Housing Search Basics

Explore the videos and resources below to begin your off-campus housing search and discover valuable tips for the process.

Jump to:

Getting Started

  • Search the Housing listings and filter by bedrooms, price, neighborhood, and more. 
  • Sign up for an account to save listings you may be interested in and contact properties.
  • Always tour the property if possible before signing a lease. If you aren't in the area, ask if the landlord provides virtual tours. 
  • Be on the lookout for scams.

Housing Search Checklist

Using a checklist like the one below to evaluate the properties you visit can help you stay organized during your apartment search. Also, be sure to take photos during each visit to ensure you remember the features of each location, especially if you're exploring multiple communities. This will assist you in making informed decisions and finding an apartment that best fits your needs.

(Click to enlarge/download)

HOUSING SEARCH CHECKLIST Use this checklist to help evaluate each property that you view and take photos to record what you see. This way, you will be able to review your options when you are home and not under pressure. This will also help you to compare the pros and cons of each apartment. PROPERTY ADDRESS: NOTES/COMMENTS: Location: How close/easy is it to get to campus from the property? Is there easy access to necessary conveniences (grocery store, shops, parking, etc.)? Layout: (Is the space adequate for your needs?) Bathrooms (number, size, shower/tub/closet?) Bedrooms (number, size, layout?) Closets (number, location, size?) Is there storage space? (location and size) Laundry Facilities (location, cost?) Kitchen Appliances (what is provided?) Parking (Is there ample parking? Are parking spaces reserved? Is a permit required? If there is on-street parking, are there plenty of spaces available throughout the day? Is a city permit required to park on the street?) Pets (Are they allowed? Any restrictions? Is the property/unit petfriendly?) Condition: What is the condition of the carpet and/or flooring? Does the thermostat work properly? (Test both heating and air conditioning.) Do all faucets work properly? (Check the hot and cold settings.) Do all light fixtures work properly? Cost & Lease Information: How much is the monthly rent? Are any utilities included in the rent? What is the average cost of the utilities not included in the rent? What are the required move-in/move-out fees and deposits? Are sublets allowed and, if so, is there a fee? When does the lease begin and end? What are the fees associated with terminating the lease early? When do you have to give notice to renew or move out? Safety & Security: Do the windows lock/unlock properly? Do the windows have screens? Do exterior doors lock/unlock properly? Do bedroom doors have privacy locks on the inside? (This is a possible consideration if you are living with roommates.) Is there a smoke detector on each floor? Do all smoke detectors function properly? Who is responsible for changing batteries in the detectors? Do all doors (interior & exterior) completely close and lock? Is the exterior well-lit? Is shrubbery appropriately trimmed? What is the feedback from current/previous tenants? (if available) Other Notable Property/Unit Features:

How to Avoid Scams

When you’re sifting through listing after listing months into your apartment search, you may be tempted to go for the post with the most-everything you’ve ever wanted in an apartment (dream location, every amenity imaginable, etc.) for hundreds of dollars under your budget. But unfortunately, when a rental seems too good to be true, it usually is. 

However, rental scams can be easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. Watch the video below for information on what to look out for during your housing search.

Renting Without Credit

Many landlords and apartment communities offer options for those renting without established credit, such as leasing with a cosigner or guarantor. Watch this video for more information.

Sample Student Budget

Before beginning your housing search, it's essential to set up a budget and consider all the costs involved. This way, you can avoid any financial surprises and make the most of your new living experience. Start by creating a budget to calculate your income and expenses and to decide your ideal price range as you search for your off-campus apartment.

Below, you will find a downloadable monthly budget excel worksheet created specifically for college students by Off-Campus Resources. You can also find more budgeting tips and resources on the Off-Campus Resources website.

(Click to download excel worksheet)

Financial Aid and/or Grant Refund Credit Card Payments Scholarship Refund Loans (student/personal) TOTAL Savings ($$ into savings account) Investments Tuition & Fees Personal Products Books/Codes (hardback and/or electronic) Haircut/Manicure, etc. Supplies Laundry/Dry Cleaning Organizational/Club Dues Clothing/Shoes/Accessories On Campus Parking Decal3 Recreational/Gym (dues/gear/trainer) Meal Plan Gifts/Donations TOTAL Food Deliveries Remaining $ (total sem income - total sem expenses) Paid Apps Divide remaining total $ in the cell above by 4 (to get the monthly amount left from sem income)2 TOTAL Job Wages (after taxes) Vehicle Payment Stipends (GI Bill, Graduate, etc.) Gas Allowances (from parents/family, etc.) Radio/Assistance Services (xm/OnStar/etc.) Other Monthly Income Maintenance/Repairs/Carwash TOTAL Rideshares/Public Transportation TOTAL Rent & Fees Electricity (AL Power) Veterinary Care (shots/medical care) Natural Gas (SPIRE) Food/Toys City Services (water/sewer/waste) Grooming/Boarding/Sitter/Trainer Cell Phone TOTAL Internet/Cable Groceries Vacation/Travel (fares/accommodations, etc.) Household Goods & Supplies Subscriptions (gaming/streaming/music) Parking Off-Campus (garage, etc.) Tickets (concert/games) Security System Eating/Going Out/Tips Household Services (cleaning/lawncare/pest) TOTAL TOTAL Co-Pays Prescriptions/Other Medication TOTAL TOTAL Vehicle Medical (Health/Dental/Vision) TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME Renter's TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES Life TOTAL +/- TOTAL 1 Semester is abbreviated as sem. 3 On campus parking decals are a yearly one time fee. Example: If you pay for a decal in Aug 2021, you will not pay again until Aug 2022. However, if you pay for one in Jan 2022, you will pay again in Aug 2022. Rental Budget Worksheet Semester Income - per Semester1 Monthly Personal Debts/Expenses School Expenses - per Semester Monthly Income Monthly Transportation Expenses Monthly Living Expenses Monthly Pet Expenses Monthly Entertainment Expenses Other Expenses Not Listed Monthly Medical Expenses Monthly Insurance Expenses Use four months for each full fall/spring semester (not interim.) Full semesters timeframe: mid Aug-early Dec/mid Jan-early May/late May-early Aug. More info regarding the academic calendar can be found at: https://registrar.ua.edu/academiccalendar/

Before You Sign Your Lease

Be sure to read your lease before signing! Watch the video below for helpful information on terms you might come across as your review your lease paperwork.

If you sign a joint lease with other roommates, you are each responsible for the entire lease terms. That means that if one of your roommates can't pay their share of the rent, the other roommates are responsible. Tenants on an individual lease are only responsible for their bedroom's portion of the rent, and the common areas are shared.

Contact Off-Campus Resources

Website: search.offcampushousing.ua.edu

Phone: 205-348-0200

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