What First-Time Renters Need to Know
Moving away to college for the first time is a big step, and you’ve probably never rented housing before. Don’t sign a lease until you read this quick guide to the key things to know about renting an apartment in Gainesville, FL.
Information for First-Time Renters in Gainesville, FL
Getting an apartment for the first time is quite an accomplishment, as it is one of the first steps to becoming a self-sufficient adult. Before you sign a lease for your University of Florida student housing, you will want to be as informed as possible. Here are several things you’ll want to keep in mind before signing the contract.
Additional Fees
Each UF housing option has their own application process. You may be required to pay first and last month’s rent, a flat security deposit, pet fees or some combination of the three. These charges can quickly add up, so you will want to figure out the total cost of the application process to determine if you can afford it. You don’t want to find the perfect place and then discover multiple charges you were not expecting.
Renters Insurance
In the event of a natural disaster or similar emergency that damages your possessions, your landlord is not liable. That is where renters insurance comes in. It covers the cost of your valuables, so you won’t need to replace them yourself. At most Gainesville apartments near UF, you will have the option to purchase such a policy. However, at some places it is required, so you should ask management what they require.
Utilities
At home, you probably only limited your shower time because another sibling needed to use it. However, when you live on your own, you will be responsible for paying for water, electricity, internet and cable. Make sure you ask management if any of these services are covered in your rent. For instance, at The Standard at Gainesville, water is included. Further, you will need to appoint one of your roommates to be responsible for coordinating with utility providers. Companies will not equally divide charges for each of your roommates. Instead, one of you will receive a monthly bill and have to collect money from each roommate.
Rights of Management
Before you move into UF apartments, you need to be aware of what your landlord is able to do. You will find this information in your lease, so be careful to thoroughly read all of the fine print. In most cases, your landlord will be able to gain entry to your unit without you being present in order to perform maintenance or if there is another justifiable cause for doing so.
Expectations for Tenants
When you sign your lease for student apartments in Gainesville, you are agreeing to abide by the listed rules and regulations. This may include quiet hours, methods for waste disposal or limits to the number of guests you are allowed to entertain at once. There may even be designated days or hours for moving in. This rule helps prevent students from moving in during the middle of the night and disturbing their neighbors.
Renting a Gainesville Apartment for the First Time
Though it may seem overwhelming at first to rent student housing near UF, following these simple tips will make it more manageable. The apartment you choose will be the backdrop to countless happy college memories. At The Standard at Gainesville, you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with numerous luxury amenities — study lounges, fitness centers, clubhouses — that will help you feel right at home in your new living space. We offer student apartments Gainesville students will love, so contact us today to schedule a visit.