College students across the country are gearing up to head back to school, and many will be tasked with picking out their first apartment or rental home. Signing a lease on that first place is a major step toward independence, but there are a few things every renter should consider before making a commitment.
“Before you even begin looking at apartments or homes, make a list of the features you absolutely need, whether it’s two bedrooms, on-site laundry, or proximity to campus,” said Pam Troxel, owner of FreeRentersGuide.com, a South Dakota-based free property search site. “Next, determine your budget – the absolute total cost you want to spend on your housing each month. Then you’ll be in a good position to begin your search.”
Budgeting may be a tough concept for first-time renters. While most experts recommend keeping your housing at less than 30 percent of your monthly income, don’t forget about fees that may not be included in the rent, such as electric, gas, garbage, water, or cable. Some rental properties will include a portion or all of these expenses in the rental fee, so be sure to ask exactly what’s included.
“If the apartment or rental home you’re looking at doesn’t include any of these fees, like electric for example, ask the landlord or property manager what the average monthly electric bill is for the place,” Troxel said. “That will help give you a better idea of what your total monthly cost is going to be.”
Also consider the best lease length for your situation. While many properties require a 12-month contract, it may be possible to negotiate for a shorter stay. College students not planning to stay in town over the summer may be able to negotiate a 9-month contract, or sublet the apartment during the summer months.
Students who can’t stomach the idea of leaving Fido at home may have a more difficult time finding an apartment. Property manger policies on pets vary, but many will negotiate to allow a small dog or cat.
“It can take a little more work to find a property that allows your specific pet,” Troxel said. “With FreeRentersGuide.com, you can actually search for pet-friendly rentals, which simplifies the search process.”
Troxel’s site, http://www.FreeRentersGuide.com, aggregates rental homes and apartments in Rapid City and other South Dakota communities to make it easy to find the perfect place. Visitors can also filter searches to fully-furnished properties or pet-friendly rentals, matching their unique criteria to available properties quickly and easily.
