Leasing/Renting

Leasing or renting a place to live off-campus can be a very exciting and positive experience. However, it can also be confusing and overwhelming. The following links will provide you with information and resources to help you to successfully navigate your off-campus experience from signing a lease to moving out and getting your security deposit back.

Where to Start?

Moving off-campus? Wonder where to start? There are some obvious preferences you may have already thought of, such as rent price and location, or house vs. apartment. However, before you begin looking at places, you may want to have a list of "necessities".

Here are just a few questions you may want to consider before signing a lease. When you call about a place, ask about your preferences before arranging to see it. Taking the time to make the list of preferences you are looking for before you start your search will save you some time in your search process.

Typical Renting Requirements

Once your application has been approved, you will then be asked to sign a lease. Make sure to read the lease thoroughly before signing. REMEMBER: Leases are negotiable documents, as long as you and the landlord agree to the terms and both sign off on the lease.

After signing the lease, your co-signer may also be asked to sign the lease (basically this is to assure the landlord that if the student tenants are not able to pay the rent, that the co-signer will be held responsible for covering the costs).

Once all documents have been signed, make sure to keep a copy of EVERYTHING!

Typically, after signing the lease, the landlord will ask that you pay a security deposit. The security deposit is refundable, as long as the property is returned in the same condition as it was received. Some landlords may ask for, not only the security deposit, but also the first month's rent up front.