SUNY Potsdam

Here are some things to consider when you view places to rent:

• Once you find housing that sounds interesting, contact the landlord and arrange to look at it. Landlords are usually more than willing to show off their property; if you find a landlord not willing, forget it; the place is not worth seeing.

• When looking at housing, pay close attention to the condition that the place is in.  Does the ceiling leak?  Are there cracks in the ceiling or walls?  Does the furniture come with the place? It’s best to make a list of questions such as these before your viewing appointment.

• When you are looking through a place, check out all the rooms; it’s important to know how many people will be in each bedroom, and how much extra space you will have. Check out the windows and doors in each room, and make sure there is a way out besides the front door.

• Ask very picky questions. It’s better to be safe than sorry and you pretty much have to live there once you sign a lease.  

• When you look at housing, it’s best to bring everyone planning to live there along.  This way, when you all move in together, no one can complain.  Deciding on housing for a group has to be a group decision.

• Finally, when checking out housing, ask yourself the simple question,  “Do I really want to live here?”  Remember this is your space for the next school year, and it’s practically impossible to break a lease, so be sure of your decision.