethat they areclear duringthe heating season. Thisis also a good time to confirm that youhaveworking carbon monoxide/smoke detectors placed inthe correct locations according to code.
- 15. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 15 INSIDE THE PROPERTY B a s e m e n t s Unless finished with egress windows you should not be using the basement foranything –even storing stuff can be questionable as unfinished basements tend tohave poor storageconditions. Additionally, many older homes have asbestos in the basement - which is safe as long as it is undisturbed. Your lease should say whether you haveaccess tothe basement andforwhat purposes. Also, basements arepretty gross.
- 16. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 16 INSIDE THE PROPERTY I n f r a s t r u c t u r e If you see something that just doesn’t seem right – a pipe that goes to nowhere,a shoddy repair, etc. – ask landlord/yourproperty managerabout it. If theyare not responsive contact Burlington’s Office of Housing and CodeEnforcement for help in getting it addressed.
- 17. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 17 INSIDE THE PROPERTY W a t e r Water can be one ofthe most destructive forces in nature. Asmall leak left unaddressed can lead tothousands ofdollars in damage very quickly. It is your responsibility tolet yourlandlordknow immediately ofany repairs needed. If you donot report a problem andit worsens, you may be liable forall the repairs. Aleaky faucet that could have been replaced for $20 can quickly become $1,000s ofdamage if it is ignored.
- 18. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 18 INSIDE THE PROPERTY W i n d o w s , d o o r s , e t c . Everythinginyourplace should functionas it was intended. Windows should stay open on their own, stoves should function, etc. If theydon’t, youshould report it to yourlandlord/property managerand theyshould fix the issue. If theyaren’tresponsive contact Burlington’s Office of Housing and Code Enforcementfor help.
- 19. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 19 Q: Can I research a property before I sign a lease? A: YES!
- 20. OfficeofStudent&CommunityRelations 20 RESEARCH THE PROPERTY U s e B u r l i n g t o n ’ s D a t a b a s e • Go to burlingtonvt.gov • Click on “Property Info” • Fill in the address of yourrental When the report is produced payattention tohow many open issues and violations there are,this may indicate alandlordthat doesn’t maintain their properties well ordoesn’t finish repairs in a timely manner.