ATHENS, Ohio -- Students returning to their hometowns for the five-week holiday break should consider double-checking their rental agreement for their off-campus apartments and rental homes. Some require special action before students head home for the holidays.

"Reviewing the lease could save money and eliminate a lot of hassle," says Brian Dumphey, an Ohio University student and director of property management at University Off-Campus Housing, a division of Ohio Realty that leases apartments and homes to Ohio University students.

Many landlords in Athens who rent properties to students require the heat remains set at a minimum temperature during the winter. Before students leave, Dumphey says, it's important that students do not turn off their heat.

"We require that students leave the thermostat at least at 60 degrees and we check twice over break to make sure it stays there," Dumphey says.

Kate Sanders, property manager of ProKos Rentals, 80 E. State St., said leaving the temperature too low would cause the pipes to burst.

"It's happened to every landlord in town, and students have to know that it's their responsibility to pay the cost of replacing the pipes if that happens," Sanders says. Additionally, the thought of saving money tempts many students to turn off other utilities, such as water. But, Dumphey suggests it stay on for the duration of the break.

"All of the utilities, including the water, should stay on," he says.

Disconnecting the water, then reconnecting after break can lead to a $20 fee, according to the City of Athens Water Department.

"The best thing to do is, avoid the fees and keep it on," Dumphey says.

Besides utilities, mail deliveries should be another consideration, says Sanders. For security purposes, students should make sure there is no pile-up of mail or other deliveries at mailboxes or on porches.

"Having mail on your porch can threaten security so it's a good idea to take precautionary measures," says Tony Camechis, associate director of campus safety at Ohio University.

Camechis says many students stop their mail for the entire winter break. But, Athens Post Office Customer Service Supervisor Butch Aufflick, says students who are leaving for vacation also have the option of filling out a temporary change of address card at the main branch of the Athens Post Office, located at 5 W. Stimpson Ave.

"After you fill out the form for the forwarding address, it will take 7 to 12 days to process, then the mail will be shipped to the home address. When you return back to school, the forward will stop," he says.

For more information on how to prepare your rental property for winter break, contact your landlord or check your lease for your rental agreements.

Checklist before you leave:

• Lock all windows and doors
• Take all valuable items with you
• Set thermostat to minimum temperature
• Hold or forward mail to new address until winter quarter begins
• Remove all perishable food from the refrigerator and cupboards
• Empty trash