Moving into an apartment is a life-changing decision for students. They no longer need to live in dorms or at their family home – they get a space they can call their own. Therefore, it is a huge milestone for students that is worth celebrating.
The USA is the global leader in higher education, and millions of students come here annually. Due to the large number of students, the need for off-campus apartments is increasing. According to the IBISWorld report, the apartment rental market in the USA has a total revenue of 279.8 billion and is expected to grow by 3.9% by 2030.
However, most students don’t know how to apply for an apartment during college. We know this application process is complicated, so we’ve created this guide. Here, we’ll share the steps to apply for an off-campus apartment. Let’s get started.
8 Steps for Applying for an Apartment in the USA
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College life is the most exciting part of life, and spending this time in an off-campus apartment adds a thrill to life. At this place, students can enjoy their lives on their own. Moreover, this living space provides a calm environment where they can focus on their studies and complete their coursework. If they find it hard to complete their homework, they can get assistance in coursework writing from professionals.
Most students find an off-campus apartment easily, but they are out on a limb when they have to go through the application process. If you are one of them, don’t worry. In this section, we are going to share step-by-step guidelines to help you navigate this process easily.
Before moving further, let’s have a glance at the key takeaways of this article.
Important Features:
- The US is the global leader in Higher Education. Due to this popularity, many students come here to study.
- Most students look for a separate apartment where they can live their lives on their own.
- Finding a good apartment is probably easy, but going through its application process is certainly difficult.
- This application process comprises various steps, including filling out the form, getting a co-signer, paying the apartment application fee, getting a good personal reference, submitting the deposit, and signing the lease document.
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Fill Out the Rental Application
First, start by filling out the rental application. Once you have chosen your desired apartment, the next step is to meet with a property manager about it and get the application form. Additionally, if you plan to live with a roommate at this apartment, he will also need to fill out this form.
Most property management firms offer an online application submission process; you can apply through this. But we recommend visiting the company, asking all the questions that you have in mind, and filling out the form after getting all the essential information.
Although all the application forms are different from each other, they all require the following general information.
- Name
- Photo ID
- Address
- Phone number
- Landlord reference
- Background information
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Complete a Co-signer Form
Most landlords want to verify the students’ source of income. If you are currently employed, show your pay slips to the property management company. If you have no source of income at this moment, you need a co-signer to rent an off-campus apartment.
Moreover, your co-signer must be present during the application form-filling process. You can make your parents the co-signer, but anyone who can take responsibility for your rent can become the co-signer. Your co-signer must pass through the application process by providing personal information and income information.
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Pay the Apartment Application Fee
This application fee is the screening cost for applicants. It funds the credits and background checks done on potential renters. Furthermore, this fee varies depending on various factors such as area, building, and, of course, the landlord.
Some rental management companies charge an application fee with the processing fee. Therefore, ask your property manager about the potential fee that is associated with the property that you want to rent. It is also better to get to know what part of this fee is refundable in case you change your mind.
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Ready for Credit and Background Check
One key purpose of filling out the rental application form is to get permission from the students to check their credit and background. The property management company checks the student’s previous record as a tenant. You should add the relevant background in the application process so the landlord doesn’t extend the application process time due to checking this background.
In addition, the landlord also checks how financially responsible the tenant is. This is one of their prime concerns, as they want to know if a student is reliable and can pay the rent on time. For this, they usually check the students’ credit sources.
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Show Student Loans as Income
You will certainly be wondering if apartment rental companies really accept student loans as a source of income. Yes, they do. So, when you are thinking about renting an apartment, first read out the terms of your student loan. Most student loans provide tuition fees and related expenses, such as off-campus apartment rent. If your loan also covers it, you are good to go.
So, when you go through the apartment application process, remember to bring your loan document with you. Additionally, remain transparent during this application process as the local landlord is often familiar with the student loan process. In case of any miscommunication, you may lose your desired apartment.
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Get a Good Personal Reference
Getting personal references is one of the key steps of the apartment application process. Even a personal reference can make or break the entire application process if you don’t have a previous rental history. Personal references can come from your previous landlords, associates, professors, or other credible sources who know you well and can certify your integrity.
Moreover, these references vouch for your dependability and character. If you rent a property for the first time, it may be difficult for you to find a reference. Don’t worry; you can get one from your friends or colleagues.
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Provide Security Deposit
It is one of the most important steps in the apartment rental application process. Before moving to a new apartment, every new tenant must pay this security deposit to the landlord or the property management company.
This deposit offers insurance to the landlord if the tenant damages the property apart from the usual wear and tear. Moreover, this security usually comprises one to three months of rent that you must pay before moving into the apartment.
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Sign the Lease
So, the final step comes here. As you have filled out the application form, fulfilled all the requirements, and inspected the premises, now it’s time to sign the lease agreement. At this stage, you will discuss the upfront cost with your landlord and pay the security deposit to him.
Before signing this document, ask any relevant questions that are in your mind, such as how soon you will get the keys to the apartment if you can bring your pet with you, or more. In a nutshell, before signing your lease document, it is essential to read it carefully and, in case of any confusion, ask questions from your landlord.
Can International Students Rent Apartments in the US?
Yes, international students rent apartments in the US. At the time of application submission, overseas students have to submit a copy of their valid passport and visa with other documents. These documents ensure the landlord that the student tenant has legal permission to reside in the US.
Finding suitable living arrangements away from home can be challenging for students. Managing the search for an off-campus apartment while keeping up with academic responsibilities, such as coursework writing, can be demanding. To address this, students can acquire support from UK-based coursework writing agencies to help them complete their academic tasks efficiently.
Conclusion
Renting an apartment during college life is a big achievement. Congratulations on gaining independence. Finding a good apartment is probably easy, but going through the application process is certainly daunting, especially for the first time. To ensure a smooth transition from this complicated process, you must follow some steps.
In this article, we have shared some essential steps that you must follow while applying for an off-campus student apartment. These steps include filling out the form, getting a co-signer, paying the apartment application fee, getting a good personal reference, submitting the deposit, and signing the lease document. We hope that following these steps will help you have a seamless application process.
