Consider your living expenses. There is more to pay than just the rent!

• Ask how much the average utility bills are.
• Think about how much money you’ll have left for groceries, a meal contract and spending money.
• Is trash pickup included? How about parking?
• What ether/internet options are there? What are the costs?
• Is oil used for heating? The cost of oil can fluctuate dramatically.

Location should be another major consideration.

• Will you be able to walk or bike to campus, the grocery store or to do your laundry?
• If not, do you live near a bus route?
• Do you feel safe in the neighborhood you have chosen? Visit the area you are considering at night, look at lighting and get a "feel" for the atmosphere.
• Is the neighborhood conducive to your lifestyle? Don’t move into a family neighborhood and plan on having parties.

Consider the condition of the apartment or house.

• Never sign a lease without first inspecting the facility.
• Check for safety and security (window and door locks, exterior lighting, smoke detectors, peep holes, chains, etc.) and overall condition of the facility.
• Ask neighbors and previous renters if they have had any problems with the facility or landlord.

Inspect the facility and the grounds.

• Is it kept up and clean?
• Are dumpsters emptied regularly?
• Who will take care of the yard work? Trash disposal?
• How is parking handled, and is there enough for each resident?

Where to Look

• Off Campus Life Housing Fair on November 3rd.
• Listings of student rentals, students who are looking for roommates and students who need housing are available on the OCL website.
• Apartment complex listings and currently available rental situations are accessible on the OCL home page http://web.jmu.edu/ocl
• Brochures describing various complexes are available in the OCL office.

• Visit various rental locations and collect information from each.
• The classified ads in The Breeze and Harrisonburg’s Daily News-Record.

Leases: What Are They

Make sure you understand the type of lease you’re signing.

• Individual Lease: You sign for your bedroom and a share of the living area. Pro: If a roommate moves out, you are not responsible for his/her rent or damages. Con: The landlord can put anybody (male, female, non-student) in the empty bedroom without your approval.
• Group Lease: All occupants sign one lease and are responsible for the full rent and any damages as a group. Pro: Your group has control of who may move into an empty bedroom. Con: If a roommate backs out, the rest of the group must make up the difference in cost.

Before You Sign Your Lease

Leases: What You Sign is What You Get

• Carefully examine the lease.
• Ask for a copy so you can review it more thoroughly and/or with your family.
• Some leases are very restrictive. Be aware because you are responsible for knowing exactly what the lease says and means.
• Don’t hesitate to ask the landlord about clauses and terms that you don’t understand. You can also consult with someone at OCL.
• Agree on any changes, additions or provisions with your landlord and make sure these are stated in the lease before signing on the dotted line.
• If it includes a provision or clause you want to remove, it’s OK to ask the landlord about it.
• Make sure it is all in writing and all parties involved sign, date and keep a copy.
• Oral leases and agreements are legal in Virginia, but avoid them. Everything should be in writing!