THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

HOW TO BECOME A GOOD RENTERUse the following as a guide when thinking about “How to Become a Good Renter.”

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING HABITS FOR RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS

Establishing a good rental history is extremely important when you are considering moving into a rental situation

or thinking about purchasing a home. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to secure decent, safe and

sanitary housing without a good rental history.

Generally, the first item a property owner or manager reviews is your credit history. If you are consistently late

in paying your rent, chances are you will experience difficulty finding a suitable place to live. Often times,

previous landlords will be contacted to discuss your rental history. Some property owners or managers will stop

by your current address to check housekeeping skills before your application is approved.

1.       When shopping for a rental unit, you should make a list of your wants and needs. For example, the

number of bedrooms, bus service, proximity to grocery stores, work, child care and schools. You should

explore the surrounding area as well. Being satisfied with the rental unit and the neighborhood creates

a positive climate for becoming a good renter.

2.       Prior to signing a lease, you should read every word and be sure that you clearly understand what

you are signing. Write down any questions that you have and discuss them with the property owner

before signing the lease.

3.       Ask the landlord to walk through the unit with you before moving in. Taking pictures of the vacant

unit and performing a Tenant/Landlord Inspection will provide you with necessary proof of pre-existing

conditions in order to be able to recover your security deposit when you move.

4.       Paying rent on or before it is due is the most important element of becoming a good renter. Know

where the rent is to be paid and if the rent is to be paid directly to the landlord or by mail. If it is to be

paid by mail, take caution for any mailing delays. Renters, who consistently pay their rent during the

grace period, are NOT considered to be good renters. This could also have a negative impact on your

credit history. If you pay your rent with cash, it is very important that you obtain a receipt with all of

the information recorded . If the rent is paid by check or money order, you can use your canceled check

or the carbonized copy of the money order, as your receipt.

5.       If you are experiencing difficulty in paying your rent on time, you should immediately communicate

this to your landlord. Notifying the landlord in advance, demonstrates how important timely rent

payments are to you and shows that you are concerned. If there is a need to establish a special

payment arrangement with the landlord, never agree to any arrangement that you cannot keep. This

will destroy the landlords trust in you. Honesty is the best policy.

6.       If you are responsible for paying a portion or all of the utilities, it is important that this commitment

be paid on or before the due date. Utility companies report payment histories to credit bureaus, which

could negatively impact you in the future. The responsibility of the utility payments must be clearly

spelled out in the lease agreement.

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7.       Property owners from time to time may conduct inspections of the rental unit. This activity

should be clearly spelled out in the lease with written notice provided to you, at least 24 hours

in advance. The purpose of the inspection is to determine the condition of the unit. If the

condition is found to be unacceptable, normally, the landlord will site you and give you a limited

amount of time to cure the identified problems. If you have not satisfactorily resolved the

problems, eviction proceedings can begin. However, the practice may vary from landlord to

landlord.

8.       If you decide to terminate the rental agreement, you must be sure to follow the terms of

the lease. If the terms of the lease agreement have not expired, you may be held responsible for

paying a lump sum amount to satisfy the remaining amount of the time left on the lease.

Generally, a 30 day written notice to the landlord is required before moving out.

You should always request a move-out-inspection with the landlord. This should be conducted as quickly

as possible, after you have removed all of your belongings. The move-out inspections can be compared

to the move-in inspections, making it easy to determine if there were any damages caused by you while

occupying the unit. If any damages were caused after move-in, the landlord generally keeps a portion of

the security deposit to cover the cost of the repairs. If you did not pay a security deposit, you may be

charged for the identified damages. These two inspection reports provide you with the necessary

documentation in the event of a disagreement. Once again, this practice may vary from landlord to

landlord. Terminating your relationship with a landlord on good terms is one additional step in

establishing a good rental history.

You should be encouraged to develop a plan of action for performing regular housekeeping activities.

Everyone in the family should be assigned a housekeeping task, even if it is small. Living in a well-

organized and clean environment builds a sense of pride and ownership, even if you are renting.

Developing these habits when renting, paves the way to good housekeeping habits when you own your

own home. Good renters make good homeowners!

Poor housekeeping habits can lead to damages in the unit, roach infestation and creates poor self

esteem. You should understand the importance of maintaining a well kept home and how it affects all

facets of your life and the lives of your children. This element of becoming a good renter is as important

as paying rent in a timely manner.

***Disclaimer: Brighton Center, Inc. obtains housing information including apartment listings from free public

sources. Brighton Center assumes no liability in the legitimacy of these listing and/or landlords with this housing

information packet. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, as to accuracy, completeness, or results

obtained from any information posted on this apartment listing***

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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

WHAT 1ST TIME RENTERS SHOULD KNOW

Most landlords won’t rent to any one under the age of 21 due to a couple of concerns:

1.       Concerned about lack of rental history

2.       Credit history

How do you get a landlord to rent to you as a 1st time renter?

Show your work history.

Your work history, no matter how small shows that you are responsible. Include any volunteer hours and the

names of people with that organization that the landlord could call and verify your work/volunteer information.

Credit History

This might be a little tricky, but ask your parents to co-sign for a credit card with a low limit. This way the

landlord can see that you are responsible enough to pay your bills. Also you might show a bank statement, which

is one way to show how much money is coming in and going out.

Parents

Always bring a parent with you when you are looking at apartments. This way the landlord can see that a parent

is involved in your search and might be more willing to rent to you. If a landlord does decide to rent to you, the

landlord might ask for a parent to co-sign the lease if you are a 1st time renter.

Be proactive!

Start looking for apartments in your local newspaper, Craigslist or your university might have listings of local

apartments available for students. Call places and see what the policy is when renting to someone who is a 1st

time renter. Keep a record of every place you call and what the landlord or leasing agent has told you.

Good luck in your search!

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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

Monthly Cash Income Monthly Expenses Earned Income Rent

Unemployment Insurance Gas/Electric

SSI or SSDI Water/Sanitation

Veteran’s Disability Payment Mortgage

K-TAP Insurance

Veteran’s Pension Land Phone/Cell Phone

Pension (former job) Internet

Child Support Cable

Other Income Source Non FS Grocery

Other Income Source Eating Out

Other Income Source Household Supplies

TOTAL CASH INCOME Diapers

Non-Cash Benefits Child Care

Food Stamps Clothes

WIC Laundry

TOTAL NON-CASH INCOME Car Payments

Car Insurance

Gasoline

Bus Pass/Tokens

Medical (RX)

Miscellaneous

Payment on Past Due Bills

TOTAL EXPENSES

1. Add up your Monthly Cash Income and place it in the first space

2. Add up your Monthly Expenses and place it in the second space

3. Subtract the Monthly Cash Income from the Monthly Expenses to get your Total

Monthly Budget

*SUMMARY* MONTHLY INCOME (-) MONTLY EXPENSES = TOTAL

(1)_____________- (2)_____________= (3)__________

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Reading Your Bill

1. Account Number

2. Amount Due

3. Bill Detail

4. WinterCare

5. Amount Enclosed

6. Customer Name

7. Mail Payments

8. Contact Information

9. Account Number

10. Mail Payments

11. Next Meter Reading Date

12. Meter Number

13. Meter Reading

14. Gas Usage

15. Current Billing Information

16. Electric Usage

17. Taxes

18. Bill Messages

19. Amount Due

20. Duke Energy Account Number

21. Gas Meter Number and Usage

22. Gas Charge Detail

23. Electric Meter Number and Usage

24. Electric Charge Detail

25. Total Gas Charges

26. Total Electric Charges

27. Explanation of Taxes

28. Gas and Electric Usage Chart

Billing Terms and Conditions (pdf, 27 KB)

Understanding your energy bill can help you better manage your household energy usage and could aid you in saving money. This is

an example bill, and may not reflect the latest rates.

Should you have further questions: Toll-Free Number: 1-800-544-6900

Or e-mail us with your question.

THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

Newport:Newport Food Mark *

2114 Monmouth Street

Newport, KY 41071

The Bank of Kentucky*

501 Monmouth Street

Newport, KY 41071Sun - Saturday 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Alexandria: Erlanger:Alaxandria Parkview Market*

7901 Alexandria Pike

Alexandria, KY 41001

Gramers Market

603 Stevenson Road

Erlanger, KY 41018

Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon - Fri 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sun 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sun 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Covington: Latonia:A & E Fashion Beauty Supply*

812 Madison Avenue

Covington, KY 41011

Warsaw Wireless*

3933 Winston Avenue

Latonia, KY 41015

Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mon - Sat 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sun 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Ft. Thomas: Dayton:Fort Thomas Drug Center*

26 North Fort Thomas Avenue

Fort Thomas, KY 41075

The Bank of Kentucky*

118 6th Avenue

Dayton, KY 41074

Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Florence:

IGA Express*

986 Burlington Pike

Florence, KY 41042

Duke Energy

Cincinnati Main Office

644 Linn Street

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Mon - Fri 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. 1-800-544-6900

Sat - Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

*These locations charge a cash fee

of $1.50 to process a Duke Energy

payment. No part of this fee is

payable to Duke Energy.

Where can you pay your Duke Energy bill

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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

Securely pay your bills at your local Wal-Mart store

        Electricity, water and gas

        Cable, internet and cell phone

        Car and mortgage

        Credit cards        Reload your prepaid cards

In Stores

        It's convenient.  Pay your bills when you shop at your local Wal-

Mart store        It's secure.  Your payment is sent via Money Gram or

        Standard (Delivered in 3 business days) — Fee: $1.00

        Next Day (Delivered next business day*) — Fee: $1.50

        Express Payments †(Payment notification arrives in 10 minutes)         Money Order — Fee: $0.70

        Cash

        PIN-based debit card        Wal-Mart Money Card

What you need         Billing statements with account numbers

        Stop by the Wal-Mart Money Center or the Customer Service

Rely on Bill Payment at Wal-Mart when you need a payment to arrive on time. You can pay many of

your bills, including:

From electric, cable and internet bills to car payments, credit cards and mortgages, use Wal-Mart’s

Money Center Bill Pay for convenient, secure payment for many of your bills. Want to avoid late fees

and service disruptions? Need to get a payment applied quickly? We've got you covered with express

payments and always low fees. Visit your local Wal-Mart and pay your bills quickly and securely using

cash, a debit card or your Wal-Mart Money Card. You can even use Bill Pay to reload your prepaid cards.

Rely on Bill Pay at Wal-Mart to make your payments on time - and save.

Benefits

Options and price

Payment methods

How to pay bills

†Not all billers available

*Payment must be processed at Wal-Mart by 7pm ET. Business days exclude weekends and banking

holidays. Check with your biller for actual payment posting time and availability.

Standard and Next-Day Bill Payment services provided by CheckFreePay.

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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

KITCHEN BATHROOM

Daily Kitchen List Checklist Daily Bathroom List Checklist

Wash dishes Clean sink

Throw out leftover food Wipe down shower

Wipe counter tops and appliances

Clean sink Weekly Bathroom List Checklist

Empty garbage Wash floor

Clean table after every meal Clean toilet

Clean all tile surfaces

Weekly Kitchen List Checklist Clean mirrors

Clean refrigerator Clean all fixtures

Sweep and mop floor Wash towels and bathmat

Take out trash

Clean kitchen garbage can Monthly Bathroom List Checklist

Clean walls

Monthly Kitchen List Checklist Clean shower curtain

Clean burners and oven Throw away old bottles of

Clean cabinets, drawers shampoos, conditioner, etc.

and other storage Clean inside medicine cabinet

Clean and wax floors

Clean windows BEDROOMWash curtains Daily Bedroom List Checklist

Clean walls and woodwork Make Bed

LIVING ROOM Weekly Bedroom List Checklist

Daily Living Room List Checklist Organize closet and dresser

Tidy up Wash sheets and mattress pad

Clean floors

Weekly Living Room List Checklist Dust furniture

Sweep/mop rugs and floors

Dust furniture and accessories Monthly Bedroom List Checklist

Clean spots from walls Wash windows

and woodwork Move and clean under furniture

Empty all waste baskets

OUTSIDEMonthly Living Room List Checklist Daily Outside List Checklist

Move and clean under furniture Pick up any litter that has been

Clean walls and woodwork blown into your yard

Clean furniture, television

and lamps Weekly Outside List Checklist

Take trash to curb and

then bring it back in

Keep porch clutter-free

Maintain yard if required

A CLEANING PLAN FOR MY HOME

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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK

Cleaning Supplies

Here is what you will need:

Dish washing soap

All purpose cleaning spray or Clorox

Abrasive cleaner like Comet for tub

Scrub brush

Broom

Dustpan

Rags or Paper Towels

Bucket and Mop

Vacuum Cleaner

Trash bags

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Tried and True Recipes for a Less Hazardous HomeThe Basic Cleaning Kit

White Vinegar: Dissolves grease and mineral accumulation

Borax: Disinfects and deodorizes

Baking Soda: Deodorizes and is mildly abrasive

Club Soda: Cuts grease, removes stains and softens water

Non-Detergent Soap: Loosens dirt

Recipes

All Purpose Cleaner: Mix one gallon hot water with ¼ cup of white vinegar, or mix one teaspoon borax into one

quart of hot water. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to cut grease. Rinse with water.

Scouring Powder: Dampen a sponge with baking soda and scrub.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Pour one cup vinegar into the toilet bowl, then toss in a handful of baking soda. The

mixture will foam. When the foam subsides, scrub and rinse.

Disinfectant: Mix ½ cup borax and ¼ cup vinegar in two gallons of very hot water. For a stronger disinfectant,

add more borax.

Air Freshener

Herbal Potpourri or cotton balls soaking vanilla are sweet smelling. Also try boiling cinnamon and cloves in a

small amount of water. An open box of baking soda absorbs refrigerator odors. Borax sprinkled in the bottom of

a garbage can control odors.

Ant Control

Ants will avoid lines of powder or sharp crystals. Sprinkle barriers of talcum powder, chalk, bone meal, cayenne

pepper or boric acid across their trials. Industrial grade boric acid crystals are especially effective as they have

little odor. Keep boric acid away from children and pets.

Ballpoint Pen Marks on Woodwork or Painted Walls

Dab with white vinegar on a clean cloth. Blot.

Bathroom Cleaner

Use baking soda to scrub surfaces clean. Rinse with clean water and wipe surfaces with a solution of ¼ cup

vinegar in a gallon of water.

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Blood Stains

Club soda and cold water will remove fresh blood stains. Blot it up with a clean cloth or paper towels.

Chocolate Stains

Blot the stain with club soda.

Rust Remover

Vinegar’s weak acid works wonders on rust stains. Warmed vinegar coupled with some scrubbing will remove rust

from dishes, sinks, and your teapot.

Sinks and Countertops

Use vinegar mixed with water and salt.

Spot Removers

To remove grease from garage floors, sprinkle the spot with dry cement or fresh cat litter. Let stand for a few hours

and then sweep it up. Grease is absorbed by the dry clay or cement.

Stains

General household stains can be cleaned and disinfected with borax solutions (see page 28 for recipe).

Water-Spotted Chrome and Faucets

Fill spay bottle with vinegar. Spray a little on fixtures and wipe away spots.

Window Cleaner

Use newspaper dipped in vinegar to scrub windows or a mix of one quart water a few drops dishwashing detergent

and two tablespoons of sudsy ammonia works well.

Wood Cutting Board Used with Meat

Mix 1 tablespoon household bleach and 1 quart warm water. Scrub with solution. Rinse under hot running water.

Dry.

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