Useful Tips to Keep in Mind When Selecting Your Accommodations
Landlords are looking for responsible, financially secure tenants; they usually prefer to have local references. It is best to be prepared, so before looking for an apartment to rent or lease be sure to download a copy of your financial statement from your on-line application. As explained above, the International Education Center will also be happy to provide you with a verification letter that many landlords will accept in lieu of local references. You may request this letter by e-mailing: IntlEd@smc.edu
When you find the apartment of your choice, make sure you receive a lease agreement. All rental agreements or leases should be in writing. Read it thoroughly and make sure you understand it completely. If there is any language you do not understand, ask a reliable person to explain it to you. If your landlord does not give you a copy, it is important to request one; your lease is the only evidence of your legal tenancy and is designed to protect both parties' rights.
At a minimum, a lease or rental agreement should include the following:
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rental rate
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required damage deposit
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length of occupancy
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apartment rules
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termination requirements
Some questions you may want to ask include:
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what is the amount of rent
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what is included in the rent (i.e., gas, electric, water, parking, laundry, internet etc.)
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how many people may occupy the apartment (maximum occupancy)
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when and how must rent be paid each month
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if roommates share the apartment, who is responsible for payment if one should leave
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under what conditions is the damage deposit refundable
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what is the length of occupancy
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what is the landlord's right-of-entry
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what is the sub-let policy
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what is the guest policy
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what are the rules concerning pets, conduct, and use of recreational facilities
If corrections or repairs are needed before you move in, make the rental agreement contingent upon these corrections and agree upon a completion date. This agreement should be in writing, dated and signed by both parties.
It is always good to pay rent and other payments by check but some landlords or private entities do prefer cash. When paying by check, write the purpose on the face of the check (example: "April rent for Apt. #1, 123 Elm Street"). If paying in cash, get a signed and dated receipt from the landlord.
For information on leases, please visit: Leases
Most apartments are rented under either a lease agreement or a month-to-month rental agreement. A lease agreement is for a specific term, usually for a one-year. Some landlords may be willing to negotiate a shorter term to reflect the school year. Remember that you will be responsible for the rent for the entire lease period, even if you wish to move out. Before you sign a lease agreement, make sure that you are completely satisfied with the accommodations, and that you like the landlord.
Some landlords allow month-to-month rental agreements. This type of arrangement allows you and the landlord to have more flexibility. The negative side of this arrangement is that the landlord may decide not to renew your rental agreement, and you will be forced to relocate at the end of one month.
For information on month to month rentals, please visit: Month to Month Rentals
Protect yourself from false accusations of damage by going through the apartment with the manager before you move in. Make a list of existing damages, paying attention to appliances, cracked plaster, draperies, carpets, lighting fixtures, etc. Ask the manager to sign this list and date it. Sign it yourself, and make copies for both to keep. You may also take photos of any pre-existing damages or of the unit's general condition before you moved in. Should you damage the premises, you are responsible for making repairs. You are expected to leave the premises in the same condition as when rented, reasonable wear-and-tear excepted.
If, for any reason, you need to leave before your lease expires, some landlords will allow you to sub-let to another tenant. You would most often do this if you want to travel during school breaks, but do not wish to lose the right to live in that apartment after returning. Sub-letting is only allowed with the landlord's permission, and some landlords do not permit it. Keep in mind that, even if you have permission to sub-let, you are responsible for the rent payment each month, whether or not you have collected it from the sub-tenant. Be very careful when you choose your sub-tenant and have them sign an agreement which states the amount of rent, the dates of occupancy, and a statement that all damages caused during your absence will be fixed. It is wise to get information about the sub-tenant's family, workplace, and any thing else that might be helpful in case you return to find that they have disappeared and left you with unexpected expenses.