Types of Housing:

House -
Pros: Greater privacy, more living space, minimum noise problem.
Cons: Could be responsible for grounds upkeep and often more expensive.

House subdivided into apartments -
Pros: Usually close to campus, reasonable rent.
Cons: Older buildings, higher utility bills.

Mobile homes -
Pros: Less expensive to rent, many parks offer the same extras as complexes.
Cons: Less living space, high utility costs, further from campus and you may have two landlords (see section on mobile homes.)

Efficiencies -
Pro: Cheapest rent.
Con: Least privacy.

These are a few of the general housing characteristics you should consider before signing a lease.

Complexes -
Pros: Some offer swimming pools, playgrounds, clubhouses or party rooms, laundromats, shuttle bus service to campus and a maintenance person on the premises.
Cons: Rent may reflect those conveniences, soundproofing often negligible, less privacy.

COSTS

Consider the cost of utilities. Ask the current tenants and the landlord about the cost in the summer and winter. Know which utilities the landlord provides and which ones you pay for.

LANDLORDS

Do a little research: Talk to current and previous tenants about your perspective landlord. As you read this tenants handbook, formulate questions that will be applicable. You can also check with BCT about the landlord.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Consider the condition of the place All rental housing must meet the BOCA Minimum Property Maintenance Code before it can be occupied or rented (See Appendix A). For your own protection, check the place to be sure it meets these standards. If it doesn’t, don’t rent it unless the landlord agrees in writing to correct these violations. Use this procedure for anything you want changed. This written agreement should either be on or attached to the lease (See section on signing a lease.)

The agreement should look something like this:

I, ___________ (landlord), agree to repair or replace the following: ________ (itemized list) and to correct any violations of the BOCA Minimum Property Maintenance Code by_____________ (date should be before you are to move in). I realize the tenant(s) named below agree to rent the premises/sign the lease (choose one) under the condition that these changes are made by the above date. If these changes are not
made by this date, the tenant(s) may terminate the lease without obligation and the
damage/security deposit and all prepaid rent will be returned in full.

The tenant(s) may also choose to make or hire someone to make the above repairs and deduct the cost of said repairs from the rent owed to the landlord (with the landlord’s consent).

(Landlord signature) ______________

(Tenant signature) _____________________

(date)

When you begin the search for rental housing, check the classified sections of the two city newspapers, campus papers and bulletin boards around town and on campus. A list of current rental property is provided through the Off-Campus Student Housing Association and is published in their Off Campus Survival Guide, which can be found in A022 Brady Commons.

Finally, be sure you want to rent the place before you pay a deposit or sign a lease. Don’t sign if you feel the landlord is not being fair or honest. If you sign the lease, you will be legally required to fulfill it. If you change your mind about the place, you will lose your deposit and may be held responsible for the terms of the contract.

If you have any questions, call BCT.