Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Getting one’s first apartment is a rite of passage for many college students. Receiving that first month’s bill is the same, but one that many students aren’t looking forward to. Some students don’t take the time to understand what they are responsible for, but knowing can save them money in the long run, or even right up front.
Students hunting for their first apartment usually look for the best rent available, but many don’t realize they’ll need to pay other fees. A few of these fees include gas, electricity, patio fees and pet rent.
“I have lots of first-time renters who don’t know they are responsible for utilities like water, gas and electricity,” said Mary Gage, manager of Sunrise Apartments. “We often have to explain that to them.”
It’s important that students find out exactly how an apartment handles utilities. Some charge per usage, by flat rate, or by including the fees in the rent. Some apartments may charge more for utilities.
“In older apartments, the utilities can be higher,” said Crystal Farris, Olathe sophomore. “Newer apartments have central heating.”
Students can avoid a monthly gas bill by looking for apartments with electric appliances.
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Common Fees: Garbage Fee Patio Fee Pet Rent Gas Electricity Water Application Fee Renters Insurance Telephone Cable Internet
— Source: Kansas Tenants Handbook
Students should also consider whose name is on the bill.
Jamie West, Overland Park sophomore, said students needed to make sure that utilities were in their name. Otherwise, they risk getting overcharged by their landlord. West originally had his bills in his landlord’s name. Then he found out that his landlord had charged him extra because the title wasn’t in West’s name.
Animal lovers may be excited to hear their apartment allows them to keep a cat or dog, but it isn’t always affordable. A pet deposit is almost always required, and some apartments will also charge a “pet rent” every month for as long as the pet is living in the apartment.
Unlike in the residence halls, cable, telephone and Internet aren’t included in the rent at most apartments. Gage has to inform many tenants that they will need to purchase these “perks” outside their apartment contracts.
Students shopping for an apartment should be on the lookout for how apartments handle these extras.
Emily Kessinger, an apartment leasing agent, said insuring an apartment was another step students often forgot about. She recommends renters insurance as an affordable means to protect an apartment.
According to the Kansas Tenants Handbook, most leasing companies don’t cover stolen items or fire damage. It’s best to check with multiple insurers to get the best price and to find out whether items kept in cars or on patios are also covered.
First-time renters should also take the time to understand how important their contract is.
“Many first time students fail to read their contract, which is a legal contract that states they are obligated to pay,” Gage said.
Students not mindful of these obligations can end up losing their security deposit.
Matt Albright, Hutchinson senior, discovered that the hard way.
“There are hidden things that will let you lose your deposit,” Albright said. “Hey, there’s a hole in the wall, that’s fifty dollars.”
— — Edited by Jesse Trimble
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