APARTMENT FEATURES
Is the apartment furnished? Make sure you understand who is responsible for providing the appliances and furniture in the apartment. Most apartments do not allow animals. If you plan on getting an animal, get permission from the owner of the apartment before you get the animal. If you have an animal where one is not allowed, you may be asked to move out of the apartment, and you may be required to pay a fine.
YOUR LEASE
You will be asked to pay a security deposit on the rental of the apartment. This deposit to the landlord is usually equal to one month of rental cost. The landlord holds this money to ensure that he or she has an extra month's rent if you were to leave suddenly or damage the apartment. If the apartment is not damaged at the end of your lease, your deposit usually will be refunded. Make sure you understand all the terms of your lease. If you move from your apartment before the end of the lease period, you may be required to pay large fees to the owner. Read your lease carefully before you sign it. Your lease is a legal contract with rules that you agree to follow. Check these items to make sure you and the landlord agree:
What is the cost per month?
What is the length of the lease?
Who is responsible for the payment of utilities – heating, electricity, water, garbage collection, etc.?
What is the cost of the security deposit and is the deposit refundable?
Who is responsible for repairs to the apartment while you are living there?
CHOOSING AND CARING FOR YOUR APARTMENT
Before you sign a lease, make sure the apartment is clean and that you feel safe there. While you are living in it, clean your apartment regularly and do not cause any damage to the walls, ceilings or floors. If you damage the apartment, you may be asked to move, and your security deposit may not be returned to you.
Questions? Please contact the Office of International Admissions at [email protected]