Consider: The College at Brockport

Off-campus Housing

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Find out what you should consider when choosing an off-campus rental property.

Is the property in a good location?
- Drive to the rental at peak commute hours to get a feel for what traffic and parking will be like on a daily basis. Is it close enough to Brockport? Is it close to public transport, if you need it?
- Determine if the rental will provide a reasonable amount of natural sunlight.
- Be sure the property is in a neighborhood where you would feel comfortable walking home in the dark.
Can you afford the property?
- Ask what you will pay per month in rent and how much is required for the security deposit.
- Ask the landlord if the lease allows for rent increases if real estate taxes are raised or if sewer or water rates increase.
- Calculate how housing will figure into your budget and cost of attendance at Brockport.
- Find out if there are extra charges for a late payment on rent.
What services will the landlord provide?
- Find out if there are extra charges for utilities, storage space, and parking spaces.
- Determine if the property has a resident manager, if maintenance hours for services are restricted, and how emergency services will be handled.
- Find out how trash is disposed of and if the trash facilities are easily accessible.
- Ask the landlord if laundry services are available on the property. There should be one a washer and dryer for every 10 residents.
- Ask if the landlord provides other services, such as landscaping, window cleaning, or additional storage.
- Find out how deliveries are handled.

Note: If you have pets, check to see if they are allowed.

Is the property clean and in good working order?
- Watch for any signs of insects, rodents, rust, mildew, smoke or water damage.
- Note the cleanliness of the property's lobby, hallways, bathroom, kitchen, walls, ceiling and floors.
- Be sure that all electrical outlets, phone jacks, plumbing fixtures, appliances, exhaust fans, windows and heating and cooling systems are conveniently located, in good condition and functioning properly.
- Determine if and where there is a fuse box on the property. You might need to re-set the fuses if the electricity goes out.
Is the property secured and safe?
- Check for available safety features, such as:
  - An entry door with deadbolt, security chain, and peephole
  - A well-lit exterior and entry way
  - A secure/ lobby entrance
  - Fire exits, fire alarm, and security system