The first tip to remember is to do the proper research. Students must make sure they know what they want in their home before they look to rent. Just a few topics for consideration are location, maintenance, parking availability, and even things such as the number of bathrooms. Students also have to prepare themselves so that they understand exactly what they pay for when they sign their lease. Not every lease is the same; some leases require tenants to pay for heat, water, and electricity while others may not require the leaseholder to pay the entire overhead.
A novice in the market for a home may feel the natural inclination to sign for the first acceptable place he or she finds. While the discovery of a potential domicile is exciting, signing without a thorough investigation of other houses or apartments can be a big mistake. Students should be aware that the first place might not have the best price, or the best lease agreement. Shopping around is a good course of action for any purchase, and the high cost of housing in Ann Arbor demands that students follow this sage advice.
Another consideration for students is with whom they want to do business. Ann Arbor has both housing agencies and independent landlords. There are advantages to each; for example, housing agencies may have a huge selection of places, perhaps numbering in the hundreds, while an independent landlord offers a personal touch that may not be felt from a large agency. There are no guarantees as to which option has the best price or terms of lease.
As one begins to narrow down his or her choices, he or she should talk to tenants or neighbors of the buildings under consideration. People who live in or near these buildings are an important source of information. They can give a student their impressions of the landlord, the required maintenance, and the temperament of the other tenants. Students need to consider a place's atmosphere in addition to price. While a home may be affordable, the people one lives with or the landlord one deals with may make it too emotionally expensive.
When the time comes to sign the lease, students should be aware of the length of time the lease requires. Twelve-month leases are common, which requires students to pay for more months than necessary for an eight-month school year. While some students stay in town for the summer to work or take classes, others have obligations that will require them to leave Ann Arbor. In this case, a student must arrange to sublet his or her apartment. Finding a person to sublet - while trying not to lose too much money - may be a hassle students do not wish to deal with.
In short, finding a home is a big step for students. Renting a first apartment or house helps one to feel truly independent for the first time. But a student must make sure that he or she finds the right place at the right price to feel the satisfaction of a decision well made.