Resources

Apartment Safety

SBI Off-Campus Housing asks everyone posting on our site to fill out a nine question apartment safety checklist. We also urge renters to check UB's off campus housing renters checklist before signing a lease to help determine the safety of a new apartment. A good indicator for making the decision of whether or not to rent an apartment is asking yourself if you would recommend the apartment to a friend.

Buffalo residents can now register complaints, get information, and access non-emergency police services by calling 311 or visiting the Buffalo 311 Call and Resolution Center Website

Quick Tips

Quick Tips Provided By SBI Legal Assistance and UB Living Off Campus

Before you sign the lease

Protect your interests and be a good neighbor.

  1. Location Matters

    • Visit potential neighborhoods a few times, at different times of day, before settling down.

  2. You're in charge of your own safety

    • 80% of student fatalities due to fire occur in off-campus student housing. Know the location of smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and how to maintain them. Do not rent any apartment that is not equipped with smoke detectors.
    • Know who to call in an emergency.
    • Lock doors and windows and leave an outside light on.
    • Do not travel alone, especially at night.
    • Never use a basement or an attic as a bedroom. They become traps in the event of fire.
    • Most importantly, report any crime by calling 911 (Buffalo Police) or the E District Station at 851-4416.

  3. Insurance is cheap

    • If your belongings are stolen or destroyed in a fire, your landlord isn't responsible for replacing them. Renters insurance could save you thousands.
    • Costs as little as $12 a month.
    • Can cover fire, theft (from apartment as well as other places, such as the trunk of your car), liability claims (e.g. your dog bites someone or a guest falls at your apartment).

  4. Go shopping

    Setting up house can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

    • Include these costs in your budget: cleaning supplies, small appliances, pots and pans, light bulbs, shower curtains, plunger.
    • Resist the urge to snag a couch off the street corner (bedbugs are very common).

  5. Rent is just one cost.

    The cost of utilities is often overlooked. Expect to spend 31 to 35 percent of your income on rent and utilities.

    • Before you sign a lease, contact utility companies for past utility costs and setup fees and deposits.
    • If utilities are included in your rent, find out how much control you'll have over their use.

  6. Be nosy – even pushy

    • Visit the property and examine utility closets and appliances.
    • If something breaks, keep calling until it's fixed. Some landlords may not respond unless you call them frequently.

  7. You have rights

    • Inspect the property before signing a lease and have your lease reviewed by SBI Legal Assistance.
    • Landlords and staff can't enter your apartment at will. In general, remember that while you're paying rent, the apartment is your private home first and the landlord's property second.
    • It is illegal for a landlord to rent a bedroom in a basement or an attic that is not equipped with a fire escape.

  8. Be a good neighbor

    • Get to know your neighbors – they can be your most valuable resource.
    • Be responsible. Keep noise down and keep your property clean.
    • Join a block club or visit a neighborhood center to learn how to help your neighborhood.

Areas

UB students live all around Western New York, but most commonly in Buffalo's University Heights, North Buffalo, Allentown or Elmwood neighborhoods; Amherst and Tonawanda. The distance between UB's North (Amherst) and South (Buffalo, Main St.) campuses is about 2 miles. The UB Stampede (inter-campus bus) runs every 5 to 10 minutes Monday through Friday during the academic year and every 30 to 60 minutes on weekends and during the summer. - Taken From UB Living Off Campus.

You can narrow your apartment search to a particular location or neighborhood by selecting an area from the drop down menu on the search page. Each listing will show maps, travel times and proximity to UB North and South Campus and the ARTF shuttle zone. Listings in popular student areas will have more information including transportation options, cost of living, safety tips, and things to do.

If you're still having trouble deciding on an area, visit our areas page or contact the SBI Off-Campus Housing Office for more information.

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