Typical Renting Requirements

Once you have viewed a unit multiple times and are seriously considering renting the place, you will need to provide the landlord with certain information.

1. You will be asked to fill out an application (PDF Document). Many times there is a fee associated with this (typically $30-$75 range). The landlord may check your credit report as well.
2. Most campus area landlords require a student under the age of 23 to have a co-signor (PDF Document) (typically a parent or guardian).
3. Once your application has been approved, you will then be asked to sign a lease (PDF Document). Make sure to read the lease thoroughly before signing. REMEMBER: Leases are negotiable documents, as long as you and the landlord agree to the terms and both sign off on the lease. VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT SIGN A LEASE BEFORE HAVING IT REVIEWED FOR FREE BY THE STUDENT HOUSING LEGAL CLINIC!
4. After signing the lease, your co-signor (PDF Document) will also be asked to sign the lease (basically this is assurance to the landlord that if the student tenants are not able to pay the rent, that they as a co-signor will be held responsible for covering the costs).
5. Once all documents have been signed, make sure to keep a copy of EVERYTHING!
6. Typically, after signing the lease, the landlord will ask that you pay a security deposit (PDF Document) (usually equivalent to one month's rent). The security deposit is refundable, as long as the property is returned in the same condition as it was received. Some landlords may ask for, not only the security deposit, but also the first month's rent up front.

* If you feel that the landlord's requirements are outrageous and you are being discriminated against (PDF Document), contact The Student Housing Legal Clinic immediately at (614) 247-5853.

* If you are an international student (PDF Document) and the landlord has different stipulations for you versus an American student, you may want to contact The Student Housing Legal Clinic at (614) 247-5853.