Housing Search Checklist
Before You Begin a Search:
What kind of rental unit do you want to live in?
- studio, 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom apartment
- suite or apartment in private home
- room in a shared house
- room in private home
What are your transportation needs?
- within walking distance
- within biking distance
- on a T-Cat Bus Route
- proximity to a shopping center or a job site
What features are essential?
- dishwasher
- washer and dryer in the unit
- air conditioning (room units or central air)
- cable and internet capabilities
- off-street parking
- furniture included
- handicapped accessibility
- private room and/or bath
- smoking (or not)
- pets permitted
What are your financial means?
- Living with others can lower housing expenses.
- Rooms in a student or private house tend to be the least expensive.
- Include the cost of renting or purchasing furniture, if needed.
- When calculating your maximum affordable rent, be sure to include utilities.
How much legal protection do you require?
- A one year lease offers a certain amount of legal protection.
- Units that do not carry a lease offer maximum flexibility, but limited legal protection.
During Your Housing Search:
- Begin your search using the widest criteria possible. Narrow your choices by adding more features.
- Inspect the actual unit you intend to lease, and consider writing necessary repairs into the lease.
- Check the security of the unit.
- Check the fire safety of the unit (a smoke detector is required by law).
- Be sure that there are two means of egress (exit) from the unit.
- Arrange for telephone service and utilities to be turned on by the time you move in.
After You Move In:
- Complete a thorough inventory of your apartment.
- Give a copy of your inspection form and pictures to the landlord.
- Purchase renter’s insurance.
- Consider purchasing additional fire safety equipment (fire extinguisher, and/or smoke detectors).
- Always get a written receipt from your landlord when you pay rent or deposits.
Material adapted from the University of Maryland Off-Campus Housing Services 10/2011