Housing Responsibilities

The families that are currently here should be settled in their apartment or house and should have a copy of their lease. There is checklist for them and you to review under housing in the independent living Checklist 
 

If it is found that the family would like to move after the initial lease has been signed and is being executed (usually six or twelve months),  because they want to live in a different location or a more suitable house for the family, the following is a guide to moving from one location to another. This list is not comprehensive and is rather a guide, to help with the planning for moving house within the local area. 
 
The family should look for a new house that suits there needs better than the one they are in. This should be done at least two months before the expiration of their existing lease.

Important: If they have signed a lease, they are responsible to pay the rent for the apartment / house until the termination of the lease. (Speak with MMCC before they make a commitment or a decision). 

Look for housing that is within their budget (Usually landlords require the income to be 2.5 to 3 times the rent for the house / apartment). They will need a security deposit (usually equal to one month's rent), in addition to the first month's rent. It is advantageous to have a good relationship with the existing landlord so that they can get a good reference to give to the new landlord.  

Places to look for a new home:

Once they have found a suitable home, contact the real estate management company to ensure they meet the criteria they are looking for, and to ensure they are approved by them to move into the new apartment / house. 
This is an exciting time and one where essentials can get overlooked. If they have decided to move contact MMCC. We may be able to help.
 
Below is a list of things to do / to consider:

  • We can help with the paperwork 

  • We can help with a moving truck to transport belongings if they don't have the means to do this themselves. (Arranging a moving truck takes time, contact us before making a commitment).

  • Change in rental payment (To whom and How Much)

  • Closing/opening electricity (Take a picture of meter / gauge) 

  • Closing/opening heating oil (Take a picture of meter / gauge)

  • Closing/opening propane (Take a picture of meter / gauge)

  • Closing/opening WIFI / Cable TV 

When they move out of the old apartment / house: The landlord will ask that it be left by them in the same condition it was when they moved in. This may involve the fixing of holes and or painting. Ensure they leave time to get the old apartment / house ready for handover before the lease expires, as they may incur additional charges if it is not. It is always a good idea to take pictures of the apartment when they first move in (before moving in furniture) and when they move out (after everything has been moved out that the apartment cleaned) It is also important to ensure the change of address is reported. Here is the change of address protocol developed by Adrian.  

Moving is stressful and time consuming. Plan in advance and ask for help. MMCC staff can assist in making the home movement easier. Contact us at info@mainemulticulturalcenter.org and or Tel: 207- 307- 7154.