Moving out of the OU dorms is a big step that comes with more responsibilities. As you search for the right student apartment, avoid these common mistakes.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting Off-Campus at Ohio University
Moving out of school dorms is a pretty exciting experience that marks another step towards independence. You can say goodbye to curfews, sloppy roommates, and countless rules, when you finally get a place of your own.
Whether you’re planning to live in a single apartment or get a spacious 4-bedroom house located uptown, you have quite a lot of options to choose from. There are numerous rental companies out there, making the decision more difficult.
With so many off-campus student rentals, it’s easy to rush into signing a lease and overlook important details. These are a few costly mistakes you need to avoid as a first-time renter:
Mistake #1: Starting your Apartment Hunt Way Too Late
Looking for a student apartment near campus to move into last minute can cost you. Demand for affordable housing near prime locations like uptown Athens is sky-high. Typical lease agreements span for 12 months, starting at the beginning of the new school year. If you wait too long to start your apartment hunt, you’ll be left with limited options. Affordable, well-located apartments will most likely be occupied by then.
That’s why it’s ideal to start as early as 6 months in advance. So, you’ll have enough time to tour places, compare prices, and secure a good student apartment.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Commute
Some student rentals may seem close on paper but aren’t that easy to travel from. Imagine having to trudge up Jeff Hill in the snow every morning—definitely, going to leave you wheezing from all the effort.
If your off-campus housing is far from campus, you’ll need to factor in the time (and energy) that you need to get to class, especially during the summer and winter months.
Aside from distance, you need to consider these other factors:
- Is the walk to campus safe and well-lit?
- Are there any accessible public transportation options nearby?
- Will you need a car or bike to get to campus?
Plus, depending on the neighborhood, you’ll experience a completely different vibe. Whether you’re a party student or someone who wants a quiet student life, each area of Athens caters to different crowds.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Lease Agreement
Lease agreements are lengthy—we get it. It’s easy to skim over their contents and not read the fine print. But a lease isn’t just a formality. It’s a legal contract that outlines what you can and can’t do in your rental. Failing to read the fine print could leave you stuck with unexpected fees or obligations.
Be sure to review:
- What’s included in the rent (utilities, internet, trash)
- Policies on pets, subleasing, and guests
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Lease start and end dates
Don’t hesitate to ask your prospective landlord for any clarification before signing anything. If you want to be prepared, take a quick at this sample full-year lease for a student apartment located on N. Congress Street, so you know what to expect.
Mistake #4: Not Touring the Property in Person
Pictures can be deceiving. On a rental website, a place may look spacious and beautiful. But, reality could be an entirely different story. Be sure to visit the apartment in person, so you can look out for any red flags. Watch out for signs of damage, black mold, and pests. Check whether the AC or heating works. During your tour, ask questions about the neighborhood so you can actually find out if you want to live there.
Pro tip: Visit the place at different times during the day to have a better feel for how noisy the neighborhood gets.
Mistake #5: Living with the Wrong Roommate/s
Okay, so you’ve found the perfect 3-bedroom house for rent and you’re ready to move in with your friends. Before you do just that, you need to have a few good conversations with your future roommates.
The whole experience can turn stressful if you don’t have similar lifestyles, financial habits, or cleanliness standards. Conflicts over chores, guests, or overdue rent can quickly sour the experience.
Before moving in together, discuss:
- How you’ll split rent and bills
- How you’ll handle groceries and shared items
- Cleaning expectations
- Quiet hours and overnight guests
A little communication upfront can save a lot of drama later.
If you’re planning to live with acquaintances or strangers, you need to watch out for red flags to avoid living with someone who’ll drive you mad.
Reputable Student Rentals near Ohio University Campus
Signing a lease with an unreliable landlord can make your living situation stressful. Having to deal with issues like a bad mold problem or pest infestation can ruin your experience. That’s why you should always check on the reputation of the rental company you’re looking to rent from. Kleinpenny Rentals has been providing accessible student housing for OU students for over 3 decades. Our student rentals range from studio apartments to spacious 8-bedroom houses, all located near campus.