The Tour

• You want to make appointments when possible and set up tours at the communities you are interested in. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at each location. The leasing staff may strongly encourage you to sign a Lease right then and there. They may even say that their rates and/or specials are for “today only.” Don’t feel pressured into signing, remember, the Lease is a legal and binding contract once you sign it. It’s important to know that many places do not have a grace period that allows you to back out of the Lease if you change your mind after you sign.

• If possible, take your future roommate(s) with you to tour the properties.

• Some communities may take you on a virtual or self-guided tour if that is their policy or if you prefer that over an in-person tour. Also check to see if virtual tours are posted to the property website or social media pages.

• If you pass a resident out on the grounds, politely ask them about their living experience at the community.

• Once you have your decision or at least narrowed your list down to 2-3 properties, get your parents or Guarantors involved. They may want to tour the communities (in person or virtually) and may also have questions that you did not think about. Use our Apartment Search Checklist to help you in your final decision.

Tips

* When you take the tour, many communities have model apartments. These units have never been lived in and may not show normal wear and tear.

* Model units are known to be closer to the office or other amenities.

* Model units sometimes have a different appearance (furniture, fixtures, accent walls, faucets, appliances, décor, etc.) than regular apartments.

Lighting is also important

Is there well-lit parking available near the apartment building entrance?

Does lighting illuminate the building, breezeways (hallways), as well as the living space?

Is the entrance to the unit visible from the street or another apartment (to discourage criminal activity)?

Does landscaping provide a place for someone to remain concealed?

Research

• Reviews: Check out the properties’ Google and Yelp reviews. Don’t go back any further than a year, you want to know what you personally will be dealing with. Staff turnover in off campus living is quite consistent, so you don’t want to consider those reviews that involve employees who are no longer working at the community.

• Ask for a sample Lease and any other additional addendums/documents to take home to review.

• Did you know that SHSU’S Off Campus Living Coordinator and Student Legal and Mediation Services are free sources for students to utilize with questions about the Lease or any other housing documents?

• Make sure to ask about all financial responsibilities. What up-front/application fees, deposits, green fees, and any other fees will you be responsible for?

• Ask for the average utilities (electric, water, cable, etc.) and ask what is included with the monthly rent/installment.

• Will renter’s and or liability insurance be required?

• What are the pet fees, and deposits? Is anything refundable? Is there a monthly pet rent?

• What are the security features? Does the property have an on-site Courtesy or Security Officer?

• How do you get in touch with personnel after hours for maintenance and other emergencies?

• Is there a roommate matching system in place?

• What are the qualifying guidelines for students?

• How does management handle resident disputes, loud noise complaints, roommate conflict, etc.?

• What amenities are offered (pool, study rooms, gym, pet park, shuttle, etc.)?

• What type of resident events does the property host?

Types of Leases

Conventional/Traditional Lease VS. Individual/By-the-Bed Lease

Responsible for finding your own roommate(s).

One Lease for the entire apartment is signed by everyone 18 years old and above.

Only one Guarantor (co-signer).

If one person must leave/move out, the remaining roommates are responsible for that person’s portion of the rent and utilities if they don’t find a new roommate.

Roommate matching service usually provided.

Each roommate signs their own separate Lease.

Each roommate has their own Guarantor (co- signer).

If a roommate leaves, the management company will attempt to find a new roommate and the current roommates are not responsible for the rent of the person that left.

Signing Day!

Understand that the Lease along with any addendums and supporting forms are legal and binding documents. Make sure you read and fully understand your rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Lease Agreement. Don’t be pressured to sign a Lease right after the tour, always remember that you are in control. Leasing agents are trained to not let you walk out of the door without paying the application fee, completing the application, and signing the Lease. Ask for a copy of the Lease and any additional addendums/documents to take home with you to review/study. Highlight important areas of the documents and ask questions about things you don’t understand. There should be leasing agents available to help or you can always reach out to the SHSU Off Campus Living Coordinator or Student Legal and Mediation Services. Keep in mind that if any individual listed on the Lease does not fulfill their Lease obligations, you will be held in breach of contract and legal action can be taken against you. This breach will affect your (as well as your Guarantor’s/co-signer’s) credit rating and your ability to lease another apartment in the future. All parties listed on the Lease will be held equally accountable. As with any legal document, always keep a copy of everything you sign and get all agreements in writing, such as:

• Lease

• Payment receipts (security deposit, pet deposit, rent payment, etc.)

• Addendums (including special agreements or deals)

• Communication concerning maintenance

• Resident concern communication (roommate, safety issues, etc.)

• Move-In Condition Form

Release of Resident

You will not be released from your Lease Agreement/Contract until the end of the term unless there is a special provisions clause, or you fall under the military clause. Refer to the Apartment Vocabulary/ Lingo section of this guide for more information about subletting and reletting.

Once you’ve signed your Lease Agreement, make sure to get your new mailing address from your apartment community. When you get it, go ahead and put in your change of address form for the semester that you will be moving. You can do this by clicking to usps.com and searching “Change of Address Form.”

Insurance

If renter’s insurance is not required, consider getting it anyway. You want to make sure that all your personal belongings are covered and can be replaced in case of a fire, flood, or any other emergency that will cause damage. Ask your insurance agent about general liability, personal injury, and flood insurance. Talk to them about scenarios involving your belongings being damaged due to water, smoke, fire, or if an electrical power serge causes damage your electronics. Inquire about accidental damage to another person’s property, including the apartment community. Look into if someone sustains an injury in your apartment and lastly find out if you are in a flood zone.

If liability insurance is required, shop for the best deal you can get. Make sure that your policy has the verbiage that is required by community management. Have the property management review and approve it in writing prior to move in day. Check with your parents or guardians homeowner’s insurance, have them review their policy to see if your renter’s and/or liability insurance can be added for a minimal increase.

Moving Tips

Confirm your move in date by looking at your Lease, move in letter/email, as well as contacting the Leasing Office to see if you have a specific move-in time. Also find out if there are any restrictions concerning move-in hours. Don’t hesitate to talk about your upcoming move with the leasing staff, they are experienced in this area and most likely have gone through it personally themselves. They will be able to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have and possibly have a few suggestions. Once you have this information you can begin to organize your move. Having a formulated plan can save you hours if not days, so make sure to take this process seriously.

If you are just moving personal items and not large furniture, then you won’t need much help. However, if you have furniture, you’ll need to make moving arrangements with family, friends, or professional movers. You may also want to consider a rental truck if you can’t solicit help from someone with a van, pickup truck, or SUV. For the vehicle rental, contact the rental company to confirm that you qualify, sometimes there are age restrictions to rent a vehicle. It is a good idea to make your rental reservation several weeks, if not months in advance as there are numerous students moving at the same time every August. Confirm your rental reservation at least a week prior to the scheduled pick-up date. Don’t forget to ask the rental company if they offer student discounts! We suggest that you pick up your rental as early as possible in the morning to avoid long lines. Many moving companies also rent or sell items you may need for the move such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, tie down ropes, blankets, dollies, and other items. Keep in mind these items will be sold at a premium, so if you are interested in saving some cash, make a list of supplies needed and drop by your local super store prior to your move.

Three’s a crowd, right? Not when it comes to moving! Have a few of your friends or fellow Bearkats pitch in to help to make moving a fun event. Show your appreciation by throwing a “move-in” party and order their favorite take out. Have a cooler on hand loaded with some good cold beverages, your friends won’t be able to resist a free meal and good times at your new place. Lastly, save your receipts. In some cases, moving expenses are tax deductible.

Move-In Day!

The day that you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. You are ready to get your shiny new keys and move into your home! But before you unload and unpack, make sure you complete the following:

• Document the condition of the unit by taking pictures and video. Email them to management, yourself, and your Guarantor (co-signer) to show the date stamp.

• Be as detailed and specific as possible when filling out your apartment move-in condition form.

• Don’t leave any blanks on the form, if the item is in good condition mark it with “ok,” if something does not apply, write “n/a.”

• Return the form in the timeframe specified in your Lease to management.

• Have the apartment representative sign and date the apartment condition form.

• Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

• Report all maintenance requests separately.

• Always make written requests.

• Always keep a copy.

• Never withhold rent if maintenance items are not repaired.

Your New Life Off Campus

It’s always a good idea to practice common courtesy when living off campus. Consider the following:

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors and if you feel comfortable, exchange numbers.

*Neighbors can contact you directly if there is ever a problem.

*They are also more likely to watch your home and/or pet when you are away.

• It’s very important to let neighbors know in advance when you are going to have a gathering.

* Remember to be respectful when you have visitors.

* Make sure guests park in guest parking and not in front of the building, on the grass, or in reserved spots.

• Keep noise levels to a minimum and respect the quiet hours. Any noise heard outside your residence is too loud.

Be a Safe Bearkat

• Don’t go out alone at night.

• If you will be out past dusk, make sure to leave the porch light on as well as some interior lighting.

• Check the back of your vehicle before getting in (always keep your doors locked).

• Know your surroundings.

• Always let someone know when you are leaving and when you plan on retuning.

• Share your location on your cell phone with someone you trust.

• Lock all doors and windows of the apartment or home.

• Wear bright/reflective clothing when walking or running after dark.

• Have an emergency preparedness kit ready at all times.

Be a Responsible Bearkat

Always pay rent on time and follow the rules and regulations as outlined in your Lease Agreement and Addendums to avoid eviction.

• A resident could be evicted for violation of the Lease, major destruction of property, or non-payment of rent.

• Management must give the resident at least 72-hours written notice (depending on the Lease) of their intent to evict for nonpayment of rent.

• If the resident refuses to move out, management may file an eviction lawsuit in the Justice of Peace Court to forcibly evict a tenant. Management can also charge the resident for the court cost/ filing fee.

Time to Renew…or Move

If you live in a community that is a lease-by-the-room property where you signed an individual Lease, be ready to start thinking about renewing sometime between September and October. Yes, you just moved in or renewed but time waits for no one and that includes you when it comes to “student housing.” Talk out the pros and cons with your roommate(s), parents, and Guarantor. Also, make sure you will be at the same school the next Fall. The apartment staff will urge you to renew earlier to get the best deal and/or rate, but only do so if that is what is best for you. Once you renew, you can’t just change your mind, the Lease you have signed is a legal and binding contract! The upside to renewing is that you get to stay at your current community and in your current apartment without having to move out.

Should you decide to move out, many communities provide large roll off dumpsters throughout the property for you to discard your larger than normal items. Do not leave bulk items on the curb or on the ground aroud the dumpster, the trash provider will not pick it up. If you put down a security deposit and want to get it back, you should:

• Not owe rent or have an account balance

• Fulfill the Lease Agreement

• Return keys, fobs, access cards, remotes, etc. that was issued at move in

• Leave the unit clean, there can be “normal wear and tear,” and damage free

• Give management your forwarding address in writing

• Give proper written notice to vacate that you are moving out, if required

Most individual Leases end during the month of July and the new Leases at your next location most likely won’t begin until mid-August. This means it is your responsibility to figure out where you and your belongings will go for the 2 to 3-week gap between Leases. If you decide to change apartment communities, plan ahead for this gap in Leases. This may also be a dilemma if you decide to transfer apartments within the same community.

Apartment Lingo/Terminology

• ½ BA or ½ BTH: Half Bathroom or Bathroom with no shower/bathtub

• 3/2/2: 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage. In a house or apartment ad, when you see two or three numbers separated by slashes, the first number always indicates the number of bedrooms; the second number is the number of bathrooms; and the third number (if there is one) indicates how many cars will fit into the garage.

• A/C or HVAC: Air conditioning and heat or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

• Amenities: The “perks” or “extras” available at some communities. These items are offered to residents, some examples include a fitness center, basketball court, computer lab, study room, swimming pool, dog park, outdoor kitchens, etc.

• BA or BTH: Bathroom

• BR or BDR: Bedroom

• Concession/Discount/Special: A “special” rate, offer, gift card, or physical item that is awarded to you for applying and/or signing a Lease. For example, waived application and signing fees, a $200 gift card issued after moving in, or a physical item like a free Keurig. Make sure you fulfill your Lease, sometimes specials will have stipulations attached like having to pay rent on time, and not getting any fines. Failure to follow the specifications could lead to you having to pay back the special/concession or the value of the gift.

• Conventional Housing: One Lease is signed for the entire apartment/home (not individually – Huntsville area examples: University Club, Cornerstone, and Woodhollow Apartments). For instance, 3 individuals sign one Lease together for a 3-bedroom apartment. Roommate A moves out before the end of the Lease term, leaving roommates B and C financially responsible for the roommate A’s rent and utilities.

• Dep: Deposit or Security Deposit (the amount depends on the property; it can range from one month’s rental installment on up). The security deposit is required to make sure that you pay for any damage done while you live on premises. If you leave the property the way you find it (minus “normal wear and tear”), after your Lease is finished, you should be refunded the money if you don’t owe anything.

• First/Last: First and/or last month’s rent is sometimes required as part of the security deposit.

• Fully Furnished: The apartment’s common areas will be fully furnished, normally with a couch, coffee and/or side tables, kitchen and laundry appliances, and dining furniture. Bedrooms typically come with a bed, dresser, and desk. Some communities even provide a flat screen TV in the common area, with the complimentary cable and sometimes Wi-Fi.

• Guarantor/Co-Signer: A financial term describing an individual who promises to pay a borrower’s debt if the borrower defaults on his or her Lease obligation. If you are not able to pay your rent, it becomes the responsibility of the Guarantor, which is usually a parent, guardian, or close relative/friend.

• Lease by the bed/Individual Leasing “Student Housing/Student Living Communities”: Each roommate within a single unit signs their own Lease/Housing Contract. Each are separately liable for their portion of the rent and not the entire unit. If two people share a 2-bedroom and one roommate decides to break the Lease, the roommate left is not financially responsible and does not have to find a sublease or relet.

• Lease Term: The length of the Lease. 5, 6, 9, 10, 12-month Leases, or month-to month (MTM) Leases. Always make sure you understand the length of time the agreement is for. Keep in mind the Lease end date if you are moving or transferring units at the end of a Lease term. Usually there is a 2 to 3-week gap between the Lease ending date and the new Lease start date. Make sure you have made plans to store your personal belongings as well as secured a place to stay during this lapse between Leases.

• Notice to Vacate: Some properties require an advanced written notice from you to indicate that you will be moving out at the end of the Lease term. Find out if your community has this policy and how much notice is required. Normally it is a 30 or 60-day requirement.

• Planned Social/Resident Events: Most off campus “student living” communities provide monthly, even weekly events. These functions provide residents a chance to break away from the normal day-to-day campus and work life to get out and mingle their neighbors and leasing staff. Some events to look forward to include: Grocery Bingo, Breakfast on the Go, Wing Wednesday, Cooking Classes, Free Food Friday, Weiner Wednesday, Budgeting 101, Resume Building, etc. These activities are a great way to relieve stress and build a positive living experience.

• Reletting: Having a new resident apply and sign a brand-new lease for your apartment (or room). This process releases you from all your contractual obligations as a renter of that apartment (or room). Your apartment community will do what they can to find a person to relet your space if you need to leave, but it is ultimately up to you as they can’t promise when or if they will find a replacement. All the while you (and your Guarantor/Co-Signer) are still financially responsible for rent and utilities until someone suitable moves in or the Lease ends (which ever happens first). There is also normally a fee to go through the reletting process.

• Rent/Installment Due Date: What is the amount of your monthly rent/installment? What is the due date and is there a grace period? When do late fees begin? How much are the late fees?

• Roommate Matching: Most “student living” communities can provide roommate matching programs, just ask the staff.

• Rules & Regulations: The majority of communities have a specific set of policies for you and your guest to follow, always ask for a copy.

• Sq. ft.: Square feet. The size of apartments and houses is usually given in square feet. One (1) square foot equals 0.0 square meters; 1 square meter equals 10.76 square feet. A simple Google search will convert square feet to square meters for you.

• Subletting: Often referred to as a subleasing, a contract in which a tenant rents out their apartment to another individual while the name on the Lease is that of the original tenant. The new tenant is referred to as the sublessee and the original tenant the sublessor. Check your Lease to see if subleasing is allowed, if you don’t see it, ask your leasing staff and have them put it in writing for you.

• Utility cap: This is a utility allowance and is normally provided on a per bedroom basis in “student living”. The standard is between $25 - $50 per month. If there are any overages, they will be divided equally provided that all roommates had taken possession of the unit for that billing cycle. This is as good as it gets to “All Bills Paid.”

• Util: Utilities – water, sewer, gas, trash, cable, electricity, wi-fi, etc.

• W/D: Washer/dryer.

• W/D Conn: Washer/Dryer Connections (the hook ups are provided, not the machines).

Types of Housing

• Apartment: An apartment is a rented individual dwelling unit within a building consisting of a room or set of rooms. Most apartments are part of communities/properties, although you may find an occasional individual apartment over a garage or a separate part of a house for rent. Some apartments are unfurnished (especially in conventional housing) but most communities that Lease by the room are furnished (ask about options on removing furniture if you have your own). Apartments range in number of bedrooms from efficiencies (one room with a combined living area, bedroom, and kitchen, the bathroom is usually the only other room in the unit) on up to 5-bedrooms. Sizes range from 350 square feet to well over 1,900 square feet. An apartment may have a porch, patio, or balcony but usually that is the only “private outdoor” space. Most communities are 3-4 stories high with a door that opens directly to the outside. Grounds are normally shared around the community. Amenities may include a pool, volleyball and/or basketball court, pet park, tanning, and fitness center. Apartment communities generally have 12-month Leases, although some (student properties) will offer semester or academic Leases terms for a premium; conventional may offer 6 or 9-month Leases. Some conventional communities may allow tenants to go month-to month, but again there is usually a charge for this and may only be available as an extension on a Lease.

• Condominium: An apartment that is owned by an individual, rather than rented. In Texas, for an apartment unit to be eligible to be sold as a condominium, it must meet special building codes, such as the presence and thickness of firewalls, etc.

• Duplex: Two housing units that share a common wall but are freestanding otherwise (think of two houses joined). Each unit has a separate entrance. They may be one or two-story. Often, there is a small shared yard and sometimes the landlord lives in one unit and rents the other out.

• Fourplex: Four housing units that share common walls but are freestanding otherwise. This is normally two units on the first story and two on the second story.

• Hotel or Motel: If you are only going to stay for a few days or one or two weeks, you may wish to stay at a hotel or motel. They usually charge by the night, but you may be able to find some that offer weekly rates. Per-night charges vary from location to location and depends on the time of year. At minimum, hotels normally offer a maid service. The SHSU University Hotel is located on campus which can be accessed through their website at www.shsuhotel.org.

• House: A freestanding unit with no shared walls. It usually comes with a yard, a driveway and sometimes a garage. Houses are mainly owned by one person who may or may not live there but there are some available to be rented.

• Mid-rise apartment: This is an apartment located in a building that typically has more than four (4) floors but less than twelve (12). You will almost always find an elevator for added convenience along with a stair option. There is usually no landscaping around the building, some have balconies; others do not. Mid-rises are often more expensive than the typical apartment.

• Townhouse: This is frequently a two or three-story unit that shares at least one wall with a similar unit. It may have a very small yard, or there may only be a porch or patio. Townhouses may be owned by an individual (like a condominium) or rented from an apartment community (like an apartment). In Texas, to be called a townhouse, a unit must meet special building codes.

Additional Resource Contact List

SHSU Student Legal & Mediation Services

936.294.1717 slms@shsu.edu

Lowman Student Center 327

Huntsville, TX 77340

SHSU Off Campus Living Coordinator

936.294.1762 akizzee@shsu.edu

Residence Life Office

910 Bearkat Blvd

Huntsville, TX 77340

Water/Wastewater/Trash Billing

Connect & Disconnect Services

936.291.5431 huntsvilletx.gov/300/Utility-Billing

1212 Avenue M

Huntsville, TX 77340

Public Works/Street/Drainage

936.294.5707 huntsvilletx.gov/275/Public-Works

448 Highway 75N

Huntsville, TX 77320

City of Huntsville Animal Control

936.291.5400 huntsvilletx.gov

1212 Avenue M

Huntsville, TX 77340

SHSU University Police

936.294.1800 shsu.edu/police

2424 Sam Houston Avenue

Huntsville, TX 77340

936.294.5480 (Mon – Fri; 7 am -4pm)

936.435.8001 (after hours)

Huntsville Police Non-Emergency

936.291.5480

Crime Stoppers

936.294.9494 walkercounty.crimestoppersweb.com

Emergency

Entergy (power line repair/power failure) 911

1.800.ENTERGY (3683749) entergy-texas.com

Texas Apartment Association

(979) 260-9842 taa.org

SHSU University Hotel

936.291.2151 shsuhotel.org

1610 Bobby K Marks Drive

Huntsville, TX 77341