<p>Hi all!</p>
<p>So me and two other friends have found an apartment on 2100 JPA and we’re going to tour it with the owner and possibly sign a contract on friday. </p>
<p>Before going however, i wanted to know if anyone had any opinions about 2100 JPA? Like is there a negative perk they are trying to hide from us? The price is fairly cheap… $1050 split between 3 people for rent (no appliances or internet i think) so maybe add about 100 more per person for utilities?</p>
<p>I was also wondering what “hidden” costs i should ask about that are not included. Some examples include trash pick up or a general maintenance fee. I was wondering if anyone else had any suggestions</p>
<p>thanks all and have a wonderful week
p</p>
<p>The distance is what makes most places along JPA cheaper. Also, the lack of utilities and furniture lowers the price. Furniture will cost you a few hundred bucks, so you can add about $30 on to each month to cover furniture (12*30=$360, which is cheap furniture for a bed, mattress, desk, and assuming you’ll get a bookshelf or something else), so with utilities, furniture, and base rent, you’re looking at (1050/3)+30+100= $480/month, minimum. That’s about right for rent over there. If you pay for parking, my guess is you’re going to be in the low 500s.</p>
<p>Anyways, you should ask some of the following (there’s more, but this is what I can think of)
- what utilities are/are not covered?
- parking: free or do you need to pay? how many parking spaces per unit? what if i can’t get a space, what do i do?
- is there a security deposit?
- pets?
- smoking policies
- how are maintenance issues handled?
- do i need a guarantor?
- (if applicable) how are subleases handled?
- do they require renter’s insurance? (also, you need to contact your insurance agency, as some require you to take out a renters insurance policy to cover you if your place burned down or something)</p>
<p>You should get a copy of the lease BEFOREHAND, read it over, and have someone experienced with leases read it too (aka, parents). Leases are legally binding for both parties, so if you do something against the lease, they can evict you. And, if they hold themselves responsible for something in the lease, you can count on it. It will probably answer most of the above questions too.</p>
<p>Beds are overrated. Just get one of those space-age material cushion layer things, a good comforter, and lay it on the floor. :D</p>
<p>shoebox, thank you so much</p>
<p>I have printed out your response and added a few other questions i may have. Going to visit the apartment today! </p>
<p>Thanks again! :)</p>