Private Rentals & Leasing

• Determine how much money you can spend on rent
• Consider additional expenses beyond rent, including electricity, heat, water/sewage, gas, trash, internet, and parking.
• Be prepared to pay a deposit before moving in, such as a security deposit. 
• Decide on the number of roommates and the duration of your rental commitment.

• Walk through several listings to get a feel for what you want.
• Take advantage of virtual tours. 
• Take pictures
• Ask specific questions about the property.
• Visit the neighborhood at various times of the day, night, and weekend.

• Are there fees to pay before I move in? (e.g. application fee, security deposit)?
• When is rent due? Is there a grace period? How do I pay rent? Are there late fees?
  
• How far away is the apartment from campus?
• Is on-site parking available? What does it cost?
  
• What utilities (heat, water/sewage, electricity, gas, trash) are included in the rent?
  
• Do you know how much the average monthly electric/gas bill costs?
  
• Are there laundry facilities in the unit, in the building or close to the apartment?
• Is the apartment air-conditioned?
  
• What kind of flooring is in the apartment?
  
• How close it is to the grocery or convenience store?
• Are there rules about guests?
• Is renters insurance required?
• How do I renew my apartment? Do I need to give notice if I don't want to renew my lease?
• Can I cancel my lease before the end date?  If so, how do I do that and how much will it cost?
• Can I sublet my apartment?

• Read the lease and make sure you understand it.
  
• Double-check the lease start and end dates, address, and rent rate. 
• Make sure you understand how utilities are paid and any responsibilities you may have.
• Obtain a copy of any rules and regulations before you sign.
• Have all promised repairs written into the lease and signed by the landlord.
• Keep a copy of the lease along with any additional rules.
• Check if you have maintenance responsibilities like snow shoveling or grass cutting if you are renting a house.

Alta Fiber provides several services including landline phone support, internet, digital TV, fioptics and home security. In addition, Cincinnati Bell is an option for energy supply. Call 513-566-4105 or visit the Cincinnati Bell website to learn more about pricing, bundled packages, and how to order. Some services are not available in all areas.

Spectrum's services include cable TV, internet and landline phone support. Call 1-855-892-1002 or shop online to order new services.

Duke Energy is the gas and electric services provider for the Greater Cincinnati region. 

The Welcome Booklet for New Customers provides answers to many questions that new and existing customers have regarding power services.

Prospective customers are asked to provide the following information:

• Physical address (where do you need service turned on)
• Address you are moving from
• Date you need the service (NOTE: Please allow three days to process online requests)
• Mailing address (if different from the physical address)
• Date of birth
• Social Security # or Federal Tax ID
• Spouse / roommate information

Requests to start, stop or move service can be made online or by calling 1-800-544-6900. New customers must be at least 18 years of age. Duke Energy can only put service in the name of the person making the application. A deposit may be requested if the applicant has not established credit.

Greater Cincinnati Water Works provides water to most of Hamilton County, parts of Butler and Warren Counties (OH) as well as to Boone County (KY).

Water is frequently factored into the rent for rental properties.  Check with the landlord or property manager to determine if you need to arrange for water service to be placed in your name. Complete the Move-in/Move-out form or call 513-591-7700 to schedule  water service connection.