Lease-Signing Tips

Tip #1: Slow Down!

There are plenty of student housing options in South Bend/Mishawaka, and many will still be there your junior and senior year. Take your time to think through the decision, explore your options, and make an informed decision. Many students who sign leases too early face problems down the road, so be sure to wait until you and all of your roommates feel comfortable and have finalized academic plans (such as study-abroad and applying to be an RA).

Tip #2: Know Your Situation!

More than 65% of Notre Dame undergrads study abroad before they graduate. Others may graduate a semester early, take a semester off, or encounter other situations that disrupt the housing options made years in advance. Many do not decide until junior year whether they would like to apply to be an RA. Know your situation, and find out if you are able to sublease before you sign a lease.

Tip #3: Read the Lease Carefully

A lease is a legally binding document, regardless of whether or not you have read and understood its terms. As a legal contract, a lease outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the landlord and tenant and it goes into effect from the moment it is signed. Many students feel pressured to sign on-the-spot so that they do not lose the house or unit.

Be sure to request your own copy of the lease to review at home before signing, and never be afraid to ask your landlord to clarify parts that you do not understand or ask a parent or someone you trust to read it with you. Do not sign a lease with blank spaces and be sure to get a copy of your signed lease from the landlord

Tip #4: Visit Before you Sign

It is a good idea to visit your actual property in person before signing. Do not take a friend’s word or online photos in place of an actual walk-through of your potential house/unit, and bring along a walk-through checklist.