Apartment Rentals

There are a variety of apartments available for rent in Santa Monica and surrounding neighborhoods. Free lists may be found in local newspapers, on the internet, or at the IECC.

Useful Tips to Keep in Mind When Selecting Your Accommodations

What to expect

When renting an apartment, be prepared to fill out a background check, which usually requires bank account information, previous addresses, and personal and professional references. Often, landlords will also request a Social Security Number to check on your financial history. If you do not have a Social Security Number, please visit the IECC and you will be given a letter for your landlord stating that you are not eligible for a Social Security Card unless you work as Student Help at SMC. It is normal for a landlord to require first and last month's rent, and a damage deposit. Utilities (water, gas, electricity) may or may not be included in the rental amount. This information will be contained in your lease; this is a legally binding agreement, so make sure to read it carefully before signing.

About Leases

Landlords are looking for responsible, financially secure tenants; they usually prefer to have local references. It is best to be prepared, so before looking for an apartment to rent or lease be sure to download a copy of your financial statement from your on-line application. As explained above, the International Education Counseling Center will also be happy to provide you with a verification letter that many landlords will accept in lieu of local references.

When you find the apartment of your choice, make sure you receive a lease agreement. All rental agreements or leases should be in writing. Read it thoroughly and make sure you understand it completely. If there is any language you do not understand, ask a reliable person to explain it to you. If your landlord does not give you a copy, it is important to request one; your lease is the only evidence of your legal tenancy and is designed to protect both parties' rights.

At a minimum, a lease or rental agreement should include the following:

• rental rate
• required damage deposit
• length of occupancy
• apartment rules
• termination requirements

Some questions you may want to ask include:

• what is the amount of rent
• what is included in the rent (i.e. gas, electric, water, parking, laundry, etc.)
• how many people may occupy the apartment
• when and how must rent be paid each month
• if roommates share the apartment, who is responsible if one should leave
• under what conditions is the damage deposit refundable
• what is the length of occupancy
• what is the landlord's right-of-entry
• what is the sub-let policy
• what is the guest policy
• what are the rules concerning pets, conduct, and use of recreational facilities

If corrections or repairs are needed before you move in, make the rental agreement contingent upon these corrections and agree upon a completion date. This agreement should be in writing, dated and signed by both parties.

It is always good to pay rent and other payments by check, not cash. Write the purpose on the face of the check (example: "April rent for Apt. #1, 123 Elm Street"). If you must pay in cash, get a signed and dated receipt from the landlord.

For information on leases, please visit: Leases

Leasing versus Month-to-Month Renting

Most apartments are rented under either a lease agreement or a month-to-month rental agreement. A lease agreement is usually for a one-year term. Remember that you will be responsible for the rent for the entire lease period, even if you wish to move out. Before you sign a lease agreement, make sure that you are completely satisfied with the accommodations, and that you like the landlord.

Some landlords allow month-to-month rental agreements. This type of arrangement allows you and the landlord to have more flexibility. The negative side of this arrangement is that the landlord may decide not to renew your rental agreement, and you will be forced to relocate at the end of one month.

For information on month to month rentals, please visit: Month to Month Rentals

Damages

Protect yourself from false accusations of damage by going through the apartment with the manager before you move in. Make a list of existing damages, paying attention to appliances, cracked plaster, draperies, carpets, lighting fixtures, etc. Ask the manager to sign this list and date it. Sign it yourself, and make copies for both to keep. Should you damage the premises, you are responsible for making repairs. You are expected to leave the premises in the same condition as when rented, reasonable wear-and-tear excepted.