1. Make sure you’ve visited the exact apartment or house you’ll be living in – not just a "model" – at least once. Nobody likes unpleasant surprises on move-in day.

2. How close is the property to your classes? In the housing advertisements, everything is a “five-minute walk to the Diag.” Try the walk out yourself and see whether this is true.

3. Some important questions to keep in your mind when visiting a property:

• What’s the process of getting things fixed?
• If a light bulb breaks, will the landlord pay for it?
• Are dogs and/or cats allowed?
• Is there on-site laundry?
• Is the washer/dryer coin-operated or free?
• Is there a dishwasher and enough closet space?
• Is parking included?
• Any signs of mold?
• When was the house/apartment complex built and when was its most recent renovation?
• Are there any associated cleaning, furniture moving or processing fees, etc. not included in the price of rent?
• Is it furnished?

4. Be sure you know whether heat, gas, water, electricity and Internet are included in the monthly rent. Utilities, if not covered, can add up quickly. Internet is typically $20-30/month. Heating costs in the winter can reach more than $100/month. Incorporate all of these costs into your budget if you’re deciding between properties.

5. Most leases in Ann Arbor have a 12-month commitment, and if you don’t plan on staying on campus all year, bear in mind that you’ll be taking a loss when you sublet during spring and summer semesters.

6. Most “hot” properties are snatched up by Thanksgiving, so move quickly if there’s a particular house you have your heart set on. But, if you’re willing to wait, rent prices get significantly cheaper around March or April. At this point, you shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate with the landlord.