Renter's Resources

Choosing Your Rental

• Carefully inspect the conditions and the property. Test or check appliances, electrical systems, plumbing systems, air conditioning and heat systems, windows, and doors. 
• Ask for clarification on what is included in the lease of the property
• Beware of properties that show signs of age or neglect. Inquire with the property about the overall maintenance of the property
• Compare rental prices with other nearby properties to make sure you are getting the best price
• Determine utility costs as these are usually hidden costs in renting. Ask the landlord for copies of previous bills and ask how metering for utility consumption is determined
• Discuss with current tenants about their experience and if they would refer the property to their friends.

• Subleasing: note the terms for subleasing in your lease in case you need to move out early or want to sublease for school breaks while you are not there
• Maintenance: make sure that your lease designates the landlord responsible for maintaining the property and building's interior and exterior, plus utility systems, appliances, and furnishing at the Landlord's expense. Otherwise, you will be responsible for any maintenance and related costs.
• Rent: The lease will specify the amount of rent per tenant per month and when and where the rent should be paid. Note the late payment fee and when it will be charged due to non-payment. Make sure you are on time for your rent each month.
• Term: The lease will list the beginning and ending dates of the contract. Know that you are required to pay for each of these months, regardless if you are living there or not.
• Utilities: The lease should specify which utilities are paid by the landlord, and which are paid by the tenant.
• Deposits: Most leases require a security deposit. The deposit should not exceed one month's rent. Make sure to clarify what is considered an automatic deduction from the security deposit at the end of the lease like carpet cleaning, cleaning, or repainting.
• We encourage all of our students to become aware of eviction clauses as well as any requirements for ending their leases

• Read the entire lease carefully and become familiar with what you are agreeing to in the contract. Note eviction terms, requirements for move-out, policies, and procedures for the community
• Note that you might be required to have a parent or guardian co-sign as guarantor on your lease. 
• Keep a copy of your lease in a safe place and reference it when needed
• Know all deposits and fees needed for move-in 

• When moving into an apartment, room, or house, you should do a full inspection and keep a record of any pre-existing damages or lack of cleanliness to avoid any potential charges or deductions from your security deposit for damages done by the previous tenants.
• Complete an inventory of all furniture and furnishings provided by the landlord and note the condition they were in at move-in. Take pictures of any damage for the record.
• You should send all damages and photographs to the landlord by email as soon as possible
• If there are maintenance concerns at move-in, you should request repairs in writing

• Know how far in advance you have to notify your landlord if you are not renewing your lease. It is usually 30 or 60 days notice and it should say in your lease what is required. 
• Your lease should tell you what is required from you before moving out. If not, request this information from your landlord.
• Always leave your space as clean as possible, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathroom. This includes removing food from the refrigerator and freezer, cleaning the refrigerator and oven thoroughly, removing all your personal items from closets and rooms, tossing any trash in the appropriate bins, and cleaning and vacuuming the carpets and floors.
• Make any necessary repairs that you might have caused like patching nail homes, replacing window screens, or changing light switches or curtain rods. 
• Inspect the premises before you return your keys. Some places will allow the landlord to do an inspection with you before move-out
• Take photographs of how you left the premises 
• Return your keys and provide a forwarding address to your landlord. Follow up with your landlord about obtaining a refund of your security deposit minus any repairs or cleaning. 

• First off, you should understand the legal implications of entering a lease agreement. You and your roommates are all agreeing and signing a lease for the space. It is all of your duty to pay rent and any utilities for the entire term of the lease and take care of the premises while you are leasing. Make sure to clarify whether each tenant has a separate lease or if you are signing jointly. 
• Be a considerate roommate: consideration and cooperation are necessary for joint living arrangements. You should discuss with your roommates about expectations for cleanliness, decorations, noise level, and guest policies. 
• When living on campus, roommates are required to sign a roommate agreement. We recommend off-campus students do the same. If expectations change during the year, edit the roommate agreement and have all roommates sign to agree to the new terms.

• A sublease is a rental contract in which a party who is presently renting housing re-rents all or part of the premises to a third party for a period less than the term of the tenant's original lease. In a sublease, the new tenant takes over the legal and financial obligation for the original tenant for the specified time. A typical scenario is one in which a tenant who has signed a one-year lease decides not to reside in the apartment or home during the summer months, and therefore subleases the apartment or home to another person for those months.
• Some leases prohibit subleasing so refer to your signed lease to know what is allowed 
• Make sure to sublease through your landlord to ensure you are no longer financially responsible for the lease and they can pay the landlord directly
• Usually, the landlord will want to collect a deposit from the sub-leaser to guard against any damage or failure to pay