You’ve found the perfect apartment for you, and you’re ready to make it official. You filled out an application, and it’s been approved. Now, it’s time to sign your lease!
At Rambler, we’ve helped many students sign leases at student housing apartments and understand that it is not a simple process.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Living Off-Campus for UGA Students
To help you better understand how to sign your lease we will be explaining what a student housing lease is, things to look out for when signing, and more.
@ramblerathens Here are a few things to keep in mind when signing your next lease!✨ #uga #godawgs #uga25 #uga26 ♬ original sound – Rambler
How to Sign a Lease at a Student Apartment in Athens
Step 1: Understand Your Lease
Before we discuss how to sign a lease, it is crucial to understand what a lease really is.
An apartment lease is a written agreement between a landlord and tenant that establishes the terms and conditions of the use and occupancy of a residence.
Student housing apartments typically offer individual leases rather than traditional leases, which are common in the Athens student housing market.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Signing an Individual Lease in Athens
An individual lease is a type of agreement where multiple people living in one unit take responsibility for their room plus the use of communal spaces. This way, each tenant will individually pay rent to the landlord and won’t be liable for damages to another’s room. Sometimes these types of leases are called “by the bedroom” leases.
For example, if you are living in a 4×4 (four bedrooms, four bathrooms) with three other roommates, you are only responsible for paying for the use of your bedroom, bathroom, and communal spaces.
Keep in mind that rent for each bedroom may vary depending on the amenities included (e.g. Is one room bigger than the other? Do some rooms have windows and others don’t? Does one room have a bathroom attached versus not?).
Step 2: Review Your Lease
Now that we have covered the basics of what an individual lease is, it is important to understand the process of signing one. You’ll want to understand the specific terms of your lease, as well as what happens once you’re ready to sign.
Things to Look Out For When Signing a Lease
A student housing apartment lease is a lengthy document, usually around 40 pages. However, it is important that you read each page so you understand what you will be held liable for. Keep in mind, this is a legally binding contract, so it is important to know what you’re getting into.
You’ll want to pay close attention to:
- Important dates – think about move-in and move-out, summer vacation, holidays, etc. You’ll want to keep these in mind so you know what are applicable to you and if you are wanting to sublease
- Important fees – many student housing complexes charge various fees so it’s important to know what you will be expected to pay.
- Rent amount and due date – the rental rate can vary room to room in an individual lease so it is important that your rent amount is what you expected before you sign your lease, as well as when your rent is due each month.
- Pet policy – a good amount of student housing in Athens allows standard pets for a deposit and then a set monthly fee. You’ll also want to be aware of any limitations on breed or size.
- Renters insurance – it is always a good idea to have renters insurance in case anything goes wrong with your lease. Also, some apartments offer rental insurance of their own for a small fee, which may be optional or required, so be sure to understand the policy before signing.
- Length of the lease – Leases for student apartments are typically 12 months, but make sure to ask before you sign! If a shorter lease is available it will probably cost more per month than a typical year-long lease.
- Renewing your lease – Most student housing leases end on the date stated in the lease, but if you would like to renew and stay longer, you typically have the option to do so. Make sure you stay up to date with the protocol for renewing a lease
- Breaking your lease – Hopefully you’ll never have to break your lease, but in case something happens, it is best to be familiar with the policy so you aren’t caught off guard with the terms.
- Subletting – Whether you plan on studying abroad, moving back home over summer, or accepting an internship outside of Athens, you’ll want to plan ahead if you are looking to sublet your apartment. Some landlords prohibit it, some allow it, and some allow it only with approval. If the lease does not mention subletting, you should ask your landlord to clarify.
Read Next: 9 Additional Costs to Consider When Looking for Apartments in Athens, GA
Step 3: Sign Your Lease!
Once you’ve read your lease, and understand all of its components, it’s time to sign! If you are a full-time student who does not work, or only works part-time, you will likely need a guarantor.
Not only do student housing properties require a guarantor, but most landlords in Athens do not accept tenants who are undergraduate students unless those tenants have one.
So, what is a guarantor in a student housing lease?
A guarantor is someone who co-signs a lease and is responsible for any rent payments that you cannot or do not make. As a student, this is often a parent or guardian. Both you and your guarantor should be ready for a credit check, so be sure to come prepared. You’ll want to gather bank account statements, pay stubs and Social Security numbers.
After your lease is signed by you and your guarantor and your credit check is passed, your lease should be ready for approval!
Read Next: What Is a Guarantor? Do I Need One?
To help you simplify your UGA housing search, we’ve put together a complete guide to off-campus housing near UGA:
When you know what to look for, signing a lease at a student housing apartment can be a simple process. If you get stuck or need help, feel free to contact the Rambler leasing team who is happy to answer any questions you might have about your search for housing.
Before you know it, you will be done with your application and living in your own student apartment near UGA!
