To live in your own apartment is a rite of passage.

Living on your own in off-campus housing can be fun, but there are responsibilities connected with being a tenant and leasing an apartment that need to be taken seriously. It is very difficult to sublease or "break" a lease once it is signed.

Applications

Some rental application forms are legally binding and if you are accepted, you could be required to sign a lease. Know exactly what you are applying for by asking to see a copy of the lease before signing your application.

Mention any special conditions, such as medical considerations (i.e. allergies) at the time of the application.

Leases

  • READ YOUR LEASE - Respect the lease for the legal contract that it is and to which you are obligated once you sign.
  • NEVER HAVE ORAL AGREEMENTS with the landlord.  Always require that any additional agreements be written and signed on the lease no matter how minor an item.  If it is part of your agreement, the landlord should be willing to write it down
  • ALWAYS give your landlord a written notice of any problems, this includes repairs, safety issues or changes in your rental status.

Roommates

Regardless of how close your friendship with a potential roommate may or may not be, it's always a good idea to put contracts in writing. 

HAVE A WRITTEN AGREEMENT with your roommates. 

Disclaimer: The listing of rental units, roommates, and personal property on this site is a service to local rental property owners and students, faculty, and staff of The Pennsylvania State University. Rental property owners and other website users are responsible for reporting information fairly and accurately. The Pennsylvania State University and Off Campus Partners cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of such information. Inclusion of any listing on website does not constitute, and shall not be construed or reported as (1) an endorsement or approval by The Pennsylvania State University or Off Campus Partners of any landlord, its properties, or its business practices, or of any roommate or personal property listed on the website or (2) a warranty or representation by The Pennsylvania State University or Off Campus Partners as to the quality, safety or other features of such property and/or its owners or management agent(s). The Pennsylvania State University and Off Campus Partners expressly disclaim any and all responsibility for any problems that may arise with regard to such property or rental units or with regard to disputes between landlords and tenants concerning such property or rental units. All prospective tenants are responsible for inspecting potential rental units and negotiating lease terms with landlords, and users are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating a prospective rental unit, landlord, roommate, or property listed on the website.