The search for off-campus living can be frustrating for tenants and landlords alike, but there are ways for students to make sure they are getting the best deal possible.
Experts have provided advice for students who are in the process of looking for housing next year.
- Make sure to put everything in writing.
"Documentation is the key," said Miki Farcas, director of the Office of Off-Campus Living. This way there's a record of everything that goes on between the tenant and the landlord, in case it's needed later.
- Make sure the lease clearly states what's included in the monthly rent. Don't assume that the landlord is paying for utilities of any kind.
"It should be specified in detail who's paying what utilities. That's the main thing to look out for," real estate lawyer Adam Bernick said. Make sure to note "what costs the tenant is supposed to pay and what costs the landlord is supposed to pay."
"If the landlord has not agreed in the lease to provide something, you have to assume he is not providing it," Bernick added.
- Remember that you are renting -- not buying -- a property. So, don't destroy it in any way -- you may be forced to pay for it later.
"It's not [students'] property, they are just reserving it for a certain amount of time," Bernick said of landlords. If you paint the walls or get a pet, for example, "all these things will come out of your security deposit," he added.
- Be sure that all people involved in the housing situation sign the lease.
There's a danger that those who don't sign a lease could not be responsible for the rent if they renege on their decision to live in the house.
"A lease is a contract," Bernick said, so whoever signs it is bound to the property for the set time period.
- If possible, talk to the present tenants of the property to confirm the landlord's promises.
"That's your best source of information," Real Estate professor Georgette Poindexter said. "The landlord might tell you one thing, but the tenants might say, 'Oh, that's a lie.'"
- Start the process of looking for housing for the next year early on, as far ahead as November, if possible.
"You should start thinking about it early and plan early," Farcas said, to ensure that the most options are available and that there is time to work out any issues that arise.
- Take advantage of resources provided by the University.
Farcas added that "Undergraduates tend not to use [Penn resources] proactively."
The Office of Off-Campus Living gives students tips on the process and can help in the search for a roommate or a subletter.
