INTERNET HELPS COLLEGE STUDENTS FIND A+ APARTMENTS
Apartments in college towns across the United States are in high demand as students prepare for the new school year. Here are a few tips to help parents and their college-age kids quickly and easily find someplace they can call home while they are away at school.
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Don't wait until the weekend before school starts. The Internet is a great way to start planning now, and can be used 24/7 from the comfort of your own home. In fact, nearly seven million people look for apartments online each month. 1
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Make a wish list. Do you want to live upstairs or down? Are you looking for a fireplace? Air-conditioning? What about a dishwasher and washer/dryer? You may not get everything you're looking for but setting priorities will help you narrow down your search. (Web sites like RENTNET® can help you find your dream apartment with a long list of search criteria, like swimming pool or spa/hot tub, built right into the search.)
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Online, you can quickly look for apartments by city/state or zip code or proximity to an address. At
www.rentnet.com, you can even search for apartments that are close to a particular college or university. You may also want to consider proximity to things you will use frequently, like freeways, public transportation, grocery stores and shopping malls.
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Save time by looking at online apartment listings with multiple interior and exterior photos, virtual tours and floor plans. If you like what you see, email leasing agents with any questions, automatically confirm availability, and download rental applications… Fill out the paperwork before you even get there!
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Dress as though you are going to a job interview. Does your appearance convey that you are responsible enough to pay rent on time and will treat the apartment (and your neighbors) with care and respect?
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Walk through rental units during the day so you can see everything in the natural light. Where are the electrical outlets located? Is there enough closet space and storage? Also, don't forget to check the water pressure?
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Be sure to ask about rent, length of lease (usually month-to-month, six months or a year), security deposit, and utilities (e.g. trash, water, electricity) that are included. You should also ask about late charges and penalties for breaking your lease.
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Don't try to sneak your pet cat or dog into your new apartment! Avoid fines and possible eviction by moving into a pet-friendly apartment in the first place. On RENTNET® , visitors can search for apartments that allow cats and dogs.
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You will have to act fast once you find the apartment you want, so be prepared! Good rentals don't stay on the market for long, and people often miss opportunities due to indecision.
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Attach a list of any damages to the lease, along with the landlord's signature, so you are not held responsible for them later. You should also include any improvements that your new landlord has agreed to… Verbal agreements are not enough.
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Most leasing agents won't collect first and last month's rent until they've checked your credit. Know what you're working with. Many Web sites will give you a copy of your credit report and credit score for free.
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Read your lease carefully and make sure you understand all of the terms, including your financial obligations and your landlord's responsibilities, before signing on the dotted line. You are ultimately responsible for everything you sign, so don't be afraid to ask questions and request modifications to the lease.
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Visit www.rentnet.com for more tips and information on finding an apartment. Develop a personalized moving checklist and a budget, get information on movers and moving supplies, compare neighborhoods and apartments, and learn more about tenants' rights and living with roommates.
1 comScore Media Metrix, June 2005, based on traffic to five national apartment Web sites.
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