Housing information for scholars

If you are going to look for off-campus housing, there are several things you should do first. Talk with any intended roommates, and make sure that they understand what features and other considerations are a priority for you. If you do not plan to have a roommate, then you should decide for yourself what type of apartment you want. What is more important, the type of apartment or its location? Is it important to be near good schools for your children? Do you want to be close to shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants? How long do you want to live there? Once you have an idea of your needs, you can begin by utilizing the resources listed below or by contacting the apartment complexes listed in the "Apartment Listings" section.

You will find a considerable range in the price and quality of privately-owned apartments off campus. Be sure to compare prices before you make any commitments or sign a lease. The cheapest one-bedroom efficiency may begin around $650, and the cheapest multi-room apartments may begin around $350/room (and these may not include utility costs: heat, air conditioning or telephone). Only you can determine what type of housing you can afford, but be careful not to commit yourself to a rent that will be difficult to maintain. A good "rule of thumb" (piece of practical wisdom) is that your monthly rent should not cost more than one quarter of your total monthly income.

Some apartments are furnished, which means that they have essential bedroom, living room and dining room furniture but do not include kitchen utensils, pots and pans, dishes, or linens. Most of the apartments that are available, however, are unfurnished, which means that usually a stove and refrigerator are supplied but you must get your own bed, sofa, chairs, etc.

Before renting a room or apartment, you may want to inquire about the following:

• terms of the lease (or rental agreement)
• the amount of the deposits, if required
• the conditions under which deposits will be refunded to you
• what utilities (water, heat, electricity, garbage collection, etc.) are included
• when the rent is due
• availability of MARTA
• restrictions on guests, children, and pets
• responsibilities for maintenance and repairs

If repairs are needed in a room or apartment that you plan to rent, make a list of these (preferably on the lease agreement itself) and request that the manager correct these before you occupy the space. Also be sure that both you and the manager have a list of permanent damage to any furnishings in the apartment so that you will not be charged for damage you did not cause.

Remember that a lease or rental agreement is a legally binding contract between you and the apartment manager (as the agent of the complex's owner), so read it carefully and make sure you understand it thoroughly before you sign it. Ask questions if there is something you do not understand. If possible, try not to sign a long-term lease. As you become more familiar with the community and your budget, you may want to move to another location that offers greater advantages. However, it is not easy to find an apartment that allows for leases shorter than one year.

Resources

• One of the main resources to find off-campus housing is the Emory website where you can find lots of housing options close to Emory University: www.housing.emory.edu/off-campus/home.cfm
• To get advertised information about private apartments, check the weekend editions of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (www.ajcclassifieds.com) and Creative Loafing (www.print2webcorp.com/marketplace/atlanta/creativeloafing/classifieds.aspx)
• It is smart to let your departmental contacts know that you are looking for a place because they can network on your behalf. You may try exploring the surrounding neighborhoods for signs advertising houses, rooms and apartments in private homes for rent.
• Renter Relocation Agency, 281 S. Atlanta St., Roswell, GA 30075, Tel: (770) 641-8393. This agency offers renters personalized service free of charge. They represent over 100,000 rental units throughout Atlanta.
• Housemate Match (Cobb County), Website: www.atlantajcc.org/HMM.htm Home seekers must be 18 years of age or older and be employed and/or a student. References and interviews with prospective home sharers are required.
• Matthews Associates - contact Dan Matthews at (404) 377-3473. This group represents properties ranging from four-bedroom houses to garage apartments. Distance from campus is one mile or less. Monthly rental fees range from $750 to $2000. These properties are all in the same area, approximately 7-10 miles from Emory. Mr. Matthews prefers agreements at a minimum of two years.
• Or see a comprehensive list of Apartment Listings close to Emory

Important Numbers for Utilities

• For electricity, call Georgia Power Company toll free at 1-888-660-5890 (24 hours a day) or visit their website. Power is turned on Monday through Friday within 24 hours of your request.
• For natural gas, look at the yellow pages of the phone book under "gas companies" in order to choose a natural gas provider.
• For water service, call the water department of the county in which you live.