Off-Campus Living Guide 2014 | Page 6

BEFORE YOU MOVE IN DEFINITIONS Landlord: The owner of the property who leases or rents the property to a tenant. Tenant: The person who rents or leases a property from a landlord. Rental Agreement or Lease: A legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant, whether written or verbal, bet containing the terms and conditions of the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit and its premises. Deposit/ Fees: These may include first and last month’s rent, security deposit, Additional information about cleaning fees, screening fees can be found on the fees and/or application ASUO Legal Services website fees. fee Security deposits http://asuorental.uorgon.edu/rights.php are usually refundable, meaning the deposit will be returned to you if you maintain the property in the same condition as it was at the time you moved in. Credit Check: A credit check may include your social security number, employment information, spouse information, credit accounts, loans, bankruptcies, lawsuits, info court judgments, repossessions, etc. Credit bureaus collect information from various sources about your credit history that may stay on file for up to 10 years. Landlords may check your credit history to see if you have a habit of paying your bills on time. Criminal History: Landlords may check your criminal history through public records. histo W IT TE R Documentation: This is proof that a request, agreement, commitment, or some other KEEP COPIES OF: » Move in conditions of property action has taken place and (written and photos). has been noted. It is often » Lease or rental agreement » Receipt of rent payment, deposit, and fees. needed in case of legal recourse. ALWAYS keep a copy of all documents until your relationship with your landlord has ended entirely. OW FOLL O US N T • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •