Campus Life

Housing Checklists

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

 

Searching for 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.
• Preparing for your move:
  • Discuss your timeline with the landlord, as applicable.
    • What is the earliest move-in date? Is there a designated time to "check-in"?
  • 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
    • Companies like Oklahoma Natural Gas have webpages available for your convenience: ONG - Schedule Service online
• 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.

 

Lease Signing Checklist

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