Tips for Finding the Right Rental

Renting for the first time can be overwhelming in the beginning, and rentals in college towns can fill quickly. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush to sign a lease on the first place you find available. Here are some tips and tricks for getting started:

What Can You Afford? 

Make a budget before you start looking. Be sure to include the cost of rent and additional expenses like utilities and internet in your calculation. Decide what you can realistically afford to spend and tailor your search accordingly. 

You can also check out the online Living Off Campus Certification courses to learn more about budgeting and the rental process.

What are Your Priorities? 

Is there a bus route nearby? If you have a car, is there parking? How many bedrooms do you need? You’ll have an easier, smarter search if you answer these questions before you start looking. 

Amherst and the surrounding towns are home to a combination of housing complexes and individual homes, in both student-prominent and mixed-resident neighborhoods. Consider the type of environment that best suits your learning and social style. 

Search Smart 

You can begin your search by visiting the Off-Campus Housing website to view units currently available to rent. Results can be filtered to fit your specific situation, lifestyle, and preferences, including number of roommates, price range, proximity to a bus stop, and so on. To learn more about how to use the Off-Campus Housing website, use the Housing Website Quick Guide. 

We recommend beginning the search for an off-campus apartment around 5-6 months in advance. Starting the process early helps ensure that you choose the right housemates, find a location that works for you, and sign a lease that fits your situation. 

Students applying to large housing complexes may find themselves waitlisted by the property manager if the demand is high. We  strongly urge you to continue to apply for other apartments if this is the case. A waitlist is not a guarantee of a place to live. Just like applying for college, you should not rely entirely on a waitlist to make a decision.

History Matters 

If you’re renting in Amherst, use the Amherst Property Search to find out about previous noise complaints, nuisance house citations, and housing code violations. 

Inspect Smart 

Go inspect the rental (and bring someone with you) before you sign the lease. Fill out an inspection checklist and, if possible, talk to previous tenants. 

Get it in Writing

Think about any questions to ask the landlord and get their responses in writing so you have a record of any promises made. 

Take Your Time 

Resist the pressure to sign a lease or give a deposit immediately, even if the landlord tells you that this rental is “the last one.” If you are a student at UMass Amherst, complete an intake form with the Student Legal Services Office and have your lease reviewed by an attorney for FREE!