It is that time of year again. I am not talking about Halloween, football season or midterms. It's time to start looking for an apartment for next year to share with people you will probably eventually come to resent. Maybe that view is a little cynical, but the process of renting (and living in) an apartment can be a lot more daunting and problematic than it seems at first glance.
Fortunately, with a little research and foresight, you can dodge many of the issues renters face. These are the most important things you can do before you sign your lease and sign some of your rights away to make sure you are getting the most for your money and that you won't end up in a sticky legal situation with a landlord (hey, you have enough to worry about with those roommates, right?).
*Figure out a budget and stick to it.*
Problems can easily arise if a roommate is unhappy with how much he or she is paying and those problems can spiral into other areas of the living situation. Figure out how much you can realistically afford to pay and what your roommates are able to pay.
This budget should include incidentals like the cable and Internet bill and you should investigate average utility costs for your apartment so you will not be surprised with a $400 heat bill (realistic for some properties). Madison Gas & Electric has information on their website that provides averages for utility bills and you can talk to the current tenants to see how much they pay now.
*It is necessary to know your rights.*
Fortunately, the Tenant Resource Center provides lots of detailed information on their website about every aspect of rental procedure. The information is also accessible and easy to read and should be read before the signing of any lease so you know exactly what you're getting into. In a few minutes, you can be tenant-law savvy and prevent being overcharged or receiving inadequate services from your landlord.
*When searching for an apartment, you must ask lots of questions.*
If you find a property you really like, don't jump to sign that lease too quickly. Ask about the landlord's practices. Many private owners who own one apartment or only a few do not have a team ready 24/7 if your bathroom ceiling caves in (something that happened to me). They also do not have a team if you move into your apartment and realize it has not been properly cleaned since the previous owners allowed their pets to use the closet as a giant bathroom (something which also happened to me).
Make a question list before you see the apartment and check into everything that is important to you. Does it have a dishwasher? Does it have air conditioning? Does it have issues with mice or bugs? These are just examples of some questions you might want to ask, but there are hundreds of questions that you can ask that may help you in choosing an apartment and ensuring its cleanliness and safety.
*Don't feel rushed or pressured into a living situation.*
Although the property companies around town try to make you feel like you'll be homeless if you don't sign a lease by November or even by winter break, this isn't the case at all. There are properties available for rent all year round throughout the city, so trust your gut. If a situation just doesn't seem right, keep looking.
Living with somebody else makes you realize what about them angers you. Dealing with a roommate and figuring out how to live with another person is hard enough without having to worry about landlords who may rip you off. Following these easy pointers could help one to make the transition from dorm to apartment or apartment to apartment much easier.
Kerry Gabrielson is a senior majoring in English and political science. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com._
