1. Searching for an Apartment

2. Where to begin…  Approx 140 Apartments in Gainesville  Conventional or Student(All Inclusive)  Living alone or with friends/roommates  Flat, Townhome, or Single Family  Move in Date  Price Range  Include utilities or not  Neighborhood  Close to campus or away from the busy areas  Method of search  Online Listings (ApartmentsInGainesville.com)  Mobile Apps  Books you find in store fronts

3. Types of Housing Conventional  Renting the whole apartment  2 people per bedroom on lease  Price doesn’t include utilities  Splitting Utilities with Roommates  Electric, Water, Cable, and Internet  Responsibility if roommate doesn’t pay their share  Availability 30-60 days before move  Pick out apartment  Furnishing apartment yourself Student Housing  Renting by the bedroom  1 person per bedroom  Price usually includes some utilities  Not responsible for roommates share  Reserving space a year in advance  Usually unable to pick apartment  Furniture packages available, if not included

4. What you should know…  Make wish list of must haves.  Washer/Dryer in apartment  Walk in Closets  Specific Amenities  24 hour fitness  Tanning beds  Volleyball/Basketball  Extra Storage  Garden Tubs  Questions to ask:  Are Guarantors required?  Do they accept pets?  Are there fees/pet rent?  What utilities are covered?  Roommate matching available?  Is renters insurance required?  Is parking assigned?  Shuttle service available?  Credit Card payments accepted?  Maintenance procedures?  Hanging items/painting walls

5. Found your perfect new home? What do you need? Conventional Housing : Photo ID Application Student Housing: Photo ID Application Guarantor Application Lease Agreement Application Fee: $25 - $50 per person Move in Fees: $99 - $350 per apartment Security Deposit: $50 – Two Months Rent Pet Fees/Pet Deposits: $100 - $350 Monthly Pet Rent: $10 - $25 ASK ABOUT SPECIALS! Usually if you are willing to sign within 24 hours, apartments will offer you a discount or waive fees.

6. How to protect yourself…  Apartment communities must follow Fair Housing Laws. They cannot do something special for you even if you are friends with someone in the office. You cannot expect special treatment.  Read the lease in full before signing.  Lease agreements are binding contracts and no verbal agreements are allowed.  Understand rent due dates.  Understand late notices are required by law in writing.  What fees are charged if you are late?  Can you transfer if there is an issue with your apartment?  Is there a fee to transfer apartments?

7. Home is Where the Fun Is…  Make sure it feels like home. Does the community you choose provide the lifestyle you want?  Build a relationship with the person you are leasing from… they will be the person you deal with on a regular basis.  Choose roommates carefully or if using a roommate matching option, attempt to reach out to new roommates prior to moving in with them.