WHAT TO ASK WHEN
LOOKING FOR A HOUSE OR APARTMENT OFF-CAMPUS
· Where is the house/apartment?
· Is the area safe? Have there been attacks in the area before?
· How close is the house/apartment to campus? If I had to walk to campus, could I do it?
· How close is it to a grocery store?
· How close is it to a Laundromat? (If not available on site)
· How close is it to a mall or shopping area? Can I get to one conveniently by bus or bicycle?
· If a house, what is the access to the room? Do I disturb anyone if I come in late at night?
· What is the nearest public transportation?
· How close is it to the house/apartment?
· How often does the bus service run during the week, weekends, evenings, and summer?
· How much is the monthly rent? Where and when must this paid?
· If it is paid late, is there a late fee?
· Do you have any discount rates? Or move-in specials?
· What utilities do I have to pay for?
· How many people can share a house or apartment?
· Can the people that share the apartment be: students, professionals, male, or female?
· Is there a nine- or a twelve-month lease?
· Could my rent increase during the leasing period?
· If a house, do I have to perform chores to live in the room, and if so, what are they?
· Do I need references from former landlords?
· How much notice is needed either to renew or terminate the lease?
· What are maintenance’s hours?
· When could I move in?
· How much is the security deposit? When must this be paid?
· Can I pay with a personal check?
· When is it returned, or may it be used as my last month’s rent?
· What must I do to have my security deposit returned in full?
· Are sublets allowed?
· May I find someone who is willing to make a new lease and end my responsibility?
· Does it cost extra to sublet?
· Is there a washing machine or laundry service available on the premises?
· How many people share the facilities?
· Do I get a parking space?
· If a house, what are the kitchen arrangements, room in cupboards, and refrigerator access?
· Do I have access to a lounge with a TV? Is there a tennis court, fitness center, or pool?
Here is some other useful information when you are apartment or house hunting
Month-to-month leases: a contract for one month at a time. The landlord can raise the rent, alter, or terminate the agreement at the end of any rental month, provided that proper notice is given. A month-to-month lease allows the tenant to easily terminate the contract if proper notice is given.
Term leases: provides more protection for the tenant against rent increases or changes to the contract. Provided you don’t breach your contract, the landlord is obligated to rent to you for the length of time, under the conditions, and for the rent amount outlined in the lease. However, it is not as easy to terminate the term lease.
Be a good tenant and neighbor: get to know the neighbors in your area so if there are any problems (noise, crime, trash, etc.), you can work them out together. Be aware of any laws and ordinances that govern all other citizens (pets, trash, snow shoveling, etc.).
Check in: make a note of all existing damages (this includes flushing the toilets and checking the plumbing, looking for cracks and scratches, etc.) before you sign your lease. The check-in sheet helps to determine normal wear and tear. It is also a record of existing damage. Be thorough when checking this sheet and report any discrepancies to your landlord.
Insurance: it is highly recommended that you consider renter’s insurance to insure your belongings against damage, as well as to insure your house against liability due to personal injury.
Pets: first make sure that you are allowed to have a pet. Some landlords will require an additional deposit from tenants with pets. If the lease doesn’t cover this issue, and you want to have a pet, make sure you discuss this with your landlord before you sign a lease, and get any additional agreements in writing.
Roommates and Cohabitation: select your roommates carefully. There are legal, financial, and personal implications to consider which will affect you living arrangements. Consider responsibilities for housekeeping, cooking, hosting friends; studies and leisure habits; payment for rent, utilities, and groceries, and standard of living. Check any joint and liability clauses in your lease.
Security Deposits: most landlords require a security deposit to be used to offset any damages, unpaid rent, or unpaid utility bills. The manager can request any amount they want; usually it is one month’s rent (sometimes, it will be two months rent because of the “uncertainty” involved in renting to an international student). When you pay your deposit, make sure you get a receipt of the transaction.
When you voluntarily move, you need to follow the procedure for giving notice as explained in your lease and be out by the last day of the lease. Always use a written notice and keep a copy for your own records. Give your landlord prior notice as specified in your lease. If you leave during the term of the lease you must either negotiate with the landlord to release you from your contract early OR negotiate for permission to sublease. Put all agreements in writing.
Eviction or Involuntary termination requires less notice, but must always be written. You may be evicted if you fail to pay rent or break your lease. The landlord must give you a written notice with the specifics of your eviction. If a tenant believes an eviction is unjustified, he/she has legal recourse. Consult an attorney for additional information.
As you prepare to move out, you can facilitate the return of your deposit by taking these steps: thoroughly clean the property – leave the unit in as good as, or better, condition than it was during your move in; complete a detailed check-out sheet (involve the landlord with this process); be sure utility bills are paid in full; leave a forwarding address.
UTILITIES
Before you sign a lease for an apartment or a house, remember to ask if the monthly rate covers any of the utilities, such as the natural gas, water, or electricity service. The initial deposits and monthly costs of electricity and natural gas can be rather expensive. Water is usually included in your rental fee. Below is a list of utility services you should contact if you are responsible for utilities. In general, the person assisting you will ask for your name, address, social security number, and move-in date.
ELECTRICITY
Ameren UE (314) 342-1000
WATER
St. Louis County Water (314) 991-0333
NATURAL GAS
Laclede Gas (314) 621-6960
TELEPHONE
To begin telephone service, call Southwestern Bell at 1-800-464-7928 to have a new telephone line installed at your residence. Look in the White Pages or Yellow Pages phone directory for more information.
NOTE: You will need to obtain an occupancy permit before you move into your apartment. Check with the apartment manager to find out where you need to go.
Garage sales are excellent places to buy appliances. Check the Thursday and Sunday edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for more information.
What to do if you do not have a social security
number?
For Electricity:
You need to provide verification that you are a student.
For Water:
You need to call and request service.
For Gas:
You will need to show a form of picture ID (i.e. a passport).
For Telephone:
You need to provide your passport number, and later add your social security number to the bill.