Living in your first off-campus house or apartment near the University of North Alabama (UNA) is an exciting milestone in your college experience. Living independently with a group of friends provides not only a new level of freedom and autonomy but also the opportunity to create life-long memories.
However, finding your first apartment can be both overwhelming and challenging. If you’re looking to find great off-campus housing, you’ll need to know what to look for and what kinds of questions to ask your potential landlords.
We’re happy to guide you through the apartment-hunting process with our Complete Guide to Finding Off-Campus Housing in Florence, Alabama!
It’s OK to Talk About Money: Rent-related questions
One of the very first things you need to do when starting your off-campus housing search is to determine exactly how much you can afford to spend on rent and utilities. Remember, the more you spend on rent, the less you have to spend on seeing the sights and having fun with your friends. With any luck, your rental home or apartment is going to be your place of refuge: where you go to study and to have fun with your chosen roommates. While all-stainless appliances and gleaming hardwood floors may look great, only you can determine if they’re worth their weight in rent.
Once you have a clear sense of your budget, make sure that you know exactly what you’re paying for. Here are some great questions to ask potential landlords:
- How much is the monthly rent?
- Are appliances (refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer) included?
- Are cable and/or wifi included?
- Are utilities included?
- If utilities are not included, how much are the average monthly water, electricity, and gas costs?
What’s Included: Apartment Amenities
The off-campus housing market is a competitive one and many property owners offer unique amenities to sweeten the deal. Even if you’re working on a tight budget, be sure to ask about the perks!
- What makes your property unique?
- Do you have full-size washer and dryers? Are they free?
- Is the unit air conditioned?
- How big is the yard?
- Does the property feature porches or patios?
- How private are the rooms?
- Is cable or wifi included?
- How many bathrooms are there per person?
- What’s the parking situation? Is there a cost for it?
- Does the property have fitness facilities or do residents have access to a gym?
- Is the property pet-friendly? And if so, is there a pet deposit?
Who’s Responsible for What: Tenant vs. Landlord
For many first-time renters, it comes as quite the surprise to discover that with renting comes responsibility. Be sure to find out what your landlord handles and what falls on your plate:
- Who takes care of mowing the lawn and maintaining landscaping?
- Is snow and ice removal your responsibility or the landlord’s?
- Does the landlord have a routine pest control schedule or is it handled on an as-needed basis?
- Should an appliance break, who is responsible for repairs?
- Who is responsible for housekeeping?
- Who is responsible for garbage removal?
Walk-Through Like a Pro: What to Look For
Look before you leap! While we live in an online world, be sure to schedule a time to look at a number of potential properties in person. Don’t be afraid to jiggle toilet handles and open the cupboards. Make yourself at home, as it just may be your home!
- Flush toilets and run showers simultaneously -- make sure the water pressure is adequate.
- Ask about the number of water heaters and their capabilities.
- Check the windows and locks and ease of use.
- Overall cleanliness of the property (pay close attention to the bathrooms and cabinets)!
- Be sure to make sure there are functioning locks throughout the property.
- What does the landlord do to ensure safety and security?
- Is there adequate lighting?
- Are the appliances in good working condition?
- Check walls and floors for scuffs, scratches, and damage
- Be on the lookout for evidence of rodents or pests in cupboards, cabinets, and other dark spaces.
- Make sure that there is adequate closet and storage space for your needs.
- Ask for recommendations from previous tenants.
- Find out if the landlord has rented to university students in the past.
- Is the property locally owned and operated?
- Trust your instincts! Does the landlord seem honest and trustworthy? Is he or she considerate and responsive to your questions?
Convenience: How Off-Campus is Off-Campus?
While it’s good to have a little distance between your personal life and your academic pursuits, undergraduate life is busy. For students juggling a full class load, work, and living independently, convenience is key.
- How far away is the house or apartment from campus
- How close is the nearest grocery store?
- What restaurants are nearby?
- Do local restaurants deliver to the apartment?
Signing the Lease: What You Need to Know
Once you and your roommates have found the perfect apartment and are ready to sign on the dotted line, be sure to:
- Read the lease carefully.
- Understand the terms and conditions of the lease.
- Conduct a walk-through just prior to signing the lease to make sure that the property is clean and in good condition.
- Note any pre-existing apartment conditions in writing.
- Have a clear payment schedule.
- Understand subletting options.
- Determine mutually agreed-upon options for lease renewals.
- Consider purchasing and inexpensive (but comprehensive) renters insurance policy.
For more information about finding the perfect off-campus apartment, check out these tips from FastWeb. To schedule a walk-through of our Florence, AL properties, contact Lion’s Place us today!