Looking for Off-Campus Housing

When to Look

When is the time to sign a contract? Perhaps the best answer is another question: What are you looking for?

There is no date that is the right time to lease an apartment. Help can be found in the Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Life and in the Office of Judicial Affairs. Perhaps the most important answer to when is

• When you feel comfortable with your future roommate.
• When you have completely examined the complex.
• When you have examined and clarified the lease. (Do not be afraid to ask for a copy to study at home before you sign!)
• When you feel the time is right for you.

What to Look for in an Apartment

• Do I want to live in an apartment, a condominium, a house, a duplex, or a room in a private home?
• Do I want to live within walking distance of campus?
• How many people do I want to live with?
• Do I want my own bedroom?
• Do I want a furnished or unfurnished place?
• What things are important to me: laundry facilities, storage, study atmosphere, parking, recreational facilities, security?
• How much rent can I afford to pay?
• Do I want a 9-month, 10-month, or 12-month lease?

When looking for an apartment, be sure that the apartment has the safety features required by law.

• A window latch on each exterior window.
• A doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt on each exterior door.
• A sliding door pin lock and a sliding door handle latch or a sliding door security bar on each exterior sliding glass door.
• A keyless bolting device and a door viewer on each exterior door.
• Smoke detectors.
• Rekeyed security devices. (All security devices operated by a key, card, or combination must be rekeyed by the landlord at the landlord's expense not later than the seventh day after each tenant turnover date.)

• All exterior doors are solid wood or metal construction.
• All windows have undamaged frames and screens.

Lighting is also important.

• Lighting illuminates the parking area as well as the apartment.
• Well-lighted parking is available near the apartment entrance.
• The entrance to the apartment is visible from either the street or other apartments (to deter burglary)
• Landscaping does not provide a place for someone to remain concealed.

Where to Look for an Apartment

• The Baylor Lariat
• The classified ads in The Waco Tribune Herald
• Apartment locators and management firms
• Free publications found in most convenience stores