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| Applying for Housing |
- Many international students do not have typical documentation
to apply for housing (credit reports, Social Security Numbers,
in-state co-signers). Property providers are often willing
to accept other types of information for rental applications.
Copies of your Financial Aid Award Letter, your passport,
a letter from your department and verification of a local
bank account will satisfy many property providers’
requirements. Talk with the prospective property provider
to see if these types of documents are acceptable.
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| Security Deposits |
- A security deposit (usually equal to two months of rent)
is money you pay a property provider when you sign a lease.
This is money they can use for cleaning or damages that
result from your living in their property. Property providers
may deduct those charges from your security deposit but
must return the remainder of your deposit.
- By law, property providers have 21 days after you move
out to return the balance of your security deposit. Many
international students have left the country by that time
and have concerns about getting deposit refunds. Please
talk to the property provider early in your tenancy (or
before you sign the lease) to see if he/she will make special
security deposit arrangements with you. Some property providers
will refund some of your money after an inspection before
you leave. In this case the remainder will be sent to you
after doing the final walk through. Other property providers
will send the money they owe to someone you choose (a friend)
who can forward it to you. You need to put a request in
writing and include the name and address of the person to
whom you would like the deposit sent.
- See the Community Housing Office link for details about
videotaping your apartment when you move-in and when you
move-out. Videotaping is the best way to protect your Security
Deposit!
- Also see the Community Housing Office link for information
regarding the inspections that property providers are required
to provide you up to six weeks before you move out. These
inspections are another important way for you to protect
your Security Deposit.
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| Budgeting |
- Remember to include the cost of utilities as you decide
what you can spend. Many property providers include water
and trash removal in the price of the rent leaving gas,
electric, phone and cable for you to pay. However, not all
pay for water and trash removal. Please read your contract
carefully and ask questions if it is not clear.
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