Life on Your Own

Few people imagine the worst-case scenario when renting. However, preparing for the possibility of problems such as water damage, fire, and theft is a smart thing to do.

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Make sure to look into renter’s insurance policies before you move in.

Did you know?

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MSU requires all students to update their current address (local) within five (5) days of moving to that address. This is the address that you are residing in while enrolled in classes.

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Addresses can be updated in the Student Information System.

Living with roommates can be a lot of work - it’s a balance between having fun and doing your part to keep your space livable!​

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Here some tips on finding that balance to keep everyone living in your space happy:

• Set up a roommate agreement:

  • Lay out expectations together and get on the same page. Divide the workload, split the household costs (bills, groceries, parking), and have it written down to refer back to if there’s ever a disagreement.

• Create a roommate chore chart or use an app: 

  • Use technology to hold each other accountable. Consider using a roommate chore app to keep track of who is supposed to do what or! Added bonus: using an app can alert roommates to their tasks without those awkward confrontations!

• Are you old school and prefer a paper checklist hung on the refrigerator?

  • ​Consider using our Off Campus Cleaning Checklist as a place to start!

Each city or township, as well as apartment complex, has different rules for trash collection.

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In the City of East Lansing, trash is collected from single-family homes and rental houses.

• You are responsible for placing trash in the easy cart collection bins (rental properties provide them to tenants for no cost) and put them at the curb by 7:30am on your collection day.

• Bins can be curbside from 8pm the night before collection to 10am the day after collection.

• When storing your easy cart, it is required to be concealed at least halfway to the rear of your house or garage.

• Apartment managers provide private trash service to tenants. Contact your manager for trash information or look for dumpsters at your complex.

• Some students find that dumpsters are far from their apartment unit. Many students use foldable wagons as an easy way to take trash from their apartment to a far-away dumpster!

• Bulk trash items are greater than 40 pounds and do not fit into city bags or easy carts. The most common bulk item is furniture. Before throwing away, consider donating items to Good Will drop off locations or Habitat for Humanity. If you need the item taken away, a $22.50 bulk item sticker is required and can be purchased online.

• Recycling through the City of East Lansing is a cart system and single-stream (all in one bin) on a bi-weekly schedule.

• The city also has drop-off recycling at the Public Works Building, open 24/7 to all residents. Ask your apartment managers for their complex recycling options!

The Greater Lansing Region, including East Lansing and Lansing, are pedestrian cities. Keeping the sidewalks clear is very important!

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Check your lease to see if you are responsible for shoveling and snow removal in general, including during university breaks.

• As a good rule of thumb, snow occurring before Noon must be cleared by midnight that same day.

• Snow falling after Noon must be clear by midnight of the following day.

• When in doubt, shovel for safety and help a neighbor out if you can!

Contribute to the neighborhood vibe by keeping your lawn neat and trimmed. ​

• Ask your landlord who is responsible for yard maintenance.

• Grass and weeds can be no higher than 6 inches - otherwise, it’s a ticket!

• Please keep trees and shrubs trimmed back, so sidewalks and street corners are not physically or visually obstructed.

• If your yard is growing out of control, you can receive a violation notice and hefty ticket!

In East Lansing, any property that you rent must be licensed and will be issued a licensed occupancy.

• Ask your property owner where the license is posted on site and confirm the maximum occupancy using the City of East Lansing’s online mapping tool.

• Occupancy levels are set according to local zoning laws and are not necessarily determined by the number of bedrooms.

• Also, keep in mind that if a basement or attic has a single means of exit, it cannot be used as a sleeping room.

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Occupancy levels are taken very seriously by the City of East Lansing.

• If you are found responsible for over-occupying a property, you will have to pay fines of up to $1,000 per day and find another place to live. This can turn into a disruptive and costly experience for all involved.

The City of East Lansing restricts all non-outdoor furniture in open spaces, including any open porches, balconies, patios, or lawns.

• This includes furniture and lawn games that are visible to neighbors.

• In plain language, your indoor couch should not be out on your porch or lawn unless you want a ticket.​

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Additionally, pools, hot tubs, or spas are not allowed to be placed in front or side yards.

• If you are found in violation, you will receive a warning giving you two to three days to remove the furniture.

• If it is not removed, a ticket can be issued with a maximum fine of $1,000.

Parking in East Lansing or Lansing neighborhoods can be limited. Keep the following in mind when parking your car:

It is illegal to…

• park on a lawn

• block a driveway

• park over a sidewalk

• park backward on a city street

• park on a city street between 2am and 6am​

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You may be ticketed and towed at your expense if you park in public areas during restricted hours or on private property without permission.

• The City of East Lansing recently created an Overnight Parking online request tool if you visiting and staying overnight.