Nichols College - High School - Off-Campus Housing Information

Off-Campus Housing Information

The purpose of this website is to provide students with information to find alternative housing if they choose to live off campus. Whether renting an apartment, sharing a house, or renting a room from a local homeowner, the options that our students have are many and varied. For information, please contact Nora Cavic in the Office of Student Services at 508-213-2216 or nora.cavic@nichols.edu.

The Right Apartment

Moving In and Out

Signing a Lease

Important Information

Helpful Links

Available Properties

The Right Apartment

When a student decides to live off-campus there are various additional decisions that need to be made. The challenges that this decision presents include monthly bills to pay, apartment maintenance and chores, and learning to live with non-student neighbors. Without the assistance of the Residence Life staff, the student will need to be proactive in maintaining a cohesive living space off campus. Before deciding to live off campus, the student needs to be able to answer the following questions:

~What will be the cost of an apartment? Can I afford it?

~Is the cost of utilities included in the rental price?

~Is there a security deposit?

~Who is going to live with me?

~How big does the apartment need to be?

~Is there a parking lot or on-street parking?

~Is the apartment in a safe area?

~Are there on-site laundry facilities?

~Are pets allowed?

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Moving In and Out

Moving In

~Set move in date with the landlord

~Walk through the apartment with the landlord and note the condition of the apartment prior to move-in

~Arrange moving of furniture

Moving Out

~Set move out date with landlord

~Walk through the apartment with the landlord and note the condition of the apartment prior to moving out

~Return keys to the landlord

~Make sure the property and surrounding areas are left clean and uncluttered

~Get security deposit from landlord, if applicable.

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Signing a Lease

Repairs ~ If nothing is stated in the lease, the landlord may deduct from your security deposit for repairs you assumed were the landlord’s responsibility. Make sure the lease states that the landlord is responsible for correcting and paying for all repairs, except those that were caused by your negligence or carelessness. If the landlord verbally agrees to make repairs have those included in the lease.

Rental Payments ~ The amount of rent and its due date should be clearly specified. Ask if there is a grace period for late fees and whether each roommate can pay separately.
Security Deposit ~ The specific amount required for the security deposit should be clearly stated, as well as any conditions for its return. Inquire about when it will be returned. Security deposits must be placed in an escrow account and the landlord must notify you in writing, within 30 days, of the name of the bank, account number, and interest rate.
“As Is” Clause ~ Beware of clauses in the lease which stipulate the premises “as is”, describing the present condition of the dwelling. Modify the lease by adding the clause “except for those repairs which are needed.” Include a thorough list of needed repairs with agreed dates for completion. If you do not, it may be difficult to force the landlord to correct any problems discovered during the inspection of the apartment. Be sure to get any verbal promises from the landlord for repairs or cleaning in writing, along with completion dates, in case the landlord refuses to alter the lease.
Utilities ~ Check to see if you will be paying for utilities and figure their cost into your budget. The present occupant, the landlord, or the neighbor may give you estimates on the cost.
Length ~ Examine the length of the lease period closely. If your agreement is on a month-to-month basis, rather than a specific period, you should beware that the landlord can raise the rent or evict you at the end of a rental period with as little as 30 days notice. A written lease for a nine month or one year period can protect you from rent increases or eviction for no reason during that time.
Landlord’s Access ~ Some leases allow your landlord to enter your apartment at any time for any reason without your consent. Protect your right to privacy by stipulating that the landlord must give 24 hours notice and obtain your consent prior to entry, except in the case of an emergency.
Subletting of Assignment Clause ~ Check the lease to determine whether subletting or assignment is allowed and, if so, under what conditions. If you plan on sharing an apartment with any other roommate not specified on the lease, this can be considered subletting. Make sure the lease indicates how many people may occupy the apartment and whether or not subletting is allowed.
Rules of Behavior ~ Be sure that all rules are clear and in writing. Often these include, but are not limited to, pets, parties, and quiet hours. If you are renting a condo, read the condo association’s rules, checking the policy regarding guests and/or restrictions.
Addendum ~ In addition to a standard lease, many landlords add pages of addenda. Insure that you read these carefully and understand them because they are a legal part of the lease and are binding once signed.

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Important Information

(link to Atty. Gen Consumer Guide to Tenant’s Rights) http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagohomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Cago

~Parking: be sure student has ample, safe parking

~Set up utilities, as needed

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Important Telephone Numbers

Emergency 911

Public Safety 508.213.2298

Health Services 508.213.2238

Switchboard 508.213.1560

Office of Student Services 508.213.2216

Chaplain’s Office 508.213.2121

Dudley Police Department 508.949.8019

Dudley Fire Department 508.949.8040

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Helpful Links

These links will navigate you to local realtors specializing in apartment rentals:

www.realtor.com

www.susanfrieswick.com

www.doublelrealty.com

http://re.telegram.com/sales/searchindex.asp

www.theheartofmassachusetts.com

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Available Properties

2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent

Available: Immediately

$400/bedroom/month

Utilities Included

On Site laundry hook-up

Super Southbridge location!

Contact Simon (508) 353-3816

(posted 5/1/08)

*****

House for Rent

Available: Immediately

$400/bedroom/month

5 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

On-site laundry

Utilities included

Great Southbridge location!

Contact Simon (508) 353-3816

(posted 5/1/08)

*****

Condo for Rent!

Brand New!

Walk to Campus!

3 bdrms

1 1/2 baths

$1400.00/month

Available Immediately!

No pets, please

Contact: Dennis (508) 277-8867

(posted 6/12/08)

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*****

Webster Apt. for Rent

2 bdrms

Available immediately!

$650.00/month

Includes water and sewer

Off street parking

Close to shopping

No pets, please

Contact John (508) 987-8342 ~ (508) 987-3814

(posted 6/25/08)

*****

Webster Apt. for Rent

1 Bdrm

Located on second floor

Available immediately!

$550.00/month

Includes water and sewer

Off street parking

Close to shopping

No pets, please

Contact John (508) 987-8342 ~ (508) 987-3814

(posted 6/25/08)

*****

Room for Rent in Dudley Home

$500/month with Laundry privileges

Walk to campus!

Quiet and Scenic neighborhood

Must be mature and responsible

Contact Gail (508) 847-2464

gail.williams1@att.net

(posted 7/19/08)

Disclaimer: The off campus housing information provided is solely as a courtesy to Nichols College students, faculty and staff members. Nichols does not endorse any realtors or listers. Nichols accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of listings. Contact with persons listed herein must be conducted independently and at your own risk. Nichols will not be involved in any negotiations between you (the potential leaseholder) and any landlord, property owner, realtor, or roommate. The listings have not been inspected by Nichols officials and it is in the best interest of the student, faculty, staff, or administrator to contact the landlord and make arrangements to see the accommodations.

Off-Campus Housing