Living Off Campus

<p>I found a house on Craig's list and it looks really good. Apparently a guy at my school owns the place. I'm away from my college town and will not be able to visit the place before the school year. What questions should I be asking the student (owner), about the place, before deciding to move-in?</p>

<p>When is rent due?
Are any utilities included?
Approximately how much are utilities a month (if money is an issue)?
Is there laundry on site?
Is it furnished?
How long is the lease? When does it start/end?
Is there a dishwasher (important to me)?
Is there snow/trash removal?
Will you pay for any issues (heat not working, leaks, etc)?</p>

<p>Is there anyone else living there that you don’t know? You may want to ask about their noise level, if it will be an issue. </p>

<p>I would not send money to someone without actually going to the house. You can send the money and he could be lying.</p>

<p>Do. Not. Send. Money. Sight. Unseen.</p>

<p>DO. NOT. SEND. MONEY. SIGHT. UNSEEN.</p>

<p>I will repeat: DO. NOT. SEND. MONEY. SIGHT. UNSEEN. </p>

<p>Also, DO. NOT. MOVE. INTO. OR. SIGN. A. CONTRACT. ON. A. PLACE. YOU. HAVE. NOT. PERSONALLY. LOOKED. AT.</p>

<p>Always look at the condition of the apartment before you sign the lease. Never sign something you have never covered in person room-to-room.</p>

<p>you really need to see the place, in person; photos will not do.</p>