One To World - Chapter 5

Chapter 5

What Do You Need to Do After You Move In?

Setting Up Utilities

Water is generally provided at no extra cost to you, but gas and electricity are considered separate utilities. Some landlords includethe cost of electricity and gas in the monthly rent, while others do not. If your landlord does not provide these services, you will haveto make arrangements directly with the utility companies to have your gas and electricity turned on.

In Manhattan, the Bronx and parts of Queens, call Con Edison for both gas and electricity.

(800) 752-6633; website: www.coned.com

In Brooklyn, Staten Island and other parts of Queens, call Con Edison at the above number for electricity only. Call KeySpan Energy Delivery for gas.

(718) 403-2000; website: www.keyspanenergy.com

In New Jersey call Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) for both gas and electricity.

(800) 350-7734 (general inquiries) or (800) 436-7734 (emergencies); website: www.pseg.com

On Long Island call Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) associated with KeySpan Energy Delivery for both gas and electricity.

Gas: (800) 930-5003 (billing and general inquiries) or (800) 490-0045 (emergencies) website: www.keyspanenergy.com

Electricity: Tel: (800) 490-0025 (billing and general inquiries) or (800) 490-0015 (emergencies) website: www.lipower.org

Even if the electricity and gas are already turned on in your apartment when you move in, you must call the proper companies tohave the account registered in your name as of the date of your move.In some cases, you will be required to visit the company in personand bring a notarized copy of your lease with you. You may also haveto pay a deposit in addition to a service charge for having the utilities turned on.

Arranging for Telephone Service

Telephone service is never included in the rent. You will have tomake your own arrangements when you want to connect telephone service, and you will have to purchase or rent a telephone instrument.

Installation: Your local phone company will install service in aboutone week. You will have to pay a security deposit as well as aone-time installation charge that will appear on your first telephonebill. See the "Basic Home Telephone Service" section in thebeginning of the White Pages of the telephone directory for details.When you establish local service, you must also choose a long distance company. Take the time to research the long distance provider to see which plan is best for you.

In the New York metropolitan area, call Verizon for general information on telephone installation at (718) 890-1550. In NewJersey call (800) 427-9977 (in-state) or (800) 755-1068 (out-of-state). For telephone service repairs, call (800) 275-2355 (New Jersey) or (212) 890-6611 (New York). Or, visit their website at www.verizon.com .

For a complete list of other local telephone service providers, consult the White Pages of the telephone directory.

Local Service: Before you order your phone service, read the "Basic Home Telephone Service" and "Local and Regional Calls" sections in the front of the White Pages of the telephone directory. Familiarize yourself with your options and don't let the salesperson pressure you to order extra services (e.g., call waiting, unlisted number, etc.)that you do not need. These features incur extra charges over and above the cost of basic service. Cell phone service may be considered as an alternative or in addition to your land-line service.

Long distance and International Service: You need to select a company to provide your international and U.S. long distance calls. There are a number of long distance companies; some of the most widely used are AT&T, MCI and Sprint. Your local phone company may also offer long distance service.

Long distance providers offer a variety of services and pricing plans. Think about how often and at what times of day you will make long distance and/or international calls. Charges vary based on what time you make the call and where you are calling. You can call the long distance companies to get specific information about their costs, services and special low-cost calling plans for long distance and international calls. Remember, long distance service is considerably more expensive than local calls, so it pays to shop around for a cost-effective plan.

AT&T: (800) 222-0300; or visit www.att.com
MCI: (800) 444-3333; or visit www.mci.com
Sprint: (800) 877-4000; or visit www.sprint.com
Verizon: (718) 890-1550; or visit www.verizon.com

Pre-paid phone cards that allow you to call long distance via a local number can provide a cheaper alternative to these services. Phonecards can be purchased from newsagents and some supermarkets and pharmacies. It is worth comparing rates for the country you recalling and card prices as these can vary quite widely. Make sure you keep a card in the house for any emergency calls if you do not have international service on your line.

Internet Service: Ask at your college or university whether they offer a free internet connection. Many schools do. If you have an internet connection, you may also want to find out about internet telephony (using the internet to make phone calls).

High-Speed Internet Access (DSL and Cable) is available for a monthly fee in most New York area residential neighborhoods. There are a number of high-speed internet service providers-check the yellow pages for a complete listing. And, be sure to shop around as price and service quality can vary widely.

Mobile Phone Service:

Cingular: (800) 331-0500; or visit www.cingular.com Sprint: (800) SRPINT 1; or visit www.sprint.com T-Mobile: (800)-T-MOBILE; or visit www.t-mobile.com Verizon Wireless: (800) 256-4646; or visit www.verizonwireless.com

Buying Furniture & Housewares

If you plan to buy new furniture and housewares for your apartment,there are a number of reasonably priced stores-such as IKEA-that you can visit, either online or in person. Major department stores and retailers such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Century 21, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target and Kmart are good options to explore when setting up your new home. While higher-end stores such as Crate & Barrel,Pottery Barn, ABC Carpet & Home, Restoration Hardware and Williams-Sonoma may not be in your budget, these stores sometimes offer good deals (and are great for "window" shopping!).

Alternatively, it is worth checking bulletin boards (on campus and around your neighborhood) for second-hand furnishings for sale and notices of garage or stoop sales. Online bulletin boards such as Craigslist (newyork.craigslist.com ) are good resources for second-hand household items. Neighborhood thrift shops such as Housing Works, the Salvation Army and Goodwill, are also good options to explore when seeking low-cost, second-hand furnishings. In some areas, like the Upper East Side, you may even be lucky enough to find good quality items that have been thrown out and left on the pavement for collection.

Checklist for Making Your Home Safe

When you are ready to move in, there are a few safety issues to think about.
Always change the locks of the former tenant. You never know who may have a copy of the key.
Invest in the best when you buy new locks; you can take them with you when you move. A good lock has three components: 1) a drop or dead bolt, 2) a pick-resistant cylinder, and a guard plate over the cylinder.
If your apartment is located on the ground floor or the top floor,or can be accessed from a fire escape, window locks (and, in some cases, window gates) are especially important. Ask a neighborhood locksmith, hardware store or your building superintendent for advice on securing your doors and windows. (Be sure that any gates on your windows can be opened from the inside in an emergency.)
Locate your local police station (precinct office) and keep the telephone number in a handy place. Your local precinct may also be able to offer you recommendations on locks, window gates, and alarms,as well as other safety tips for your particular neighborhood.
Keep your door locked at all times.
Don't give your keys to anyone. Don't put your name and address on your keys or key ring! And, never leave an extra key under your doormat, in a mail box, or any other publicly accessible place.
Report lost or stolen keys promptly to the building owner or superintendent and have the locks changed immediately. If your apartment is broken into, report it to the police.
List only your last name and first initial on your doorbell,mailbox, and in the telephone book. If you wish to be unlisted in the telephone book, you can do this for a fee when you set up your account.
Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Most apartments have a peephole in the door that enables you to see who is outside. Always ask visitors to identify themselves and to provide proof of identification. And, never "buzz" anyone into the building whom you don't know.
Make sure you are provided with one or more smoke detectors.Landlords are required to install these safety devices in each apartment, except for apartment houses with water sprinkler systems.Remember to change the battery in your smoke detector at least once a year. It is also advisable to purchase a carbon monoxide detector for your apartment. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at a local home or hardware store.
In case of a blackout or other emergency, it is prudent to keep water, canned food, can opener, candles, first aid kit, flashlight(with batteries) and a battery powered radio in your apartment.
Finally, protect your belongings from damage (or loss) due to fire or theft by obtaining renter's insurance. A listing of insurance companies can be found in the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory.

Internet Resources

Getting Settled in New York City
Metro International: www.metrointl.org

Transportation Maps

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/maps.htm
PATH Train (Port Authority of NY & NJ):www.panynj.gov
New Jersey Transit: www.njtransit.com
Straphangers Campaign: www.straphangers.org

Apartment Shares

Craigslist: www.newyork.craigslist.org
Roommates.com: www.roommates.com

Renting & Subletting an Apartment
Rent-Direct.com: www.rent-direct.com
Sublet.com:www.sublet.com

Tenant's Rights

The New York City Rent Guidelines Board: www.HousingNYC.com
Metropolitan Council on Housing: www.tenant.net

What Do You Need to Do After You Move In?

Setting Up Utilities

Arranging for Telephone Service

Mobile Phone Service:

Buying Furniture & Housewares

Checklist for Making Your Home Safe

Internet Resources

Transportation Maps

Apartment Shares

Tenant's Rights

Newspapers

Buying Furniture & Housewares

Computer & Electronics