Finding a Rental
Once you have an idea of what you want, visit the Off-Campus Housing Listings page to see the options there are for Georgetown Law students.
Before you dive into the listings, though, students should consider what they’re looking for with regard to:
- Location: How far do you want to live from the Law Center? How far do you want to live from the nearest Metro stop?
- Safety: Which neighborhood(s) do you want to consider, in light of the DC public crime reports? What sort of access controls or other in-building security would help you feel safe?
- Type of Housing: Apartment? House? Co-Living?
- Cost: Don’t forget utilities and transportation when you consider what you can afford.
- Amenities: Maybe you don’t need a pool, but do you need an in-unit washer and dryer? Would in-building laundry be enough? Are you sure you don’t need that pool?
- Parking options
- Pets
- Smoking
Housing Search Basics
- Search the Housing listings and filter by bedrooms, price, neighborhood, and more.
- Sign up for an account to save listings you may be interested in and contact properties.
- If possible, always tour the property before signing a lease. If you aren't in the area, ask if the landlord provides virtual tours.
- Be on the lookout for scams.
Housing Search Checklist
Using a checklist like the one below to evaluate the properties you visit can help you stay organized during your apartment search. Also, be sure to take photos during each visit to ensure you remember the features of each location, especially if you're exploring multiple communities. This will assist you in making informed decisions and finding an apartment that best fits your needs.
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Renting Without Credit
The good news: no credit is better than bad credit. This video shares ways to be approved to lease an apartment before having established credit.
Additional Resources:
- How to Rent an Apartment with No Credit
- What Will Be Reviewed with My Rental Application?
- What to Do If Your Rental Application Is Denied
- Everything You Need to Know About Apartment Background Checks
- Renter Questions: Why Do I Need a Cosigner?
Leasing Lingo
Be sure to read your lease before signing! Watch the video below for helpful information on terms you might come across as you review your lease paperwork.
Additional Resources:
- How to Read an Apartment Lease
- Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease
- Lease Agreement Red Flags You Should Watch Out For
- How to Break a Lease
How to Avoid Scams
When you’re sifting through listing after listing months into your apartment search, you may be tempted to go for the listing that has everything you’ve ever wanted in an apartment (dream location, every amenity imaginable, etc.) for hundreds of dollars under your budget. But unfortunately, when a rental seems too good to be true, it usually is.
However, rental scams can be easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. Watch the video below and review these real-life examples of rental scams for information on what to look out for during your housing search.
Additional Resources:
- Don’t Get Catfished: How to Avoid Rental Scams
- What to Know About Online Leasing
- Here's How to Find Your Perfect Apartment Online
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease
Consider these key questions to ask your potential landlord or property manager when evaluating a new apartment.
For more important questions to ask before signing a lease, click here.
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