Off-campus Housing Resources

Renting 101—A Brief Tutorial

Finding a place to live can be an exciting venture, however, it can also be a hectic time if you are not equipped to navigate the ins and outs of renting. The contents of this page are to help clarify the ambiguities of housing searches, renting details, and provide you with tips to make informed decisions.

The following sections will give you tips on:

  • Where to begin
  • Questions to ask when renting
  • What to keep in mind when inquiring about space
  • Oregon Tenant Rights
  • Renter’s Insurance
  • Roommates
  • Moving into your new space

Where To Look:

Finding vacancies can be difficult if you don’t know where to look. Fortunately, we have numerous local and national housing links that will help you search for the right spot. Additionally, check the postings of local vacancies submitted by Concordia neighbors under the “Check Listings” link. These should be helpful in narrowing your search. Please note that we will update housing information on complexes and spaces that come to our attention continuously throughout the next few months.

Be Informed:

As you find spaces that interest you and meet your housing needs, it’s imperative that you investigate the space, meet the landlord, and leave informed about tenant expectations, room details, etc. Essentially, treat this like an interview. You are making sure the space is a place you can see yourself at, just as much as the landlord is making sure you are a tenant they would like to have in their complex.

Meeting Tips

  • Make an effort to look nice when meeting a landlord for the first time. First impressions are important.
  • Be on time when looking at a place. Being prompt with appointments usually means being prompt with payments, and landlords will take notice.
  • Bring a camera to document the positives and negatives so you can compare with other locations.
  • Bring a notepad with questions and plenty of space for notes.
  • Inviting a friend can provide you with feedback, support, and an extra set of eyes.
  • Make sure you schedule enough time to thoroughly go over an apartment, room, etc.
  • Ask someone who has rented before (your parents, relatives, or friends) what their experience was like and what to watch out for.

Please note that some of these pointers go both ways. If a landlord is late to show you a space, does this mean they’re late with other things? (i.e. repairs, paperwork, etc.) If a landlord doesn’t care about their appearance, their property may reflect the same attention to detail. Granted, this is not always the case, but it may prove beneficial to take notice of those details.

Questions to Ask

  • How much is rent and when is it due?
  • How long is the lease/contract period?
  • What happens if you’re late on rent?
  • Are utilities (water, heat, electricity, garbage, etc.) included?
  • If utilities are not included, whom do their tenants usually patronize?
  • How much is the security deposit?
  • Are there any additional fees that you need to be aware of? (i.e. cleaning fees, holding fees, moving fees, etc.)
  • Which deposits are refundable? If so, what are the terms?
  • Are pets allowed?
  • Does the apartment come furnished, partially furnished, or unfurnished?
  • What appliances/amenities are included? (Especially laundry)
  • Who is responsible for apartment repairs and what does that process look like?
  • What is the parking arrangement for tenants?
  • Ask to see a copy of the contract so you know what the specifics are.

Things to Consider

  • How close is the location to Concordia and other amenities (i.e. grocery, laundromat, coffee shops, restaurants, public transportation, etc.)
  • What is the neighborhood like?
  • Safety: Is the complex/area well lit? What’s the condition of the doors and windows? Are there smoke detectors or fire alarms? (Important when configuring Renter’s Insurance)
  • What are the tenants like? Are you going to be moving in next to an up-and-coming rock band?
  • Know your budget! Just because you can pay for something doesn’t mean you can afford it. How much does a month’s rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc. total? Are you living within your means or above it? Make a spreadsheet of projected costs versus your monthly income.

Protect Yourself:

While we hope that your renting experience is a positive one, there are some extra steps you can take to protect yourself during this time.

Oregon Tenants Rights

Just as there are laws protecting landlords, there are laws protecting tenants, and it’s your responsibility to know them. Oregon Tenants Rights outlines what is deemed acceptable business and the legal expectations a landlord has to its renters. Please take some time to read them. It may provide some additional questions you’d like to ask when looking at a vacancy.

Renter’s Insurance

Just because you pay to live at a place doesn’t mean your landlord will cover the cost of damages and/or stolen property. Renter’s insurance will cover costs in such cases. Additionally, some policies will provide liability coverage in case you are held responsible for any damages to your apartment (i.e. Perhaps you forgot to blow out a candle and started a fire or your dog ruined the carpet, and it needs replacing.)

Please note that policies will differ on claim requirements, liability coverage, deductibles, etc. Read your policy thoroughly and make sure you understand the terms before purchasing coverage. Rates of insurance tend to lower for individuals with multiple coverage plans. (i.e. Your car insurance may lower if you have renter’s insurance.) Geico, Progressive, and other online insurance companies are providing renter’s insurance and may have what you’re looking for. You may want to talk with your parents and see if any of their insurance plans would cover you.

Roommates:

Renting an apartment or house can become significantly more affordable if you have a couple of friends to share the finances with. Our chat forum is a great way to connect with other students looking for off campus housing. While adding a roommate or two diffuses the cost of living, make sure it’s a bargain for your personal health as it is your checking account. Below are some clarifying questions & tips:

  • If you had to choose, would you rather room with someone who likes the same social activities or someone who always pays their bills?
  • Do potential roommate(s) envision the apartment as a party place versus your home?
  • Who is bringing the couch, dining table, cooking utensils, Xbox, TV, etc. and what are usage expectations?
  • What lifestyle choices are you comfortable living with: drinking, smoking, drug usage, etc.
  • Who is responsible for cleaning what and how often?

Granted, this list isn’t exhaustive, but they are meant to facilitate dialogue between individuals about living expectations. Rooming with someone you like doesn’t mean they won’t be responsible roommates, but sometimes it does. You should know your living priorities so you know what to look for in a roommate. Student Services has a detailed roommate agreement form to assist residents in outlining living expectations. Stop by and pick one up for idea starters!

Moving Smarter, Not Harder:

So you’ve located the perfect spot and now need to switch gears to the transitional phase. Below are some ideas that hopefully will simplify the moving process.

Keep in Mind

  • Make sure you contact any utility services and have start dates coincide with your move. Moving in to an apartment without water, electricity, heat, garbage, Internet, cable, etc. operational may be a little frustrating.
  • Need boxes? Grocery and liquor stores usually have a surplus and would be happy to donate to the cause. All you need to do is ask.
  • Packing can be overwhelming, however if you organize boxes by room when you pack, it’ll ease confusion when you move in.
  • Renting a U-haul (especially for a one-day move) can be a fairly cheap moving investment, especially if you split the cost with your roommate(s). Make sure to get a handcart for all of those boxes with books and heavier items.
  • Create a “Move In” box with the essentials set aside for immediate use.
    • Toilet paper
    • Soap
    • Toiletries
    • An extra set of clothes
    • Snacks
    • Some form of cleaner/rag
    • A low maintenance meal that requires a quick heat up
    • Tool kit for assembling any pieces of deconstructed furniture
    • Picture of friends and family
    • Bedding (hint: make your bed first)

Happy Hunting:

While the suggestions in this brief tutorial are not exhaustive, they should help you navigate some of the ambiguities and details of finding housing. During your search, if you have questions, please ask. There’s a good chance a parent, professor, staff member, mentor, etc. have probably gone through this process and may be able to help answer questions and provide feedback. It’s important to find and utilize those resources outside of this website.