The First Few Steps in the Rental Process

Step1: Know Your Budget

On-Campus or Off-Campus...Which is Cheaper?

- There are a few factors that determine the cheaper option... If you are going home or leaving Missoula for Winter and Summer Break, living on-campus may be cheaper.

Initial Costs

- Furniture (mattress, table, lamps, etc.) Find a list of thrift stores in this guide!

- Household Items (towels, dishes, cooking pans, etc.)

- DEPOSIT: The deposit and first month's rent is due at lease signing. The deposit is usually the same as one month's rent.

Get an idea for your monthly expenses...

OFF CAMPUS LIVING CALCULATOR
RENT
*estimate 500 per month for a room in a house in the U district:
LIVING EXPENSES
UTILITIES *estimate 160 for average monthly cost in 4 bedroom house (for all year):
INTERNET *estimate 65:
FOOD estimate 250 Remember you may be eligible for food stamps:
CELL PHONE:
HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES *estimate 10 (Windex Paper Towels Toilet Paper):
CABLE TV:

TOTAL:

Step 2: Gather the Facts

Co-signers

- A co-signer is usually required when you do not have income, rental history or credit history.

- A co-signer will be pursued for owed rent and fees if you do not pay.

- Some property management companies require a local co-signer.

Rental History

- Some companies do not allow the residence halls to be used as "past rental history"

- Companies usually require at least a year of rental history

How is that landlord?

- Ask other students "Who is a good landlord?" and "Who are the landlords' to avoid?"

Step 3: Going to Look at the Place

Ask Questions (to current renter)

- If the current renter is still in the rental, ask him/her what they think about the landlord. Ask if the landlord repairs things on time.

Ask Questions (to landlord)

- "Am I responsible for the snow removal?" Remember, snow needs to be removed from sidewalks by 9 AM or the city can fine you.

- "Am I responsible for the lawn?" We live in a dry climate so watering the lawn is expensive! Also, it is a lot of work to mow a lawn every 3 weeks.

Step 4: Signing the Lease

Deposits

- Some companies will charge twice or three times the normal deposit amount if you don't have rental history, credit history or enough income.

- Not receiving a deposit back is the most common issue we hear so consider if you want to risk putting that much cash down!

Intent to Lease

*Be aware! We have heard complaints about these documents*

- Intent to Lease agreements ask for a deposit for a rental, although you can't move in right away.

- They can be problematic because they sometimes do not have an end date...so they may VERBALLY tell you that it will only be a week, but when you call back a week later, the rental still isn't available. Contact The Renter Center if you have issues.

- You can ask them to put their verbal promise on the document and then all sign.

Get a Receipt!

- Always get a receipt. If the landlord insists that you pay in cash, make sure to get a receipt.

Step 5: Moving In

Condition of Premises Report

- You will receive this report with your lease...just like you did when you moved into the dorm.

- Fill it out very thoroughly! The most common issue we hear in The Renter Center is about not getting a deposit back.

- They can charge you for all the niks, scratches and dents if you didn't write it on the report!

Step 6: Roommate Negotiations

*Choose wisely. Humans aren't the easiest creatures to live with!*

- Fill out a roommate agreement found HERE

- Discuss how many parties you will have, when cleaning will be done, etc

- Print a roommate chore chart HERE (or ask The Renter Center for one)

More questions? Or would you like us to read over your lease BEFORE you sign?

Make an appointment to speak with us HERE

ASUM Off-Campus Renter Center

Contact