Category: Blog

For college students getting ready to rent their first off campus apartment, it can be tricky to navigate the apartment rental waters. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, there are many factors you want to be aware of when renting.

Unfortunately, students who are looking for off campus apartments for the first time are prone to making some mistakes that can cost them later down the road. Here are some of the most common off campus apartment renting mistakes college students make and how you can avoid making them yourself.

1. Looking at apartments without knowing your price range. It’s important that you’re looking for off campus apartments that are within your budget. To determine the highest point of your budget, take your pre-tax income and divide it by 40. This will be the monthly rent you can afford. However, be sure to take any additional costs into account such as gas money, textbook costs, and pet expenses.
2. Not having enough money saved for moving in. Moving into an off campus apartment is the same as moving into any other apartment. You need to have enough money saved for a down payment on the apartment and first month’s rent when you move in. The apartment’s down payment will typically be the same amount as one month’s rent.
3. Looking for a roommate at the last minute. If you know you’re going to need a roommate when you move into your off campus apartment, don’t wait until the last minute to find one. You’ll want to give yourself time to advertise the fact that you’re looking for a roommate, receive applications to room with you, sort through the applicants, meet with your new roommate, and look for a rental unit together. If you wait until you’ve already rented the apartment to find a roommate, you can end up paying the unit’s full rent yourself until you’re able to find someone to live with.

Looking for off campus apartments?

If you’re looking for student housing or a space for lease, you’re not alone. In fact, a new unit is rented every 80 seconds in the U.S. and every 30 seconds a new renter moves their belongings into an apartment.

Whether you’re looking for student rental units, pet friendly apartments, or other housing options, Lang Development Group has what you need. For more information about our residential real estate properties and rental units for students, contact Lang Development Group today.

Today’s young people love to rent. Studies have found that 65% of households headed by those under the age of 35 were renting — a 57% increase from the previous decade. Although many are students interested in living off campus, a great number of new apartments are going to individuals who have graduated and are firmly established in their lives; the next logical step, of course, would be to get a pet!

Provided you’re able to find pet friendly housing options, you’ll need to get your new space ready for your new companion. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can pet-proof and prepare your apartment for a dog.

• Get a dog bed. Your new pup will be spending even more time in your apartment than you; he or she should have their own space. By placing a dog bed in the main room (or buying multiple and putting them wherever you hang out the most), your dog will truly begin to feel at home. Unless you’re comfortable with puppy fur all over your own bed and other furniture, dog beds are a perfect way to tackle two problems at once!
• Replace your trash bins. Dogs are notoriously nosey — literally. Their keen sense of smell can give them a direct line to the garbage, and sometimes (most times) the temptation is too much to resist. To ensure your puppy isn’t getting into the trash and eating something that could make them sick, replace all the bins in your apartment with lidded options.
• Pet-proof the whole apartment. Pet proofing is as serious as childproofing, especially for those pups that seem to have a genius-level intellect. This includes getting a puppy gate, putting away loose, within-reach cosmetics, and being incredibly strict with open food. If your dog has a reputation for being where they shouldn’t be, go the extra mile and invest in child-proof locks to guard cabinets containing cleaning products.

Finding quality apartments for rent is the hard part — and you’ve already done it! Making your new apartment cozy and safe for a canine companion is as easy as it is fun; before you know it, Fido will be curled up by your side and as happy in his new home as you are.

Renting your home is one of the oldest ways or providing a roof over ones head. Even in ancient times, people rented, and the tradition continues today. As a matter of fact, in America, about 27% of citizens rented their home in 2016. Among the largest growing groups of people are students. Students come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Regardless of their background or their reason for going to school, they need a place to live. Because a student is most likely going to be in the area near their school for a limited amount of time, renting is usually the way to go. Student rental can benefit the renter in several ways.

Stay Close to Your School and Pay Less

The room and board rates are going up as fast as—or faster than—tuition rates. The cost of living increases for a few different reasons. One, the cost of building increases on a yearly basis. Therefore, those who build dorms can justify rental rate hikes easily. Also, sometimes schools desire to attract a certain type of clientele, aka student, to their school. Building more expensive dorms is a way to get higher paying students into their classrooms—and into their alumni database. While this is great for the school and its benefactors, it hurts regular students who don’t have the means to pay higher dorm rental fees. Student rental near the campus is a great way to offset this potentially huge cost.

You can shop around to find the best rates or contact an agent or company that specifically deals with real estate for students. Rental units for student will vary in price, of course, but that doesn’t mean they are out of your reach. You just have to set your budget, stick to that range, and find the right pool of student rental options to choose from. Consider this your first foray into real estate. Student housing is always at a premium, but you can get ahead of the game if you arm yourself with the right resources to locate the best housing for your needs.

Stay Closer to Study Groups with the Right Student Rental

While you may have access to a car or feel comfortable riding public transportation, being far away from campus can preclude the possibility of joining or participating in study groups. You want to be a resource for your fellow students. Study groups are also a great place to make new connections that may prove valuable when you need to network in the future. Therefore, spending a little time finding student rental choices that are relatively close to campus can be time well-spent. Access to study groups will make you a better partner and result in higher grades and better impressions with other students. Everything will combine to a more rewarding college experience.

A Student Rental that Fits Your Needs Is Important

Not any student rental is going to be the one for you, however. A new apartment can be exciting, but you don’t want the excitement to momentarily cloud your judgment. Make a list of what you need, the bare minimum, from a rental. Include location, ease of access to transportation, proximity to other students, where the nearest grocery store or coffee shop is, etc. But also make a list of “wants” that you would like but could probably live without. Make this list guide your decision-making process. One of your most pressing needs is going to be the kind of privacy you get. If you need a lot of privacy, you will want to choose student housing that affords you your own room. Or perhaps, you just need a good place to study but don’t mind sharing a room with a roommate. In that case, you will want to locate space for lease that has a study nook that can give you the enclave you need to properly immerse yourself in your work.

Regardless of the rental you decide to go with, you will want to make sure not just your studies, but your overall sense of comfort is prioritized. This will be where you live, sleep, laugh, relax and have fun. It will also be one of your most major expenditures, so take your time and choose a student rental that works for you.

College Housing

For freshman and seniors alike, finding the right housing for college is an important aspect of your university experience. The right student housing experience can enhance your experience by providing a great social atmosphere, convenient location, and good roommates. The wrong student apartments can likewise be a wrench in an otherwise great year.

According to the New York Times (2016), over 85% of college students choose to live off campus. That figure has surged over the last several years, showing that off campus housing is by far the most popular choice among college students. This is especially true of Delaware student housing. Delaware student housing has significant off campus options from pet friendly student apartments to student rental units. Here are some of the main reasons why off campus Delaware student housing is so popular:

Benefits of Off Campus Housing

Increased Living Space and Personal Space: It is no secret that many of the on campus student apartments are very crowded and limited in space. Sharing a dorm room with a roommate can make it feel especially cramped. Maybe it’s a good experience to break into college as a freshman . . . but other than that, the cramped living quarters aren’t that great. University of Delaware student housing has plenty of off campus options that are much larger and offer private rooms. Each apartment includes a real kitchen, private bedroom options, a living room, and additional storage space. These living spaces are much easier to hang out in and have a good time.

Better Life Experience: A big part of attending college is the opportunity to live on your own and gain some real world experience. Living off campus is a great way to experience what living on your own in the “real world” is like. You will be in charge of new responsibilities such as: paying rent and utilities, cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, etc. Additionally, it will be a great opportunity to learn how to negotiate and understand lease contracts and develop relationships with professionals such as your property manager, landlord, and maintenance crew. Also, just like building good credit is important to eventually purchasing a house, building a good rental history is important to finding other apartments in the future.

Cost Effectiveness: As odd as it might sound, off campus housing is often significantly cheaper than on campus options. Of course, because of how much variety there is in off campus housing, there will certainly be premium rentals that are more expensive. But the point is that no matter what your budget is, off campus housing for Delaware student housing has plenty of price points to match your needs. Do some research and find out the pros and cons of each area. Consider how far the closest grocery store, gym, or campus bus stop is. Figure out which amenities are included or not included (such as a washer and dryer).

Set Your Own Rules: On campus housing comes with a plethora of rules. Curfews, guest restrictions, and pet restrictions are just a few that come to mind. Resident Advisors (the infamous RA), are also always around policing students and enforcing the rules. When you live off campus, in your own apartment, you set the rules. You decide when it’s quiet time and when it is party time. Each apartment will have its own rules of course (like don’t harass your neighbors), but off campus apartment rules are much less strict than their on campus counterparts.

Amenities Access: Perhaps one of the most difficult things about living in the doors is the lack of amenities. No hot tub. No dishwasher (or kitchen in many cases!). No private washer and dryer (gotta haul to the laundromat). Off campus apartments give full access to amenities. Free Wi-Fi, a study lounge, pool and hot tub, washers and dryers in your apartment, and even free gym access. Additionally, off campus housing will naturally put you closer to the grocery store, restaurants, parks, and other places of interest in Delaware. This will allow you more freedom to explore and experience the area.

There is no doubt about it, off campus housing is the way to go.

Record numbers of students are attending college, and student housing is an element of concern globally. This is because the students seeking to be housed come from far and wide. Students from China, India, Europe, Hong Kong, and Latin America are all coming to U.S. colleges. In most cases, they have not traveled to the area before, which can make finding student housing a challenge. Even for local residents, finding student housing can be a challenge. Fortunately, new student housing developments are making it easier for students everywhere to find an affordable apartment.

If you are looking for student housing developments in Newark, Delaware, then the Internet will be an important resource. To ensure you find the right student housing in Newark, DE, here are some tips you can use to ensure that you get the best living space.

Create a short list of options

When it comes to student housing, there are plenty of options to choose from. When starting your search, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. For this reason, your initial goal should be to narrow down your options to three or four choices. If official university housing is not an option, the start your search by looking only at housing within walking distance of your school. Once you have prepared your short list, proceed to the next steps.

Determine your budget

There is a large degree of variance when it comes to cost. From luxury student housing developments to low-cost basement studio apartments, you can find a lot of options. As such, it is important to look at what you are looking to spend on your housing. If you are taking out student loans, factor in what, if anything, these funds will contribute to your housing budget. A normal apartment lease is 12 months, so make sure you can maintain the budget for the term of the lease. This will ensure you get the best price and value for money.

Establish the requirements for the housing

Typically, you will find that all housing situations have different rules and requirements that have to be adhered to. For instance, there are some housing options that might not allow pets. As a result, if you have a pet or plan to own one in future, such housing options get ruled out. Other apartments will place limits on overnight guests or parking. Also, requirements pertaining to the terms of payments and the facilities provided are important to put into consideration.

Use the internet to your advantage

The internet has made this process easy and fast. When looking for student housing developments, this should actually be your first stop, especially for students coming from far. In fact, it is possible to get housing even without setting foot in town. In addition to getting housing listings around the desired area, you also get an opportunity to look at the reviews from the various residents that have been housed here. From their experiences, it is easy to learn any inconveniences they experienced. Finally, look for housing developments with lots of photos.

Take time to inspect your preferred house

Even with an online search for student housing developments, images can be deceiving. If possible, make time to tour your apartment list in person. At this time you will be able to assess the neighborhood as well as the amenities in the house. You will be able to even note the finer details such as access to natural lighting, air conditioning, and much more. At this time, you will also be able to find the proximity of the house to the learning institution as well as the available means of transport.

Since students form a significant percentage of renters here in the United States, there are more and more student housing developments opening with each passing year, and Newark, DE is no exception. Hopefully, this post will aid you in making a better selection for your housing.

According to the Rental Protection Agency, 40% of U.S. renters are between the ages of 15 and 34. Students comprise a large portion of this demographic, with many of them choosing to move out of their college dorms and into off campus student housing. This change can be both exciting and overwhelming — as this is the first time they have had to furnish an apartment, it can be difficult for them to know where to start. If you are a student who is about to move or recently moved into an apartment, whether in Newark student housing or anywhere in the country, make sure to consider these three items that will make apartment life a breeze!

1. An elevated bed frame

   The most common challenge students come across, whether living on campus, in Newark student housing, or an apartment in any city, is limited space. In a dorm there is not much you can do, as you essentially have just the furniture provided by the school to work with. In an apartment, however, students have far greater flexibility. If there is not one in the room already, purchasing an elevated bed frame allows for large amounts of convenient, out-of-sight storage space. Acquire some rolling plastic bins to slide in and out from underneath the frame and this solution becomes even more effective.

2. An electric kettle

   They say a watched pot never boils — buy an electric kettle, and no watching is necessary. Simply flip the switch or press the button and the device heats your water automatically, needing only an outlet to be plugged into. If you are an avid tea or coffee connoisseur, it may be worth investing in a kettle with variable temperature settings. While boiling water is perfect for black teas such as English Breakfast and Earl Grey, more delicate varieties such as green tea and oolong tea require lower temperatures, typically around 175 and 185 degrees, respectively. Coffee should be brewed with water below the boil as well, ideally around 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. A comfy desk chair

   Unless you are the type of student who strictly works in the library or at nearby cafés, you are going to want to set up a quality workspace in your apartment. If you buy an uncomfortable chair, you will never want to sit at your desk to work. Invest in your productivity and buy an ergonomic desk chair that makes working as pleasant an experience as possible.

Before you get these important items, you have to find an apartment — the best Newark student housing options for students living off campus while attending the University of Delaware are with Lang Development Group.

Contrary to traditional college life, more and more students decide to live away from their University campuses than before. It helps to build independence more than living on campus, and they do not have to abide by University housing rules. For example, students attending a dry campus can have alcohol in their off campus apartments while they would not be able to in on campus dorms. In fact, a New York Times article put the percentage of students living off campus at 87%. Also, 40.6% of renters in the U.S. are from ages 15-34. If you are looking to live off campus at your university, attached is a list of things to look for (Once you know the rent, security deposit, and what you can afford):

1. Parking

It cannot be overstated how important this one is. One of the first things that you should consider is how much parking is available. Is there off-street parking? Is there a garage provided, or does it cost extra? Will you have to park on the street? How secure is the parking lot (If the neighborhood is not the greatest)? Is there a parking garage nearby, and how much does that cost? You should call the property management company ahead of time to get the answers to these questions. The answers to these questions could help eliminate some of your options right away. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with an apartment, save parking questions for last, and end up stuck parking a block away every day. Remember to check parking first before even going into the apartment.

2. Proximity To The School

This might seem like a given, but it is also a give and take. While most student rental units are very close to the University, your budget, parking, and other factors might make finding an apartment adjacent to your University hard to do. If you cannot find an adjacent unit, you should find off campus housing options that have access to an expressway or other highway that will get you to the University.

3. Amenities

This one is not quite as important, but, especially if there are roommates, you may be able to afford student rentals with nice amenities. Is there a pool or hot tub? Do you have a pet? What is the square footage? Is there storage offered? Is there a washer and dryer in the unit, or is it shared (Does it cost money?)? Is there a garbage disposal? These are all questions that you should have answered before signing the lease for any off campus housing options.

4. Utilities

Some apartment complexes cover certain utilities making the rent more affordable. Research these questions: Do I have to pay for water? What about gas, internet, electricity, garbage disposal, snow removal (For rental houses)? These questions can be answered prior to your visit, and you can focus on finding the right space for you and your roommates, if you have them.

These and other questions that are on your mind should be answered before considering signing a lease for off campus housing options, so you can have a more fun and enlightening experience at University.

For many students, senior year sneaks up on you. All of a sudden you’re preparing yourself for ingress into the ‘real world,’ while also trying to balance your thesis, internships, and living your best life. Throw a beloved pet into the mix, and the entire affair may become overwhelming. Just by having a sweet dog, or cat, or bearded dragon, finding a pet friendly apartment becomes a herculean task. With so many factors to consider, your pet becomes the primary point of focus for any landlords or student housing authorities, and you find yourself making a pros and cons list. To save you the trouble, here’s one already built.

The Cons

– It’s an unfortunate reality of student housing: pet friendly apartments are not included in your tuition. If you’re looking to roll out of bed at 8:20 for your 8:30 class, you may only find leniency from the student housing department if your pet is a service animal.

– Chances are, if you’re hunting for a pet friendly student apartment, your animal’s main service is less medical and more communal. In this case, you may go the clandestine route of making your student housing unofficially “pet friendly” student housing. However, a pet friendly student apartment must come with pet friendly students. The bond you share with your roommate or roommates must be a bond sealed in puppy nose kisses. You need to be able to depend on them to cover your secret cat or parakeet if your residence advisor comes busting in, or to keep their mouths shut even if all their shoes get chewed through.

– Often, campus housing is the easiest option to ascertain where you’re going to be spending your college years. Finding a pet friendly apartment on your own can be an expensive and time consuming endeavor, especially if your campus is situated in the Finger Lakes region New York and the closest city is an hour away. Student housing, even if the rooms needed upgrades in the 80s and the showers are reminiscent of prison bathrooms, is usually the safest of your housing options.

The Pros

– Most colleges these days offer off campus housing, which is usually only available to upperclassmen. If you’re a senior with a pet, living off campus may be the best option to both keep the cost in your tuition, keep close proximity to your classes, and make your home a pet friendly apartment without a pesky residence advisor barging in at a moment’s notice.

– The real estate market has never been more saturated by younger generations than it is now. Just three years ago, 65% of real estate belonged to renters aged 35 and younger, and the number has only gone up since then. By 2017 around 43 million housing units were renter-occupied. Since commercial real estate has become an unavoidable aspect of independent living, finding a pet friendly apartment may be a great way to get a jump on the real world. Rental units for students are an overlooked sector of the rental market that may be a good place to start for seniors who want to lower the cost of college and are looking for pet friendly housing options that they won’t have to vacate come summer.

– Finding a pet friendly apartment can be daunting. If you know you’ll need to find pet friendly housing you need to hit the real estate market early, and know exactly what it is you’re looking for. But the pay-off is immeasurable. Student housing tends to be overpriced at universities, and often barely meet the qualifications to be student friendly, let alone pet friendly. By looking into the rental option you set yourself and your pet up for success by making a fiscally sound decision.