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Housing Search

Your Housing Needs

Before you begin your housing search, you should consider your options and preferences. You may need to re-evaluate your choices as you enter the housing market, but it is helpful to start with some guidelines:

• Do you want privacy or would you prefer to share space and living expenses?
• What is the rental price range you will consider? Have you considered the cost of utilities such as gas and electric in determining your housing budget?
• How close do you need to be to campus?
• Do you prefer a place that is furnished or unfurnished?
• Do you need a place with parking privileges?
• What amenities are important to you - air conditioning, laundry facilities, a yard?
• What type of accommodation do you prefer?
  • Room in a private or student house
  • Apartment
  • Duplex
  • Special situation (i.e., housing in exchange for a service such as child care)

Searching Tips

Start looking early.

Give yourself at least a few weeks to find housing. Make an appointment to view the units you are considering. Many landlords do not appreciate prospective tenants arriving unannounced, and most landlords are required to give current tenants at least 24-hour notice before showing a unit.

 

Some landlords require prospective tenants to pay an application fee. Many landlords do not. If required, the fee is used to cover the cost of checking the tenant's references. Tenants should ask if application fees are refundable and ask for a receipt of payment.

Be Persistent.

A landlord may take your name and say they will get back to you after reviewing all applicants. Check back and remind the landlord that you are still interested.

 

If you find a place you like, be prepared to leave a deposit. Make sure you get a receipt for any deposits made. The receipt should specify whether the deposit is refundable if you do not rent the space and how the deposit will be used if you rent the space (e.g., as part of the security deposit or first month's rent).