Apartment hunting season is in full swing here on the U of I campus!  And as I’m sure you’ve come to realize, searching for the perfect apartment can not only be stressful, but daunting at times if you aren’t sure where to begin.  Feel free to check out our previous blog 5 Steps to Finding Your First Apartment and continue reading this blog for tips on getting your thoughts together during showings and working with your leasing agent to get the best apartment for you!

Get Your Thoughts Together

It probably comes as no surprise to you that you should make sure that you do your research prior to calling apartment companies.  In Champaign there are over a dozen different leasing companies, both a part of and separate from UIUC, but all have plenty to offer.  Take a look at their website first and make sure that the company actually leases the type of apartment that you need.  You may think that an apartment company will be great to live with, however you want to live in a one bedroom and all they have to offer are one bedroom units within a 4 bedroom apartment.  There should always be some kind of list of properties that the company owns listed on the website along with prices.  If there isn’t, contact the company via email or call before committing to anything.  You don’t want to sign a legal document without know what all the costs are so you aren’t held liable for paying an amount you can’t afford.

Schedule Tours

Imagine moving into an apartment that you saw stunning photos of online, but when you get into the apartment you find out it isn't quite what you were hoping for and immediately regret not going on a tour.  Almost as important as getting your thoughts together you should make sure that you schedule a tour for the place that you are going to be living.  Of course there are times where logistics are an issue and you aren’t able, but make sure to still call the leasing company and ask about square footage, pictures, or virtual tours.  In this day and age, most of that information should already be available to you on the leasing company’s website, but if something isn’t, don’t be afraid to ask.  If you are close enough to go tour the apartments you’re interested in or you are going to find yourself in town at any point, call to schedule an appointment.  Keep in mind that most times you will need to call a day or two ahead of time to make sure that there is availability for a showing, but sometimes there will be one big group that goes over to the building at designated times that you can sign up to attend.  Always check and ask, because in most cases if you show up to the office at a time you want to tour a building, they will not be able to take you over to the building if they only take tours that are by appointment.

Communicate with your Leasing Agent

As you would expect, your leasing agent will be your best resource to use when you have questions that need answering that the website cannot provide.  This may include verifying the rent amount, whether or not the unit comes with a washer and dryer, or if there is a big enough fridge for all the food that you want in it.  On a serious note though you should think outside the box with your questions such as asking what the area the building is located in is like, how old is the building, are there many noise or security complaints about the property.  Also, don’t forget to ask about utilities covered as well as if you need parking or a bike rack near the building.  Your leasing agent should also mention the process for lease signing as well.  For example, you should get information on whether or not the company requires a lease application and if they do, whether or not that is submitted electronically or in person, or if you will need to get a landlord reference in order to rent from the company.  Most companies do require a non-refundable application fee (not JSM!), and do require at least one landlord reference for leasing to show that you have a history of being a good resident.  For a full list of suggestions of questions to ask your leasing agent check out this list here!

JSM wishes you the best of luck in finding your dream apartment and wants to remind you that open leasing has begun for all apartments here!  This means you shouldn't hesitate when you are looking to sign for a specific apartment.  Why?  Because it can be taken right from underneath you since it's open leasing!  Keep track of your time spent searching through different properties, even if it sounds crazy to be looking for apartments now, leasing season is going strong on U of I's campus.  Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed and always remember to communicate when you have questions, tour as many properties as you can to have options, and make pros and cons lists wherever you go to help make your decision easier!