Talk about sleep and study habits, musical tastes, overnight guests, cleaning habits, etc. Make sure you record the condition of your apartment when you move in. Also, make sure you take the time to fill out an Inventory and Condition Report when you move in. Call CHO a week in advance and we'll come videotape your apartment for further documentation. Videos, in addition to thorough Inventory and Condition Reports, are the best way to avoid disputes over your deposit.
Disputes often arise and are always compounded by poor or infrequent communication.
We offer free mediation services to help people resolve their disputes. Mediation is a voluntary process in which people have a chance to voice their grievances, share their frustrations and work to build solutions. Mediation is free and confidential. The Community Housing Office offers a wide array of services including maintaining bulletin boards that list all available housing opportunities for UCSB students. We also publish the Rental Housing Survival Guide containing information on budgeting, resolving disputes, subleasing, etc.