Parents

FAQ PARENTS – KNOW THEY ARE IN GOOD HANDS

• Should parents be concerned about safety at off-campus housing?

  Yes, safety is always an important issue when choosing a new apartment home. Before renting an apartment, students should:

  • Make sure the apartment is well lit and check to see where they can park. Is the lighting adequate? Is the parking area open and visible?
  • Get to know their neighbours
  • Check for working smoke detectors
  • Be aware of their surroundings and keep emergency phone numbers handy always.

• What are some safety tips that parents can share with students while they are living off-campus?

  • Protect your personal information. Do not share PIN numbers, social security numbers, passwords or other relevant information or leave such available for anyone to see.
  • Study the campus and neighborhood with respect to routes between your residence and class/activities schedule.
  • Share your class/activities schedule with parents and a network of close friends, effectively creating a type of "buddy" system.
  • Always travel in groups and never walk alone at night. Avoid "shortcuts."
  • Always carry your ID with you.
  • Never get in a car with someone under the influence and do not operate a vehicle yourself in you are under the influence.
  • Do not tamper with safety and security systems (blue lights, emergency telephones, fire alarm systems and fire extinguishers). False alarms reduce effectiveness when there is a real emergency. Report any incident of tampering with fire and safety equipment.
  • Know where emergency exits are located and always pay attention to fire alarms.
  • Check your University email and website for important communication and emergency messages.

• What calendar dates do parents and students need to be aware of?

  • Financial Aid Priority Deadline
  • Enrollment Deposit
  • Orientation
  • Course Registration
  • Tuition Deadline
  • Lease Renewal / Expiration Dates

• If parents want to be involved in their son/daughter's college years, but don't want to be overbearing, what are some options?

  Many colleges and universities understand that parents want to be more involved in their student's education, so they provide information and offer services especially for them. Contact your student’s college / university to check if they have options for parents.
  

   

• What are some items that parents can put in care packages to send to their children at school?

  • Food—Students appreciate anything, but will especially appreciate home baked goods, snack items or personal favorites such as a favorite type of candy bar or favorite tea or cocoa mix.
  • Personal items such as toothpaste, deodorant, lotions, etc. (Yes, students could buy these things, but it is convenient not to have to go out to get them—or to spend the money for them.)
  • Things to decorate their living space—especially holiday decorations.

• Should students moving into off-campus housing get tenant's insurance?

  Getting tenant’s insurance is always a good idea and is reasonably inexpensive. The unexpected can always happen. Our communities require tenant’s insurance. Tenant’s insurance generally covers loss of belongings in case of fire, flood or theft but not the rental unit itself. Contact your current home owner's insurance or tenant's insurance provider as you may already have the option to include this in your policy. 
  

   

• What are some tips parents can give students who are considering entering a lease?

  • Review the lease carefully before signing it.
  • Find responsible roommates.
  • Keep up with basic home maintenance.
  • Be a good neighbor and live happily.

• What money management tips should parents share with their college students?

  • Evaluate needs vs. wants.
  • Chose debit over credit.
  • Understand all possible fees.
  • Check your bank statements regularly.
  • Beware of identity theft.
  • Begin saving today.
  • Start an emergency fund.

• What are my responsibilities and liabilities as a guarantor or co-signer?

  Should the original applicant default or miss a payment on the lease, the guarantor typically assumes complete financial responsibility, often for the entire lease term account. In the case of a missed payment, this means making that payment and all further payments until the original applicant can do so. In the event of the original applicant defaulting on the lease completely, the guarantor assumes all liability for paying off the loan. As a guarantor, it's important to emphasize to the original applicant to keep you apprised of any late payments or inability to pay the rent to make payments on the loan. This way, as the guarantor, you are prepared to take over and prevent any late fees or poor credit marks as a result. And as a guarantor you will also be responsible for paying for any damage to the property beyond reasonable wear and tear if the original applicant does not pay. Every lease is different. Read the fine print carefully and address questions directly to our team members for clarification.