Housing
Tips for housing
Look on credible platforms
Some recommended platforms are:
-
Binghamton University Reddit - for general information about the areas, you can find a map of places considered safer to live in and searched for housing according to that map.
1
2
Use social media
Make sure to check social media and groups of communities you belong to, i.e, scholarship, ethnic groups, international groups, etc. since these groups tend to be smaller and questions raised by newcomer students are read and replied faster. Or reach out to the MPA faculty and staff to request contact information of individuals -international students- in particular, willing to help and connect with them and seek information.
3
All about
In addition to the security deposit, most landlords require first and last month rent in advance, meaning - if your rent is $ 450, your security deposit is the price of one month rent, so in total, you will have to pay approximately $ 1,500. At the end of your lease, your landlord will inspect the room and house, and if it is free from damage, your security deposit will be given back to you. Leases are the contract between tenants and landlords, where the responsibilities of both parts are defined. This form of documentation is a standard document that some landlords will tailor according to the request of tenants. When looking for a place try to make a yearly lease because it’s the way to ensure the housing price won’t increase during that period. Also, look for places with utilities, which
The most important thing to know about housing here is that you have to sign a lease for an apartment for a year, which means you will rent that place for a year. Most landlords require a security deposit, which is a method of landlords making sure that they can charge you in case your room or house gets damaged.
are the electricity and water bill, as well as wifi, included, and that must be stated in the lease. During the summer months, utilities are not significant but during the long and cold winter in Binghamton, utilities increase significantly. Read the fine print before signing a lease, and make sure that you clearly understand all provisions.
EXTRA TIP
When you arrive at your new house, carefully inspect your home, and your room. Take a picture of all identified damaged places, so that you have the proof it wasn’t you who damaged it. Make sure you inform your landlord about damages while in the house. Some landlords have clauses that say tenants will be fined if they don’t report the damage to them during their stay. Since there isn’t an official body to review your lease, you can refer to Binghamton Uni Reddit page and ask specifically about your landlord, anyone knowing them will get back to you and share their experiences.
Jorge shares his top tips about housing. Watch and enjoy!
