Searching for an
Apartment
Where to begin…

Approx 140 Apartments in Gainesville

Conventional or Student(All Inclusive)

Living alone or with friends/roommates

Flat, Townhome, or Single Family

Move in Date
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Price Range
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Neighborhood


Include utilities or not
Close to campus or away from the busy areas
Method of search

Online Listings (ApartmentsInGainesville.com)

Mobile Apps

Books you find in store fronts
Types of Housing
Conventional

Renting the whole apartment


2 people per bedroom on lease
Price doesn’t include utilities

Splitting Utilities with Roommates

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Student Housing

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
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
Pick out apartment


Furnishing apartment yourself
Not responsible for roommates share
Reserving space a year in advance

Availability 30-60 days before move
1 person per bedroom
Price usually includes some utilities

Electric, Water, Cable, and Internet
Responsibility if roommate doesn’t pay their share
Renting by the bedroom
Usually unable to pick apartment
Furniture packages available, if not included
What you should know…

Make wish list of must haves.

Questions to ask:

Washer/Dryer in apartment

Are Guarantors required?

Walk in Closets

Do they accept pets?

Specific Amenities

Are there fees/pet rent?

24 hour fitness

What utilities are covered?

Tanning beds

Roommate matching available?

Volleyball/Basketball

Is renters insurance required?

Extra Storage

Is parking assigned?

Garden Tubs

Shuttle service available?

Credit Card payments accepted?

Maintenance procedures?

Hanging items/painting walls
Found your
perfect new
home? What do
you need?
Conventional Housing :
Photo ID
Application
Student Housing:
Photo ID
Application
Guarantor Application
Lease Agreement
Application Fee: $25 - $50 per person
Move in Fees: $99 - $350 per apartment
Security Deposit: $50 – Two Months Rent
Pet Fees/Pet Deposits: $100 - $350
Monthly Pet Rent: $10 - $25
ASK ABOUT SPECIALS! Usually if you are willing to
sign within 24 hours, apartments will offer you a
discount or waive fees.
How to protect yourself…

Apartment communities must follow Fair Housing Laws. They cannot do
something special for you even if you are friends with someone in the office.
You cannot expect special treatment.

Read the lease in full before signing.

Lease agreements are binding contracts and no verbal agreements are
allowed.

Understand rent due dates.

Understand late notices are required by law in writing.


What fees are charged if you are late?
Can you transfer if there is an issue with your apartment?

Is there a fee to transfer apartments?
Home is Where the Fun Is…

Make sure it feels like home. Does the community you choose provide the
lifestyle you want?

Build a relationship with the person you are leasing from… they will be the
person you deal with on a regular basis.

Choose roommates carefully or if using a roommate matching option,
attempt to reach out to new roommates prior to moving in with them.