APARTMENT HUNTING 101. University Apartments & Off-campus Student Services Marquette University

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1 APARTMENT HUNTING 101 University Apartments & Off-campus Student Services Marquette University

2 Why are we talking about this now?

3 Why wait? The first deal isn t always the best deal Your plans may change Your friends may change Give yourself time to explore your options A lease is a legally binding document

4 About our office Manage the University-owned apartments House the Marquette University Global Village Maintain the off-campus housing website Conduct educational workshops Follow up on serious incidents Dispute resolution services General assistance and referrals

5 Public Safety services Patrol the off-campus neighborhood Respond to all calls from students living in the neighborhood Over 450 blue light phones located on- and offcampus Free home security surveys Vacant house watch LIMO service within patrol area

6 Public Safety Patrol Area A rental property must be located within these boundaries to be included on the off-campus housing website. East boundary: 7 th Street West boundary: 24 th Street North boundary: Highland Avenue South boundary: Clybourn Street (Also L.I.M.O. service area)

7 University Apartments Campus Town East, Campus Town West, Humphrey, Gilman, Frenn The assignment process begins in October of the preceding year for which housing is desired Students deposit $300 to participate in the selection process Randomly assigned sign-up times

8 Assignment Process Information Oct 20 Oct 31: Deposit collection ($300) Oct 27 - Nov 6: Returning resident assignment Nov 10: New resident selection (evening)

9 What are my chances? Last year 843 students submitted deposits 692 (82%) received housing by the end of sign-up 40 students were later assigned from the waiting list (87%) Capacity vs. Occupancy 308 apartments are 100% leased 1042 bed spaces are 71% filled We can house all who apply, if students share bedrooms

10 It s cheaper to share a bedroom Campus Town 2bed/2bath $1400/month* 2 people: $700/month 3 people: $467/month 4 people: $350/month Campus Town 3bed/2bath $1790/month* 3 people: $597/month 4 people: $448/month 5 people: $358/month 6 people: $299/month CTE & CTW: fully furnished, cable & internet, microwave, dishwasher, all utilities except electricity Humphrey: partially furnished (beds & dressers), all utilities included *Rates for leasing periods

11 What if I don t get in? Place your name on the waiting list Waiting list is ordered according to original assignment time Give yourself a deadline. Explore your options in the off-campus neighborhood We will keep lists of landlords with availability to help narrow your search

12 Off-campus housing website Searchable, detailed property listings Things to consider before renting Safety & home security information Local resources Downloadable forms

13 Neighborhood Leasing Timeline Landlords begin accepting applications in fall of the year preceding occupancy Most off-campus leases begin in June and are for a one-year term Higher occupancy apartments (3+ bedrooms) and houses tend to rent faster Housing is still widely available in spring and early summer When you lease early decision housing, you will likely be pressured next year to renew your lease early Contact individual landlords for tours and application procedures

14 What to look for in an apartment Monthly costs (rent, utilities, parking) One-time costs (deposits) Security Amenities Subleasing policies The Landlord Look up property information including ownership, complaints, and code violations on the City of Milwaukee website (My Milwaukee Home)

15 Off-campus budget What you pay varies depending on: Sample budget can be found online Size of apartment/house Efficiency of unit Location Number of roommates If you have a car Personal habits

16 Deposits Landlords may require a variety of different deposits upon application or lease signing Earnest money (application fee) First month s rent Last month s rent Refundable security deposit usually equal to one month s rent

17 Renter s Insurance You may never need renter s insurance, but if you do it will be well worth the cost! Landlords are not responsible for property damage or loss in the event of fire, theft, flood, etc. Tenant is responsible for providing insurance for their personal property Students may be covered under parent or guardian s insurance Available through most insurance companies at a relatively low cost

18 Before you sign a lease Explore all of your options View the ACTUAL apartment Talk to current residents Ask questions Get promises in writing Read the lease BEFORE you sign Don t be pressured!

19 AFTER YOU SIGN A LEASE OBTAIN AND KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS A COPY OF YOUR SIGNED LEASE!!!

20 Breaking a lease Reasons you cannot break a lease: Roommate conflicts Transferring schools Withdrawing from school Studying abroad/co-op Don t like the apartment anymore Found a better/cheaper place Minor repair problems Utility bills are too high

21 Breaking a lease Two ways to get out of a lease: Find a sublettor to take your place Roommate(s) may agree to assume your share of the cost This is also true in University Apartments

22 Student responsibilities Abide by the terms of your lease. Alcohol be responsible hosts and guests Invite only people you know Keep your gatherings small Avoid serving to underage drinkers Avoid hosting if you are underage Don t charge for parties Call Public Safety at the first sign of trouble City of Milwaukee fines are online Potential loss of security deposit and/or eviction

23 Accountability for actions Students can be held accountable three ways for inappropriate behavior in the off-campus neighborhood: University conduct system Lease action Municipal action That said, students should NEVER hesitate to contact Public Safety if there is a concern for safety. Any of the above consequences are a small matter relative to your own or another person s well-being!

24 DAN BERGEN, Ph.D. Assistant Director, University Apartments & Off-campus Student Services HANNAH BARR Residence Hall Director, Advisor to Global Village MIKE GERARD Administrative Assistant University Apartments & Off-campus Student Services Marquette University

25 FAMILY WEEKEND TOURS WILL RUN EVERY 15 MINUTES FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. THE LAST TOUR WILL LEAVE AT 2:45 P.M. GREEN STICKER TOUR BEGINS AT HUMPHREY HALL (1716 W. WISCONSIN AVE.) YELLOW STICKER TOUR BEGINS AT CAMPUS TOWN EAST (1500 W. WELLS ST.) BLUE STICKER TOUR BEGINS AT CAMPUS TOWN WEST (819 N. 16TH ST.) University Apartments & Off-campus Student Services Marquette University