OCR Text |
Show KfitofSU July 6 20C1 Know your responsibilities when renting, leasing by 1st LL Bradley Cleveland Assistant Staff Judge Advocate Whether you're just settling into the area or are leaving for new frontiers, the chances are good that you will be either entering or terminating a lease agreement. With that in mind, it is important to know and understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant under the law and prevent legal problems down the road. Before entering any agreement, get a printed copy of the least or rental agreement and read it carefully. Remember, a lease is a contract that you will be bound by for the length of the lease term you agree upon. Ask the landlord to explain anything in the lease that you don't understand. After the landlord provides an explanation, write it down and incorporate it into the lease. Some things to watch for are: hi . What are your and wfiat are die land- lord's resxnsib-litie- s for as far as maintaining the premises? What are the procedures for bringing irobkins to your landlord's attention? How much is the age, you may want to reconsider whether to rent the property in the first place.) By doing so, you will have proof that whatever damage you found wasn't caused by you. If this is not possible, then find a disinterested third person, such as a neighbor, to walk through the property with you to witness the damage and sign a statement to that effect The bottom line is, document everything so you won't have to pay for it later. Both the landlord and tenant haw certain rights and responsibilities under the lease agreement Tenant's rights include having a safe and sanitary place to live, peace and quiet and privacy. The tenant's responsibilities include paying the rent on time, taking reasonable care of the property, keeping the property clean, abiding by the lease terms, informing the landlord in writing when repairs are necessary, and being considerate of neighbors. The tenant cannot cause damage to the property, which includes both breaking walls and adding new things, like wallpaper, to the property. It's also a good idea to inform your landlord when you plan to be away for a period of time. The landlord's rights include the ability to inspect the property at reasonable times and make reasonable rules. The landlord must comply with the applica- deposit and is it refundable at the end of the lease? What else are you responsible for under the lease? Are all pertinent terms clearly spelled out such as the amount of rent, description of the premises, when and how the landlord can enter the premises, and what late fees are applicable if you're late with the rent payment? For your protection, ensure the lease has a "military clause." A military clause is a contract term that allows you to terminate your lease in case you receive reassignment orders or assignment to base housing. If you don't see this in your lease, bring it to the landlord's attention and ask for one. Under no circumstances should a military person sign a lease that doesn't have a valid "military clause." Without it you could be responsible for the entire term of your lease even though you're reassigned. After signing the lease - but before moving in, do a thorough of the property with the landlord and annotate each discrepancy and any damage. If renting a house, include the yard and exterior of the home as well. Afterward, both you and the landlord should sign and date it. Keep a copy of this with the lease so when you move out there is no question about what damage, if any, you caused. If the landlord is uncooperative, refuses or disagrees with your assessment, then photograph, or better yet, videotape the problem area or the entire premises. (As an aside, if the landlord is unwilling to sign such a joint assessment of dam- walk-throug- J h ble housing laws, deliver the premises, give notice of changes in the rental terms, provide peace and quiet to the tenant, abide by the lease terms and follow all legal procedures before evicting a tenant. Most landlords or rental agencies require security deposits. Under Utah law, if any part then of a security deposit is it must be stated in writing at the time the ten- Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs AFB, Ohio (AFM-CNuniforms, boots, survival kits or practically any piece of personal equipment issued to an American in the Korean or Vietnam Wars may help identify the remains of missing American service members. Officials at the Air Force Clothing Office here are asking people to donate these items because the staff is helping the Life Sciences Artifact Section of Aeronautical Systems Center's 311th Human Systems Wing at Brooks AFB, Texas, determine the status of missing service members. In many cases, parts of uniforms and equipment accompany human remains and may allow researchers to tell if the remains are American. Employing 1 1 analysts and two forensic phoWRIGHT-PATTERSO- N - People having military tographers, the artifact section examines artifacts recovered from crash sites. Having correct era combat uniforms and equipment helps the analysts because matching the recovered items to original equipment items is the most basic step in identification. The artifact section staff hopes to get sam ples of each type of uniform and piece of equipment for analysis. Some of the analysis techniques will include precision measurement, surface texture analysis, material identification, melting point determination, yarn count and flame and water resistance. "When investigators uncover a piece of equipment, they need to have in stock what it was at the time of impact," said Don McKee, clothing office director. "They might find a site, but without the original equipment composition, they couldn't tell whether it was American or Korean or whatever. "We want at least one or two samples of each piece for analysis. Donations cannot be returned due to the destructive analysis." Dave Lanthorn is the clothing office focal point for donations. "There are a considerable number of retired military people who may be able to help," he said, "and donations are needed as soon as possible. Just call me, and 111 figure how to pick up the item and transport it" For a complete list of needed items and information on how to donate them, call Lanthorn at DSN Master Sgt. Daniel and Linda Nunez are parents of a girl born June 21. Veronica Amber Nunez weighed 6 pounds and was 19 inches long. Tech. Sgt. Matthew and Tonya Montez are parents of a boy born June 22. David Frank Montez weighed 5 pounds, 5 ounces and 12 inches long. Staff Sgt. Iran and Genna Smith are parents of a girl born June 22. Amelia Evelyn Smith weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20 inches long. Staff Sgt. Gary and Suzanne Crawford are parents of a girl born June 23. Savannah Elizwas 18 abeth Crawford weighed 6 pounds, and was 21 inches long. 14 ounces "The recruiter didn't mention the best part" Enlisted? You're eligible. If It's our experience and understanding that inspired us to design a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to help all members of the military - and their families - that include: INSURANCE 2 ounces and was 19 and services Informative guides to make your next PCS or deployment easier, as well as other PCSdeployment benefits out more about the advantages of a being USAA member, contact us today. To find usaa.com what it means to serve. BANKING INVESTMENTS MEMBER SERVICES USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its subsidiaries and affiliates. USAA Federal Savings offers banking products. Property and casualty insurance, Bank, an Equal Housing Lender and available only to persons eligible for group membership, is provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company and USAA Limited. Applications are subject to underwriting. I tgg5rraT r. 4 i ) ft UtOT 5 i fa V : . . I IYkdeS FDIC INSUHtO Nondeposit investment products are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations ot, or guaranteed by the USAA Federal Savings Bank, are subject to investment risks and may lose value. a weighed 6 pounds, inches long. investment products A variety of or visit us at e know USAA checking account that no-fe- e virtually eliminates ATM fees Callus at Outstanding auto insurance that features great service at competitive prices 101 mm Maj. John and Ok Sun Gage are parents of girl born June 26. Esther Jeanne Gage weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 19 inches long. Master Sgt. Jim and Maria Molosz are parents of a girl born June 26. Gabrielle Lynette Molosz weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. Senior Airman Alan and Airman 1st Class Jamie St. Louis are parents of a girl born June 28. Mira St. Louis weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 20 34 inches long. Airman 1st Class Nathan and Airman 1st Class Cassandra Corrado are parents of a girl born June 29. Eliana Rose Corrado A you don't know about the benefits of being a USAA member, ask around. With more than four million members and nearly 80 years of serving the military community, USAA understands the unique needs and challenges of military life - because we've been there. 785-619- Eight babies join 'heirforce' Eight Hill babies were recently enlisted to the rank of "Heirforce" addition. Ml Us ant delivers the deposit. If no notice is given, then the deposit is fully refundable at the end of the lease term. If any of the deposit is retained, the landlord must give the tenant written notice that explains why the deposit is being withheld. More specifically, the landlord must give the tenant a written itemization of any deductions and the reasons for them. The written itemization must be delivered or mailed to the tenant within 30 days after the lease is terminated or within 15 days after receiving the tenant's new address, whichever is later, unless there is damage to the property. If the landlord fails to do so in bad faith, then the tenant may recover the full the landlord deposit, a civil penalty of $100 the and fine a the applictenant $100 pays able small claims court costs. Renting an apartment or a home is a serious responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. For more information on renting or rental agreements, call the Legal Office at Ext. Military clothing could help identify missing Americans by Mike Wallace J . Nw n 4 |