UA Off-Campus Housing Services Student Union Memorial Center, across from CatCard and MealPlans offices

housing@email.arizona.edu

(520) 621-5859

off-campus housing services

Section 4: School, Work, Life!

PART 1: THE LANDLORD
The Landlord – Tenant relationship is codified in Arizona Law to protect both parties. An excerpt of the law can be found here. But the best way to get along with your landlord is to be a good tenant.

Be A Good Tenant
Keep accurate, organized records of all requests and transactions between you and your landlord (a.k.a. your Rental File).

• Let the property owner know when anything needs to be repaired; put this in writing and hand deliver it with a witness or send by certified mail with return receipt (the US services); keep a copy in your Rental File.
• Place garbage and trash in proper containers.
• Pay your rent on time; if you can’t, contact the landlord in advance to explain the situation and give the date that you can pay; pay as much as you can on time every time.
• Respect the property; keep your apartment reasonably clean and avoid causing damage.
• Obey the law and the apartment rules. Keep a copy of the apartment rules in your Rental File.
• Do not disturb the neighbors; excessive noise is a valid reason for eviction.

If You Have Landlord/Tenant Problems
Read through the excerpt of the Landlord and Tenant Act in the Blue Pages and use the Sample Letters that follow it on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions that have not been answered by the Guide or you need advice about another aspect of landlord/tenant law, call ASUA Legal Services at 520.621.2782 for an appointment or go to these other useful resources:

• Arizona Landlord/Tenant Residential Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent Pamphlet. Available online at: www.supreme.state.az.us/info/brochures/evict.htm
• Arizona Landlord & Tenant Act. Full text available online: http://www.azsos.gov/public_services/Publications/Residential_Landlord_Tenant_Act
• The Pima County Bar Association. Information can be found online at www.pimacountybar.org
• Attorneys in your area– Listed in the yellow pages of the phone book.
• Community Information & Referral Services statewide, 24-hour, bilingual help-line 800.352.3792.

PART 2: THE NEIGHBOR

Neighborly Basics
Wherever you are, whether you live on-campus or off-campus, you are a University of Arizona student. Your attitudes and actions are perceived as a reflection of the University. Off-Campus Housing supports your efforts to be a good neighbor, which goes a long way toward a good relationship between the University and surrounding communities.

Good neighborhoods begin with good neighbors.
If you live in, or are planning to move into a University neighborhood, please consider the following:

Get to know your neighbors. They are your most valuable resource in maintaining safe and friendly neighborhoods. Introduce yourself!

Be cooperative. Working together is more effective in solving common problems. Park your cars in designated areas on the street or in your own driveway or garage Be an active neighbor. Do not assume someone else will take care of problems that affect you. Maintain your yard, mow your grass (if you have any), and trim your shrubs/trees.

Join your Neighborhood Association. They work hard to make your neighborhood an even better place to live. Find out aout the neighborhood association at their website or download the neighborhood map

Participate. Neighborhood programs such as Neighborhood Watch are effective only if everyone participates.

Respect local codes and ordinances. These were developed to protect you and your neighbor’s rights.

Respect your neighbors. Mutual respect is important for the entire community. At the very minimum, keep your premise clean. Trash may include everything from discarded furniture and appliances to car parts and other junk, in addition to daily refuse. If your trash is everywhere, your neighbors could complain to the city.

Be a quiet neighbor. Noise is the source of most complaints. Loud music and barking dogs next door can be a source of conflict.

Be aware of your pet’s effect on others. And, of course, clean up after your pet.

Entertain responsibly. Do not allow your parties, guests, or music to become a problem.

Neighborhood & Community Resources Living on your own should be a wonderful and freeing experience. Whether this is your first year in school or you have lived off-campus for a number of years, you can probably use some guidelines in order to foster good community relations with your neighbors. Developing and then maintaining this sense of community takes some work though, and getting involved with your neighbors can make a big difference in how you feel about your community. Do you know your neighbors? If an issue came up between you and another neighbor, would you feel comfortable talking about it? Silent resentment can turn minor issues into major problems. But keeping open communication between you and your neighbor can quickly resolve these issues. It will also help you to develop a better relationship with each other, making your neighborhood a more pleasant place to live.

Recognizing that we all have an obligation to respect each other’s rights, privileges, and property, this section will explore what it means to live and be a part of a neighborhood in the larger Tucson community. The goal is to encourage mutual respect and develop a sense of shared responsibility for preserving the quality of life in the neighborhoods and apartment complexes near the University.

Neighborhood Associations
There are ten neighborhoods adjacent to the University campus, illustrated on the Neighborhood Map. Each of these has a slightly different character and an active neighborhood association. The Department of Neighborhood Resources (DNR) puts neighborhoods in touch with City resources and is dedicated to helping both individuals and neighborhoods to strengthen our community. The Neighborhood link on the website provides information on neighborhood associations and newsletters, a calendar of events and information on services. www.tucsonaz.gov/dnr

Neighborhood Parking Permits
Most University area neighborhoods require parking permits to park on the street. Permits for complexes with four or more units are available at $25 each per year. Single-family residence permits are $2.50 each per year. Some neighborhoods sell parking permits to students who are not residents at a rate of $200–$400 (depending on the zone) for the academic year. To obtain a permit, you may contact the City of Tucson Park Wise/ TEAM Program, call 520.791.5071, http://dot.ci.tucson.az.us/parkwise.

Red Tagging
You may have read about it in the Arizona Daily Wildcat. It’s called “Red Tagging” and it’s something you should know about if you’re planning to host a party. According to the City of Tucson’s Unruly Gathering Ordinance, loud or unruly gatherings are unlawful and constitute a civil infraction. This section contains answers to some common questions about the ordinance. Here is an abstract of some of the pertinent parts of the law, but the full text is online at www.tucsonaz.gov/clerks/. Click on “City Code,” then search for “Unruly Gatherings.”

What is an Unruly Gathering?
The ordinance defines it as “a gathering of five (5) or more persons on any private property (including property used to conduct business) in a manner which causes a disturbance of the quiet enjoyment of private or public property by any person or persons.”

Disturbances include, but are not limited to:

• Excessive noise or traffic
• Obstruction of public streets by crowds or vehicles
• Drinking in public
  
• Service of alcohol to minors or consumption of alcohol by minors
• Fighting
• Disturbing the peace
• Littering

What Is a Red Tag?
A “Red Tag” is that neon red notice posted at the premises where an unruly gathering occurred. By law, it must be posted in a highly visible location.

• that an unruly gathering occurred on the premises;
• the date of the unruly gathering;
• that any subsequent unruly gathering on the same premises within a 180-day period shall result in further penalties; and
• the right to contest the citation and posting.

Who Is Held Responsible if My Residence Gets Red-Tagged?!
If law enforcement officials determine that a party or event is in violation of the Unruly Gathering Ordinance, the following individuals will be held responsible and will face penalties:

• The person(s) who organized or sponsored the party / event.
• The owner of the residence where the unruly gathering occurred, if in attendance at the party/event.*
• The occupant(s) or tenant(s) of the residence where the unruly gathering occurred, if in attendance at the party/event.*
• Any person in attendance at the party/event who engaged in conduct causing the gathering to be unruly.

*This applies to the first citation only. In subsequent violations, these parties are held responsible regardless of their attendance at the party/event.

What Happens If My Residence Gets Red-Tagged?
Once law enforcement finds a party or event in violation of the Unruly Gathering Ordinance, a red tag notice will be issued and posted. This notice of must remain posted and is in effect for 180 days. Individuals responsible for causing the unruly gathering (see above) will incur a minimum, mandatory fine of $100 each. The owner will be notified via certified mail.

If You’re Red Tagged Again within 180 Days If another red tag is issued to a premise within 180 days of the last citation, then another 180 days will be added to the posting. Responsible individuals will incur the following minimum mandatory fines:

• $500 for the first subsequent violation,
• $1,000 for the second subsequent violation,
• $1,500 each for any further subsequent violations.

What If I Remove the Red Tag Notice Before the End of the 180-Day Period?
The owner, occupant(s), or tenant(s) of the residence in violation are responsible for ensuring that the red tag notice is not removed, defaced or concealed during the entire 180-day citation period. Removal, defacement or concealment of a posted red tag notice will result in a mandatory $100 fine, minimum.

Can I Contest a Red Tag Citation?
Yes. If you feel that your residence has been unjustly red tagged, contest it by promptly filing a written petition with the Tucson City Court (within 10 days). The court will set a date for a hearing and will notify you.

What Can I Do To Prevent My Party From Becoming An Unruly Gathering?
UA students, like all Tucson residents, have an obligation to respect their neighbors’ rights, privileges, and property. By following the tips below, students have successfully hosted their parties and celebration events while still maintaining peaceful and positive relations with their neighbors:

Keep guest lists to a minimum. If you are planning a large party, inform nearby neighbors in writing at least one week in advanced of the party, and include your phone number so that they may contact you with any concerns.** Respect your neighbors’ property and inform your guests that you expect them to do the same. Keep noise levels to a minimum. Alert law enforcement if there are early signs that a party is getting out of control. Make sure that post-party cleanup is completed no later than one day following the party. If alcohol is being served: Take steps to ensure that all guests have a safe ride home. Take steps to ensure that guests under the age of 21 do not have access to alcohol. Have food and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks available. If a neighbor calls with a complaint while your party is in progress, make every effort to address and resolve the issue that is causing your neighbor distress.

PART 3: THE ROOMMATE

There is a lot to consider when deciding whether to live with friends or find a place by yourself. Think about your class schedule, your study and eating habits, and your time management. Will conflicts occur because of clashes in personal schedules, styles of studying or diets? What about your opinions on levels of cleanliness and housekeeping? How will you handle overnight guests, borrowing items, parties, or smokers?

To head off terribly uncomfortable situations and arguments, you should have open discussions with anyone you’re interested in living with before signing a lease. To find out if you’re compatible with a prospective roommate, fill out the Potential Roommate Questionnaire. A roommate relationship is more than just a living arrangement. Roommates can have emotional and financial effects on each other’s lives. Laws may define the tenant–landlord relationship, but none deal specifically with roommate relationships. (Unless one roommate is the others’ landlord.)

So choose a roommate wisely and communicate consistently to work out problems. If you will be sharing an apartment with a roommate you don’t know, ask the landlord to let you sign separate leases so each of you are responsible only for your share of rent and any damages you cause.

And beware, your best friend may not be the best choice for a roommate. Living together could strain your friendship. You may find that you disagree about anything from cleaning and parties to paying bills. Negotiating a compromise, subletting, or sticking it out can be very difficult.

There are advantages and disadvantages both to living with a roommate and by yourself. Living by yourself will give you the chance to enjoy walking around in your underwear. But then a roommate can help you by sharing expenses and experiences (who else can you talk to about Project Runway?).

Roommate Referral Service
The University of Arizona Off-Campus Housing Office now offers students seeking a roommate the opportunity to connect with other University students through our new website, Off-Campus Online. Access the roommate section with your University NetID and password. While the University does not verify information posted by students, the website allows potential roommates who already have somewhere to live the ability to place an ad for a new roommate and specify roommate preferences. Students who need both a place to live and a roommate can browse the ads posted or narrow their search based on their own roommate preferences. For more information, visit the Off-Campus Housing Office on the main level of the Student Union or call 520.621.5859.

Roommate Agreements Download PDF here

Make sure all of your roommates’ names are on all of the bills associated with your residence. While this won’t save you from delinquency on their behalf, it will make you mutually responsible, making your roommates more likely to pay.

Assign the person in charge of coordinating the bills to be the primary account holder. As such, all of their information will be on file (other users’ information may not be) which can make it easier for them to sign-up for online billing, pay over the phone, or make changes to the account as necessary.

Save your billing statements! Whether you coordinate paying the bills or another roommate does, know how much you are spending. If roommate issues arise later, at least your responsibility for previous bills won’t be one of them.

Make your payments on time. A new Federal law makes it possible for crediting agencies to raise the interest rates on all of your credit cards and other loans if you are delinquent or late in paying your bills. Be clear with your roommates about when bills are due. Mail your local bills at least three (3) days before the printed due date in order to assure that your payment will be processed on time. A comprehensive Roommate Contract is provided in the blue section, but here is a quick overview of some of the issues to discuss with prospective roommates before you sign a lease:

• Cleaning: How often should the place be cleaned and how will the work be shared?
• Privacy: How much privacy does everyone want and where to get it?
• Guests: Will overnight guests be allowed? When and how often can guests visit?
• Parties: Agree on how often, how many people and how late parties can run.
• Shared personal belongings: Will food, clothing, records, toothpaste and other belongings be shared?
• Bills: How will bills be divided among roommates and who will be responsible for payment?

Solving Minor Problems A common problem is personality and lifestyle clashes. The best way to deal with these is to negotiate one on one with your roommate. Identify the problems, what causes them, and what each roommate can do to solve them. Put any agreement you reach in writing and post it prominently—such as on the refrigerator. If necessary, seek mediation. Another solution is subletting, but subletting can be difficult, especially if roommates won’t cooperate in finding a sublessee. You usually need the landlord’s permission to sublet your apartment or house. Visit Off-Campus Housing on the main level of the Student Union Memorial Center to discuss your issues with a staff member. Solving Serious Problems Serious roommate problems are those that threaten your health, safety or substantially deprive you of full use of your apartment. The first step to solving such problems is to ask roommates to stop whatever they’re doing.

• Offer to negotiate ad work out a solution. If they ignore you or negotiation does not work, take a more formal approach: document the problem.
• Keep a complete record of roommate conflicts in your rental log. Include specific dates and notes on what was said or what happened.
• Use friends as witnesses.

An important step is to write a letter to your roommate. It should be an account of problems that have occurred and steps you have taken to resolve them. Demand an end to unacceptable behavior and threaten further action if such behavior continues. Present the letter in person and keep a copy. Writing a letter to someone you live with may seem ridiculously formal or embarrassing, but it may be the best way to communicate your viewpoint.

When All Else Fails Call ASUA Legal Services at 520.621.2782 or Tucson’s Consumer Affairs Office at 520.791.4886 for legal advice. If neither roommate nor landlord takes action to solve serious problems after receiving your letters, you can give your roommate a written ultimatum asking her/ him to move out and find a sublessee.

Keep a copy of the ultimatum for your files. Subletting is the easiest way out of a lease, but it can be difficult if roommates refuse to cooperate in finding a new tenant.

Roommates Who Don’t Pay!
Each year, students have to deal with roommates who don’t pay rent and landlords who want their money. These situations are difficult, but tenants can take a few steps to resolve them. Talk to the delinquent roommate. The most effective way, however, is to document that serious problems exist and record your efforts to do something about them. See your Rental File.

For serious problems, seek mediation. If a roommate physically threatens or assaults you, steals your belongings or otherwise breaks the law, call the police right away (9-1-1).

Let The Landlord Know
When a serious roommate conflict occurs, it is important to send the landlord a letter that describes the problem and requests his/her help in taking action to resolve it. If the landlord responds to the letter, you will have aid in dealing with the problem. If the landlord ignores your letter, it may be more difficult for him/her to take action against you if you are forced to move out.

Keep a copy of the letter and send the original by certified mail with return receipt. You can ask the landlord to evict a problem roommate. A renter who threatens the health or safety of other roommates or who has broken the lease can be evicted. However, under a joint lease, the landlord would have to evict all the roommates and sign a new lease with the remaining roommates. The landlord could also choose to evict all the roommates for good.

The eviction option should only be considered by tenants who have a good relationship with the landlord and who recognize the potential risks involved. Paying tenants should demand payment of delinquent roommates. The next step is to call or write their parents stating how much is owed in rent and utilities and request payment. Keep a copy of all correspondence.

PART 4: STAYING IN TOUCH WITH CAMPUS LIFE Campus Activities keeps you connected to clubs and organizations, provides you with tremendous networking and many opportunities. Whether it is your first year at the UA or your fourth, there is something for everyone in Campus Activities: games, movies, comedy, service, employment, galleries…IT’S ALL GOOD! Get connected and graduate!

PART 5: STAYING SAFE

PERSONAL SAFETY
Anyone, male or female, is a possible rape victim. In 50% of rapes, the victim and rapist were acquaintances or friends. Educate yourself in rape prevention tactics. Learn to recognize potentially dangerous situations, how to avoid them, and what to do when you cannot. Free classes are offered by the Tucson Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit (520.791.4450) and the Information Center (520.327.1171). Find more information in TPD’s Rape Avoidance & Personal Protection brochure. Remember: your personal safety depends on you!

SECURITY AT HOME
Apartment and Home Security Life in a house or apartment includes a personal responsibility for one’s own safety and well being. This includes everything from understanding the appliances and heating system and how to shut them off if they malfunction to locking your doors and windows. You are entitled to locks that work and need to contact your landlord immediately to repair broken locks.

There are other things you can do to protect yourself, your home, and your possessions. Make sure smoke detectors are properly installed and functioning at all times. If you have sliding doors or windows you might choose to have lengths of wood made to lay in the tracks of the door/window to keep them from being opened. There are other commercial devices to provide extra security or warnings if your home is being entered. Check with your landlord before doing anything that would be permanently installed in the house or apartment. Security of the apartment building you live in is only as effective as you make it. Don’t leave it all to the management and the police. By following these suggestions, you can make your building a safer place in which to live.

• Refer unknown or suspicious persons seeking entrance to the building to the management.
• Notify management when your apartment will be vacant – for holidays or otherwise.
• Make arrangements with a neighbor or the management to receive deliveries.
• DO NOT identify yourself on the mailbox as a woman living alone.
• Ask to install a wide-angle door viewer.
• Do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk by opening the door to strangers.
• Secure sliding balcony doors with a charlie bar or place a length of wood in the bottom track, making sure it fits snugly.
• When in the elevator, stand near the floor button panel. In a difficult situation, push as many buttons as possible, particularly the Emergency button.
• Do not enter an elevator if you are suspicious of the occupant(s); wait for the next one.
• Be alert to vehicles or persons following you into the garage or parking lot.
• Drive out of the area if you encounter suspicious circumstances and report them immediately to the management or the police.
• Lock your vehicle and remove high value items.

COMMON SENSE
Make your home appear occupied at all times:

• Set at least one interior light on a timer to come on at night when you are not home.
• Never leave notes indicating that you are not home.
• Leave a radio or TV on while you are gone.
• Invest in dusk-to-dawn lights for the exterior.
• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries when you will be out of town.
• Never leave a message on your answering machine that you aren’t at home and never leave sexually suggestive messages.
• Always use the peephole when answering the door.
• Never open your door to anyone until the person has identified him or herself: If it is a repairman, call the company to verify his position before opening the door. Never leave the repairman alone, even for a few minutes.
• Do not let strangers into your house to use the phone. Make the call for them.
• Do not place hidden keys outside your door (burglars know ALL the hiding places).
• Do not attach name or driver’s license to a key chain.
• Be careful who you lend or give your keys to.
• Remember to lock up every time you leave your home.
• Do not panic if your apartment has been entered! Leave right away in case the intruder is still inside, and call the police and property owner. Do not touch or move anything until the police have arrived.

SMOKE DETECTORS
Too often, the last line in a newspaper story about an apartment fire reads, “The smoke detector did not sound to warn residents of the fire.” It is a fact: smoke detectors do not always save lives. If the battery is removed, worn out, or if a unit is faulty, a detector is useless as fire protection. That is why renters and landlords must be aware of the status of smoke detectors. Replace batteries when they are worn and monitor units for defects.

Legally, landlords have to provide a fire protection system (which could be battery operated units or hard-wired systems) and have it in working order when you move in. Once you take possession of the unit, it is really the responsibility of the renter to report malfunctions of the fire protection system to the landlord as soon as possible.

As a renter, you should check your systems monthly. If your unit uses batteries, push the test button to insure it is in working order. If you have the hard-wired type, be sure to remove dust periodically, because this blocks the ability of the system to detect smoke.

Stop by the OCH office to obtain the Home Security Tips pamphlet published by the Tucson Police Department. The TPD’s Crime Prevention Unit will also come to your home or apartment and perform a security check at no cost to you. To set up an appointment, call 520.791.4450.

SAFETY ON CAMPUS
Your safety and security on and off campus is a priority. Many campus systems are already in place to make the UA a safe place for ALL students:

University Police Department (UAPD): Approximately 50 professionals patrol the campus in cars, on bicycles and on foot. Two other levels of security personnel augment these professionals: unarmed campus security officers and community service officers. 9-1-1 or (for non-emergency), 520.621.UAPD. www.uapd.arizona.edu

ASUA Safe Ride: An escort service organized by ASUA operates in and around campus on Sunday through Thursday, 520.621.7233 (SAFE) for the student escort service. saferide.asua.arizona.edu

Blue Light Emergency Telephones are located at many locations across the campus and on all levels in parking structures. Police emergency response time on campus is approximately three minutes.

Hazing: It is a misconception to believe hazing only occurs within our social Greek fraternities and sororities. Hazing occurs in class honoraries, in athletic and sports clubs and many smaller clubs on campus. Hazing is not always physical; it is often verbal and equally harmful. Students can anonymously report incidents to the hazing hotline (626 HAZE).

Self defense classes are offered by the Student Recreation Center and by the University Police. Classes stress environmental awareness, escape and evasion training. The UA Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence: Offers information and referrals for those who wish to access security resources. The Oasis Center stands as a resource for the crime victim, male or female. Reach Oasis at 520.621.2051, or oasis.web.arizona.edu. Campus Crime Statistics: The University believes a community that is well informed about the nature of its crimes is a safety conscious public. Not only is it your right to know campus crime statistics, it is to your advantage to act on it by developing personal routines that enhance your own safety and becoming actively involved in the reporting of crimes and suspicious/unusual activities. For current statistics, go to the UAPD website at: www.uapd.arizona.edu

Campus Crime Protocol: Finally, you need to know that a community wide protocol is established for you, should you become a crime victim. As a victim, on or off campus, you are entitled to medical, psychological, legal and administrative support from The University of Arizona.