After researching apartments, going on property tours and making comparison lists, you’ve found the perfect apartment for the next year– what’s next? It’s time to officially secure your spot by signing a lease! 

Signing a lease marks an exciting yet potentially overwhelming step, particularly if you’re uncertain about the commitments involved with signing such a long and confusing document.

At Rambler Atlanta, our goal is to streamline the leasing process for Georgia Tech students by answering all of your questions about individual leases. This article dives into key aspects, covering:

• What is an individual lease
• Important things to look out for when preparing to sign a lease
• How to sign an individual lease

How to Sign a Lease at a Student Apartment Near Georgia Tech 

What is an individual lease?

Let’s start by defining what a lease actually is.

A lease is a legally binding contract that establishes the terms and conditions of a rental agreement between a tenant and a landlord, clearly defining the responsibilities of each party involved. This written agreement encompasses crucial details such as the individual rental cost and the duration of the lease period.

In the realm of off campus student apartments, individual leases are the norm. Referred to as a “by-the-bedroom lease,” an individual lease ensures that the signer (and guarantor) is exclusively responsible for their individual bedroom and shared common areas. Unlike other lease structures, roommates in individual leases pay their rent separately and each tenant is solely accountable for their designated bedroom and associated rent.

For instance, in the case of signing an individual lease for a 3×3 (three bedrooms, three bathrooms) unit, three separate leases are executed. Each roommate holds an individual lease specifying their designated bedroom, bathroom and shared living spaces, with the responsibility of paying their own rent. The individual rental rates may vary based on factors such as room size, whether the bedroom has windows, and more.

Read next: 5 Reasons to Sign an Individual Lease as a Georgia Tech Student

Important Things to Look for When Signing an Individual Lease

Representative Rendering of Rambler’s Lobby Area featuring Daydreamer Cafe.

Before you commit to a legally binding contract, it’s very important to thoroughly understand the terms you are agreeing to. Here are key aspects in your lease to look over before signing:

1. Important dates – Take note of crucial dates such as move-in, move-out, holidays and renewal dates, ensuring they align with your schedule.
2. Important fees – Carefully examine your lease for explicit details on expected fees accompanying your rental rate, as well as any additional fees that might apply.

Read next: 10 Additional Costs of Living in a Student Apartment in Midtown Atlanta 

3. Rent amount and due date – Confirm that the rental rate aligns with your expectations and mark the rent due date on your calendar to avoid late fees.
4. Renters insurance – Check if renters insurance is mandatory and understand the policy details and associated costs if you choose to obtain it.

Read next: Renter’s Insurance vs. Liability Waiver Program: What’s the Difference?

5. Pet policy – If you plan to bring a pet, review the pet fees and policy, checking for any restrictions based on animal type, breed or size.
6. Length of the lease – While most student apartments have 12-month leases, ensure this is the case before signing, as some properties may offer shorter lease options.
7. Renewing your lease –  If you anticipate staying beyond the original lease term, take note of the renewal date to meet any deadlines.

Read next: Choosing Between Moving to a New Apartment vs. Renewing

8. Breaking your lease – Familiarize yourself with the policy for breaking the lease, understanding the process in case unexpected circumstances arise.
9. Subletting – If you plan to sublet or relet your apartment during the summer or for any other reason, check the lease for subletting allowances and approval requirements from your landlord.

Read next: 7 Steps to Sublet (or Relet) Your Midtown Apartment

If any crucial information is missing from your lease, seek clarification from your landlord before finalizing the agreement.

Completing and Signing the Lease

Now that you’ve thoroughly reviewed the terms and conditions of your lease, it’s time to proceed with the signing process!

Given that most college students either work part-time or not at all, their income may not meet the threshold for rent liability. Consequently, student apartments often require a guarantor to co-sign the lease, usually a parent or guardian, who becomes responsible for any payments the student cannot cover.

For both you and your guarantor to gain approval for signing, providing bank account statements, pay stubs and both Social Security numbers is essential for the landlord to conduct a credit check.

For more information on guarantors, check out our article What is a Guarantor. To start an application at Rambler Atlanta, visit our website. If you have further questions on the leasing process feel free to reach out to our leasing staff. We’re happy to guide you through your student housing journey!