Moving out and moving forward.

Finding a home

• Know where you’re looking to live in & who you’re looking to live with
• Looking for a Home can be difficult, so make sure to do your research
  • Things to keep in mind when looking for a home: location, pricing, amenities, etc.
  • Make sure you are getting what you paid for!
• Review the Documents Needed to Secure Housing
• You have to put down a security deposit for the space first
  • Consult with your bank to ensure that you are financially sound to buy/rent a place

Housing collabs

• Living with roommates requires boundaries
  • Create rules regarding daily living activities such as chores, practice respect and mutual understanding, and keep in mind familial and cultural differences
  • Communication is key!
• Types of shared living arrangements:
  • Assisted Living, Group Living, Transitional Living, Dorms, etc.
• Different renting circumstances
  • Explore your Lease Options to find what’s right for you
  • The people who you sign with should be people you trust to make payments on time and have their responsibilities in order
  • Learn more about In-Law Suites and their benefits

Guide to leasing/owning a home

• Understand a budget for your utilities
• Understand what you have to pay (i.e. Have a worker come out to read the meter)
• Understand what you’re exactly paying for (i.e. Call the utility company to explain what you’re paying for)
• Maintaining good credit is important for landlords and banks to see
• How to Set Up Utilities
  • Request for service to be turned on prior to your move in date

Ways to pay utilities

• Know when your bills are due
• How to pay: Paper check, online, via phone, auto pay, apps
• Don’t panic! Learn What to Do if You Miss a Utility Payment
• For utility assistance, contact HEAP, Religious Charities, CEOGC, or 211
• Splitting Bills doesn’t have to cause drama
  • Use Splitwise, an app that helps roommates split utilities

Renter’s Insurance

• Learn more about What Does Renter's Insurance Cover? so you can reap all the benefits
• Know Your Renter’s Rights
• Things to know/important resources:
  • How to Handle Evictions
  • Squatter's Rights
  • Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
  • Department of Housing
• Cleveland Tenants Organization
  • Helps when your landlord hasn’t paid their bills on your unit
• Don’t be afraid to contact your landlord with questions or concerns

Temporary Housing: Shelters

• There is no shame in staying in a shelter to get back on your feet
  • Use the Homeless Shelter Directory to find a shelter near you
• Apply for government Food Assistance or go to your local food pantry for resources
• Check out the Ohio First Buyer Home Programs to determine if you qualify
• CMHA offers financial assistance to home renters
  • Low rent & income-based, making it possible to save for another need such as a car or home
• Two useful resources for housing assistance:
  • EDEN Inc.: provides temporary or permanent housing solutions
  • Section 8: helps you find rentals that you can afford

Furniture and Appliances

• List of Home Necessities
• Local resources to buy affordable home necessities:
  • Cleveland Furniture Bank
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Good Will
  • The Salvation Army
• Also research local thrift stores for second-hand items!

Exterminations

• Don’t let the exterminator upcharge you! Do your research
• When owning a home, have a reliable exterminator
• When renting a home, some apartments will exterminate per your leasing agreement
  • Know the Landlord's Extermination Responsibility
• Try to find the source where critters are
  • Here are some Pest Control Hacks for temporary solutions

Warranties

• Warranties provide replacement or repair of an item or appliance that you bought for a limited time
  • Inquire about warranties that come with the product upon purchase
• Is the extended warranty necessary? – probably not
  • Extended vs. Manufacturer Warranties
  • Investigate product reviews and overall company reviews
• Understand the financial application of the warranty: read the fine print