Apartment
Hunting
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Intro
Choosing to live off campus is a
decision that will have great impact
on your time as a student. The appeal
for more privacy, more personal space
and a greater sense of freedom can
change your college experience.
It is important to understand the
responsibilities with living off campus
and the added tasks, such as cooking,
cleaning and budgeting.
Consider what you are looking for and
to be a smart shopper. The following
information will help you determine
your needs, search rentals, do
research and sign a lease.
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Search Available Rentals
There are a number of rental units
available in the RIT area and several
ways to search for them.
• Visit RIT’s Housing Connection at
www.rit.edu to see if there are any
vacancies available or to search for a potential roommate.
• Visit rocrooms.com, a website
dedicated to finding housing for the area’s students.
• Ask friends and classmates who rent in the area or have rented.
ACEatRIT
[email protected]
thelink.rit.edu
Determine Your Needs
As a prospective tenant, you have
the right to ask questions. Before
signing a lease be sure you are
satisfied with the place, the services,
security, rent, etc.
Call Potential Rentals
When you find a few rentals that fit
your needs, you should call or email
the contact person. State what you
are looking for and when you would
be available to view the rental. If you
will be living with others, you should
view the rental together to ensure
everyone is satisfied.
• Visit rochester.apartments.com or
rentrochester.com for listings of local apartment complexes.
• Check out daily newspapers
for listings.
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• Check out ACE and pamphlets provided such as The Commuter Crib Sheet.
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Research the Rental
Before you sign a lease you should
find out information about the unit
and the landlord to be sure you will
have a successful rental experience.
Does it meet housing and property
codes? What will the heating bill
approximately be in the colder
months? Is there parking available?
Be sure to visit the location both
during the day and night to see the
level of safety.
Things to Consider:
• Proximity to campus, bus stops or
other things you desire to be near.
• What size are you looking for?
• How much rent and utilities can you afford with your budget?
• Do you need parking?
• How long of a lease do you need?
• Will you have pets?
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View Rentals
You should view two or more rentals
that fit you needs. When looking
at each rental, you should take
notes and do not be afraid to ask
questions! Examine the apartment
thoroughly and be sure to note the
utilities included, the repairs that are
needed, and who is responsible for
lawn care or snow removal.
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Review & Sign Lease
Once you decide on a rental that
meets your needs, you will need to
sign the lease and pay a security
deposit. Carefully review the lease
and become familiar with common
lease terms. Understand all the
responsibilities outlined in the lease.
Be sure to make a copy of the lease
and security deposit check and save
it with all other rental information.
SG’s lawyer is also available to review
your lease and answer and questions
you may have.
• Will you be able to take care of snow removal or lawn care?
• Do you want a furnished or unfurnished space?
• What type of housing are you looking for? Apartment complex, house, studio, or shared rental?