If you're a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), or a parent helping your student find a place to live, you're probably thinking about where to rent. Whether you're looking for a house or an apartment for rent, finding the right rental house can be a big job, especially if you're new to Eau Claire, WI. This guide will help you understand how to search for "houses for rent near me" or "houses or apartments for rent near me" and what to keep in mind during your search.
Why Renting is a Great Choice for UWEC Students
Living in off-campus housing can be an exciting part of the college experience. Renting a house or apartment gives you more freedom and privacy than living in a dorm. You can choose where you live, who you live with, how you want to set up your space, you are free of the cafeteria's food and schedule, and set your own quiet hours. Plus, Eau Claire has lots of options for students, from cozy apartments to spacious houses.
How to Start Your Search
When you begin your online search, it’s helpful to use phrases like "houses for rent near me" or "house rentals near me." These keywords can help you find listings that are close to UWEC and in areas that are popular with students. Likewise, if looking for an apartment, substitute the word, “house”, for “apartment” in similar searches.
Here are some tips to help you start:
Wish List: Make a wish list for the amenities you desire. Include how many bedrooms. Proximity to UWEC, bus routes, and if you are in sports proximity to work out locations. Prioritize this wish list so that you find what is most important.
Use Online Rental Sites: Websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist are great places to start and then check with the local landlord or property manager about the availability and other options you have on your apartment or house rental wish list. Simply enter "houses for rent near me" or "houses or apartments for rent near me" into the search bar, and you'll get a list of available rentals in Eau Claire. Make sure to set the distance to find places that are close to UWEC.
Check Local Listings: Local newspapers are a waste of time. Community bulletin boards such as the one at UWEC Davies Center often have listings for houses and apartments for rent. Some landlords prefer to advertise locally, so you might find a gem that isn’t listed on big websites and on the private website of the actual property owner!!
Houses near me: Search on your smartphone to geolocate with simple terms, “houses near me”, “apartments near me”, or similar. The phone knows where you are located.
Ask Around: Sometimes the best way to find a good place is by word of mouth. Ask friends, classmates, or even your professors if they know of any houses for rent that are available for rent. You might hear about a great place before it’s even listed online. Oftentimes you can get into that great place from an upper class-person that will be moving out. You can swoop in before the rest of the market even knows it is an available house for rent.
What to Look for in a Rental
Once you’ve found some options, it’s time to narrow down your choices. Here are some important things to consider for that apartments or houses for rent wish list:
Location: Living close to UWEC is convenient, especially if you don’t have a car. When looking for "houses for rent near me," make sure to check the distance to campus. You’ll want to be able to walk, bike, or take a short bus ride to your classes.
Budget: Money is always a big factor when choosing a place to live. Before you fall in love with a house or apartment, make sure it fits your budget and your roommates budget. Don’t forget to include utilities, internet, and other expenses in your calculations. You might find a great place, but if it’s too expensive for you or a roommate, it can cause stress later on when either one of you has to back out.
Safety: Safety should be a top priority. Even though this is good old Eau Claire, WI. Check out the neighborhood during the day and at night. Talk to current residents or look up crime statistics online. Even if the neighborhood is safe, the last thing you want is to feel unsafe in your new home.
Amenities: Think about what’s important to you. Do you need a place with a washer and dryer? How about parking? Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, so you can compare your options.
Roommates: If you’re planning to live with roommates, make sure everyone is on the same page. Discuss budgets, chores, and how you’ll handle shared expenses. Finding the right house or apartment is important, but so is making sure you’ll be happy living together. Leases are joint and several, so that cool friend that is accident prone, might not be the best roommate.
Visiting and Inspecting Rentals
Before signing a lease, it’s a good idea to visit the property in person. Pictures and videos can be deceiving, and you’ll want to make sure the place is in good condition. You also can not smell cat urine odor from pictures.
Here’s what to do during your visit:
Inspect the Condition: Check for any signs of damage, like cracks in the walls, leaks, or broken appliances. Many of the houses for rent around UWEC are 100 years old and the walls are lathe and plaster. Some minor cracks in plaster should not be alarming. Make sure everything is in working order, and don’t be afraid to ask the landlord to fix things before you move in. If the landlord agrees, get it written into the lease.
Test Everything: Turn on faucets, flush toilets, and check the heating. Make sure doors and windows open and close properly. You don’t want to discover problems after you’ve already moved in.
Ask Questions: If something seems unclear, ask the landlord or property manager. How is maintenance handled? Who do you call if something breaks? Knowing these details can save you a lot of headaches later.
Understanding the Lease
A lease is a legal agreement between you and the landlord, so it’s important to read it carefully before signing. Here are some key points to look for:
Rent and Due Dates: Make sure you know how much rent is and when it’s due each month. Some landlords might offer a discount if you pay early, so it’s worth asking. Some will charge a late fee.
Length of the Lease: Leases usually last 12 months, but some landlords offer shorter terms. Make sure the lease term fits your plans. If you’re not sure about staying in Eau Claire over the summer, ask if you can sublet.
Rules and Regulations: The lease will include rules about things like pets, guests, and noise. Make sure you’re comfortable with these rules before you sign. If you’re unsure about anything, ask for clarification.
Security Deposit: Most landlords require a security deposit, which is usually equal to one month’s rent. This deposit is returned to you at the end of the lease, as long as you haven’t caused any damage. Make sure you understand the conditions for getting your deposit back.
Moving In
Once you’ve signed the lease, it’s time to move in! Here are a few tips to make the process smoother:
- Plan Ahead: Start packing early and organize your belongings. Label boxes so you know where everything goes when you arrive at your new place.
- Take Pictures: Before you start unpacking, take pictures of the apartment or house. This will help you document the condition of the property when you moved in, which can be useful if there are any disputes about your security deposit later.
- Move-in Checklist: Complete this and return it within 7 days while retaining a copy.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Building good relationships can make your living experience much more pleasant.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right rental house near UWEC doesn’t have to be stressful. By starting your search early and keeping these tips in mind, you can find a place that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for houses or apartments for rent, Eau Claire has plenty of options to offer.
Remember to consider location, budget, and safety when choosing your rental house. And don’t forget to read the lease carefully before signing. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your time at UWEC in a comfortable and convenient new home.
Disclaimer
Hey there! Thanks for reading our stuff. We want you to know a few important things:
- We're General Property Management LLC, right here in good old Eau Claire, WI. You can make an appointment to visit us. Our office is located at 703 5th Avenue #1, Eau Claire, WI 54703 or send written correspondence to General Property Management, LLC, P.O. Box 283, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
- If you need to reach us, our email is contact@ec4rent.com and our phone number is 715-832-1200.
- We try our best to give you good information, but we're not lawyers. If you have a serious legal problem, it's best to talk to a real attorney.
- If you spot any mistakes in what we've written, please let us know! We'd love to fix it or take it down if needed.
- We always welcome your comments and thoughts. Your feedback helps us do better!
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