Off-campus requires preparation

Residence hall life can be a useful transition from living at home to living on your own.

After this stage is over, many choose the freedom of an off-campus apartment, but many students are unaware of the research they should do when finding a new place to live.

Some students have used apartment-locating firms to help them with their search. These firms are free to students. They work off commission only, which is paid by the apartments when you sign your lease.

Kathleen VanSweden, a leasing specialist at Apartment Selector, said they typically start handling business from SMU students in February and March.

David Glazner, an apartment locator at All Texas Apartment Locators, said that using apartment-locating firms is useful because they have a list of all the specials and student discounts in the area.

Recently, VanSweden found that apartment renters have been content with the deals they have found.

“Right now there is a good market. The area is overbuilt and a lot of apartments are giving good deals,” VanSweden said.

VanSweden said one-month free specials have been the trend, but advises students to take them now because they might not be there in the summer.

Glazner said having the apartment company spell out exactly what they are charging you for is a good idea.

“You might be getting charged for something as little as trash pick-up and not know it,” Glazner said.

Glazner also suggests to ask who the apartment’s management company is, find out their reputation and ask about maintenance.

“You need to know what utilities you will have to pay,” VanSweden said. “A lot of apartments are charging for water now, which was just started within the last year.”

Glazner added that students should check their records before going to rent.

“The things apartments might worry about when dealing with college students is their past rental history, income and police record,” Glazner said.

He also added to make sure nothing is owed at a previous residence, and make sure there are no felonies on your record. As far as income, he said parents may have to cosign the lease.