Unlawful Entry
You are protected from unlawful entry as a renter. Your landlord can only enter your apartment (without permission) in very specific instances. View the law in its entirety at aws.uslandlord.com/laws/akstatelaw.html.
All in person events on the UAA campus may be cancelled due to statewide and local measures to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) but that doesn't stop you from staying engaged with virtual events!
Commuter Student Programs strives to assist students successfully navigate living off campus, building connections on campus, and provide resources to students in need. Explore this page and its resources for living off campus. For a more detailed review of this page's resources, we encourage you to check out our Guide to Living Off Campus publication.
Your all access guide to all things off campus. Check out the definitive guide to successfully living off campus!
Living on campus is fun! If you are looking for an affordable housing option, join a campus community, and be close to your classes, look no further. There's lots of options on campus. For more information, visit uaa.alaska.edu/on-campus-living
Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. This on campus resource is the community bulletin board for landlords, potential roommates, and renters to find current housing listings. Check it out!
As a renter it is your responsibility is to pay your rent on time, pay your utilities on time, sign and keep a copy of your lease,and follow all the terms of the lease. Use your judgment as to whether you should do/change anything on the premises. If it harms the property or you’re unsure if it will, don’t do it.
You are protected from unlawful entry as a renter. Your landlord can only enter your apartment (without permission) in very specific instances. View the law in its entirety at aws.uslandlord.com/laws/akstatelaw.html.
Try to keep your apartment in nice condition. Remove garbage in an efficient and timely manner, and follow all garbage collecting measures. Don’t store things next to heaters or overload power outlets. Notify your landlord as soon as possible if a repair needs to be done.
Brought to you by UAA's Justice Center, below are in-depth guides into your rights and the laws governing renting in Alaska.
Moving in a new place can be super stressful, but it doesn't have to be! The first step when moving is inspecting the premises. Set up a time with the landlord to view the property before your move-in date. Bring a camera with you to document any damages you notice and the conditions of every room. Some landlords will provide their own checklist for you to fill out or will fill one out themselves. However, keeping a record of things yourself provides extra proof should a misunderstanding arise. Take photos to prove any damages existed before you moved in. When/if you have repairs done document them and have the landlord approve them. Setting up utilities and other services will also need to be done prior to moving in. Some common expenses include gas, water, cable and Internet. Remember to ask your landlord which utilities are included with the rent.
Below is a quick move-in checklist
Living with another person and sharing the space can be enjoyable and educational. It not only decreases the amount of rent you have to pay, but it also provides some sort of social support within the home. Consider whether you want to live with a friend or stranger and see if your interests/study habits mesh. Roommates don’t always fit together perfectly. Some work well right off the bat while others need time to adjust. Keep this in mind when choosing a roommate.
It’s important to understand and respect one another in order to live harmoniously. Be aware of the other person’s schedule and adjust your habit accordingly. Be considerate; don’t have friends over after midnight if your roommate works at 6 AM. Be courteous and care about your roommate’s wellbeing.
If you are living with a roommate, no matter who it is, friend, family, or partner, you should come up with a roommate agreement. Physically writing down and signing what is expected of each other is highly recommended. Chores, rent, and rules are some things you’ll want to include in your roommate agreement.
Protect your assets with renters’ insurance. Did you know your landlord’s insurance usually does not cover your personal property? Renters need special insurance for their belongings. Your clothes, jewelry, stereos, televisions, bicycles, computers, furniture, artwork, and other valuables are not protected against loss or destruction. Renters' insurance is surprisingly inexpensive and covers many situations that may surprise you. Check these options below first. Then shop around. Your auto insurance agent may be a good place to begin.
Prices for a “typical” college student apartment run around $120-$180 for a one-year policy ($10-$15 per month). Ask about "replacement value." Typically, the insurance company will pay a depreciated value for your belongings. A little more money gets you the amount it would take to replace the item(s)at today's prices.
(adapted from the Anchorage Daily News article, How to recycle like a pro in Anchorage, by Devin Kelly)
When moving out, the most important thing to do is notify your landlord. Many landlords will require that this notice be given when rent is due and at least 30 days prior to move out. Give your landlord at least 30 days notice of your departure in writing and keep a copy of the notice yourself. Check your lease to make sure you aren’t violating the terms of the lease in any way by moving out. If for any reason you must move out before your lease is up, be prepared to pay additional fees. Remove all your belongings and clean the premises by the day you’ve stated. Follow the terms of the lease during the process and repair or replace any items you may have broken during your stay there. If the property was furnished before you moved in, move all the furniture back to its original position. If you do not you may be charged additional fees or lose part or all of you security deposit. Make sure you leave a forwarding address for mail.
The Municipality of Anchorage has two great resources for residents to stay informed on important community developments to your safety and well-being. Check out the resources below.
We all learned “Stop, drop and roll” years ago, but there are lots of other fire safety basics to keep in mind. Take the American Red Cross Fire Safety Quiz to see how savvy you are on fire safety basics. After taking the quiz, make sure to download the Home Fire Safety Checklist and Home Fire Escape Plan. Use these resources at home to ensure your safety!
Information provided by SafeHome.org
Protecting your home can be a daunting task and there's lots to consider. Below are just a few steps you can take to secure your home.
For a comprehensive guide on protecting yourself, your belongings, and your identity, we encourage students to check out SafeHome.org. SafeHome.org is the industry leader in providing education, resources, and information around home security.
Protect your assets with renters’ insurance. Did you know your landlord’s insurance usually does not cover your personal property? Renters need special insurance for their belongings. Your clothes, jewelry, stereos, televisions, bicycles, computers, furniture, artwork, and other valuables are not protected against loss or destruction. Renters' insurance is surprisingly inexpensive and covers many situations that may surprise you. Check these options below first. Then shop around. Your auto insurance agent may be a good place to begin.
Prices for a “typical” college student apartment run around $120-$180 for a one-year policy ($10-$15 per month). Ask about "replacement value." Typically, the insurance company will pay a depreciated value for your belongings. A little more money gets you the amount it would take to replace the item(s)at today's prices.
Busy. Centralized Midtown Anchorage is a hot spot for stores, restaurants, services, and bars. One of the more popular areas of town and includes “Spenard,” which is a fast-growing area.
Like other metropolitan cities, Anchorage’s downtown is rich with entertainment, culture, the arts, shopping, and restaurants/bars. Federal, state, corporate, local and private offices.
Includes family housing, with some local businesses ranging from restaurants to small shops. Closest to Glenn Highway, which takes you North. Includes large parks and useful tails.
West Anchorage consists of family housing and is near the Airport as well as Kincaid Park. It is a peaceful and safe area of town. Dimond is a popular commercial business area.
Southside and Hillside consists of many larger family homes and a lower amount of businesses. Also considered a safe and peaceful area of town. Includes Hilltop Ski Area and Glen Alps Trail-head.
Population of 23,000 is included in the Municipality of Anchorage. This has a small town feel with local and commercial businesses. Easy access to outdoor activities.
The towns of Palmer (Pop. 5,000) and Wasilla (Pop. 10,000) make up “The Valley”. This area has a loaded backyard with all the amenities of a city.
The best way to plug into our community is to check out the following campus and community traditions.
Top 10 Social Media Accounts to follow
For all of your basic needs, the following services are available on campus.
For students in crisis, check out the following campus and community resources. Whatever your situation, there are resources to help you stay focused on your educational goals.
For more information about Student Activities and Commuter Programs, please contact 907-786-1213.
University Disclaimer: The University of Alaska Anchorage does not inspect, recommend, or guarantee housing listed on these websites. All properties and roommates found on these websites are not endorsed by the University of Alaska Anchorage.