Preparing to Occupy Your New Home

A-Z Reference for Services, Protection Agencies and on Campus Assistance

Cable Television

Service Electric Cable TV & Communications:

(610) 865-9100

RCN-Cable TV-Telephone-High Speed Internet

For Lehigh University Local Sales Please Call:

(800) 746-4726

Contact the local cable television company for installation and connection of services you would like. Three months advance payment plus installation charge is usually required. Additional information can be found at www.universitymovecenter.com.

Satellite Television

Direct TV

(888) 777-2454

 Visit: http://www.directtv.com for more information

Cleaning Services

Some students want their off campus residences professionally cleaned prior to move in. Check the phone book for additional resources or contact one of the following companies:

House Maids – (610) 266-8256

Merry Maids - (610) 866-8428

Service Master - (610) 837-8721

Consumer Protection Agencies

District Justice Court

Hears lawsuits for up to $8,000 without attorneys. Fee for filing a suit is $25 or less and is returned if you win. The nearest District Court to Lehigh University is:

Magisterial Court 3-2-10

202 W. 4^th Street, Suite 2, Bethlehem

(610) 868-9191

Pennsylvania State Bureau of Consumer Protection

(215) 560-2494 Philadelphia Region

Accepts written complaints against businesses and landlords. The Bureau will attempt to mediate the problem by bringing the consumer and the business together.

Pennsylvania State Public Utilities Commission

1-800-692-7380  Hotline

Hears complaints against utility companies.

Lehigh Valley Better Business Bureau

(610) 866-8780

Associations of businesses which set standards of practice for their members. The Bureau will attempt to mediate complaints against their members.

Fire & Emergencies

Find the telephone number of the local fire and police departments and emergency numbers. Post these numbers by the telephone.

Have at least one fire extinguisher handy, preferably in the kitchen. Know how to operate the extinguisher. Pennsylvania law requires that the landlord supply a working smoke alarm. If the detector fails and it is not a dead battery, the tenant is to report the failure to the landlord.

Immigration

International students and visitors requiring specialized legal assistance with immigration should contact the Office of International Students & Scholars at (610) 758-4859. The Office is located in Coxe Hall at 32 Sayre Drive.

Internet

Contact a local internet provider for installation and connection.

RCN - 1-(800)-746-4726

Service Electric Cable TV & Communications –(610) 865-9100

Verizon Online –www.verizon.com

Information regarding Lehigh Off Campus Networking can be found at http://www.lehigh.edu/helpdesk/offcampus/ or by contacting (610) 758-4357.

Lehigh University Directory

Put your new address and phone number in the Lehigh University Directory. Contact the University’s Registrar Office and provide the contact information.

Lehigh University Services

Whether residing on or off campus, Lehigh University students have access to all University services. The Dean of Students Office, Health & Wellness Center, and Counseling Center are available to students who may need assistance. Academic support offices are available at no additional fee.

Off-Campus Student Liaison

Lehigh values the relationship between the University and off-campus students. If a situation should arise where assistance is needed, off-campus students are encouraged to contact Christina Bell, Associate Director of Residential Services at (610)758-3500.

Parking in the City of Bethlehem

The City of Bethlehem requires that residents register with the Bethlehem Parking Authority (BPA) for parking permits. The BPA is located at 85 W. North Street, Bethlehem, and is open M-F 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Call (610) 865-7123 for additional information.

The BPA is in charge of ticketing. Meters are monitored on a routine basis. Check to see if the Residential Permit Program is in effect on your street. To obtain a permit, a lease, driver’s license, and registration must be presented to BPA. Permit fees vary according to parking zone. There is a fee associated with this program.

Parking on Lehigh’s Campus

Any student living off campus who wishes to park on campus is required to purchase a Lehigh University parking permit. Students may purchase a commuter permit for $50.00 for the academic year.

Students may not park motor vehicles on the lower campus from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays except at GREEN meters (maximum time 30 minutes), GOLD meters (lower level of Campus Square garage) or in the ZAC parking garage by paying the entry fee. Lower campus is defined as the northern part of the campus bounde4d by University Avenue, Taylor Street, Brodhead Avenue and Morton Street.

Students may park in Faculty/Staff areas, Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and on weekends, with a valid Lehigh University permit. No overnight parking in Faculty/Staff spaces. If there are no white lines, parking is not permitted.

Additional information is available at Parking Services located in Johnson Hall or at (610) 758-3893.

Pest Control

Pest control services should be provided by landlords.

In the event that the service is not provided, renters can consult the phonebook or contact one of the following companies:

Rid-Et Pest Control - (610) 759-0839

Orkin Pest Control - (610) 882-1255

Quest Pest – (610) 867-7378

Terminix - (610) 628-1120

Pets

Licenses are available for pets at County Treasurer’s office located at Bethlehem City Hall. Any dog six months or older must wear a collar with a license of the county.

Pets in residential areas must be vaccinated against rabies and tagged. You must train your dog. Pets cannot run free through the neighborhood.

Do not abandon dogs and cats at the end of the semester and over vacations. Please find the animal a home before leaving.

Postal Service

The post office needs a house number, a mail box/slot, and a list of current residents for delivery. P.O. Boxes can be obtained for $24 for six months for a small box plus $2 for a key. The nearest post office to Lehigh University is located at 131 W. Fourth Street in Bethlehem. Additional information is available at (610) 867-3221.

Property Care

The area of the sidewalk in front of the house you are renting is your responsibility as a resident. This includes snow/ice removal and removing overgrown grass and weeds.

Police issue citations for unshoveled sidewalks (after 24 hours, fine up to $300). Agree with your landlord before it snows as to who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance. If you have any grassy areas on the property, you (or your landlord) are responsible for keeping it cut and maintained. Check your lease to determine responsibility.

Recycling

Recycling is mandatory in Bethlehem. Pick-up is every other week, and varies in different neighborhoods. Your landlord should provide you with your pick up schedule and recycling containers. Additional information is available from the Recycling Office at (610) 865-7082.

Renter’s Insurance

Consider investing in insurance. Check if your parent's homeowners’ insurance policy will cover your personal property. If not, seriously consider obtaining a policy of your own for the following reasons:

·         Fires or water leaks.

·         Premiums on renter's insurance are usually low.

·         Most renters’ policies are homeowner's insurance   modified to fit the needs of tenants.

·         Landlords do not carry insurance on the tenant's belongings, only on the dwelling.

Make sure all your valuables are marked with your driver's license number or other identifying mark to aid in identification and return of stolen items.

Telephone

Verizon - 1-800-464-0820

Information needed for your order:

·         Complete street address with apartment number/floor

·         Appearance of listing for the directory

·         Information concerning previous telephone service

·         Credit information, including employment

Contact the telephone company for installation and connection of services you would like

A deposit may be required if you have never had telephone service established in your name. If a deposit is requested for residential service, a written explanation will be provided stating the interest to be paid, and the terms and conditions for return of the deposit

Trash Collection

The City of Bethlehem requires that all garbage must be stored in containers. Plastic bags alone are unacceptable because they invite rats, dogs, and cats. Accumulation of rubbish and garbage is a violation of the City ordinances and may result in a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. Trash collection information is available at (610) 865-7050.

Trash cans may not be stored in front of the building. On collection days, trash cans must be placed within 5 feet of the building. Most trash collectors prefer alley pick up and will usually return the cans where you placed them, if requested. Trash collectors normally will not pick up furniture. See your landlord or their local agent for this.

You must reach an understanding with your landlord about who arranges for collection. Legally, your
landlord is responsible to see that the garbage is collected.

Utilities

Contact a local utility company for installation and connection.

PPL Electric- 1-800-342-5775

UGI Natural Gas / Electric - (800) 276-2722

Name, address, and date for service needed. A security deposit may be required.

Water Service

City of Bethlehem Water Department - (610) 865-7070

The property owner must call to request water service.