As your move-in date approaches, there are several things that you need to do and be aware of. The list below is a relatively comprehensive list that you should review with your roommates and co-signer as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary problems.
All paperwork including co-signed leases, if required, must be complete before you move in.
All security deposits and rents must be paid prior to move in.
Arrangements for utilities should be made at least a month before move in. Otherwise you might be without them during the move in week. If you are a part of a group, decide who will put what service in their name and sign an agreement among yourselves to pay your shares however you agree to split it.
If you are responsible for gas and electric, you can call Consumers Energy at 1800 477 5050. They do not usually want a deposit. However, you may be required to bring your lease in to the local office. Most meters for gas and electric are outside the house. Sometimes they are inside. Either way, Consumers won’t turn on the gas unless they can light the furnace and water heater. If they can get in to do a reading they won’t shut it off. It’s up to you to be on top of the process.
If you are responsible for water, you must go to the City Utilities-water dept personally. They are at City Hall 241 W South St. They will want a deposit equal to one quarter of the historic water bill. Usually $30-$40. You will have to be present to have the meter read. Coordinate that effort with us so the water does not get turned off. It will be difficult to get your house cleaned among other things, if the water is shut off. It would be several days before they could get back. So don’t mess up on this process.
We recommend Best Way Disposal for trash and recycling. Their number is (616) 388-3300. Refer to the section of our page called ‘how to live in Kalamazoo’ for detail on how to manage your trash disposal.
If you are being paid to clean the unit, we expect you to do the job. That means bring cleaning supplies and equipment. We hire a carpet cleaner if there is carpet. We will provide you with a list of what we want done along with a work order. When the work is done, sign and turn the bill in and a manager will come over to inspect. The manger will presumably approve the work and turn the bill into accounting for payment. If not, you will be given a list of deficient items to complete and the manager will return to re-inspect upon your notice.
You will be given a move in packet. In that, will be information that will be helpful during your stay. Among other things, you will find a magnet with a number to emergency maintenance, information about the City of Kalamazoo ordinances that affect tenants, how-to instruction and other gifts we think you'll like.
Call us for any other special move-in needs. Your smooth transition into your new house is important to us.
