Category: Blog

Renting a new apartment can be so exciting. It might be a taste of independence or it might be a fresh start. No matter what your plans are, you need to make sure that you will be protected in your home. Before you sign your lease, make sure you know these four things.

Can You Afford It?

Experts say that you should not spend more than 30% of your income on rent and utilities. If you struggle to cover your expenses, you might not be able to afford this apartment. Unfortunately, you might not be able to get out of your lease before it ends. This will leave you on the hook for the money you owe, whether you can pay it or not. That’s why it pays to plan ahead and decide if you can afford it before committing.

How Can I Terminate the Lease?

While you might intend to stay in your apartment throughout the entirety of the lease, things change. You might have a major life change that will require you to leave. Before you sign your lease, you need to know how to break it. Many places will include that information in your lease, so ask for it upfront. It might be something as simple as giving your landlord notice and paying a fee, or it might get more complicated. You need to know this upfront, so make sure you ask the questions and get straight answers.

What Is Included in the Rent?

Your monthly rent might include other things, like certain utility payments. If you’re moving into a new apartment, you need to know what you’ll be required to pay for and what will be covered when you move in. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to budget or you might end up paying for things that you didn’t know you would have to.

Is There Parking?

If you have a car, it is essential that you know the parking situation at your new apartment. Some apartments have plentiful free parking while others have nothing at all. Make sure you know what you’ll get going in.

When you’re moving into a new apartment, there are so many things that you need to consider. However, before you do any of that, make sure that you’ve got answers to these questions. Not only will they help you plan for your time in the apartment, but they can also potentially help you get away from an apartment that does not work for you and your situation.

Living in a student rental does not mean you cannot save money. There are about 111 million people in the US that live in an apartment. Having a plan to save money while you live in a student rental can help you to build a nice nest egg.

Start Tracking Your Expenses

If you are like most people, you are likely spending a lot more money than you realize. Your student rental is likely to be very affordable, but you may still be having a problem making ends meet. It is not the “budgeted” expenses like rent and insurance that drain your bank account, but the everyday expenses that you are not planning that do.

Tracking your expenses is essential to saving money. Track every dime you spend for a week. Write it all down, then evaluate how much you are spending on what. Knowing where your money is going will help you to cut fat out of your budget.

Set Goals

Let’s say you find that you are spending five dollars a day on a coffee on your way to work. That is $25 a week. What else could you do with $25 a week or an extra $100 a month? Set a goal for that money. Instead of stopping to buy a coffee, consider making coffee at home in your student rental and paying yourself to save for a goal.

Buy Used

Saving money on furnishing your student rental is easy when you know where to shop. Used is a great option. Buying furniture from a thrift shop or through an online ad is an easy way to save on furnishing and décor.

Use Coupons

Everyone needs food for their student rental, but that does not mean we have to pay full price. Cut coupons, look for coupons online to find savings. Why pay the full price when you do not have to? Using coupons and looking for sales is an easy way to save on the cost of food.

You Can Save

Make savings a priority. You can find savings in a student rental if you make it a priority to look for it. You may have to make some behavior changes when it comes to spending and looking for ways to cut out unnecessary spending. Saving is possible if you follow simple steps.

It’s a new world out there, and it can be hard to know where to start. Your recent experiences at college have given you valuable insight into what life might be like as you transition from living on campus to living off campus. As you make the transition, you’ll be able to settle into new routines. Let’s examine things to be aware of to help ease the transition.

Consider Your Living Arrangement Preferences

When you leave campus, you’ll most likely be renting a room or small apartments like a studio or a one-bedroom. It might be difficult for you to choose, so think about your ideal living arrangement. Would you like to have things quieter, especially if your new job starts early in the morning? Would you like to live with others who have pets? Will the new place be close to accessible public transportation? Renting is common, according to the Rental Protection Agency. They estimate that around 40% of people between the ages of 15-34 make up renters in the United States. So know that you aren’t alone as you go through this process.

Read All the Fine Print

When you consider renting a place, you must read the rental or lease agreement very carefully. Private homeowners may not provide you with state-specific contracts or may try to include clauses into their contracts that aren’t legally required or enforceable in your state. More prominent property owners or property management companies may require you to abide by specific rules while on the property. There may be restrictions on modifications you can make or personal items you can store or not store.

Experiment With Cooking Skills

Life outside college brings the ability to start learning healthy recipes. Brushing up or learning new cooking skills will take time but will serve you well during your life. Throwing a dinner party is also a different life activity after college, so don’t forget to have some friends over for a meal. Consider investing in cooking tools that make creating meals easier and faster, like an electric pressure cooker.

Living off campus is a big adjustment for many students, but it’s also an exciting time of new experiences and independence. It will take you some time to settle into your new place, learn the bus routes, learn where things like grocery stores and hospitals are, and more. Keep moving forward with your plans and reach out to trusted people in your life if you find yourself in a situation you’re not quite sure how to handle.

The majority of college students go off to school away from home. While some choose to stay in student dorms throughout their time in school, and some are required to spend at least part of their education on campus in dorms, others are able and prefer to stay in off campus housing. Off campus housing is usually defined as any type of housing that is not owned or managed by the student’s university, even if it is technically on campus. With a new unit being rented in the United States every 80 seconds, and a new renter moving into an apartment every 30 seconds, the competition can be quite stiff. But the more you know before choosing student rentals, the better.

1. Location Matters

Location is incredibly important for those shopping for student housing. Students need to be able to get to class quickly and efficiently. It’s often easier academically and socially for students to stay as close to campus as possible.

2. Consider Internet Connection

Yes, your internet connection is important, and especially while you’re in college. Make sure that you understand who the internet service provider in your area is before committing to a student rental, and what the connection level will be.

3. Safety

A lot of students live on their own for the first time while attending college. Both they and their parents feel a lot safer knowing that their rental housing is as safe as possible. Consider the benefits of a building that has built-in security measures like a security system or a doorman.

4. Social Opportunities

Living off campus can be less expensive, but you may miss out on social opportunities. Living closer to campus is a good compromise in this case.

5. Cost

, Of course, cost is important. But take the whole package into account, not just rent. Remember to consider utilities, bills, and the cost of commuting.

6. Neighbors

It can be difficult for newly independent college students to live in neighborhoods full of families. Make sure you or your loved one is aware of the neighbors they’ll be living near.

7. Roommates

Remember, sharing a rental with a roommate can not only cut costs but provide quick friendships. However, roommates must be carefully vetted first.

Choosing a student rental can be difficult. But don’t stress because it’s also fun and exciting!

How to Choose a Roommate

The college experience is what you make of it. Part of this experience is your living situation. Roughly 2,654 individuals are in the rental market every day and in need of housing, according to the Rental Protection Agency. For many students, choosing off campus student housing is a huge step in their college experience. This is why it is imperative to make sure you are not only choosing a reliable landlord and place to live, but also a good roommate. After all, you will be spending a lot of time with them!

Living With Close Friends

Living in off campus student housing with your close friends can be a great way to grow even closer. You probably already have similar interests with this person, and you are familiar with their level of cleanliness and responsibility. However, living with people, especially in a small space, can also take a hindrance to a friendship.

The dynamic of your friendship may be a lot different when you are living together. There are responsibilities to spit up, bills to pay, and levels of cleanliness that each person prefers. Be sure to evaluate your friendship with this person on a deeper level before deciding to live with a close friend in a student rental.

Living With a Stranger

The word “stranger” often has a negative connotation. However, many people find that living with someone you are not friends with ahead of time alleviates a lot of stress and diminishes expectations.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself during the roommate searching process:

• Do they have pets?
• Are your lifestyles similar?
• Do they have a reliable source of income?
• Will they sign a lease and abide by it?

Many students may choose to live with more than one roommate, these concerns might compound. It is important to have a strong sense of how comfortable, respectful, and cooperative potential roommates might be.

Conclusion

Whether you are choosing to live in off campus student housing with an existing friend or a stranger, taking the time to evaluate your potential living dynamic is important and can seriously impact your off campus student rentals experience.

So you’re a student and you’ve decided to get off campus housing for students. You’re one of 87% of students who live off campus, according to a 2016 New York Times article. Perhaps you had been living on-campus and decided it was time for a change, or perhaps you weighed the housing options and you’ll be moving in for the first time. Either way, you want to make sure you have a good experience. It’s one thing to shop for apartments for rent and move-in, but another to live in them for the school year. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure you have a great time.

Surround Yourself With Friends

If it’s not too late, ask around to see if any of your friends want to room with you. Having roommates takes a burden off of paying in full for apartments for rent, and you can benefit from this too. Additionally, having your friends close will help you have a better experience. They’ll prevent you from getting lonely or homesick and in general offer up a fun time. Ensure that you know your potential roommates well and don’t ask just anybody, otherwise, the purpose might be defeated. Sometimes living with someone is a different experience than just hanging out with them, so keep that in mind.

Don’t Overdo It

There are a lot of things you could end up overdoing. From trying to move too many things into your apartment, to going to too many parties because you feel you want the college experience. Remember that apartments for rent are not the same size as a full house, so pack accordingly and think about what you most need and what you’ll most use. This will save you time later and prevent your living space from being overcrowded. Also, keep in mind that you don’t need to go to every party you get invited to. If you get burned out, you’ll have a worse time than if you pick and choose where you most want to go. You can gain the college experience from many aspects of your school year, not just the parties or the housing, so take your time and soak everything in.

Balance Your School Life

Don’t forget the number one reason why you’re here: to get an education. However you decide to live your life and spend your time, it’s important to save time for school work and studying. You might be tempted to blow off an assignment here or there, but it’s not worth it. Doing your best and getting good grades will set you up for the rest of your life. You might regret not taking that hour to go out with friends, but your 30-year old self will be grateful for it. If you balance both your school and your personal lives, you shouldn’t have problems with either.

Remember to keep these things in mind when you move into your off campus housing. Find friends to move in with you, don’t overpack, and balance your time to have the best possible experience. If you do these things, you’re sure to have a great time, as well as a great year.

In the United States, someone rents a new unit every 80 seconds. Also, a new tenant gets into a new apartment every half a minute. Some of these tenants are students. If you are a student and feel like you are ready for off campus housing for students, there are a few things to consider. Here are some common signs that you are ready for off-campus life.

You Want to Live With Your Friends

If you stay in a dorm room, chances are your friends will not stay close to you. They might even be in a different building. However, if you stay in an apartment, you can live with some of your friends. Depending on your arrangement, you might even pay for off campus housing for students with your friends and become roommates. This way, you and your friends will not be assigned random rooms. Off campus housing for students is also ideal if you want to stay with a significant other.

You Want a Pet

There are some dorm rooms that will allow you to have a small pet. For instance, most will not have a problem if you decide to keep a hamster. However, if you want to have a pet dog, you might have problems keeping it in a dorm room. If you feel like it’s time to have a bigger pet, then you might need to consider off campus housing for students. If you have your own pet-friendly apartment, then you can get to keep your pet without any problems.

You Want More Independence

Most dorms tend to have a lot of rules and restrictions. If you are tired of living in such a controlling environment, then it might be a sign that you are ready for off campus housing for students. The next step would be to find a nice place and move out. When you have your own apartment, you can set your own rules and enjoy your space as you should.

You Are Ready for More Responsibility

This is another sign that you are ready for off campus housing for students. When you are staying in a dorm, most of your responsibilities will be taken care of. However, when you start feeling like you want more control over your life, it might be time to leave the dorm room and have your own place where you can take care of things on your own.

These are some of the signs that you are ready to start staying off campus. From living with friends, to getting a pet, to wanting space for yourself, living the way you want is not out of reach. Once you have made the decision, make sure you find a safe and nice place to live and study.

Approximately 33% of renters move each year. Some of them move because they realize that they made the wrong apartment choice. If you feel like you are in the wrong apartment and you want to move, it’s important to find the right size apartment for yourself so that you don’t keep moving. Here are some tips for finding the best apartment for yourself.

Consider Functionality

There is a lot more to consider when looking at apartments for rent than just finding something that fits your belongings. For you to find the right size apartment, you need to think about the functionality. The most common apartments for rent are studios, one-bedroom, and two bedrooms. You can look at these in terms of square footage as well. Studio apartments will typically be about 300 square feet to 1,000 square feet.

You can ask yourself the following questions when it comes to size and functionality.

• How many people will live here now and in the future?
• Are you going to be living alone for a long while?
• Are you in a relationship and will someone move in with you in the future?
• For families, are you going to have children in the near future?

Depending on whether you have a family or not, you can choose a studio apartment, a single bedroom, or two bedroomed apartment. The general idea is to find something that will fit you and your family’s needs well unless you are staying alone.

Check to See if Your Furniture Will Fit

Another thing to consider when looking for the right size apartment is to check whether your furniture will fit. You can go and view the apartment when it’s still empty and have a mental image of where you will put things. If you see that you won’t be able to fit everything properly, then you must continue looking at more apartments for rent until you find something that will fit everything perfectly.

Will You Be Renting it Long-Term?

You won’t always be looking for an apartment for a long-term stay. Sometimes you just want something temporary before you move into your house. If you are in such a situation, then you must look for something that will be comfortable enough until you move out. If you are building a house or buying one, you will also want to get something small so that you can save money and invest it in something more permanent.

Finding the right size apartment is not difficult if you follow some of the tips above. Another thing you must also consider when looking at apartments for rent is cost. Make sure you get an apartment that won’t derail your budget. With these tips in mind, you will be sure to find the perfect space for your needs.

Looking for the perfect off campus housing? You’re not alone. About 87% of students live in off campus housing according to a New York Times article published in 2016. For anyone attending school and living off campus, location is the most important thing when apartment hunting. Here’s why.

Transportation

There may be many beautiful apartments available, but with one catch — they’re too out of the way, and getting to classes becomes a hassle. Imagine getting to work tired because of a lengthy commute and then having to do it again at the end of the day. This can even end up affecting your concentration in class and your lifestyle.

Ideally, you’ll want somewhere that only requires taking one bus and a relatively short journey. Living in an area where you can easily get to class and where you can get around easily can cut down plenty of time for you, which is an important factor if you want an efficient schedule.

Amenities

As a student, you’ll also want a vibrant social life to help you relax in between study hours. That means you’ll probably prefer somewhere with a lot of cafes, restaurants, and other local hotspots where you can hang out with friends.

So, when apartment hunting, it’s worth it to explore the area to find out if the neighborhood vibes are on point. It’s best to explore the area both during the day and night to get the full picture of what the whole neighborhood is like. While you’re out and about, be sure to search for great amenities. Also, figure out if you would want to live in a noisy area, such as a place where there’s a nightclub.

Lifestyle Adaptation

Overall, finding the right location for off campus housing can determine how your lifestyle ends up looking. In most instances, you’ll likely not want to move to a location that requires you to alter your lifestyle too drastically. For instance, if you’re an extremely social person, you may not fit well in a quiet neighborhood where there’s little to do.

As you can see, the area where you find your off campus housing can make or break your student experience. However, finding the perfect apartment that suits your lifestyle and needs doesn’t have to be a hassle. You can enlist the services of a reputable real estate company to help you with your apartment hunting, so you can get the best experience in between classes.

Finding the perfect apartment shouldn’t be a hit and miss if you know what to look for. Fortunately, we have rounded up the top factors to consider when hunting for an apartment that’s right for you. Let’s get started.

Pricing

Pricing is an important factor to all renters, especially those who are starting out. The Rental Protection Agency says that about 40.6% of renters in the U.S. are those between the ages of 15 and 34. If you’re part of this age group, you’re probably living on a budget and want an apartment that’s decent and affordable. Therefore, it pays to do your research and find out the cost of apartments in the area you’re looking at. From there, you should consider whether to look elsewhere, find roommates, or negotiate the price.

Overall Conditions

It’s normal for property owners to post beautiful pictures of their apartments online. However, in some cases, the reality may be different. Before you pay rent or make a deposit, it’s up to you to arrange a viewing so you can see everything up close. During your inspection, look out for common problem areas, such as leaky faucets, bug and rodent infestations, broken AC, damaged roof, broken stuff, and mold. Talk to the landlord or property manager to see how they plan to deal with the problem and make it clear you’ll only move in after the problem is fixed.

The Landlord/Property Manager

Your renting experience is always a smooth and pleasant one if you have a great landlord. Besides viewing the apartment, be sure to meet the landlord in person to get a feel of what they’re like. If there are already other tenants living there, if possible, ask them what the landlord is like. Ideally, you want a landlord with good ethics, who respects boundaries, and who is reliable when emergencies occur.

The Neighborhood

Your apartment may seem perfect for you, but if it’s in the wrong kind of neighborhood, then this may be a problem. For instance, if there’s a high crime rate, it’s best to eye other apartments to protect your safety. You should also investigate neighborhood factors such as whether there’s enough parking or access to amenities such as shops, gyms, and a laundromat.

Browsing apartments in search of a place to live can be time-consuming and a hassle, but it pays off once you find the perfect one. Keep the above factors in your mind during your search, and good luck!