Study Abroad? Destination Ghent! - Universiteit Gent

4.2. Supplementary costs
If the costs for heating, electricity and water are not included in the rental
price, it has to be stated clearly in the agreement how these costs will be
calculated.
Very often a landlord will ask for an advance on these charges of approximately
50 EUR.
At the end of the rental period, the landlord will compare this sum with
the actual bills and will calculate the difference. He will calculate the bill
by taking a meter reading at the start and at the end of your rental period.
Make sure to read the meters yourself when moving into your student
room, and keep a note of the numbers!
4.3. Keep in mind
- to carefully read the rental agreement before signing;
- to write down all verbal promises;
- to record the meter reading when you move in;
- to make an inventory.
Pay attention to:
- the duration of the rental agreement;
- the period of notice.
5. Keep your room locked
Students often keep valuable personal items at their room, such as a
phone, computer, television, DVD and CD player, etc. You will also have
valuable papers, such as your identity card and driving licence. Losing
any of these through theft will cause a lot of annoyance, and extra costs
in replacing them. Losing important computer files is also lost time and
effort.
Before leaving your rooms, we advise you to check whether all windows
and doors have been properly closed. Even when you go to another
room in the same building, it is better to lock your door behind you. A
thief only needs a couple of minutes! Personalize all valuable objects by
marking them with an engraving device or a special marker pen. Draw
up a list of the brand, type, production number and special identification
marks of the appliances you least want to lose. Should you become the
victim of a burglary, always notify the police. You can find the address of
the nearest police station at www.lokalepolitie.be/gent.
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