Off-Campus Living Resources

We encourage you to look through the resources provided below so that you can better understand your off-campus living and make it a successful experience.

Questions to ask before signing a lease:

How long is the lease term?

A lease is typically a year long, but some landlords may offer 6-18 month leases.

What's included in the rent?

Ask if utilities are included in the rent or what utilities you will be responsible for and what the average monthly rate was for previous renters. You should also ask about lawn care, snow removal, parking and storage.

When is rent due and how do I pay it?

This varies by landlord so make sure you ask for the expectations. Also if you are moving in during the middle of the month, ensure that the rent will be prorated.

Is the security deposit refundable?

Generally, security deposits are refundable if you do not break the terms of your lease and there is no damage to the unit. If you do break your lease or leave damage in your rental, your landlord may keep all or part of your security deposit to help cover those expenses. Review the property before signing for any damage with the landlord to ensure that you will not be held accountable.

Is renters insurance required?

Check with the landlord to see if this is required. Also check with your parents if applicable to see if you are covered under their insurance.

How much notice do I give before vacating?

Typically, the lease agreement specifies how much notice you need to give a landlord or management company before moving out of the property. It can vary from one to three months.

What’s the penalty for breaking my lease?

There is commonly a financial penalty for breaking a lease. It’s a good idea to read over your lease to understand what happens in case you need to move sooner than you anticipated.

Is there emergency maintenance?

Before signing a lease, ask what sort of emergency maintenance the landlord offers. Find out how you can access that 24/7 maintenance crew in case something happens. Also, make sure you know the procedure for submitting general maintenance requests for your unit. Get confirmation on how long it normally takes for those requests to get resolved.

How much notice will you give before entering my rental space?

Check your lease to see how much time your management company or landlord indicates notice time before entering your unit. Generally, landlords give 24 hours unless it is an emergency.

Is there any known construction planned for the building (or nearby)?

This just informs your decision and your willingness to pay the monthly rate.

Are pets allowed?

Whether you own a pet or have allergies, you will want to understand the pet policy. Be sure to ask if there are any nonrefundable deposits or pet rent you may have to pay during your lease term.

What’s the guest policy?

Similar to the pet policy, landlords have varying rules for overnight guests, visitors or even extended stays.

To what extent can the unit be personalized?

One of the downfalls of apartment living is that you can’t always personalize the space as much as you’d like to. To cover your bases, check with both the lease and the landlord about the policies regarding tenant decorating and personalization to find out what you can and cannot do in regards to things like painting and hanging art or shelving.

Does the unit currently have any damage?

Don’t risk getting penalized for damage to the apartment that was there before you moved in. Make sure to ask the landlord about any existing damage such as worn floors or cracked windows before you move in and do a walk through before bringing in any of your belongings, taking pictures of any damage that you find.

What is the renewal process?

Some landlords have rules regarding how much notice you’ll have to give if you want to renew the lease after your initial term.

Safety features to look
for in the unit

Exterior lighting
Proper lighting helps to prevent falls around your property and deters criminal activity.
Security cameras
For some this offers an added layer of protection.
Window locks and guards
Window locks and guards offer an added layer of protection.
Electronic locks
If you are living in an apartment complex, you want to understand the access to the exterior building as well as your individual unit.
Smoke detectors
Fires are a common safety concern in apartments. Make note of the presence of smoke detectors before you move in, test them once you’re in, and continue to test them regularly.
Know your neighbors
While you might not be looking to make friends, knowing your neighbors’ names and faces (and them knowing yours) will come in handy in case of an emergency.
Renters insurance
A standard renter’s policy covers your personal items, pays your expenses if you need to relocate temporarily during covered repairs, and includes liability in case you are sued for negligence. The average renters insurance is under $20 per month.

Is it possible to get out
of my lease?

This varies by the landlord and the lease agreement. The landlord may hold you accountable for the complete amount of your agreement. If you believe that the landlord is violating the agreement, then you should seek legal guidance. Iowa Legal Aid offers free consultation at: https://www.iowalegalaid.org/

Signs of housing discrimination

Denial of housing opportunities to people because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, because they have minor children, or because they have a disability, is known as housing discrimination. It is illegal under the federal Fair Housing Act. If you believe you were treated unfairly because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status, you have a right to file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But in order to know if your fair housing rights have been violated, you should know the signs of housing discrimination.

The following practices by landlords or their agents (e.g., brokers and property managers) are prohibited:

*running discriminatory advertisements (for example ads that state “No Kids”, or “Looking for Great White Tenants”);

falsely stating to minority applicants that an available unit has been rented;
setting higher or lower rents, security deposit requirements or credit criteria for prospective tenants based on their race or other protected status;
failing to respond to inquiries by prospective minority tenants;
failing to provide prospective minority tenants with rental applications

Free Legal Resources

Iowa Legal Aid

Landlord Information