Las Vegas college apartments

The three main options for college students’ living arrangements are to live on campus in a dorm, off campus in an apartment or rental home or live at home with a parent and commute. If the student is ready to fully branch out on her own and create a new home near her school just east of the Strip, carefully consider location and budget as first steps.

The location, community, commuting distance and safety are key factors for new, young college students.

Consider that he is likely to be coming home late from (ahem) studying all night at the library and the neighborhood needs to be safe and well-lit. And, if the apartment is close enough to campus and the surrounding community, he or she may be walking to school and back on a regular basis.

Look for ample (for roommates), well-lit (for late nights), covered (for hot Vegas days) parking in addition to amenities such as high-speed Internet, pool, gym access and common space for studying, which can often be found in clubhouses.

To find the right place and keep costs down, many students rent multiple-bedroom apartments with friends.

“Students prefer living with roommates to save money,” said Heidi Westerhoff, regional property manager for Pinnacle, which leases Rebel Place apartments. “We have found they like to have a private bed and bath. Their room, their way.”

Living with roommates is very common, but consider the ramifications of joint and several liability, which boils down to the fact that the total rent has to be paid.

Most leases are written to protect the landlord in the event that a roommate doesn’t pay rent, which means that even if roommate No. 2 doesn’t pay, the other three roommates have to pay his share or face eviction.

There are exceptions

Westerhoff said Rebel Place offers individual leases to roommates. If one person doesn’t pay rent, it only affects that student. These types of leases offer more security to roommates and offers them less liability if someone fails to uphold the lease terms.

After setting lease terms and ensuring everyone pays their fair share, then you can haggle for the master bedroom. Many apartment complexes offer dual masters in anticipation of roommates, but older complexes do not. Perhaps offering a slightly higher share of rent for the bigger bedroom is worth it. Is the thought of sharing a bathroom with several other college students appealing?

“While many students get along very well, one challenge can be compatibility of lifestyles and personalities,” Westerhoff said.

In other words, choose your roommates as wisely as you’d choose your mate — or better.

With student renters, it is also common to require a cosigner/guarantor who will agree to pay rent in the event that the student does not. This is a usual requirement for a lessee who does not have much credit history to provide a management company to prove a record of responsible payment.

In addition to cosigners, students, like all renters, also will be asked to provide a security deposit. This might vary depending on credit reports, but the industry standard is equal to one month’s rent.

Also consider utilities and deposits. With no credit history, most utility companies require a deposit. These move-in costs are typically refundable, but check with the utility company.

Some apartments will offer an inclusive rent that offers electric, water and high-speed Internet. For first-time renters, these can offer a flat rate that is easy to budget each month, but isn’t always the cheapest route. Consider your options and your needs.

Ready to move in?

Read those lease terms carefully to make sure there aren’t any hidden rules and that everything is accounted for. Consider who is responsible for pest control (we aren’t talking ex-girlfriends or boyfriends here) or changing the air filters to keep the air conditioning running smoothly.

Make sure to document damage to the apartment thoroughly before moving in belongings to prevent being charged for the damage and it being docked from the security deposit.

Buy renter’s insurance whether it’s required or not. At about $10 a month, it’s worth the investment to cover your belongings including that expensive television, computer and iPhone.

And when you’re ready to leave, remember to give written notice within the time period outlined in the lease to avoid a penalty, such as being charged an extra month of rent.

Westerhoff advises students to look for “private rooms, group study areas, high-speed Internet and computer labs, all-inclusive services including transportation.”

“Choose a private room to study, meet new lifelong friends, get good grades and enjoy the college experience,” Westerhoff said. “Students need to remain focused on their studies and refrain from going overboard on social activities.”