You have finally found the perfect apartment in Gainesville. You are approved to rent. Now, all you need to do is sign the lease. But before you reach for the pen, as an international student you need to be particularly careful to make sure that you have considered each of the following points:
- Before you sign anything, READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR LEASE! If you have questions, ask.
- Your lease will define exactly what you can and cannot do while living in your apartment. Once you sign it, you have legally agreed to all of its terms. Violating the terms of your contract puts you in a very precarious position.
- Make sure you have read and understand our article 5 Things to Consider Before Breaking Your Gainesville, FL Apartment Lease Agreement. These contracts are well respected by the courts in Alachua County, so there is little chance of breaking it or simply ignoring it once the lease is signed.
- Gainesville apartment leases are rarely negotiated. In our ten plus years of working with apartments, we've yet to see an apartment negotiate terms with an individudal renter. If you're uncomfortable with a particular apartment's lease terms, then we suggest that you check out another apartment. If you start to notice a trend that every apartment you visit has similar terms that you're uncomfortable with, we suggest that you talk to your sponsor at UF to get his or her opinion.
- So avoid all any hassle and read the darn contract! Then you will know exactly what is expected of you and what you are able to do.
- Make sure you get a copy of the lease after it has been signed by you and the apartment's staff.
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