Leases are binding contracts between the landlord and the tenant. The terms of the lease should be read carefully before the lease is signed. Students are advised to watch specifically for the following items:
- Terms of the lease. (How many months is the tenant required to pay rent?) The standard length of a lease is typically six, nine or twelve months.
- The amount of the damage deposit and conditions for refund of the deposit. A damage deposit is a monetary deposit collected by the landlord/leasing agent from the lessee to financially protect the landlord/leasing agent against property damage caused by the lessee. When the lessee vacates the rental unit, damage to the unit is assessed and repair fees are deducted from the damage deposit. If no property damages are identified, the entire amount of the damage deposit is typically returned to the lessee. Damage deposits are typically equal to or less than one month's rent.
- Rental rate. (What does this rate include? Who is responsible for paying for the gas/electricity, water, garbage pick-up, etc.?) Some rental agencies/landlords require the first and last months rent at the time the house or apartment is initially rented.
- Rental payment due date.
- Who handles repairs? (Example - If the sink is clogged, who fixes this and who pays for the repair service?)
Students should make a list of all the permanent damages to the rental unit/furniture before moving in to avoid being charged for the damages. A dated and signed copy of the list should be given to the landlord, and the student should retain a copy. Students should also keep a copy of the lease agreement.
Other factors that may be considered before signing the lease are:
- Proximity to public transportation service (buses)
- Proximity to grocery stores, Laundromat, and bank
If an international student has concerns regarding the terms of the lease, he/she should not sign the lease until all terms are agreed to.
Off campus housing in close proximity to the North Denver (Lowell) campus is also available on a limited basis. Students who want to rent apartments or houses should simply walk or drive through the neighborhood to determine what is available. Students are encouraged to check with apartment managers even if "Vacancy" signs are not posted. Reigs Universitys' Residence Life, Housing and Event Services, located in the Student Center, also has off campus housing listings.
Available off campus housing in the Denver metro area can be located by contacting Apartment Finders International, a free apartment locating service, at 303.759.9901 or 303.452.2211. Students may also consult the Classified Sections of the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News for other available housing and online apartment search options.
Regis University has limited on-campus housing available. Regis College and Traditional Nursing undergraduate students have priority to live in the on campus residence halls. For more information, students may contact Residence Life, Housing and Event Services at 303.458.4991.
Students who rent apartments or houses may want to purchase renter's insurance to cover the loss of their valuable personal property should it become damaged or stolen. Students should consult the telephone directory (Yellow Pages) under "Insurance" for a listing of insurance companies and agents.
Students who need short-term housing accommodations should view the Planning Your Trip webpages for a listing of hotels that provide short-term housing until a more permanent residence can be secured.