Off-Campus Living - The University of Missouri

Once a lease has been signed, the length of the tenancy binds the landlord and tenant unless either party violates the lease. If the tenant enters into a one-year lease, but decides to move out early without the landlord’s permission, the tenant could owe the landlord the remaining rent on the lease.

Schedule a check-in time with your landlord. Find out exactly what is expected of you. Take pictures of the property to keep with your lease to verify the apartment or house’s condition. Consider the following things when moving in:

Ask your landlord or property manager to show you the location of the fuse or breaker box. Have them show you where the water shuts off (in an emergency, such as a broken pipe, you would need to know this).
Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Having friendly relations with your neighbors will increase your enjoyment and safety during your stay. It also makes for a safer environment if neighbors can look out for each other.
Put your name(s) on the mailbox. If your name is not on the mailbox, you might not receive all of your mail. You may wish to only put your last name on the mailbox in order to protect your privacy and safety. Another option is to put your name in the inside of the mailbox, so only the mail carrier sees it.

Before moving into your new rental home, make sure your belongings are protected. Renter’s insurance is available at a relatively low cost and is one of the wisest purchases an apartment resident can make. Landlords and property owners’ property insurance will not cover your personal property. If you are still on your parent/guardian’s insurance, you may be covered by your parent’s homeowners’ insurance; check with your parents to determine what is and is not be covered in the event of a loss.

Insurance agents are listed in the yellow pages under “Insurance.” Prices vary, so shop around for a good price before buying a policy. Your car insurance provider may also offer renter’s insurance to you at a discounted cost.

Pay rent on time.
Keep the property clean and free from damage.
Pay for damages resulting from your own negligence or the negligence of a guest.
Refrain from taking on additional occupants or subleasing without the landlord’s written permission.
Allow the landlord to enter the premises to make needed repairs and inspections.
Follow ALL provisions of the lease.

Make sure your property is livable and complies with all building and housing codes.
Make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear.
Refrain from turning off a tenant’s water, electricity or gas.
Provide written notice to tenants when ownership of the property is transferred to a new landlord.
Not unlawfully discriminate.
Not raise the rent or change any other lease provisions without giving the tenant proper notice (generally one month’s written notice from the date rent is due unless the lease says otherwise).

Your lease should state which repairs are your responsibility and which are the landlord’s. If you live with one or more people, you should select a spokesperson that will be responsible for contacting the landlord and requesting repairs.

Ordinary wear and tear and damages due to natural forces (e.g. weather) should be the responsibility of the landlord to repair.
You should pay for damages caused by you or your guests.
When repairs are necessary, ask the landlord to make repairs within a reasonable period of time. If repairs are not made, make a written request for the necessary repairs and keep a copy of the letter.
If the dwelling becomes unsafe due to the repair problems, contact the local health department or city protective inspection team.
If you withhold rent payments until repairs are completed, you may be in violation of the lease and may be subject to eviction.
You should recognize and report small maintenance problems as soon as possible. Fixing these quickly can help avoid bigger or more costly repairs.

A landlord may not evict you without a court order. The landlord may begin eviction proceedings if a tenant:

Damages property
Fails to pay rent
Violates the terms of the lease
Injures the lessor or another tenant
Allows drug-related criminal activity on the premises
Fails to vacate at the end of the lease term

The tenant will receive a notice that an eviction lawsuit has been filed and will have the opportunity to be heard in court before any eviction.

Leases specify a date on which you must move. In some situations, the landlord requires notice, and in other cases notice is not required. Read your lease carefully to determine whether or not you are required to provide notice.

Some leases contain an automatic renewal clause. These leases are automatically renewed unless you notify the landlord that you will move out when the lease ends.
Any agreement between you and your landlord allowing you to stay after the lease ends should be in writing. Otherwise if there is a disagreement, you may be charged double rent.

If a landlord approves, you may cancel a lease before it terminates. You and your landlord must sign a statement that the lease has been cancelled by mutual agreement.

If you wish to move out before a lease ends, you may choose to sublease. Subleasing is transferring a lease to another person who moves in and pays rent.

When subleasing, you are still responsible to your landlord for the original lease.
You also can be held responsible for any problems created by the new tenant.
Before subleasing to another individual, you must get the landlord’s approval. This should be done with a written agreement. Missouri law allows the landlord to double the amount of rent if a tenant subleases without approval.

Before you move in, discuss with your roommates what everyone is bringing. When everyone arrives, organize a group meeting to discuss how things will work.
Make sure you have a good idea of everyone’s habits (e.g., sleeping, studying, and cleanliness) before agreeing to live together.
Do not let conflicts linger. If you have a problem with one of your roommates, be sure to talk about it right away.
It is a good idea to split the utility bills between the house members. This way, one person is not responsible for all of the bills. Make sure you communicate with your roommates the amount owed as soon as the bill arrives.

Make sure to fill out the Move Out portion of Appendix A. This will help ensure that you document the condition of your unit as it was on the last day of your lease term.
When you move out, make sure to clean the place thoroughly. Clean the oven, refrigerator, bathroom, etc. If you do not do this, the landlord may deduct money from your security deposit. The key is to make sure the apartment/house is in as good, if not better, condition as when you first moved in.
Contact ALL the utility companies to terminate your services.
Remove your name(s) from the mailbox, and have your mail held at the post office until they receive your new address. The post office will forward all your mail when they receive your new address on a change of address form.
Make arrangements to have your landlord examine the apartment/house to get approval before you move out. You may save money from your security deposit if minor problems are found that you can repair yourself.
The landlord must schedule your “moving out” inspection at a reasonable time. Once this is scheduled, the landlord should notify you. However, if he or she does not, keep in mind that it is your right to be present at this meeting.
Return your keys to the landlord.
Give the landlord your forwarding address so that your security deposit can be returned to you.