Covering Your Bases

Be informed! Know your rights and know the laws regarding residency in Whitewater.

Here are a few things you can do to avoid unwanted situations:

• Read the laws governing your stay. Keep up to date with what is going on in the city, state, and country.
• Here you can find everything from upcoming road construction, recreation sign-ups to meeting times. These are the City of Whitewater Public Service Announcements.
• City of Whitewater's local codes
• State of Wisconsin's state codes
• The United States of America's federal codes
• Have the WSG lawyer look over your lease and make sure you know what you are signing. Once you sign, you are legally responsible for the rent even if some roommates back out after you sign.
• Ask questions often. Ask your landlord, roommates and neighbors if you are unsure of the of anything.
• Facilitate communication.
• Get Renters Insurance. You may be covered under your parents insurance; call their insurance provider to find out if you are. If you are not, it will only be a few dollars a month to make sure you are covered. Two fires damaged student residences in 2007. When living in an old building with old electrical wiring, renters insurance is essential.
• Check the batteries in fire detectors when you move in, and 6 months into your lease. Changing batteries is the tenant's responsibility. Also, make sure you have a fire detector on each floor, a carbon monoxide detector, and a fire extinguisher in the house.
• Make sure you follow the city laws when deciding to have a recreational fire in the yard.
• Finally, a no-brainer, lock all doors and windows when no one is home.