Student’s Guide On Finding An Affordable Off-Campus Apartment
People consider dorms to be the part and parcel of college life thanks to TV shows and movies but anyone who’s lived in those will tell you that it’s not all fun. The dorm rooms are crowded and expensive which is why most students prefer renting homes off-campus if their colleges allow it. They are considerably cheaper, secure and give students some freedom and privacy. But finding affordable tech center apartments in Denver can be a challenge because other students are also looking in the same places during the same season which drives the prices up. To find an affordable apartment, here’s what you need to do:
Set Your BudgetBefore you start looking for affordable tech center apartments in Denver, you need to find out how much can you afford. Find out the average rent in the area you plan to relocate to and compare it with your monthly allowance. You should have more allowance than the rent to pay for food, transport, utilities, etc.
Search Before SummerDuring the summer, many people are searching for new apartments to shift to, especially graduates and students. Summer holidays are long, meaning more people can afford to shift during this season. This means the demand is high so the prices also hike. So instead of waiting for the summer break, you should start searching early. Winter is the best time to find new flats. People don’t like shifting during this season due to the cold. The holidays in this season are short meaning people have less time to relocate. If a room is empty in winter, the landlord may rent it for a lower price instead of losing the income.
Find A RoommateA roommate can help you split costs on rent and utilities. If you are renting an unfurnished apartment, you can split costs on furniture as well. Even with a roommate, a flat can still be more spacious than a dorm room. But don’t choose your roommate based on friendship because good friends may not always be good roommates. Choose a person who is responsible, respects your private space and will pay their share of the rent on time.
Check Multiple OptionsDon’t move into the first apartment that you find on the top of the search results. There might be more affordable options down the result pages. Look at multiple options, and visit the ones that seem the best before making your final decision.
Watch Out For ScamsJust because the home looks good online, doesn’t mean it’s good IRL. Many scammers use photographs of high-end apartments on their listings to fool students. Most of these scams are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Check the apartment listing for grammatical errors, request for deposits before visiting the place and amenities too good for the price that it quotes. You should also visit the place to see if it matches its online description or not.
Signing LeasesMany apartments offer long term leases up to a year. Signing a long term lease may also help you negotiate for better rents since you plan on living there for the long term. It’s also cheaper in the long run as the landlord is less likely to hike the rent during the lease term. However, if you do this, you will need to stay there for the agreed time to avoid penalties. Before signing it, read the terms and conditions carefully, especially terms related to deposits, rent and notice period.
Leave Your PetsLandlords charge pet owners pet deposits to pay for the scratches and stench they are bound to leave behind. This will add to your housing cost. And if your pet has behavioral issues, you will have an even harder time finding a room. The pet may not adjust to the new environment either. It’s best to leave them behind with your guardians or put them up for adoption.
By following these tips, you should be able to find a room close to your college at an affordable price.