House Hunting 101
By Pauline Hassan, staff writer
Looking for a house? Here are some guidelines to finding the right place, the smart way.
Finding a place to live isn’t always easy. 
Fortunately, on most campuses, real estate services make it easier for students to find an affordable place to live. What about off-campus? Here are a few things students should take into consideration when looking for the perfect home or apartment.
According to the National Center for Education statistics, the average female college graduate earns an income of about $45,000 in the first few years after graduating. The average male makes $55,000 in those years. That is more money than most students have ever made in their lives at any job. However, repayment of student loans and other bills arise with adulthood. So, when looking for an apartment or home, a student should stick to a budget.
Luxury apartments and homes sound appealing, but the price tags on them are sure to be out of budget for most grads and students. Sometimes, an older apartment without all the amenities could be more realistic.
STICK TO A BUDGET
Depending on how much a student may have saved up, budgeting for an apartment is one way to avoid financial problems in the future. Ask the management questions about charges that are covered and additional fees.
“Students I’ve talked to always ask questions about the cost of rent and utilities,” said Fernando Pinneda, manager of Covina Gardens Apartments. “It’s really important to ask what the apartment may cover. Our apartments cover water fees and garbage fees, but not gas and electric.”
When signing contracts for apartments, an income statement is required from the renter.
“We ask for an income of $2,000 [a year] from our renters. We also accept co-signing from parents because we understand students may not be making that much while in school, or after graduating,” Pinneda said. “As long as we have proof they are making that much, they get a place.”
Pinneda also suggested students research various government programs available to assist those who cannot afford to rent homes. Though it may be a long wait, Pinneda said it might offer help in the long run for renters. Some of the programs he suggested were Volunteers for America. This program requires people to meet certain qualifications in order to be considered for assistance.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR ROOMMATES
Having your own place may be nice, but rooming with a friend may also be one way to afford the apartment of your dreams. Although, with roommates comes a struggle of finding a medium to agreeing on things.
“When it comes to roommates, the biggest issue that comes up is money and then the next is cleanliness,” said Robin Balmer, junior psychology major. “The most important thing to make sure of is that your bills are paid first.”
Balmer shared her experience of a roommate who failed to provide money for bills. He talked about how developing a system is the smartest thing to do for students renting an apartment.
“I never had to worry about bills living at home, so when I had to start paying my own bills, we got charged late fees all the time because someone would never have the money on time,” Balmer said. “We’ve developed a system of a certain date the money is due, and we have a contract signed so that everyone understands. Money is rarely ever late anymore.”
Communication about things both little and big is important when looking for a place with people. Asking questions about all of your budgets will help every roommate get a clearer picture of what the other can afford.
BE WARY OF SUBLETTING
Sub-letting an apartment is allowing someone to rent a room or an apartment that the renter is under lease by. This is illegal for the subletter if the manager or landlord does not know and does not provide consent.
Pinneda stated that Covina Gardens allows guests to stay with the person they are visiting for no more than a week without permission. Other apartments may allow more time or less, depending on management.
Students looking to sublet a room or an apartment should make sure they get permission from their landlord and look over the rules of the lease to avoid any scandals.
“My biggest mistake was not double checking if the landlord had given permission or not. I tried subletting from someone I knew and did not know the landlord wasn’t okay with it,” said Melanie Todd, sophomore biology major. “Fortunately, everything was figured out before I moved in. I decided not to move in since it seemed shady, but I could have lost a lot of money if I was kicked out.”
Another thing students must be careful of is putting trust in the person subletting their place. Most times when subletting, furniture and possessions are left in the apartment for use by the subletter.
Junior English major Abigail Newlin moved into a house of APU students living off-campus. She said most of the furniture was there when she moved in.
“I didn’t have to bring much because most of everything was provided to me,” Newlin said. “It was convenient. We are renting from people we know, so they trust us with all their stuff. I know most renters wouldn’t trust college kids with their furniture. We always make sure to not violate that and respect their things.”
Doing a lot of research about an apartment or house can save you a lot of trouble and headache. Establishing a game plan first will lead you to finding that perfect place you can call home.
The Housing Hot Sheet:
Questions to ask a landlord or manager when looking for a home.
- What utilities are covered?
- Is the place animal-friendly?
- Do you have a code of conduct?
- Is it college student-friendly?
- Can my parents co-sign?
- How near is it to school, shopping, and public transportation?
- Do I have to find my own handyman or is there a maintenance man on site?
Your turn to respond: