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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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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK
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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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK
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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THE HOUSING HANDBOOK
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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