How to Negotiate a Lease for Off-Campus Living
Living off-campus is incredibly exciting, especially if you’re moving into your very first apartment. Due to current events, some students are re-thinking living in University Residences and more students may be looking to live off-campus!
But how do you negotiate a lease when you’ve never done it before? What does everything mean and what should you know before you sign the dotted line?
Bottom line, a lease is a contract between you and the landlord that will determine how you live for the next foreseeable time period. So make sure you read it.
Get Help
If you are in over your head and you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. Leases can be terrifying, especially if you don’t feel you really understand them. So find someone who has signed a lease before, or who understands lease agreements well and ask them for help.
There’s nothing wrong with reaching out when you don’t understand and honestly, it’s better to ask than to sign into a contract that isn’t in your favour. For more tips on getting started, check out our blog "How to Secure Off-Campus Housing".
Sell Yourself
A large part of getting a good lease on an apartment is being liked by your landlord. While in bigger buildings there may be less wiggle room, with smaller places that are run by a single person, how much they like you is a big factor. If a landlord likes you then the likelihood of you being able to have more freedom with the lease is very likely.
Do Your Research
Just like in a job interview, go into this knowing as much about the apartment as you can. Know the property value and what rent in that area goes for and what utilities come included. Find out how much utilities would be in the apartment if it isn’t included and what type of internet providers are compatible.
Look into what the neighbourhood is like and what the local feel is. The more you know going into conversations about your lease the better you’ll be able to know if the lease is the right fit for you.
Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to question the lease. Ask about as much as you need to and get clarifications. Those clarifications may close up any loopholes against you in the contract. Don’t be afraid to ask if the price is firm. Or to clarify what utilities come included, or if you could get some utilities included. Asking questions can’t hurt and can only help you in the long run.
Have A Back-Up
Okay, so the apartment falls through. Now what? Well, this is why you should always continue looking at other apartments up until your lease is signed. The deal can fall through right up until you sign your name and give the deposit so be prepared for the worst.
Maybe they won’t bend on something you need or they say they’ve found someone else. Don’t let yourself get stuck high and dry.
Are you still wondering if living off-campus is for you? Do your research on the benefits of living off-campus and the benefits of living in residence to make sure it's the right decision for you!
Living on campus? Check out our video on the tips for living in residences.
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