Preparing to Occupy Your New Home

Fire & Emergencies

Find the telephone number of the local fire and police departments and emergency numbers. Post these numbers by the telephone. Have at least one fire extinguisher handy, preferably in the kitchen. Know how to operate the extinguisher. See if the house has a working fire alarm. If the detector fails and it is not a dead battery, the tenant is to report the failure to the landlord.

Pest Control

Pest control services should be provided by landlords. In the event that the service is not provided, renters can consult the phone book.

Pets

Pets in residential areas must be vaccinated against rabies and tagged. You must curb your dog. Pets cannot run free through the neighborhood. Do not abandon dogs and cats at the end of the semester and over vacations. Please find the animal a home before leaving.

Postal Service

The post office needs a house number, a mail box/slot, and a list of current residents for delivery.

Property Care

The area of the sidewalk in front of the house you are renting is your responsibility as a resident. This includes snow/ice removal and removing overgrown grass and weeds. Police issue citations for unshoveled sidewalks. Agree with your landlord before it snows as to who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance. If you have any grassy areas on the property, you (or your landlord) are responsible for keeping it cut and maintained. Check your lease to determine responsibility.

Recycling

Recycling is mandatory in Bethlehem. Pick-up is every two weeks, and varies in different neighborhoods. Obtain a schedule and green recycling container from the recycling office.

Renter's Insurance

Consider investing in insurance. Check if your parent's homeowners' insurance policy will cover your personal property. If not, seriously consider obtaining a policy of your own for the following reasons:

• Fires or water leaks.
• Premiums on renter's insurance are usually low.
• Most renters' policies are homeowner's insurance modified to fit the needs of tenants.
• Landlords do not carry insurance on the tenant's belongings, only on the dwelling.

Information can be found at www.universitymovecenter.com. Make sure all your valuables are marked with your driver's license number or other identifying mark to aid in identification and return of stolen items.

Telephone

Information needed for your telephone service order:

• Complete street address with apartment number/floor
• Appearance of listing for the directory
• Information concerning previous telephone service
• Credit information, including employment

Contact the telephone company for installation and connection of services you would like. Information can be found at www.universitymovecenter.com. A deposit may be required if you have never had telephone service established in your name. If a deposit is requested for residential service, a written explanation will be provided stating the interest to be paid, and the terms and conditions for return of the deposit.

Trash Collection

Most cities and counties require that all garbage must be stored in containers. Plastic bags alone are unacceptable because they invite rats, dogs, and cats. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage is a violation of the City ordinances and may result in fines. Trash cans may not be stored in front of the building. On collection days, trash cans must be placed within 5 feet of the building. Most trash collectors prefer alley pick up and will usually return the cans where you placed them, if requested. Trash collectors normally will not pick up furniture. See your landlord or their local agent for this. You must reach an understanding with your landlord about who arranges for collection. Legally, your landlord is responsible to see that the garbage is collected.

Utilities

Contact a local utility company for installation and connection. You can find a list of utilities companies from your landlord. Some landlords do not provide these services for you so its best to discuss this before signing a lease agreement. Spotsie.com can show you what utilities are covered by your landlord on the property pages.