Southern Methodist University Off-Campus Housing Guide

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING GUIDE

2020

About this Guide

CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with the Dean of Students office to help you make informed choices, walk you through the off-campus housing search and leasing process, and connect you to campus and community resources.

This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The publisher does not endorse the products or services offered by the advertisers. Š2020 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Off-Campus

SEARCH 5 6 9 11 13 15

Welcome to the 2020 SMU Off-Campus Housing Guide Tips for Your Off-Campus Housing Search Choosing a Roommate Roommate Agreement What to Look for When Viewing a Property Property Viewing Checklist

Off-Campus

TRANSITION 17 18 19 20 22 23 24

Staying Connected to Your Campus Community Tips for Being a Good Tenant and Neighbor Guidelines for the Social Host Understand Your Rights as a Renter Safety Checklist How to Sublet Your Apartment Glossary of Leasing Terms

Local

RESOURCES 27

Business and Service Index

Off-Campus

SEARCH

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Welcome to the 2020 SMU Off-Campus Housing Guide The Dean of Students Office is happy to support SMU students during the exciting but sometimes confusing process of finding a great housing situation for next year. We hope you’ll find this guide useful and hold onto it, because it will help not just as you search for the perfect place but as you make a smooth transition to off-campus life.

What’s inside? In addition to a directory of student-friendly apartments plus a map showing where they’re located, there is a Property Viewing Checklist you’ll want to take along when you view apartments to make sure they have the features you want and need. And if the terminology is flying right over your head (as in, what is a “guarantor,” and what is typically included in “utilities”?), flip straight to the Glossary of Leasing Terms on p. 24.

There is also practical advice about budgets and roommates, and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a renter. You should consider a Roommate Agreement — in fact, we think this is so essential, we’re giving you one on p. 11. Find tips on safety, being a good tenant and neighbor, and more.

Share this guide with your family if they’ll be involved in your housing search, and let the adventure begin!

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Tips for Your Off-Campus Housing Search Your budget Before you start looking, determine what you can afford to pay for rent. Things to investigate: •

Can you afford a one-bedroom or studio, or will you need/want to share with roommates?

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What are typical utility costs? (electricity/gas/water)

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How about “extras” like cable/internet?

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Will there be transportation costs to get to campus?

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Will you need to purchase furniture and appliances?

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Estimate moving expenses.

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Look closely at food costs. You can save money cooking for yourself but it can be convenient (and healthier) to keep a partial campus meal plan.

•

Remember that you’ll need money up front in advance of moving in.

Often, first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit are due upon signing a lease.

Check out our complete Budget Worksheet at bit.ly/cp-budget.

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Apartment vs. house VARIABLES

APARTMENT

ROOMMATES

If you prefer privacy, consider a studio or one-bedroom apartment, but recognize that this will be the most expensive option.

If you and your current roommate get along well, you might look for a two-bedroom apartment.

Houses typically have more bedrooms and rent can be more affordable when split four or five ways, so this is a good option for larger groups of friends. Read more about choosing roommates on p. 11.

AMENITIES

May have a laundry room, added security and 24-hour emergency maintenance as well as perks like a pool and community social spaces and events. Is there storage for bikes? Is parking available and is it extra?

Storage and parking may be better, but you may need to budget for trips to a laundromat. Repairs may take longer depending on the responsiveness of your landlord.

Are they included? Is there air conditioning?

Houses can have some utility costs that aren’t at issue in apartments, such as trash service and additional water costs for landscaping. Be certain to include these costs in your calculations.

Depending on your neighbors, shared walls can mean more noise. College town apartment complexes often offer fun social activities.

Houses can be quieter but may be isolating, especially if your neighbors aren’t students. You and your housemates will need to negotiate rules about noise/music/parties.

Apartments are a more lowmaintenance choice and may work better if you’re not home much.

You may be responsible for lawn care, etc. Sharing a house with more people can make managing finances more complicated.

UTILITIES

NOISE/SOCIABILITY

RESPONSIBILITIES

HOUSE

Meet the landlord and see the rental in person •

Take a friend or your prospective roommate along to meet the landlord or property manager.

•

Be sure to view the room/unit/house you will actually be renting (not a model) and confirm that the property is as advertised.

•

Have questions ready, such as: What are typical utility costs? Is subleasing allowed and on what terms?

Find more tips for viewing a property on p. 13.

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Study the lease This may be the first legal document you’ve reviewed and signed on your own. If you don’t have a rental or credit history, your parent or guardian may need to co-sign the lease. Make sure they review the lease carefully, too!

Be clear about the following: •

What’s required up front in addition to a security deposit? First and last month’s rent?

•

What are the conditions for getting your full security deposit back?

•

What dates does the lease cover?

•

What utilities are provided (heat, water, garbage collection, etc.)?

•

What are tenants’ responsibilities for upkeep (lawn mowing, landscape maintenance, minor indoor repairs)?

Document the condition of the rental You will do a walk-through when you sign the lease. Make notes and take photos. Pay special attention to stains on the ceiling, holes in the walls, a cracked bathroom sink, etc. so that if there is a dispute at the end of the lease you can prove your case and get your security deposit back.

Purchase renters insurance Renters insurance is a must when you live off campus. Your personal belongings are not covered by your landlord’s insurance. Renters insurance is affordable and will cover the loss of your possessions in case of fire, flood or theft. Renters insurance will also protect you if you accidentally damage another person’s property or if someone is injured in your apartment or house.

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Choosing a Roommate Has everyone been telling you not to room with your best friend next year? While this isn’t necessarily bad advice, it’s not the only thing you should consider, and in many cases best friends make terrific roommates. Here’s what you should keep in mind when choosing a roommate.

Think about why your friends are your friends.

Some of us gravitate toward friends whose energy picks us up and who guarantee fun and adventure. While this is a great quality in a friend, if you’re an introvert

who appreciates quiet time, a friend who’s always on the go might not be the best choice for a roommate. Alternatively, if you like to socialize, it might be best to room with someone who shares your high energy.

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Get to know your roommate before you move in.

Although people may advise you against rooming with your best friend, rooming with a stranger can be just as problematic.

You’ll spend a lot of time with your roommate, and share very personal space. It will be easier to avoid conflict if you know their habits ahead of time (neat or messy? early riser or night owl? super talkative or quiet? regular partier or occasional socialite?) and have an idea of their schedule (do their classes align with yours? are they an athlete or involved in a club? do they stay out late, travel on weekends, like to have people over?).

Be respectful, communicative and flexible.

No matter how well you and your roommate mesh, there is no way to avoid conflict completely. However, you can greatly mitigate problems and the harm they might do to your friendship if you respect each other, talk openly about what bothers you, and are ready to adjust.

have realized that their actions impacted you. For your part, put yourself in your roommate’s shoes and consider the impact your actions have on them.

Share your housing goals.

When looking for a roommate, or a group of roommates, it’s important to be sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to housing goals. This includes the type of housing you prefer, proximity to campus, amenities, price, etc.

The last is possibly the most important.

People can be flexible about many things, but when it comes to money, you may not have a lot of wiggle room. Start out knowing how much you can each afford to pay per month. Financial advance planning is required — when you sign a lease, you’ll need to put down first and last month’s rent and a security deposit.

Each roommate must be ready to make this commitment and take on the responsibility of managing a household together.

If you aren’t willing to confront your roommate in a respectful and constructive way, even a minor problem like leaving dirty dishes in the sink can turn into a major source of resentment, frustration and drama. Instead of hoping they get the hint, or being passive-aggressive and leaving notes, ask nicely and explain that coming home to a dirty kitchen makes it hard for you to cook dinner. They may not

Rooming together, like any relationship, takes work.

Both you and your roommate should be prepared to work to make your home the best it can be. A Roommate Agreement is a terrific idea. Finds ours on the next page.

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Roommate Agreement

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OUR HUMBLE ABODE This document constitutes an agreement between roommates and/or suitemates on how to deal with areas of concern while cohabiting. Roommates should discuss each item and come up with realistic guidelines. Please provide specific details. “Playing by ear” should be avoided.

TERMS I agree to the following arrangements regarding: COMMUNAL PROPERTY (shared items, food/snacks, rules for borrowing)

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE (common areas, chore schedule, taking out trash, yard work)

STUDY HOURS (times, noise, TV and music use)

IF SHARING BEDROOMS (lights out, alarms/snooze buttons, music, neatness)

GUESTS/OVERNIGHT GUESTS (advance notice, significant others, family and friends, permission)

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BATHROOM (organizing personal items, shower schedule)

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE (permitted in room, guests drinking, parties, lifestyles)

CONFLICT RESOLUTION (how will we communicate when an issue comes up?)

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS (annoyances and peeves, off-limit items, boundaries, personal schedules)

We agree to the above guidelines and also to renegotiate them as needed.

Failure to comply with this agreement may result in disciplinary action, a transfer, or contract break.

Each roommate should sign below and receive a copy.

The parties have executed this agreement on

/

Roommate’s signature

Roommate’s signature

Roommate’s signature

Roommate’s signature

Download copies of this agreement at bit.ly/cp-roommate-agreement

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What to Look for When Viewing a Property

SECURITY While some security features, such as electronic entry keys or a 24-hour guard, aren’t universal in rentals, certain features are a must.

Security system Does the property use regular keys, key cards or FOBs (remote keyless entry)?

Are doors to common areas unlocked or locked and only accessible by tenants?

Are there security cameras in the parking lot or grounds? Is there a security guard on duty? Do windows (especially on the ground floor) lock or have bars?

Locks and deadbolts Check the individual unit doors to ensure that there is a deadbolt in addition to the doorknob lock. Many tenants also prefer a door with a chain lock on the inside. For apartments, is there a glass peephole with fisheye lens so you can see who’s outside the door? Check locks on storage spaces and garages, if applicable.

Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, sprinkler system Because carbon monoxide has no scent and can be deadly, working alarms are essential. Smoke alarms — and sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers — are also a

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must. Make sure that the alarms in the property are working and that they will beep if the battery needs to be replaced.

If you are visiting an apartment building, check for emergency exit procedures — there should be working fire escape ladders, unlocked stairwells and emergency lighting.

Outdoor safety lighting Since you will likely visit the property during the day, remember to look for streetlights in the parking lot and around the property, especially if it’s a long walk to your unit. Check outdoor stairwells, elevators and hallways for adequate lighting.

FEATURES Features like a refrigerator and electrical outlets are easy to overlook when visiting a rental property, but it’s a good idea to make sure they are clean and in working condition. Bring your phone cord to plug in and check outlets (and also note the quality of your cell reception).

Check the floors and carpet for stains or scratches, and the walls and ceilings for cracks or signs of water damage or mold.

Note what kind of heating and cooling system the property has — central air or window units, electric or gas heat, baseboard heaters or a furnace. How is the lighting?

AMENITIES Pets If you have a pet, make your housing search easier by asking about this first.

Many properties that allow pets have breed or weight restrictions and also require your animal’s picture and medical and immunization records when you apply.

Pet owners should educate themselves about local leash laws. Is there somewhere nearby to exercise your pet?

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Furnished?

Furnished apartments may appeal if you expect to move every year during college and don’t want to bother buying and moving furniture. When visiting a furnished unit, check each piece for cleanliness and durability.

Storage Make careful note of the amount and type of storage space (shelves, closets, cabinets), especially if you’ll be sharing a room. Some apartments offer extra storage outside the unit in the form of garages or smaller, locking closets for an additional fee.

Laundry Is there a washer/dryer in the unit or a laundry room in the building? If not, where is the nearest laundromat?

Transit Proximity to public transit can be a deal breaker. Ask the landlord about the nearest bus stops and routes. If you commute by bike, ask about nearby greenways and bike-friendly streets.

Where will you store your bike? Is parking available? Is it covered and/or does it cost extra?

UTILITIES Ask the landlord which utilities are included in the rent and which are the responsibility of tenants. How are costs for the latter calculated? Some properties have a fixed monthly fee for utilities, while other properties charge based on actual usage and number of tenants.

If you will be responsible for setting up your own utility accounts, confirm which companies you should create an account with and how you will do that in order to avoid late fees or an interruption in service. Ask also about internet and cable provider options if those aren’t included.

Property Viewing Checklist

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Landlord/lessor: Address: Phone: Rent: Website: Security and other deposits:

SECURITY Security system Locks/deadbolts Carbon monoxide alarms Smoke alarms Outdoor safety lighting

� � � � �

� � � � �

� � � � � �

� � � � � �

� � � �

� � � �

� � � � �

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FEATURES Dishwasher Central or window A.C. Flooring and wall quality Outlets (enough/working?)

Closets/storage space Light fixtures

AMENITIES Laundry machines Parking Furnished Pets allowed

UTILITIES INCLUDED Electricity/gas Water Internet Cable Trash removal

Download additional copies at bit.ly/property-viewing

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Off-Campus

TRANSITION

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Staying Connected to Your Campus Community

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When you move off campus, the center of your daily life shifts. You may find yourself drifting away from activities and social events you used to enjoy just because it’s more work to get there. If (when) you oversleep, it can be tempting to skip class.

Before you know it, you feel a little cut off — maybe even lonely.

Since you’re 100% committed to getting your degree, it’s worth making the effort to stay invested in the full college experience. Here’s how to make that happen:

Get yourself to campus every day — and stick around.

•

Carpool, walk or bike with a buddy to help each other stay motivated.

•

Make an inclement weather plan so rain and snow don’t catch you off guard.

•

Study on campus.

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Work out at the campus rec center.

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Keep a partial meal plan. (Unless your place is super close, going home for lunch may make it too easy to blow off an afternoon class.)

Maintain social connections.

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Continue your involvement with student clubs and teams. Take on a leadership role so you really feel committed.

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Attend campus sports events, theatre and musical productions, improv nights and guest lectures.

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When you bump into an old freshman year hallmate, invite them to grab a meal or coffee.

Keep those friendships going!

Keep your eyes on the academic prize.

•

Keep using a planner. Factor in time spent commuting and on chores related to off-campus life (yardwork, cleaning, food shopping).

•

Go to every class. No excuses!

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Meet regularly with your advisor to stay on track for an on-time graduation.

•

Attend office hours and look into working with one of your professors as a teaching or research assistant.

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Tips for Being a Good Tenant and Neighbor Pay your rent on time every month.

Alert your landlord as soon as something breaks so they can fix it before a small problem becomes a big one.

Do not have more people living in the unit than is permitted in your lease.

Treat the property with care, as if it were your own home.

Keep it clean and take the garbage out regularly!

Be responsible when you host parties and control the number of guests.

Adhere to city ordinances about noise (there may be “quiet hour” rules if you live in an apartment complex).

Introduce yourself to your neighbors. They’ll appreciate this, and that way, if they have a concern about noise or anything else, they’ll feel comfortable speaking with you (rather than calling the police).

If you live in a house, take care of the landscaping if this is your responsibility. Keep trash and recycling in the proper bins/carts and out of sight.

Do not illegally sublease your room/unit. (See p. 23 for more about subleasing.)

When you move out, leave time to sell/donate unwanted furniture, dispose of all your garbage, and clean the apartment or house. Leave it like you found it so you can get your full security deposit back!

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Guidelines for the Social Host It’s exciting to transition to the independence of off-campus life, in a home you’ve chosen for yourself. Once you settle in, you’ll probably be eager to introduce family and friends to your new space by hosting a house (or apartment) warming party.

While there are no longer Resident Assistants monitoring the hallways, keep in mind that apartments and landlords alike will still have rules and regulations you should pay attention to. Apartments with shared common spaces such as a pool area may have curfews. If you break the rules for when and how you can use the facilities, you may face fines or other penalties.

It’s also important to remember that, even though you’re no longer living in a tiny dorm room on a shared floor, sound does still travel! Be considerate of your neighbors — keep the volume at a reasonable level and within decent hours. Hosting a party brings legal responsibilities as well, especially regarding alcohol and underage drinking.

Be aware of the fact that as a host, you are liable, and acknowledge this to your guests. You can be ticketed or sued if something goes wrong under your roof.

The heightened level of responsibility shouldn’t deter you from being social.

Whether you decide on a game night, a celebratory dinner, or just having people over for the fun of it, practice awareness and safety but also enjoy sharing your new space with the people you care for the most!

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Understand Your Rights as a Renter

You do have rights that should be respected, especially if you fulfill your own responsibilities as a tenant. Many of your rights and responsibilities will be spelled out in the lease (another reason to read it CAREFULLY before signing).

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You must also pay your rent on time and give adequate notice before you move out; otherwise the landlord can use your deposit to cover unpaid rent.

If the full security deposit isn’t returned, you have the right to receive an itemized list of any deductions. In some states, the deposit must be returned with interest within a certain number of days. Check your state law! (See box on the next page.)

Do I have a right to get my full security deposit back?

Does my landlord need to ask permission to enter my apartment/house?

Your security deposit should be returned in full if you vacate the unit in the condition it was in when you took occupancy. This means repairing damage (including any done by a pet) and cleaning the unit thoroughly (or having it professionally cleaned) when you move out.

In general, you have the right to live undisturbed in your rental home and typically a landlord must give 24 hours’ notice, in writing, along with a valid reason to enter (for example, to make a repair).

Check to see if there is a “privacy clause” in your lease. State law will define the exact rules.

2 If something breaks, who fixes it? What about bugs?

You have a right to live in a comfortable, environmentally sound residence where plumbing and appliances work, windows and doors function properly (and locks are changed before you move in so you can be sure no one else has a key), the roof doesn’t leak, etc.

As part of your lease agreement, your landlord must respond promptly to requests for repairs. Don’t wait to make a request — something minor could become something major, which isn’t good for either of you. If you have an infestation that you did not introduce (like mice or bedbugs), your landlord must address the problem immediately — ideally by hiring a professional exterminator.

If your landlord doesn’t respond promptly to a request to make a minor repair, you may have the right to fix it yourself and withhold the amount from rent, but check your lease and state law first!

behavior is a problem, you have a right to request that your landlord deal with this.

Your landlord also has a responsibility to mitigate any potential environmental hazards (mold, etc.) and install/maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Can I have a pet in my rental? Can I smoke?

You only have a right to have the kind of pet that is allowed by your lease, and landlords often prohibit all pets or pets of certain sizes, types and/or breeds. Landlords must not prohibit service animals (per the Americans with Disabilities Act). Your lease will indicate whether smoking is permitted on the property.

Can the landlord change the terms of my lease?

Not without both of you agreeing on a change in writing. If the landlord sells the property, the new owner must respect the terms of your lease for the duration.

Do I have a right to be safe in my home?

Yes, and if the condition of the property — inside or out — makes injury likely, or if the landlord is negligent about repairs to the unit that might make it easier for someone to break in, the landlord may be liable. If another tenant’s noise or

Landlord-tenant laws vary from state to state. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) maintains a state-by-state listing of Tenants Rights on their website. Find your state here: hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance/tenantrights.

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Safety Checklist Never disable smoke detectors! Have a fire evacuation plan with roommates.

Don’t use candles or space heaters when you’re not in the room.

Don’t let a stranger into your apartment or house. When in doubt, don’t answer the door. Ask repair or service techs and delivery people to show official identification.

Keep doors and windows locked both when you’re at home and when you go out.

Keep windows covered with shades and curtains at night and when no one’s home.

Don’t use laundry rooms, lounges or common areas in your apartment complex when alone.

Don’t hide keys under mats or flower pots (the first places a burglar will look!). Instead, give a spare key to a trusted friend or neighbor.

If you’ll be away, don’t advertise this on social media or by leaving a note on the door.

If all the roommates will be out of town (for example, over break), lock up the apartment/house and ask a neighbor to pick up any mail, flyers or newspapers that might be left at the door or in the driveway. You can have your mail held by the USPS. When you’re out of town, put a few lights on a timer so it looks like someone’s home.

If you come home and it appears that your apartment or house has been broken into, get to a safe place and call 9-1-1 — do not enter.

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How to Sublet Your Apartment What is subletting/ subleasing?

are separate from your rent, you’ll need to negotiate these costs with your subletter.

A sublet or sublease refers to a legally binding contract between you and your subletter, allowing them to live in your space and take over your rent for a specific amount of time. Subleasing happens most commonly when a renter will be away from home for an extended amount of time (over the summer, during a semester abroad) and doesn’t want to waste money paying for an apartment they aren’t living in.

Take pictures and move out. If you’re leaving your room/apartment partially furnished, remove all of your personal items and store them somewhere else.

Don’t leave any valuables behind. Take photos so you won’t be held responsible for any damage caused by the subletter.

Do a deep clean before you leave to set the standard for how the place should look when you return.

Where do I begin?

How do I find a good subletter?

Check with your landlord or apartment manager. Review your lease to see if you are able to sublease. Many apartment complexes don’t allow it. If you can’t locate this information, consult with your landlord.

Complete a sublease application. It’s important to document the agreement you have with the person subleasing your apartment. Make sure to fill out sublease forms. Most of the time you’ll also need to fill out a sublease addendum which will be added onto your current lease to document the process.

Negotiate a price. You should expect to ask for 70–80% of your normal rent but you may be able to get closer to 100% if you live in a tight housing market, or if you’re providing a furnished or very attractive apartment/room. If utilities

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The person living in your space while you’re away needs to be trustworthy and responsible. If you can’t find anyone through your connections, ask a potential subletter for personal references and a rental history.

Other tips Give the subletter the contact information for the leasing manager/ landlord, your contact information, and directions on how to submit a maintenance request. Request that your subletter schedule a professional cleaning service to stop by after they move out.

Sources for this article were found at Rentlingo.com and Apartmenttherapy.com.

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Glossary of Leasing Terms BREACH: An act that breaks any term detailed in the lease.

COSIGNER: See Guarantor.

CREDIT REPORT: A report of your financial history, specifically your ability to repay loans, which the management company uses to judge your reliability as a rent-paying tenant.

DURATION (OR TERM): The amount of time you are agreeing to be held to the lease. Most leases have a duration of six or twelve months.

GUARANTOR (OR COSIGNER): A person who guarantees payment of rent by signing alongside the resident, even if they won’t be living in the apartment. A cosigner is often required if you’re unable to prove a specified amount of income. Often, a parent or guardian with a regular income will cosign for a student renter.

LANDLORD: The person who rents and/or manages the rental property and collects payment from the tenant.

MONTH-TO-MONTH: A type of duration (or term) in which the terms of the lease only apply for one month at a time, after which the tenant may re-sign or move out.

MOVE-IN INSPECTION: A list of all fixtures and details of the property’s condition to be filled out by the tenant upon move-in and used after move-out to record any damages. For example, if there’s a stain on the carpet when you move in, you would note the specifics on the inspection to avoid being charged for cleaning that particular stain when you move out.

NOTICE PERIOD: The amount of time prior to when you plan to move out (or extend your lease) when you must inform your landlord — often in writing. Most leases have a notice period of one or two months. I.e. you must turn in your written notice 30 or 60 days before the lease term is scheduled to end to avoid being automatically reentered into another term or charged a fee.

OCCUPANCY: The number of people legally allowed to live in the property.

PET DEPOSIT: The fee you pay upon signing the lease as a guarantee against any damage your pet might cause. E.g. if your pet damages the carpet, money to replace it will be deducted from your pet deposit.

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2 PROOF OF INCOME: Leases and rental applications may require your employment history and proof of income to ensure that you make enough money to cover the rent (renters are often required to have a monthly intake of three times the amount of rent). Student renters may have the option of showing proof of financial aid.

PRORATED (RENT): Payment calculated to cover a specific amount of time, usually less than a month; e.g. if you move in on the 15th day of the month, your rent payment for that month will be prorated and you will only be charged for half of that month rather than the full amount.

RENTERS INSURANCE: Many leases require the tenant to purchase renters insurance to cover losses from theft, fire or water damage, or might offer it through the management company for an additional fee. (See p. 10 for more information.)

Deductible: The amount of money the insurance policy holder (you) must pay out of pocket before the insurance company will pay the rest in the case of an approved claim.

Liability: The monetary amount for which you’ll be covered if you are sued for damages that fall under the protection of your insurance. Some apartments require a specific amount of liability.

SCREENING (BACKGROUND CHECK): A report on the rental applicant’s criminal and/or financial history, often required to be approved for the lease.

SECURITY DEPOSIT: The amount, in addition to the first month’s rent and any other fees, that you will be required to pay upon move-in. The landlord or management company can keep a portion or all of the security deposit if repairs and/or cleaning are needed after you vacate, so be sure you know what you need to do to get your full security deposit back. The management company may also keep the deposit if you break any of the terms of the lease.

SUBLEASE/SUBLET: The act by which a tenant on the lease rents the property to someone else who has not signed the lease, or allows that person to live in the unit in the tenant’s place. (See p. 25 for more information.)

TENANT: The person(s) occupying the property rented by the landlord (you!).

TERMINATION FOR CAUSE: Reason(s) for which the landlord may end the lease early and require you to vacate the property. Causes typically include failure to pay rent, use of drugs or other illegal activity in the unit, or breaking other terms of the lease.

UTILITIES: Products such as electricity, gas, water and trash/recycling collection.

Utility fees may be included in your monthly rent payment or added to your payment, or you may be responsible for setting up services and payments through the utility companies on your own.

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Local

RESOURCES

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BUSINESS AND SERVICE INDEX Arrive on University 5750 E University Blvd Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 483-1393 arriveonuniversity.com Campus Smiles 7575 San Felipe St. Suite 101 Houston, TX 77063 (214) 449-1041 campus-smiles.com/smu Central Park Apartments 8325 Meadow Road Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 363-2244 centralparktx.com College Ave Student Loans 223 N King Street, Suite 400 Wilmington, DE 19801 (844) 422-7502 collegeavestudentloans.com Easton 2525 N Henderson Ave Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 823-2000 liveeaston.com Greenville Avenue Pizza Company 1923 Greenville Ave Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 826-5404 gapc.co Halston Apartment Homes 8850 Ferguson Rd Dallas, TX 75228 (214) 319-5600 halstonapartments.com I Heart Yogurt 5450 W Lovers Ln, #143 Dallas, TX 75209 (214) 390-2400 ihyogurt.com

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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas North Central 10001 N Central Expy Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 361-8200 wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta Loft + Row 2110 N Peak St Dallas, TX 75204 (469) 619-9877 loftandrowapartments.com/ loft-and-row-dallas-tx Tonti Lakeside 7777 Glen America Dr Dallas, TX 75225 (855) 258-0997 tonti-lakeside.com Uptown at Cole Park 3030 Elizabeth St Dallas, TX 75204 (469) 730-4880 uptownatcolepark.com Vue Fitzhugh 2819 N Fitzhugh Ave Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 745-1200 vuefitzhugh.com Vue Greenville 1811 Greenville Ave Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 821-3600 vuegreenville.com Vue Live Oak 1333 N Peak St Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 370-8200 vueliveoak.com

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There’s more! bit.ly/cp-housing Go to CollegiateParent.com for additional housing resources, including a printable budgeting worksheet, roommate agreement, and property viewing checklist.

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COVERING NG COSTS WITH A PRIVATE TE STUDENT LOAN

5 QUESTIONS ONS ABOUT COSIGNERS

COLLEGE PLANNING A TIMELINE 10 Things to Know About Student Loans

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