Apartment Search Guidelines

So, you're looking for an apartment but don't know where to start? Well, we've done some of the thinking for you. Here's a handy checklist of things you should consider when looking for an apartment. Take this with you when you visit apartments, and you'll have an easy way to remember all the little details you might want to consider when looking for off-campus living arrangements.

Apartment Hunting

• Visit the Off-Campus Student Services Housing Registry to view listings of available apartments and lists of students (with and without apartments) who are looking for roommates.

• Attend the Apartment Hunting Fair.

• Decide on the type of housing that best suits you.

• Compare several sites before you decide.

• Understand your lease and responsibilities.

• When you sign your lease, get a copy for your records.

Apartment Details to Consider

• Apartment or part of a house?

• Location: walking distance to a T stop or bus line?

• If you have a car, is there off-street or on-street parking? A fee for parking?

• Amount you can afford to pay for utilities.

• Security of apartment.

• Access to laundry facilities.

• Length of lease/fit with co-op schedule.

• Are pets allowed? Is there a fee or deposit for having pets?

10 Things Students Should Ask Realtors

• What utilities are included in the rent?
• What utilities are NOT included in the rent?
• How much money is required to be paid before moving into the apartment? (Firts month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit, brokers fee?)
• How long do I have to pay these four fees?
• Is the apartment in a safe neighborhood?
• What security measures are in place in the building? (i.e. locks, window bars, porch light)
• Who is in charge of handling problems/repairs in the building? (i.e. landlord or property manager) 
• Is this person generally accessible?
• How old is the building?  Has it ever been renovated? (This can affect things like heat and fire safety).
• Does the landlord allow sublets?

Choosing a Roommate

What will your guest policy be?

• What is your budget?

• What's your system for buying groceries and sharing food?

• How will you organize payments for phone, utility and rent?

• Will you be using the apartment for studying?

• What is your sleep schedule: night owl or up early?

• How well do you know each other?

Budget Estimates to Consider

• Tuition and fees per quarter.

• Parking (per year).

• Books and supplies per quarter.

• Rent (sharing with roommate).

• Security deposit (may be equivalent to one month’s rent or more).

• Finder’s fee (may be 50 percent to 100 percent of one month’s rent).

• Telephone bill.

• Utility costs (gas, water, electric).

• Food.

Before You Rent

• Always inspect the actual apartment you will be renting!

• If you are only able to inspect the model apartment, write “equivalent to model apartment” on your lease.

• Do not sign a lease for an apartment under construction unless you understand the risks that construction may not be complete when you move in.

• Is the lease a “tenant-at-will” lease which permits both you and the landlord to terminate the lease with 30 days' notice?

• Does furniture come with the apartment? If not, can you afford to furnish it?

• Does the refrigerator come with the apartment (Boston landlords are not required to provide a refrigerator)?

• Consider completing a roommate contract before moving in, to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Moving In

• Do not move into an apartment if it is in unacceptable condition. Once you “take possession” of an apartment, it will be difficult to resolve this issue.

• Complete a Resident Checklist, verifying the condition of the apartment (available sample in Off-Campus Student Services Office).

• Arrange for utilities before moving in (utility information available in Off-Campus Student Handbook).

Subletting Your Apartment

• You must have your landlord’s permission to sublet your space to someone (they pay you the rent, you pay the landlord).

• You will still be responsible for the rent and damages.

• You're not entitled to your security deposit until the lease expires.

Eviction

• Owner may evict for violation of terms of lease, destruction of property beyond normal wear and tear or nonpayment of rent.

• The landlord must give written notice of 14 days for nonpayment of rent or of seven days for other reasons.

• If the tenant refuses to move, the landlord may file an eviction lawsuit.

Rent Increases

• The rent cannot increase until the lease expires.

• If you do not have a lease, your landlord is required to give you 30 days' notice in writing, and you have to agree to it. If you do not agree, your landlord can have you evicted but must provide proper notice.

Moving Out

• Give your landlord 30 days' notice, even if your lease expires. You may want your landlord’s acknowledgment in writing for your files.

• Make an appointment to jointly inspect your apartment with your landlord and determine whether or not you will receive your full security deposit back.

• Change your address with the University and the local post office.