As you start your search for housing in Midtown, it may surprise you how early Georgia Tech students typically begin their apartment search. Leases are signed almost a year in advance, with many students beginning the process during the fall of the year preceding their anticipated move-in.
But why the early commitment? There are many advantages to signing a lease at a student housing complex early that often go unnoticed.
At Rambler Atlanta, we understand the considerable time and effort invested in finding your ideal apartment. In this article, we are highlighting the benefits of signing your lease early, so that you’re in the know of all of the perks that go along with early leasing.
Read Next: 8 Steps to Finding the Perfect Apartment Near Georgia Tech
What is considered “early?”
How early is considered “early” in the leasing timeline? Well, it depends on who you ask and the specific housing market in question.
For student apartments in Midtown, the early leasing window typically kicks off around 10-12 months in advance, usually in the fall of the year preceding your intended lease start date.
This process typically begins with properties extending lease renewal options to current residents for the upcoming year. Following this, a few weeks later, new lease offers become available to prospective residents.
It’s important to note that new student housing developments often begin leasing earlier and typically lease up faster. If you’re eyeing a spot in a recently constructed apartment building, be sure to check their website during late spring and summer of the year prior to their delivery date to catch the beginning of their leasing process.
To put it into perspective, if you’re aiming to sign “early” for the fall of 2025, start exploring new developments in the summer of 2024 and consider existing properties in the early to mid fall of 2024.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Signing a Lease at a Student Apartment in Midtown Atlanta
5 Benefits of Signing Early at Student Apartments in Midtown Atlanta
Now that you have a clearer grasp of what leasing early means, let’s look at the benefits of signing early.
1. Optimal Rates
It’s no secret that student apartments in Midtown often come with a hefty price tag. However, by signing early, you could get a more favorable monthly rental rate, making your housing more budget-friendly.
As a property’s leasing period starts, their website will be filled with messages such as “our lowest rates,” “don’t miss your chance,” and “sign now.” This is because, in most cases, the newer apartments in Midtown offer the most competitive rates to those who commit early. Prices typically start low, gradually increasing as the apartments fill up and the demand for rooms increases.
Outside of sporadic flash sales and discounts, securing your lease early ensures you lock in the best possible pricing.
Read Next: 6 Ways to Cut Costs on Student Apartments near Georgia Tech
2. Promotions and Giveaways
Similar to how apartments provide lower rates at the start of the leasing process, many apartment complexes extend incentives to encourage early signings.
This practice is particularly common in new student housing developments. These properties are eager to swiftly and completely occupy their units, prompting them to offer additional benefits to students willing to commit early. These incentives may include gift cards, property merchandise and additional discounts as enticements for early lease signings.
Read Next: 6 Ways to Save Money on Student Housing Near Georgia Tech
3. Early Access to Parking
With how challenging it can be to find a parking spot in Midtown, most students see it as a necessity that their apartment complex offer resident parking.
These parking spaces typically incur an additional monthly fee and their availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While property managers strive to accommodate every resident with a parking spot, the demand often exceeds the available spaces. If you delay signing your lease, there’s a chance that parking options may become limited.
If securing an on-site parking spot is non-negotiable for you, it’s crucial to strategize when you sign your lease. Committing early significantly enhances your chances of securing a spot in your apartment’s parking garage.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Georgia Tech Parking in Midtown Atlanta
4. More Floorplan Options
One of the primary incentives for early signing lies in the expanded array of units at your disposal.
By committing early, you secure the advantage of first dibs on the most sought-after floorplans. Waiting too long might result in these coveted units selling out. Those who sign early enjoy priority in choosing rooms with balconies, more spacious floor plans, superior views and premium amenities.
Similarly, the variety of room options available will differ depending on when you sign your lease. For instance, in a four-bedroom and four-bathroom (4×4) apartment, only a couple of bedrooms may feature windows, leaving the others without this amenity. Early sign-ups significantly increase your likelihood of securing the specific room configuration you desire.
5. Choose Your Roommates
Finally, committing early opens up a broader pool of potential roommates for consideration. As students finalize other living arrangements, your flexibility in selecting compatible roommates diminishes.
If you’ve already decided to live with friends, the leasing team at your student housing complex can accommodate your choice of roommates when you sign. This flexibility extends further for larger friend groups, potentially allowing you all to reside on the same floor.
It’s important to note a slight risk—signing earlier than your potential roommates might lead the apartment complex to match you with other random roommates. To counter this, be sure to communicate with your leasing associates about your preferred roommates and encourage them to sign leases at the same time as you.
For those who haven’t yet decided on roommates, nearly all student apartments in Midtown offer roommate matching systems to help you find like-minded roommates with similar preferences.
Read Next: Student Guide to Finding Roommates at Georgia Tech
Whether you’re already paired with roommates or in the process of finding them, early signing remains the optimal way to maintain flexibility.
For any additional questions about off-campus student apartments or to learn more about Rambler Atlanta, please reach out to our leasing team. We’re eager to assist you in your search for student housing!
