Apartment Renting Tips

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Apartment Renting Tips
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• Moving away from home and into your own
  apartment is an exciting experience. However, it
  can also be a challenging one, especially if you
  are unsure about what to look for. You can avoid
  being stuck with subpar housing or needing to
  live in McMaster residences by following just a
  few basic tips.

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1. Start as Soon as Possible

• Many other students will also be searching for
  apartments around McMaster University, and all of
  them will have similar criteria to you. If you
  wait too long, the best housing will be gone. You
  need to begin your search at least one semester
  before school starts or even earlier if you
  want to begin a part-time job or internship.

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2. Know What Youre Looking For

• Make a list of the features your apartment must
  have, as well as things you would like to have.
  For instance, you may need to be close to campus
  or well connected to public transport. You may
  also want a grocery store or laundry facilities
  nearby. Theres also the apartment itself you
  may prefer it to be furnished or want it to have
  particular appliances.

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3. Schedule Several Visits in a Day

• If you live outside of Hamilton, make the most
  of your time by planning to see three or four
  apartments. Even if you love the first place you
  see, continue your visits. There is always the
  risk that someone else will rent the apartment
  you want before you have time to sign the lease.
  Alternatively, you may find something just as
  good at a lower price.

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4. Have a Security Deposit Ready

• You can increase the chances that you do secure
  an apartment by bringing along enough for a
  security deposit. Be prepared that some landlords
  will also want a co-signer before they will rent
  to students. You can avoid this by searching just
  for student rentals.

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5. Read and Understand the Lease

• Only rent from a landlord who is willing to
  provide you with a lease in writing. Make sure
  that you understand and agree to all the terms.
  It is particularly important to note terms about
  subletting, sharing, penalties for late rent, and
  maintenance procedure.

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• Save time and prevent stress by renting a room
  from West Villages Suites the top choice for
  off-campus McMaster University student housing.
  It would be impossible to find anything closer to
  campus and with better amenities. Plus, the
  building is clean and secure and has friendly
  staff available 24 hours a day to help you with
  whatever you need.