Moving Off-Campus
The decision to move off campus can be a difficult decision. We have noted some items that should be taken into consideration as you look more deeply into off-campus housing. We are currently working on a guide to living off-campus. We have compiled a list of useful resources below in the meantime, but don’t forget to check back for updates!
1. Location
The location of your new home is very important. If you are unfamiliar with the area, drive around at various times throughout the day to get a feel for the traffic in and out of the neighborhood. The commute, lifestyle, and the community are important things to consider about the property in question. Are there noisy neighbors? Limited parking? Is the neighborhood clean? Does the area have easy access to highways? Is the area in walking distance of school/ work or will you need to drive? Is public transportation available? Remember that to budget routine vehicle maintenance if the property is outside of walking distance. Choose a property that makes you feel safe or at home. It may be in your best interest to take note of street lighting and the distance from your vehicle to the front door of your housing.
2. Cost
Renting or owning a home can sometimes lead to unexpected costs. Some extra finances associated with living off-campus include groceries, household supplies, laundry, renter’s insurance, utility costs, and sometimes even parking passes. Doing your research before signing a lease can make a difference when it comes to costly penalties for ending a lease early or additional costs added to the monthly rent. Budgeting for the extra costs can be a great way to keep costs and bills in order. Adding in the acutal totals of expenses at the end of each month can alert you to costs not originally expected and show you exactly where all your money is being spent.
3. City Codes/ Community Rules
Check with the city codes of the development you are in. Surrounding cities and municipalities have codes that are routinely enforced. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Be sure to educate yourself on what is expected from yourself, roommates, and even homeowners.
For a complete list of codes, contact your local City Hall.
4. Choosing a Roommate
Unfortunately, off- campus roommate issues are not mediated by the university. Think about the compatibility between yourself and your roommates when it comes to cleanliness, social life, and even finanical personalities. Best friends do not always make good roommates. Be sure to make sure that your roommate can be dependable when it comes to their share of responsibilities before signing a lease with them.
5. Lease Agreement
STOP! Before you sign the lease agreement, make sure that you fully understand what the contract entails. Leases are binding contracts between the renter and the home owner, and in many cases it is binding for a whole year. Wait to sign the lease until all of your questions are answered. As soon as you sign, you will be held accountable. Here are some questions that you should think about.
- How long does the lease last?
- If I break the lease, is there a fee?
- Are pets allowed? If so, is there a fee for that as well?
- What amenities and utilities are included in my rent?
- What happens to my deposit?
- Is renter’s insurance required or does my rent include it?
6. Finally Moving In!
You have now signed the lease agreement and are in the beginning stages of moving into your new home! As soon as you have the keys, you should complete a walkthrough. Document the condition of your home and take pictures to confirm your documentation. Any major concerns should be discussed directly with the property management so that they can make arrangements for repairs or services. After moving in you will be held accountable for the state of the dwelling. Do not assume that the management is aware of any issues regarding the home. Make sure that your keys work for all entries, the windows open and close with no issues, and that all appliances are in working condition.
We recommend that you keep a written record of all contact that you have had with the property management. Write down the date, the time, who you spoke with, what form of communication you used, and what the concern was. If the property management agrees to repairs, request these in writing. Leaving things undocumented can result in the loss of your deposit.
Now here comes the fun stuff: Getting connected with local service providers. Do your research for the best deals for your service area and compare the costs and services provided from each company. Be prepared to provide security deposits for possibly all of your new utility providers. We recommend putting the account in the name of the roommate responsible for paying for the services. They will be responsible for the account and all missed or late payments. Bill responsibilities should be discussed during the early stages of the housing search.