Things to consider when looking for a place to live
There are several things that you should consider while you are looking for an accommodation:
- Make sure that you are staying close to an RTD Light Rail Station or an RTD bus stop. It is convenient if the RTD station is at a walkable distance.
- Try to find a place that is close to grocery stores or other convenience stores.
Roommates
It is a good idea to communicate with the roommates before deciding to live together. Here are a few things that you should consider when choosing roommates:
- Communicate your thoughts about where you want to live.
- Make sure you all on the same page with lifestyle.
- It’s better to connect face-to-face with your roommates prior to your arrival in the United States. If you can’t meet in person, schedule a video call to get to know each other before you decide to live together.
- Decide the departure dates beforehand to see if it is possible to travel with your roommates. For example, this can be helpful if you are from the same city and you can book your respective flights from the same airport.
Commute Times
This is the Lightrail Train Map for Denver. The stops that are closest to our campus are as follows:
- Colfax at Auraria
- Auraria West
- Pepsi Center
- Theatre District
You should try to find a place to live that is close to light rail so you don’t have to worry about driving and paying for parking.
Child Care
Students on the Downtown Denver Campus can access child care on campus. Visit the the Child Care Resources web site.
Important Move-In Details
Here are a few things that you should consider while staying off-campus and leasing an apartment:
Signing a Lease
A lease is a contract that you sign before moving in to a rental. Usually, leases are 6 months, 12 months or 18 months, however check with the property for details. The lease will detail how much money you owe each month in rent and what you get in return.
Leases are usually binding, meaning you can’t easily cancel them, so make sure you are committed before signing!
Security Deposit
What It Is
A security deposit is money that is given to a landlord, lender, or seller of a home or apartment as proof of intent to move-in and care for the space. Security deposits can either be refundable or nonrefundable, depending on the terms of the transaction.
A security deposit is intended as a measure of security for the recipient, and can also be used to pay for damages or lost property.
How It Works
Security deposits are paid before moving in or taking possession of the property and these deposits are typically the same amount as the monthly rent. A security deposit might be used toward any repairs or replacement of appliances in a rental unit if
the damages resulted from the actions of the renter.
Key Takeaways
- A security deposit serves as a means to fix or replace something in a rental unit that was damaged, lost, or stolen by the renter.
- Security deposits are typically refunded upon departure if the property was left in ‘reasonably’ good shape—to the point of normal depreciation.
- Security deposits typically must be paid prior to moving in and state laws dictate how security deposits are applied once needed
- If you damage the place, you may not get your security deposit back when you move out.
- Take photos when you move in and when you move out of the place so you have photographic evidence if you are questioned about damages.
