Off Campus Housing

Definitions You Need To Know:

Written Lease - A written lease is a contract between a landlord and a tenant (or group of tenants). It will bind the landlord and tenant to a stated rent for a stated period of time. From a tenant's perspective, the advantages of a written lease are: 1) unless there is an escalator clause in the lease, the rent will remain the same during the period of the lease; 2) you are assured to live on the premises for the period of time stated on the lease. A major disadvantage of a lease is that it restricts your mobility since you are legally bound to the rental amount for the stated period of time. Only those things which are put in writing are legally binding.

Month to Month Tenancy - This arrangement allows both the tenant and landlord much more flexibility than a written lease. The landlord may raise the rent at the beginning of the rental period (usually the first of the month). Either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the agreement with 30 days notice from the payment date. (If you pay by the week, one week's notice is necessary.)

Security Deposit - This is money (usually equal to one month's rent) which is paid to the landlord by the tenant. A security deposit is the property of the tenant and is held in trust by the landlord for the tenant. At the time of the termination of the lease, the landlord can use security deposit money to repair damages to the premises, other than those resulting from normal wear and tear. Prior to moving in, residents, with the landlord, should complete an "apartment inspection form" indicating the condition of the residence when occupancy is assumed. When vacating, this form should be referred to, to determine the damages that the residents are responsible for.

Subletting - A number of the apartments listed in Schenectady are rented on a twelve month basis. If you do not plan to be at Union during the summer, you may want to sublet the apartment to another party over the summer time. Know who you are subletting to; if possible, get a security deposit. Remember you will still be responsible to the landlord for any damages caused by people you sublet to.

Renter's Insurance - Protect yourself against loss of personal property by purchasing renter's insurance. For a reasonable cost, you can insure against theft, fire, other perils, and personal liability.

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Things To Think About Before Moving Off-Campus:
  • How much can I afford?
  • Do I want a furnished/unfurnished apartment?
  • Do I want to live alone or with others?
  • If with others, does everyone want their own room?
  • How important is transportation?
  • Do I want to sign a lease?
  • Would I want the responsibility of subletting?

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Resources To Check For Listings:
  • The Web
  • Bulletin Boards
  • Word of mouth

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Confirm These Questions With Prospective Landlords:
  • Is apartment still available?
  • Is a security deposit required?
  • Is there a lease? For how long?
  • Are any furnishings included?
  • How much is the monthly rent?
  • May I sublet?
  • Are utilities & heat included in the rent?

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What To Look For In An Apartment:
  • General building appearance
  • Functioning stove and refrigerator
  • Location and convenience to stores, campus, etc.
  • Fire alarms, smokedetectors, sprinkler systems, number of exits
  • Storm windows, doors, who controls thermostat?
  • Check locks on windows and doors
  • Condition of walls
  • Layout
  • Lighting
  • Electrical outlets
  • Water pressure
  • Storage space

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Questions To Ask:
  • What type of heating?
  • Who else lives in building?
  • What were last years heating costs?
  • How much is rent, when is it due?
  • Does landlord live in building?
  • Who takes care of grounds?
  • Are pets allowed?
  • Is snow removed in the winter?
  • How is trash collected?
  • Is there a lease?
  • Where do I park?
  • Is there a security deposit?
  • Who is called for repairs?

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I (We) Want This Apartment! What's Next?
  • If there's a lease, read it carefully. Do not be rushed into signing it.
  • Pay the security deposit and get a receipt.
  • Get a copy of the lease, signed by everyone living in the apartment & the landlord.
  • Complete the "Apartment Inspection Form".

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Landlord Responsibilities:
  • To provide the means for hot water, heat, gas or electricity.
  • To provide rent receipts, signed and dated, if requested.
  • To permit - and avoid interference with - the tenant's quiet enjoyment of the premises, as long as the use of the premises is lawful and not damaging.
  • To promptly return the security deposit.
  • Make necessary repairs.

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Tenants Responsibilities:
  • To pay rent and security deposit, if necessary.
  • To avoid damaging the apartment.
  • To inform landlord of the need for repairs.
  • To avoid interfering with neighbors.
  • To inform landlord of intent to move out (usually 30 days notice in writing).

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