Finally! I’m officially a college student! I get to shop for an apartment! Being SO gifted at “professional” shopping for clothes, shoes, and anything else that I might like, how hard can this be? Maybe harder than I thought! I’ve been reading all these DO’s and DON’Ts before signing an apartment lease, so here goes:
1. Location, Location, Location!
Make sure you consider proximity to campus. Choose the area (On- campus? Off- campus?) that works best for you to get to class. What’s your schedule? Would you rather walk or take the student transit? Or would you rather drive to campus and park? Parking may be an issue! Don’t fall in love before you figure out how long it takes to get to from your apartment to class! Remember…you might want to go to class every now and then!
2. Sometimes you don’t get to see the unit you’re moving in to, BUT ALWAYS ASK.
In some markets you have to sign a lease months in advance. (See #4). Even in pre-leases, the property manager should show you the model, but if a model isn’t available they should be able to show you something. IF you get to see the unit that you are living in, give it the smell test. If it smells, tell the manager it smells! Are you allergic to cats? Cat dander is the worst. Look in the cabinets, flush the toilet(s) (I know, I know)….go around and make sure everything works. Report anything wrong to the manager that same day. Take pictures with your cell phone, especially marks/nail holes in walls, stained carpeting (eww) and request carpet shampooing!
3. Roommate? Roommate Matching?
If you choose to “play the lottery” and live with someone you didn’t know before, consider this carefully! Do they smoke? Cig smoke will stink the place up – especially your clothes, which are your prized possession. Calling all Febreze! Does he/she like to play music loud? Like wall- vibrating loud? Hit Costco for a large box of earplugs. Does he/she eat hamburgers for breakfast lunch & dinner, & you like to eat salads? Er…at least you have room in the veggie bin of the fridge. You see where I’m going here? Maybe a 2 bedroom apartment works better. In any case, be flexible – you’re going to live with this person for an entire semester!
4. READ THE LEASE. Read the fine print. Read it AGAIN. Read it ONE MORE TIME.
What’s included in the monthly rate? Remember, utilities could be EXTRA. (showers are important). Covered parking could be too. Make a list and ask every question (even if you think it’s dumb) before signing!!
5. DON’T fall for the “this unit will be gone soon” line, especially if the apartment doesn’t feel right…
Check with your contacts on social media and ask about the property….do many other students live there? Do you want a quiet or party atmosphere? Move on if there’s screaming children and diapers floating in the pool. Check out the grounds – are they well maintained? Do the neighbors look normal? Is that still a word? Look at the neighborhood and drive by at night too. Nighttime changes everything – right? (You’re make-up looks better anyway.) Go with your gut…if it doesn’t feel right, look elsewhere, especially if you’re a woman planning to live alone.
6. DON’T lease the first apartment you look at!
You might regret it later….take the time to look around at at least 2 – 3 other properties. You wouldn’t buy the first dress you find, would you? Well, I digress.
written by Grace Hill
