How to Rent an Apartment Resource

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Reviewing this information before your off-campus housing search should save you time, effort, and money.

UT Dallas Intercultural Programs (ICP) | May 26, 2023

Make sure to read the following:

UT Dallas off campus housing disclaimer

UT Dallas does not guarantee the quality, performance, completeness or accuracy of the information. Similarly, UT Dallas does not expressly or implicitly endorse, approve or warrant any of the information or any of the business practices of these properties. In addition, UT Dallas expressly disclaims all responsibility for any claims that may arise regarding any use of outside properties, business practices, information or other matters referenced therein. UT Dallas is not responsible for any disputes arising between or among any properties. Students should exercise their own good judgment when evaluating the information, including any properties listed. All costs are at the student’s own expense.

Temporary housing

In the case that you arrive in the US and need a place to stay while searching for an apartment, there are hotels near the campus (DOCX) that may be able to accommodate your stay while securing permanent housing.

Extended stays hotels

As an alternative to rent an apartment, extended stay hotels offer cost-effective prices for those who would like to find long- term accommodation apartment-style without having to go through all the steps mentioned below for renting a traditional apartment.

Usually, extended stays offer discounted rates, and most amenities are included such as furniture, kitchen, internet, electricity, etc. Don’t let the word “hotel” distract you from considering this alternative. Guests make a reservation in a similar way to when looking for a regular hotel. In general, no deposits or contracts are required.

Among others, popular chains of extended stays hotels in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include:

Things to consider

Here are general ideas about what you should consider and begin thinking about prior to beginning your apartment search.

Location

The Dallas – Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex offers a lot of attractions. However, it covers a large geographical area and could be challenging commuting from one city to another daily, especially if you are not planning to buy a car.

UT Dallas is located in the city of Richardson within the DFW metroplex and is accessible by public transportation and bike routes. In addition, Comet Cruisers are local buses that connect UT Dallas to multiple local housing communities. There are several Comet Cruiser routes: Route 883 East, Route 883 West, McCallum Express and Cityline/Bush Express. Many students search for accommodations along these routes because it allows easy access to campus. In addition, students can travel to and from campus via regular Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus routes. Learn more about local transportation options on the Parking and Transportation website.

Timeframe

Begin your search as early as possible. Most apartments are not immediately available upon request. It may be a week to a month before you can move in.

Keep in mind that it may take time for you to gather your necessary documents before signing a lease.

Size

The size of your apartment will be determined by the number of roommates you plan to have or the amount of space you feel that you will need. The larger the apartment, the more expensive it is, so determine early if you will need roommates or not.

Roommates

Living with roommates could save you money and could make the cultural transition easier.
All roommates must be included in the lease.
Consider the regulations for the maximum number of roommates allowed (typically two people per room).

Furniture

Most apartments come unfurnished. Thus, be prepared to shop for housing essentials such as beds, mattresses, chairs, tables, etc. upon arrival.
Popular stores include Ikea, Target, and Walmart.
If you are interested in renting furniture, it is recommended to consult the property manager to find options to rent furniture.

Amenities

Consider what amenities are essential for your comfortability. Some amenities may add to the overall costs of the apartment. Thus, think about what’s a necessity versus a nice to have versus something you would be ok without.

Some examples may include: an in-unit washer and dryer, gym/fitness room, allows pets, covered parking for a vehicle, a gated community, or access to specific internet companies.

Safety

Be sure to conduct some research concerning the safety of the area in which you are interested in staying, including if you prefer a gated community or not. Review crime statistics from Richardson Police.

Avoid Scams. International students can, unfortunately, be targeted for scams. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is a scam. Here are some things to avoid:

Do not pay rent and other rent related payments with cash. See recommendations on avoiding scams from the UTD Police Department.
Never send money to rent an apartment you have not seen in person.

Where to Start Looking

Once you have an idea of what you will be looking for in an apartment, we suggest these tips on where to begin your apartment search.

You can visit Pre Arrival Resources, section of housing, for a list of apartments located within a 3-mile radius of the campus including a link to the Dallas off-campus housing database service.
Apartment search sites such as apartments.com are accessible sites that allow you to compare multiple apartments at once. They also utilize filters so that you can narrow down your search based on your budget and your identified amenity needs.
It may be helpful as an international student to hire a realtor to aid in your search since they will know the city and neighborhoods. You can schedule appointments with them prior to your arrival to discuss your needs. Some offer their services for a fee while others do not require payment from you and are instead paid through the apartment complexes themselves. Keep in mind that the options may be limited to this realtor’s network.

Associated Costs

Aside from rent, there are additional costs associated with renting an apartment that you may consider:

Utilities

Utilities such as gas, electricity, and water may or may not be included in the cost of rent. If included, these will be itemized in the leasing agreement. If these are not included, it will be the responsibility of the renters to establish a contract with a pertinent vendor and include the cost in their monthly budget.

Deposits

Upon selecting an apartment, most will have an application fee and require one or more deposits. Amounts vary by apartment. This information is typically provided to you while visiting the apartment rather than accessible online.

International students should be prepared to make an extra deposit in some apartment complexes for not having a Social Security number (SSN) or card which is a standard way to prove your identity in the US.

Internet/cable

Be prepared to establish internet and cable services with an external vendor. In other words, this is not often provided by the apartment. It is helpful to ask the property manager what service providers are available for that area.

Pets

Most apartments allow pets. Keep in mind that some may have restrictions on certain breeds and sizes of pets allowed. Pets also require additional fees.

Documents

As an international student there are documents that are necessary in the process of renting an apartment. Here are some examples. It is important to consult with the apartment’s property manager during the application process for specific details concerning their application requirements.

Copy of your passport/visa
I-20
Social Security Card (if you have one).
Proof of good credit history. Landlords may consider looking at your current banking statement or a letter written on your behalf from your banker in your home country.
US Banking account
- You may also need to ensure you have an account established at a US Banking Institution
- Visit the relevant ICP resource page for more information on how to open an account.

Sometimes, the apartment manager may request a statement with the name and SSN of the guarantor or co-signor who is prepared to sign as a financially responsible US citizen or permanent resident willing and able to pay the rent during the lease period.

In the simplest sense, a guarantor is a person who agrees to be responsible for the room or the property that you plan to rent – a co-signer. As an international student you may be required to get a guarantor for renting.

Signing a Lease

In the process of signing a lease, there are terms and documentation that may be helpful to consider.

Keep in mind that a lease is a legally binding document.
- You must visit the apartment and meet the landlord before signing a lease.
- Before signing any lease, you should understand everything within it.
Most apartments require proof of renter’s insurance prior to or at the time of signing. Thus, it is the renter’s responsibility to research and establish adequate renter’s insurance.
Pay attention to the leasing term or duration. It may be 6 months, 1 year, etc.
Keep in mind even if your lease is about to end, you still must provide advance notice (typically 30 days) of your intention to leave that apartment or renew the lease. Consult the leasing agreement for the notice period.
Consult your leasing agreement for the policy regarding needing to break or end your lease prior to the end of the term.
Most apartments need to be leased for a minimum of 6 months. Leaving before the specified lease length on the contract can lead to penalties. In general, the shorter the lease, the more expensive.