Rental agreement form with signing hand and pen.
Congratulations on moving away from home for the first time to a university! You’re on your way to becoming a fully independent and self-sufficient adult. While you may be excited to shop for Ohio university off campus housing, you should know a few important things that can prepare you for the experience. Renting a house, apartment, or other dwelling is unlike any other living experience you’ve lived through until this point, so you’ll need to know a bit about what makes renting different, besides the monthly payments.
Here’s what you need to know about rentals, living with roommates in shared rental houses, and more.
Leases Are Binding
When you lease a property, you commit to living in a property for a set period of time. This is the term of your lease. You also commit to paying rent on time. Rent essentially pays in advance for the coming month during which you’ll live in the property. This is why you’ll often pay a first month’s rent before you even move in. The property manager that owns OU rental houses rents their property to you according to certain conditions as well. The lease, or contract between renter and lessee, lays out your responsibilities for caring for the property, and theirs as well. Everyone on a lease has rights. You have the right to request prompt repairs, and the property owner has the right to evict you if you commit a crime or don’t pay your rent.
Moving Out
If you choose not to renew your lease or extend the renting contract, you’ll need to give a preemptive notice so that the property owner has time to fit a new renter into your unit once you move out. However, you may not be able to leave the property early without breaking your lease, which may come with fines.
The property owner should explain to you how to pay your rent, what types of finances they accept, and other details. If you have provided a deposit, or a set amount of money to cover damages to the property or facilities, you should only expect to receive this money back if you take good care of your rented house. If you own a pet, your deposit may be non-refundable because the property owner will have to pay to restore the property after you move out, which can include cleaning up pet dander and deodorizing the house.
Roommates
Hand with house key. Real estate and moving background.
Establish a good, patient, and courteous relationship with your roommates. If you are moving in with a friend or family member, know that your relationship is going to change. You share a contract and living space, and should act as such. Practice good communication and be aware of your roommates’ needs or concerns. For example, don’t play loud music while they study or take their possessions without asking.
There’s much more to know about renting, but a property manager will gladly answer any questions you may have. They’ll understand that this is your first time renting an Ohio university off campus housing and will help you have a smooth experience.
