Leasing Resources
Leasing 101
The Details
Whether you're an incoming freshman ready for life on your own, a sophomore looking for a house with friends, or a graduating senior ready for the real world, leasing should be fun and rewarding, not stressful and confusing.
West Campus Living works to take the stress out of the leasing process ensure that your transaction is smooth from start to finish. Our Leasing 101 guide breaks it down into four easy steps:
Step one: Contact us - our agents work for free
A real estate agent's job is to act on your behalf, providing you with advice and guidance to help you find the right property. Our agents work for you, not for any particular complex. We have access to all Austin-area property availability, pricing, and upcoming specials for apartments, condos, lofts, and houses.
How is it Free? Our Agents are paid a professional fee by the owner of any property you lease. This means we're able to offer our services absolutely free of charge to you -- the tenant.
Step Two: Identify and tour properties
After contacting us, an agent will be assigned to begin working for you. You tell your agent what criteria is most important to you, such as location, amenities, price, number of bedrooms, or parking. Once your agent is familiar with your criteria, they will do the following:
1. Conduct a custom search
2. Identify the best properties
3. Send you all of your options
Once you're familiar with all your options, you'll select your favorites. Your agent will then set up a property tour appointment to check out the places you've picked. During the appointment process, your agent will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Step Three: Submit applications
Once you've found the perfect place, it’s time to fill out applications. This process is often misunderstood, but is really quite simple, and the process is virtually identical for the majority of properties in the area. The application process can be broken down into four parts:
1. Application form -- requires basic personal info, housing history, and authorizes background check.
2. Application fee -- varies, usually between $50 and $100, non-refundable.
3. Security deposit -- varies, usually between 50% and 100% of one month's rent, refundable.
4. Guarantor Form -- signed by your parents, this guarantees your portion of the monthly rent.
Step Four: Sign your lease
Once your application has been approved, and once you've turned in your parental guarantor form, it’s time to sign your lease contract. At this point, you'll typically be required to pay your first full month's rent and also get answers to any questions you may have about the contract. After it's signed, you're done! Simply pack your stuff, make moving arrangements, and wait to start enjoying the good life.
