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Renting 101
A Student's Step-by-Step Guide to Renting!
 
Did you know that if you make a mistake while renting it could be very expensive and may even limit your ability to buy a house someday?
Follow these simple steps to learn how to make informed decisions and protect yourself! You will need to create a FREE student account to view some of this material. Click here to create an account.
  Just Follow these Steps!
Step One : Examine your Options
Step Two : Begin Looking
Step Three : Once I find a Place I Like
Step Four : Settle In
Step Five : Work with the Landlord
Step Six : Solve Problems
Step Seven : Move Out

 
 
 
Step One: Examine your Options!
This is truly the start of the adventure! If you don’t know what you are looking for you will never find it! Below is a list of possible options. Seriously consider each one to determine what is best for you!
  		• Should I live ON campus?
    Be a part of an on campus community that leaves the landlord out and provides the toilet paper! Click here to see some of the advantages of living on campus!
  		• Should I live OFF campus?
    Paying utility bills, cooking for yourself, fighting traffic on your way to school and only living by the rules of your landlord and the neighbors. A few challenges but here are some of the advantages to living off campus.
    PLEASE NOTE: All students are required to live on-campus for their first two years, unless they reside with their parents or legal guardians. Students who are 21 years of age, married, or at least 2 years removed from their high school graduation date may live off-campus. However, many students choose to remain on-campus even after their first 2 years, living in the Knollcrest East Apartments.
  		• Should I buy a house?
    Here is another option. If you none of the above seem appealing to you, buying a home is another option to consider!
       
    Step Two: Begin Looking
  		• Search Housing Options
    -View Rental Units that meet specifications that you are looking for and are specifically posted for the community.!
  		• Make an appointment with a Landlord
    -Once you have developed a list of places you want to look at, you will want to read this! Believe it or not, how you present yourself on the phone can play a factor in whether or not you will get the place you are looking for.
  		• Compare Houses or Apartments
    -Print off this form before you go visit potential homes! It is not always an easy decision. We have put together a checklist of things to consider as you make your decision.
  		• Be Informed: A legal perspective on a move into a rental
    -Here is a link to what some lawyers have to say on the subject that we found very informative.
  		• Be Informed: Watch out for housing discrimination!
    -"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal."
       
    Step Three: Once I find a Place I Like
  		• Avoid problems before you sign the Lease
    - Before signing your lease, make sure that you give the place a complete inspection...this form will help. Things to look for include…
  		• Did you know?
    - If your rental was built before 1978 your landlord is required by law to "disclose the presence of know lead-based paint and/or paint hazards in the dwelling" with the signing of the lease. Here is the form that they need to give you!
  		• Be Informed: Legal perspectives on Signing a Lease
    - Here is some great advice on things to watch out for before you sign your lease.
  		• Be Informed: Amount of security deposit
    - How much can really be charged as a security deposit?
       
    Step Four: Settle In
  		• Move In Checklist
    -We thought of everything that you will need to take care of when you move into your new place and put it into one easy-to-use checklist! It's our way of ensuring that the lights will be turned on when you move in.
  		• Rental Inspection Form
    -Download and print a copy of this inspection form and go through each room. WITH YOUR LANDLORD at the beginning of AND end of the lease period. Protect yourself from accusations of damages.
  		• Roommate Contract
    -This is a great way to get everyone together to talk about what it is going to take to make this a good experience. It is also something to pull out when someone is not pulling his weight.
  		• Keep Track of Payments from Each Roommate
    -To aid organization, we have created a form to help you collect the utility payments from each of your roommates. If you print out one of these forms and tape it to the front of a manila envelope, you can record the amount that is due each month from your roommates and have them place their checks right into the envelope.
  		• A Complete Shopping List
    -Some of the things that you need off campus you had no need for in the residence halls. Check out our checklist. Two words: Duct Tape.
  		• Advice for Living on Your Own from Another College Student
    -Martha Stewart has some great ideas about everyday living, but she is not alone!
  		• Cleaning Tips
    -Who would have ever thought a pot of boiling hot water good be so useful? A couple of these secrets will make your check-out at the end of the year less stressful.
       
    Step Five: Work with the Landlord
  		• Take Pictures!
    -These aren't for you to send home or for your scrapbook, but rather…
  		• Be Informed: What to expect from a Landlord
    -So you're settled in your new place and aren't sure how to approach your landlord with problems that crop up. It helps to know what you can reasonably expect of your landlord before you approach him with problems.
  		• Be Informed: What does the Federal Law have to say about renting?
    -This is something everyone takes seriously.
       
    Step Six: Solve Problems
  		• Be Informed: Who is responsible for Maintenance?
    -Believe it or not, both tenant and landlord. But where is the line drawn?
  		• Write your Landlord
    -Not exactly sure what to say or how to say it? We have written the letters for you to address requesting repairs, requesting maintenance, tenant application, reporting repair receipts, health hazards and withholding rent, requesting the return of your deposit, dispute damages, notice of forwarding address, and notice of intent to vacate!
  		• Be Informed: Know your Rights!
    - Is your rent going up? Are you being evicted? Know your rights, and also, know about Truth in Renting.
  		• Be Informed: Small Claims Court
    -Find out if your problems warrant a trip to small claims court.
       
    Step Seven: Move Out
  		• Before Moving Out
    - Do you know everything that you need to do to ensure getting your deposit back?
  		• Be Informed: What is an eviction ?
    -An Eviction is the legal removal of a tenant from rental property he has possession of, but does not own. Get all the details here...
  		• Write your Landlord
    - Once you've moved, you may need to send your landlord a couple of letters. We have written them for you! These letters address requesting repairs, requesting maintenance, tenant application, reporting repair receipts, health hazards and withholding rent, requesting the return of your deposit, dispute damages, notice of forwarding address, notice of intent to vacate.