The student apartments around my university have some pretty high rates especially for one bedrooms. I can’t have roommates because of a mental disabilities just so I can get that out there. I was searching on zillow and Craigslist and noticed there were 3 bedroom houses the same price as student apartments near my school and so it got me thinking about staying In house.
I know paying utlitlies may be a little more expensive than an apartment but I’d also be living alone so not by much. I can also have my pets and they could have a backyard to run around in and I would have so much more privacy.
But I also was told renting a 3 bedroom house is pointless. I see that view but why not rent a 3bedroom house that’s the same price or even lower than a 1 bedroom or even 2 bedroom apartment?
I don’t care about the amenities offered because the same amenities the apartment offers are also including my tuition, and who feels like paying double lol?
Read some of the stories about roommates here on CC.
If you rented a house:
Would you be expected to maintain the house? Cut the grass? Shovel the snow?
How would you get housemates? How do you know they would be good housemates?
What happens if they are not good housemates? What if they don’t clean? What if you don’t clean?
What if they annoy you?
Pets are not usually a good idea for college students…what do you do with them during breaks?
What if they poop or pee in the house? What if they make too much noise?
I stated above I can’t have roommates with an apartment, I also meant that as suitemates because usually in an apartment they don’t share rooms. I wouldn’t have a single one. So another person living with me isn’t the problem. I don’t know if you had caught me mentioning all that in the information box.
If I were to rent a house, I would be there during breaksAnd once again, If I was in A house the noise would be easier to handle. And that’s for untrained dogs, if that’s what you were referring too.
So really I’m talking about the pros and cons of living alone in a house VS an apartment.
Your mention of home care such as the lawn is very helpful. I did not really think about it about that part. But obviously I’d keep the house clean.
Compare the cost of renter’s insurance which you may be required to purchase. In my opinion, a house is so much more work. Apartments take care of all maintenance and may be safer since other students are around.
A house is a lot of work. Lawn, snow, storm damage (downed branches or trees), plumbing issues.
Why wouldn’t you just rent an efficiency or 1 bedroom?
The less people in the unit, the more they cost. I’d have to live 30 minutes away in an apartment or live in roach infested one to find something under $900. That’s another problem. Like costs around my university is just ridiculous by far.
And the thought of constant parties by students in apartments is dreading too.
Safety and renters insurance is the exact same.
And with the right landlord they’ll fix things. Because it’s known most apartments around universities are students and it Takes a while for maintenance to actually come.
With all this advice I’ve come to realize a house is a better option for me. Thanks everyone
Depending on the the contract, you may be responsible for all repairs and then send the bill to the landlord. If that’s the case then it is a lot of hassle in getting the repairs done (something always goes wrong in a house, especially older homes). I also think it is safer in an apartment, especially if there is proper security. In house, especially when you are living by yourself, there is a greater chance of break in.
If you think logically, why would a 3 bedroom home be the same price as a 1 bedroom apartment? Rental market is generally very efficient. You don’t get anything for free.
I don’t think people realize apartments near universities are extremely expensive. When you don’t have roommates the prices rise, that’s a pretty much broad thing.
Ive made my decision anyway
How could you have made your decision based on the posts here? You haven’t had time to investigate all of the issues mentioned above. Please don’t make a rash decision. A lease is a legally binding contract, and you need to understand the fine print. A house may NOT be cheaper in the long run once you figure in all of the extra expenses.
Have you considered being an RA and living on campus? You’d have a private room and wouldn’t have to worry about transportation.
I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of months now. This post was the last restore for advice as it should be of course.
I know what a lease is and how a contract works.
As for the expenses that’s what I’m calculating now, that’s going to be my deal breaker. Things like internet and tv would be an extra cost and other things of course. My family owns rental properties back home and rented theirselves so I’m pretty familiar with all that stuff.
I thought about being a RA here but I take too much of a course load to be worried about that. 21+ credit hours. And the meeting and paperwork they do and being on call, it would collide to much. I have a private room now,the exact same room as my RA. I live right next to her matter of fact. I need more room, especially for my service dog to roam whenever she’s off duty.
As for transportation that is true but luckily my car gets 36 mpg if I did decide to live further away from campus.
Have you considered that most student leases go by semesters rather a year lease?