Off Campus Housing Advice & City Ordinances

Who you will live with, or if you will live alone, is an important decision. There's no switching roommates if things don't work out like on campus. You're committed for the lease term unless someone moves out/subleases (if allowed by lease).

Things to Consider

• How well do you know the person/people? Did you just meet? How do you know your living styles will mesh?
  • Socialization habits
  • Cleanliness
  • Sleeping/quiet times
• Are you romantically involved? We strongly urge against living with partners, but if you choose to anyway, make sure it's a place that one or both of you could afford on your own if you decide to part ways. Living with your ex is awkward at best.

Things to Consider

• Security deposit
  • Typically the same as one months rent, due at time of lease signing along with first months rent
• Rent - paid monthly
  • What's included? 
    • Common items are water, garbage, lawn care, and snow removal, but read the lease to know for sure
    • Having heat included is a huge bonus, as costs can be expensive especially in homes that are not well-insulated
• Will you need a campus parking permit? S permits run $220+
• Renters insurance - make sure you have this, either through your parents homeowners policy or purchased separately
  • We do NOT recommend getting renters insurance through your landlord. All major insurance companies offer renters insurance and it's generally less than $15/month
• Car costs - gas, insurance, known maintenance
• Groceries
• Laundry
• Utilities - anything the landlord doesn't cover?
  • Heat, electric, WiFi
• Furnishings
  • Bed, dresser, nightstand, seating, TV, desk
  • Kitchen supplies (pots, pans, utensils, toaster, microwave)
  • Window coverings?

Know that there are private landlords (owning one or a couple properties) and rental agencies (that own many properties). Generally speaking, private landlords are more responsive to issues. 

Things to Consider

ALWAYS tour a place before signing the lease! While you're there, take notes on the following:

• How many electrical outlets are there? Is that sufficient? Do they work?
  • Feel free to bring a small item - hair dryer or even phone charger - to test the outlets
• Note if there are air fresheners that might be covering up odors
• Are there dehumidifiers running? Mold might be an issue
  • Check for mold in bathrooms, basements, and refrigerators. Look for evidence of moisture problems such as stained carpeting, or water stains on walls and ceilings. Pay close attention to plumbing locations and take note of musty odors.
• Do the windows leak air? This will significantly increase heating/cooling costs
• If there's any carpet - is it in good condition? If the unit allows pets, does it need to be checked/treated for fleas?
• Is there laundry in the unit? In the building? Do you have access to it? Is it paid or free? How many people share it? Will you need to use a laundromat?
• Do the walls offer some semblance of sound reduction or are they thin?
• Is there enough storage space? (Linens, clothing, winter coats, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, etc)
• Bathroom(s)
  • How's the water pressure? Feel free to turn the shower on
  • Is the shower head high enough for how tall you are?
  • Is there enough counter space?
  • Is there a bathroom fan to help prevent mold issues?
• Is it walkable to campus? If not - what is the parking situation? If you don't have a car - is it on or close to the bus route?
• How does the exterior look? This is a good indication of how much the landlord values the property and will respond to interior issues
• Safety
  • Do the door locks seem secure?
  • Do the windows have locks? Are they sturdy?
  • Is there adequate outdoor lighting at entrances/in parking areas?
  • Are smoke detectors present and functional?
  • Is the neighborhood safe? See the EC Crime Map

Read your lease carefully.

Note when the lease start date is (usually June 1st). You need to be moved out of your residence hall (or other off campus residence) prior to then - what will you do in the week or so between leases? Housing does offer some on campus options. 

These are key points that students sometimes miss that cause issues later:

• Subleasing
• Pest control (mice, insects, bats)
• Snow removal/yard care
• Pet policies/cost

As your lease starts, it's important to do a few key things:

• Document any damage and provide to your landlord within 7 days of receiving the keys
  • Photographs are encouraged
• Update your local address in CampS
• Transfer any utilities not covered by your landlord to your name

The City of Eau Claire is committed to a policy of fairness for all citizens. Eau Claire City Council firmly believes that a diverse citizenry is a strength and an asset for the community. The city strongly supports institutional practices and policies that respect differences and that prohibit discriminatory or prejudicial behavior toward any group or individual based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or family status.

The following information regarding city ordinances may be of interest to students, faculty, and staff at UW-Eau Claire. For additional information, contact the Office of the City Attorney. You are responsible for knowing and following ALL city ordinances.

24-hour Parking Rule

It is unlawful to park on any city street not otherwise regulated for more than 24 hours at a time without moving a vehicle at least 75 feet. Title 10.40.030

Snow Emergency Routes

It is unlawful to park on any snow emergency route during a declared snow emergency until that route has been plowed curb to curb and it has stopped snowing. Title 10.36.020

Alternate Side Parking Regulations

Between November 1 and May 1, alternate side parking regulations are in effect on all streets in the City of Eau Claire. Title 10.38.010

Selling Liquor Without a License

It is unlawful to sell beer or any alcoholic beverage without first possessing a license. Any attempt to circumvent this law by simply accepting “donations” or other schemes is equally unlawful. Title 5.28.010 and WI Stat § 125.66

Loud Parties

The City has a specific ordinance that prohibits excessive noise. This governs stereos, loud voices, etc. Any individual hosting a party should be very careful to keep the guests at a reasonable number, and make sure that noise levels are controlled. This is the single, largest complaint about parties that are held by the student population, and can lead to arrest for other violations of the law. Title 9.56.075

Repeater Ordinance

When a resident or residents of a certain house have been charged and convicted with a party-related offense, the landlord may be charged if such activity occurs again. This may result in a forfeiture of up to $500 for the landlord, and could lead to eviction action being taken against the tenants. Title 9.56.080

Shoveling of Sidewalks (City Notice)

City ordinances require the owner to keep sidewalks free of snow and ice during the winter months. While this burden rests with the owner, many leases require tenants to provide this service. Failure to do so could be construed as a violation of the lease, and may require the tenant to repay the costs incurred by the landlord under this ordinance. Title 13.20.010

Landlord Entry of Residence

Landlords must give at least 12 hours notice before entering the residence, except in case of emergency. Wis. Adm. Code s. ATCP 134.09(2)(a)2

Any individual having a question about parking, parties, or other matters of concern may contact the Police Department Special Services Bureau at 715-839-4993 or the City Attorney’s Office at 715-839-4902. 

If you have any questions about the enforcement of city codes and regulations, the provision of city services, or the behavior of city employees, please contact:

City Manager's Office
City of Eau Claire
203 S. Farwell Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701
715-839-4902
E-mail: cityhall@ci.eau-claire.wi.us

Make smart choices to protect yourself, others, and your belongings.

Things to Consider:

• Utilize surge protectors
• Be proactive about preventing fires
  • Don't run your clothes dryer when you aren't home
    • Set a timer for the dryer - sometimes they don't auto shut off
  • Stay close when using the oven/stove
    • If something smells off or seems weird, turn the oven off and seek assistance
    • Don't cook while intoxicated
  • Most landlords don't allow open flame candles. If they do, never leave a candle burning unattended and always make sure it's on a fire-safe base
• Find out where your trash goes
  • If you have to arrange trash pick up, make sure you know where it gets picked up from and when

Issues of some sort will likely arise during your time living off campus. Depending on the issue, there are a few places to seek help.

Please note the Dean of Students Office cannot assist with landlord issues or general roommate conflicts for off-campus students.

1. For issues with the leased space, contact your landlord first.
2. If issues persist, you can contact the Eau Claire City Health Department.
3. For issues with neighborhoods (cleanliness, neighbors, etc) contact the Neighborhood Services Manager Janiece Ruhling (NeighborhoodServices2@EauClaireWI.gov or 715-839-4961).
4. For legal advice, utilize Law For Learners, a free service for UWEC students.

Taking your belongings isn't the only task for moving out.

Things to Consider:

• Clean thoroughly to avoid security deposit deductions; replace any burnt-out lightbulbs
• Remove all belongings
  • Check closets, drawers, behind doors, etc
• Remove utilities from your name
• Return keys to landlord
• Give your landlord your forwarding address, have your mail forwarded via USPS.com, and change your address where appropriate (including in CampS)