Housing Checklists

General tips and resources to ease your transition into off-campus housing.

Consider these things when conducting your off-campus housing search:

What kind of rental unit do you want to live in?
- House or apartment?
- 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms?
- Room in a shared house/apartment
- Room in a private house/apartment
What are your transportation needs?
- Within walking distance
- Within biking distance
- On a community bus route (You can find routes here)
- Adequate parking available
- Proximity to a grocery store
What features are essential?
- Dishwasher
- In-unit washer & dryer
- Air conditioning
- Cable and Internet capabilities
- Street parking
- Furniture included
- Handicapped accessibility
- Private room and/or bath
- Pets permitted
What are your financial means?
- Living with others can lower housing costs
- Include the cost of renting or purchasing furniture, if needed
- When calculating maximum affordable housing, be sure to included utilities
During your Housing Search:
- Begin with a wide criterion, narrowing your choices as you go.
- Inspect the actual unit you intend to lease.
- Check the security of the unit.
- Check the fire safety of the unit.
- If necessary, arrange for utilities to be turned on by the time you move in. The Stillwater Municipal Building is located at 717 S Lewis St, Stillwater, OK 74076. City Website
After you Move In:
- Complete a thorough inventory of the house/apartment
- Purchase renter’s insurance
- Consider purchasing additional safety equipment (camera doorbell, fire extinguisher, etc.)
- Make sure you have a copy of your lease.

Before signing your lease, review the paperwork carefully and ensure that you understand the terms. Some things to pay close attention to are:

Rent
- Amount
- Due date
- Penalty for late payment
- Price changes
Time of Occupancy
- Exact dates
- Requirements for moving or renewal
- Min and max number of occupants
Damages
- Responsibility for damages
- Assessment of damages
- Responsibility for repairs
Security/Damage Deposit
- Amount
- Conditions for return
- Date for return
Changes in Agreement
- Conditions for changes of agreement
- Process for changing agreement
Termination
- Ability to sublet
- Conditions for sublet
- Conditions for terminating lease
Parking
- Location
- Limitations
Inspection
- When
- By whom
- Use of rental inventory
- Letter of compliance
- Notification of inspection
Additional Costs
- Utilities
- Pet-related charges
- Overnight or weekend guests
- Parking
- Furnishings
- Cleaning
Cleaning
- Responsibility
- Frequency
- Equipment provided
Owner
- Name and address of property owner
- Name and address of property manager