You may be thinking I'm crazy for bringing up renewing this early on.  You've just started the semester, so why do you need to think about renewing when you just moved in?  Because the leasing market moves quicker than you think.  As some of you have probably already noticed we have began out Private Renewal Period here at JSM for some of our properties.  While we want you to relax and enjoy your apartment we also need to keep you on your toes and be hones with you and the amount of time you have to consider your living situation for 2018-2019.  Need some reasons why you should renew?  Keep reading to take some things into consideration:

You Don't Have to Move

It's true that people tend to want to stay where they are most comfortable.  And this doesn't just go for people in apartments, it expands to even the real estate industry.  When people move away from their hometown or from an area they are comfortable, most find themselves wanting to go back.  Or when they are faced with an opportunity that would pull them away from soemwhere they are already established they may have a difficult time considering moving.  It is okay if you feel this way about your apartent, especially if it feels like home.  That's a big deal.  It also makes it all the better when you feel settled somewhere that you don't ahve to move every year.  That just makes me exhausted thinking about it!  If you renew your apartment for the next lease term you won't have to worry about that.  You can keep living your life as if you had signed your lease for two years.

Utilities

For most of you, you have some kind of utilities set up in your name so that every time you move you have to contact that company and shut off service or trasnfer it to another location.  Then cross your fingers and hope that the company doesn't charge you anything unecessary during the change.  Think about how nice it would be to not have to worry about that at all.  Just like with not having to move all your belongings, you would be able to leave your utilities as is as well.

You Already Know the Area

While UIUC isn't massive, once you have established your connections in the area as well as what hangout places are the best you may not want to pick up and move and try to find those favorite spaces all over again.  For me I had to have my favorite study spot near me.  Or I wanted to be very close to work or classes.  Think about where you live and the convenience of the things near you.  If nothing is there that matters to you then you may want to start apartment hunting.  If you do utilize anything then you may want to consider renewing.

Parking

If you have parking that you like or that is affordable near your current apartment it may be wise to stay where you are at.  it may come as no surprise to you that certain locations on campus have expensive parking.  To avoid any possible price changes it may benefit you to stay put for the next lease year.

Friends/Family

This may not be the most common reason to stay where you are, but at times you may be living with friends who want to renew the apartment you are currently in.  Or you may be close to family.  Either way, consider the benefits of keeping the people you care about close to you.  Embrace those connections and maybe try to picture living in an apartment without your best friend.  Do you see yourself happy or sad?

Price

In some cases, rental properties will let you renew your apartment at the same rate or they will apply some kind of loyalty discount.  While this isn't always the case for every company, it never hurts to ask.

Pets

Did you realize that you really want to adopt but your management company doesn't allow pets?  You may not want to renew.  Or do you love that your property management company does not allow pets because you have severe allergies?  That would be a great reason to renew!

Ultimately, you have to make the decision that is best for you and your lifestyle.  Hopefully some of these reasons will help you as you make your final deicison here as we approach open leasing season.  If you have any intentions to renew your apartment don't wait!  Let your property mangement company know what you want so they don't end up leasing your apartment, because the last thing you want to do is have your apartment leased by someone else right when you decide you want to stay.