Off-campus Roommate Board
Guide to Living Off Campus (PDF)
Useful Tips about Apartment Searching
Sources of Information:
- Newspapers
- Rental Guides
- Apartment Locators
- Specific Apartment Websites
- Current Students
Safety Concerns to Consider:
- Are the locks and windows working?
- In there a peephole? Deadbolt?
- How good is the exterior lighting?
- What kind of security system does your apartment have
- Are the smoke detectors working
- Is parking safe and close to your apartment? Is there a charge?
Questions to Ask:
- When is rent due? How much are late fees?
- What is the length of lease?
- How much is the security deposit? What about refund policies?
- What is included in the rent?
- Is the apartment furnished?
- What is the average cost of utilities I will have to pay?
- Are laundry facilities readily available?
- How long is the response to maintenance concerns?
- May I sublease?
- Is there a problem with bugs/insects?
- Were the locks changed since the last tenant left?
- Can I have a pet? Does that require an extra deposit?
- Will you have the carpet professionally cleaned before I move in?
- Can I paint the walls?
Leases:
- Leases are legally binding on you AND your landlord.
- Sign the lease only when you are definite about living there.
- NEVER accept an oral agreement from a landlord.
- Always keep a copy of your lease in case you encounter difficulties.
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