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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. Off-campus Living

Questions to Ask the Landlord

Rent

  • What is the amount and when is it due?
  • Is there a penalty for late payments?
  • Does rent include utilities?
  • Can rent be increased? Under what terms?
  • To whom is rent paid?
  • Who is responsible if your roommate does not pay his rent?
  • Is there a charge for overnight guests?

Terms of Conduct

  • When can you move in?
  • How much notice is required to extend or cancel the lease?
  • Under what conditions, if any, can you break the contract without penalty?

Deposits

  • What is the amount and what is it for?
  • Conditions for refund?
  • Date of return?

Damages

  • Are inventory and inspection forms to be completed before you move in?
  • How are damages assessed?
  • Who is responsible for repairs?
  • Are painting, refinishing, picture hanging, and other alterations permitted?

Services

  • Are parking, cooking facilities, laundry facilities, area security guard, cleaning equipment, periodic bug exterminations included?

Inspection

  • When, by whom, and how much notice?

Restrictions

  • Rules about noise, overnight guests, pets, parties? Limitations on electrical appliances?

Change in Occupancy

  • If the landlord rents to a group of students, what happens if one person in the group wishes to leave?
  • Who is then responsible for rent?
  • Who is responsible for damage?
  • What about a replacement tenant?
  • If a student withdraws from college, is he permitted to remain as a tenant?

Number of Occupants

  • What is the maximum, minimum?

Length of Occupancy

  • How long? (recommend per semester unless the person leaves school)

Subletting

  • Is it permitted? Under what conditions? (Be sure to get names and addresses)

Giving Notice

  • How much time is required (both parties)? (Recommend in writing to the other party on or before the day that the rent is usually due and then the termination of occupancy to be effective at the end of the rental period. Thirty days if rent is monthly, seven days if rent is weekly.)

Guests

  • May tenants have them? Overnight?
  • Is there a place available for entertaining?
  • What conditions?

Pets

  • Are they allowed? Under what conditions?

Laundry Facilities

  • Are they available?
  • May tenants install their own?
  • Clothes drying restrictions?

Conduct

  • What is not permitted?
  • Conditions for refund?
  • Date of return?

Parking

  • Where?
  • Limitations?
  • Extra Cost?

Admittedly there are a lot of things to consider, but take your time, and you’ll be glad you did if problems arise.

If still uncertain about your lease or contract ...
Although the Off-Campus Housing Office cannot provide legal interpretations, we can help you understand the terminology of a lease, refer you to legal services, and suggest modifications in your lease or contract if appropriate and desirable. So if you are still lost after reading this, bring in a copy of your lease before you sign it, and we’ll look it over. If you encounter problems: You will help your fellow students if you let the Off-Campus Housing Office know the place, the property owner, what the problem was, and when it happened (in writing). Only with evidence such as this can we refuse to list a facility or property owner.

Off-campus Living

  • Housing Listings
  • Helpful Lease Terms
  • Sample Lease or Rental Agreement
  • Questions to Ask the Landlord
  • Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants and Landlords
  • Roommates
  • Apartment Leases and Security Desposits
  • Pennsylvania Rent Withholding Act
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
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  • flickr
  • linkedin
Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Housing
    • Athletics
    • Career Services
    • The Help Tool
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
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