HOUSING GUIDE

Searching for Housing

When beginning your housing search, use the following tips to help guide you through the process:

 

  • Apartment communities usually offer both in-person and virtual tour options for prospective residents.
  • Most apartment communities will require you to present a valid photo-ID in order to conduct in-person tours. Be sure that you and everyone with you at the time of the tour have an ID when visiting properties.
  • Here is a short list of important questions to ask apartment community management:
    • Which utilities are included, and which utilities would I be responsible for providing?
    • What optional amenities and fees exist? (i.e. reserved or covered parking, storage, package service, dry cleaning service, etc.)
    • What are the policies on visitors and pets?
    • Is there any kind of on-property security?
    • What are the application requirements on income, rental history, and criminal background?
    • What are the current move-in specials and what promotions do you offer for students attending UT Southwestern?

 

Additional Assistance

 

For additional help with your housing search, you can contact one of the following apartment-locating companies:

 

 

NOTE: UTSW does not endorse or guarantee services provided by any third-party locating service. Apartment locators and Realtors are great resources when searching for housing, but keep in mind that they receive compensation from leasing commissions from the Landlords of properties where they place clients.

Applying for and Securing Housing

Use the following tips to help guide you through the process of applying for and securing leased housing:

 

  • In order to reserve housing, upfront fees and security deposit payments are required.
  • Nearly all apartment applications will require two fees to be paid at the time of application: application fee and administrative fee. Both of these fees are typically non-refundable, as they cover the cost of conducting application screenings and administrative office work.
    • Estimated cost: $60-100 for application fee and $100-200 for administrative fee
  • Copies of valid US-issued identification (example: driver’s license or US-issued passport) will need to be provided by all leaseholders over the age of 18.
    • Note for International Students: A US-issued student Visa or immigration paperwork will generally meet this requirement.
  • Most apartment communities require proof of income or ability to afford the monthly rent. The income requirement is usually two to three times the monthly rental amount.
    • Proof of income can be one or more of the following: bank account statements, letters of employment stating monthly or annual income, and/or financial award letters.
  • Once an application has been submitted and approved, there will usually be a required security deposit payment. Security deposits are nearly always refundable at the time of move-out. Note that deposits often have to be paid in certified funds (i.e. cashier’s check or money order) within a certain timeframe (typically 24-72 hours).
    • Estimated cost for security deposits range from about $300 up to the equivalent of one month of rent.
  • Before signing a lease, you will want to be sure to review the contract to 1) ensure all information on the lease is correct and 2) ensure that you understand all of the policies and details included in the contract. Do not hesitate to ask the Landlord for further explanations about any of the information.

Moving and Furnishing Your Apartment

Once you’ve secured housing, use the following tips to help guide you through your move:

 

  • There are many moving companies in the DFW area. Before hiring one, be sure the company is properly insured. Keep in mind that the cost of hiring movers can be higher if your apartment is located on a high floor in a building with no elevators.
  • Most Landlords will require that you hold a renters insurance policy with $50,000 to $100,000 worth of coverage in personal liability. These policies are relatively inexpensive and easy to get through your current car insurance company or stand-alone insurance companies.
  • Fully furnished apartments are very rare, unless you are seeking temporary housing through a service like Airbnb. Furniture and appliance rentals can be found through companies such as Rent-A-Center and Cort Furniture.
  • Remember to utilize the Marketplace[AP1]  on the Off-Campus housing page to search for furnishings and other household items that other UTSW associates are selling.