Moving Into a New Rental

- When you first move in, do a complete inspection of the home. Fill it out a move-in sheet (either one provided or make one yourself) completely, and return it to your landlord within 7 days. Write down any damages or other condition issues the apartment has.  For example, scratches in the linoleum, stains, holes, etc.  You can provide pictures if you think something needs to have photo documentation.  This sheet will be used at the time you move out, to make sure you are not charged for any conditions that were present at the time you moved in.  Even if it is not required, it is a good idea.  Make sure you keep a copy of the form for your records.

- Often when moving into a new rental unit you are in charge of paying the utilities.  This means contacting the utility company and either transferring service into your name, or turning it on.  Check your rental contract to be sure you know which utilities you are responsible for and contact the utilities to ensure continuity of service.

Utility Services to Contact:

Water & sewer
Some parts of Hayward:  Hayward Water District 510-583-4600
San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Oakland and some parts of Hayward: East Bay MUD (866) 403-2683 or go online
Fremont, Newark and Union City: Alameda County Water District 510-668-4200

Gas and Electric
PG&E
To turn on service, call:
1-800-PGE-5000 (1-800-743-5000) or visit them online at:
http://www.pge.com/customer_services/residential/estab.html

Garbage
For Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, some parts of San Leandro and Oakland: Waste Management of Alameda County 510-613-8710
Some parts of San Leandro: City of San Leandro 510-357-7282
Fremont & Union City: BFI-Disposal 510-657-1350

Castro Valley:  BFI Recycle 510-551-3837

- You will also want to make sure you forward all your mail from your previous address.  This can be done online or in person.  The post office will forward any mail from your old address for up to 6 months.

Postal Services
USPS
How to contact USPS regarding forwarding mail:  How to forward your mail or Find the post office that services your address
-Public Schools

Alameda County School District is the governing school body in this area. Information can be obtained by calling their headquarters at 510-337-7000. They are also on the Internet

Individual school districts can provide you with information on boundaries, school performance, special classes, etc by calling one of the phone numbers below or accessing information on the Internet at the site listed above for the District headquarters.

General information www.abag.ca.gov/abag/local_gov/schools.html

Castro Valley USD 510-537-3000
Fremont USD 510-659-2350
Hayward USD 510-784-2600
San Leandro USD 510-667-3500
San Lorenzo USD 510-317-4600