how easy is it to find a house to rent around campus for next semester?

also,

i realize i'll probly have to wait until may or so to find one...is this way too risky or should i go ahead and do an apartment?

thanks

1/17/2006 7:51:23 PM

Drive around and look for "for rent" signs in the area... you'll find a lot. Classifieds there are often houses available

typical renting stuff:

ALWAYS put ANY conversation with your landlord in writing. Don't put up with ANYTHING b/c they won't cut you any slack when you move out. Document and take pictures of any problems when you move in. Make sure to THOUROUGHLY fill out the move in check list including broken doors missing blinds/light fixtures etc.

I've had really bad experiences b/c I wasn't thorough enough when I made requests. And I was also stupid and thought that if I let the land lord off for not fixing stuff when I verbally requested it be fixed that he would cut us some slack when we moved out... don't make that mistake, make them fix anything that your not responsible for. I.e. if you didn't directly cause the damage then it should be fixed by them.

and of course: STAY AWAY from the Priess company

1/17/2006 10:29:34 PM

^ That pretty much covers it. Make sure you get an agreement or list of what they consider normal wear & tear reduced to writing before you sign the lease.

If you really want to get smart, look at the vacation rental act, cause it has a lot to do with renting long term with regard to what the landlord is responsible for (yes, it's more than just laws on vacation homes; the laws apply to most leased residental properties). I think the NC general statues covering real estate is chapter 92, and the act should be in there.

Normal wear inlcudes stuff now like carpet wear, painting of the walls, nail holes in the wall from hanging pictures (that's new), etc.

1/17/2006 11:18:39 PM

you will be a lot happier renting from an individual, rather than a company. stay away from landlords who have trouble speaking english. that's all.

1/17/2006 11:41:28 PM

Don't rent from Charles Dennings

1/18/2006 12:51:55 AM

Most Leases have a bunch of illegal requirements such as you having to paint your apartment before you leave. That's not true. As long as there isn't holes in the walls then it's considered wear and tear.

Also avoid schrader rental properties. He tried to pull some shit on me so I called Minimal housing on 3 of his units (had to get the tenants to agree) and called him on my own place. Schrader is a slum lord who tries to hide behind the law. Just make sure you know your rights as a renter.

http://www.hud.gov/local/nc/renting/tenantrights.cfm

These supercede ANYTHING in a lease. I know I used to rent properties.

1/18/2006 8:17:46 AM