F.A.Q.s
You may have questions about your landlord, roommates, the neighborhoods, parking etc. Listed here are some of the most frequently asked questions about living off-campus. Some of the questions you have will involve the need for legal advice, and so it is best you consult with the OSU Student Housing Legal Clinic schedule an appointment online for the most accurate interpretation of the Ohio Revised Code.
...I am being evicted?
You should contact Student Housing Legal Clinic (614) 247-5853 or another attorney immediately upon receiving any notice to leave your premises.
See "Eviction" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...I got a ticket for parking on the street?
If you receive a parking ticket you can pay it, contest it or request a hearing at columbuspvb.com.
Broken parking meters can also be reported at this website.
...I have pests/rodents in my house/apartment?
You should notify the landlord in writing of any infestations. The landlord is allowed a reasonable amount of time (up to 30 days), depending on the situation, to rectify the matter. Contact the Student Housing Legal Clinic or schedule an appointment online to explore your options.
See also "Pests and Rodents," at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...I have problems with my roommate(s)?
Off-Campus Student Services offers referral service to trained mediators for students who are experiencing problems with roommates. This process requires that both parties voluntarily agree to mediation and be willing to accept a non-binding resolution. Contact Off-Campus Student Services at (614) 292-0100 for more information on mediation.
Each tenant who signs the lease is usually responsible for all terms of the lease. The landlord can hold any individual tenant, or all of the tenants, responsible for any rent or damages owed.
See also "Understanding Leases" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
The best way to solve roommate problems is to prevent them! Choose co-tenants (roommates) that you trust. Sign a roommate contract. This may seem awkward, but there are many specific agreements that you should make with your roommates at the start of the roommate relationship.
See also "Roommate Contract" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
Calculate for what portion of the security deposit each roommate is responsible. Discuss expectations about utilities (and utility features such as cable packages or phone plans), social expectations such as smoking, guests, study habits, noise, overnight guests, etc., as well as logistical issues including parking, storage, cleaning, personal items, pets etc. Do not put all utilities in your name. Determine for what portion of the bills each roommate will be responsible. Do not hand over cash to pay other roommates for utilities and rent. Write checks or money orders as proof that you paid your share. Decide how food will be purchased and shared (or not). What should a roommate do if they have to move out before the lease ends?
...I have to sublease my apartment?
Off-Campus Student Services provides a free sublease listing service for OSU students. Contact Off-Campus Student Services at (614) 292-0100 or our Sublet Resources Section for more information.
Check with your landlord before you enter into a sublease agreement. Most leases require a landlord's permission before subleasing. Landlords are allowed to prohibit subleases, or require written permission before subleasing.
See also "Subleases" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...I have to terminate my lease?
Schedule an appointment online with the Student Housing Legal Clinic to get advice on lease termination.
See also "Lease Termination" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...I need to have a repair made?
You should give the landlord written notice of the problem and keep a copy of the notice for yourself. You may want to deliver the notice in person or send the notice certified mail to insure delivery.
Do everything you can to document the problem. Take photographs, keep a diary, have friends and family members view the problem as witnesses, etc. Write down every time you talk to or communicate with your landlord about the problem as well as how your landlord responds.
Keep track of what repair personnel are coming to your house or apartment, when they are showing up and what they do.
Contact Student Housing Legal Clinic schedule an appointment online and/or Columbus City Code Enforcement (614) 645-8139 to schedule an inspection if you suspect a code violation.
See also "Getting Repairs" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...I think there is a code violation in my house/apartment?
If you suspect that your building or apartment is not up to code, you can request a free inspection by calling Code Enforcement at (614) 645-8139 or filling out an on-line request form at http://bds.td.ci.columbus.oh.us/.
You can view the Housing and Building Codes for the City of Columbus at www.ordlink.com/codes/columbus/index.htm.
Contact the OSU Student Housing Legal Clinic to schedule an appointment online for more information .
See also "Columbus City Code" & "Landlord/Tenant Duties" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...I want to purchase an off-campus parking permit?
Parking on many of the streets off-campus requires a city issued parking permit. Parking permits can be obtained at the City of Columbus Parking Viloations Bureau at 400 W. Whittier Street, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays. Phone: (614) 645-6400. To purchase a parking permit the driver must present a driver's license, proof of residence (lease or utility bill in the driver's name or notarized letter from your landlord/property), Vehicle Registration. Permits cost $25. VISA, MasterCard, Discover, cash or check (made out to Treasurer, City of Columbus) are accepted.
This information may have changed; you are encouraged to call the city Parking Violations Bureau office at (614) 645-6400 to get the most accurate information.
Off-Campus Student Services hosts the city Parking Vilations Bureau office once a year each fall to sell permits in the office, 15 E. 15th Avenue. Please check offcampus.osu.edu for more information on dates and times.
Property managers manage the parking rules on private property surrounding the buildings they manage. You must check with your property manager to get more information regarding rules and possible costs for parking in private lots near your apartment or house.
...my car was towed?
If your car was towed from private property (such as the parking lot of an apartment complex) check the parking lot for signage with instructions for claiming vehicles towed from that lot. If such signs are not apparent, contact the property manager of that property for more information.
If your car was towed from public property (city streets) the place to claim your vehichle often depends up on the type of tow enforcement that caused your vehicle to be towed. When a general parking ban is enforced on weekends in the University District, often the University will allow the city to tow vehicles (at no cost to the owners) to the west campus lots as a courtesy to students who may not have been aware of the parking ban. Check with your Community Ambassador to see if a parking ban was being enforced in your area when your vehicle was towed. If you violate a city parking law/rule/ordinance contact the City impound lot at (614) 645-6400.
...My property manager enters my apartment/house without my permission?
To explore your options under the law contact the Student Housing Legal Clinic or schedule an appointment online.
See also "Unlawful Entry" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
...my security deposit has not been returned?
If you think your landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of your security deposit, you should contact Student Housing Legal Clinic or schedule an appointment online. A common mistake that students make is failing to provide written notice to the landlord of their new address.
See also "Security Deposits" at http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/shlc/forms.php.
How do I dispose of outdoor furniture that violates the indoor furniture on porches ordinance?
You should call the Columbus Call Center at 311, and speak to the customer service representative about a date for bulk pick-up. You may also schedule bulk pick up by visiting the City Call Center on line at http://311.columbus.gov/COCOBS/. You should then place the item in the alley beside (not in) a refuse container the night before the pick-up date. For those students with 90-gallon containers, they should place the item at the curb the night before the pick-up date. Dump and Run, an OSU Student Organization, also collects items for reuse: check them out at dumpandrunosu.com for dates and information!
How do I register to vote in Franklin County Ohio
If you care to register to vote in Franklin County, Ohio, visit the Board of Elections website for more information!
I have received a citation from Columbus City Code Enforcement for indoor furniture placed outside.
If you have received a citation from Code Enforcement, the citation should give you 20 days from the date of the citation to remove the item. As long as you remove the item, you will be in compliance and no further action should be taken. To remove the item follow the steps under FAQ: "What should I do if I have to dispose of outdoor furniture that violates the ordinance?" If the pick-up date is after the 20 days are to expire, call in your confirmation number to the City Code Enforcement officer listed on the citation.
What is the new couches on porches ordinance?
What it says:"No person in any residentially zoned district as defined in Chapter 3303, C.C., shall store, collect, park, leave, deposit, maintain, reserve, put asside for future use, permit, allow, or suffer to remain on any porch, balcony, roof, or in a yard, except in a completely enclosed building or structure, any: upholstered furniture, furniture, mattresses, materials, and other similar products not designed, built, and manufactured for outdoor use unless such is in an enclosed porch or balcony."
What it means: No indoor furniture on porches, balconies, roofs, yards, or anywhere outside.
To view the actual ordinance, click here.
What is the penalty for violating the Outdoor Placement of Furniture Ordinance?
Violators of this section of the City Code may be charged "with a separate misdemeanor of the third degree for each day the violation exists. Separate penalties may be imposed for each offence." The penalty for a third degreee misdemeanor is jail time of no more than 60 days, or a fine of no more than $500, or both.
Where can I drop-off my recycling?
If you are interested in recycling there are a number of drop-off locations in the Univeristy District and in the greater Columbus area. Please visit SWACO (the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio at http://www.swaco.org/ for more information regarding recycling drop-off locations and materials acceptable for recycling.
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