ball state housing Rental
Tips & Tricks for finding your perfect Ball State Home
While searching for that PERFECT Ball State house for rent, please feel free to contact us should you have any questions, or need any assistance.
Find Responsible Roommates
Before you start touring houses for rent near Ball State, find roommates who are as responsible and as serious about living off-campus as you are. Finalize your group early on, and know how much rent each person is willing to pay. Would your group prefer a lease starting in May and ending after graduation, or does everyone want a lease starting in August and ending in July? Having a group organized, committed and knowing the leasing period they prefer allows you to be decisive once you find that perfect Ball State rental house.
Start Your Search Early
The Best homes around Ball State rent quickly… early in the school year! Lease signing for off-campus houses for rent near Ball State begin as early as late-August for the following academic year. Once you find the perfect house, don’t hesitate!!
Location, Location, Location
Being really close to Ball State’s campus is a really big deal. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having a short walk to campus. Many make the mistake picking a house too far from campus. Think about your walk and plan in the inclement weather- at the very least, make sure your home has plenty of parking!
Find the PERFECT House
How does the flow of the house feel? Can you see yourself and your stuff in the house? Does the house speak to you? Is the house clean and updated? Has the BSU rental house been updated or remodeled? Are the windows new and code compliant for your safety? How’s the kitchen look? How about the bathrooms? Has the heating/cooling system been updated? What about the electrical service? Is there off-street parking for everyone? Take a close look at the house, and ask questions, don’t settle for less!
Rent from a Reputable Landlord
Like anywhere else, Landlords around Ball State have reputations too. Find a good one, and stay away from the bad ones. The word gets out… ask upperclassmen or check with Ball State Student Legal Services . Are you renting directly from an owner, or will you have to deal with a management company? Is the Landlord committed to handling maintenance issues in a timely manner? Does the landlord have a full-time person whose full-time job is to handle maintenance issues? BE AWARE of the landlord representative pressuring you to sign today! Many of these representatives get paid only when the lease is signed. They may not be looking out for anything but themselves! All of this affects the quality of your Ball State off-campus experience.
Understand the Lease Agreement
Does each person in your group sign his/her own INDIVIDUAL Lease Agreement, or does everyone in your group sign the same Lease Agreement? Details matter! If everyone signs the same contract, what happens if one roommate bails on your group? Do the remaining tenants have to make up the shortfall in order to stay in the house? Do you want to be legally responsible for your roommates rent payments? Ask the landlord, and read the lease agreement… understand the type of Lease Agreement you are signing.
Be Decisive – Act Fast -ASK QUESTIONS!
Many Ball State students sign leases for off-campus rental houses very early in the school year… late-August or early September. ASK questions, have a list with you so you don’t forget- THERE ARE No SILLY QUESTIONS. While there are typically houses available later in the year, but they are usually the less-desirable ones. The Perfect Ball State house for rent just don’t last long. Once you find a house you like, move on it or others will.
Things to ask prior to lease signing, and are there hidden charges/Fees
- Does the Landlord change locks after every tenant turnover? Does the Home have a combination lock to help get into your home? Is the combination changed after every turnover?
- Will the landlord give a 24 hour notice prior to entering the home,,,,unless of course their is an emergency?
- Is there a so called “redecoration fee”?
- Is there a charge for processing my rent payment?
- Is the laundry included for free, or is it coin operated at my expense?
- Is there a charge for me to submit my rental application?
- Are there required fees at the end of my lease that should not be my responsibility….like lock changes, cleaning fees even though I returned the unit cleaner than I received it?
- Do you take pictures of the unit prior to my move-in so it can be compared to my lease term exit?
While searching for that PERFECT Ball State house for rent, please feel free to contact us should you have any questions, or need any assistance.