Residence Hunting Tips

• Know the basics. Make a list of issues that are most important to discuss with the property manager or landlord. Consider your academic needs, physical needs, safety needs, affordability needs, and social needs. Or, better yet, use the Pre-Lease Condition Checklist provided in this section.
   
• Decide on the type of housing. See the section called "Types of Housing" under Deciding on a Residence for more information.
   
• Identify your priorities regarding your desired type of housing. Decide how much you can afford, whether you want to share, and how close to campus you want to live. What’s most important? What could you not live with or without?
   
• Become familiar with Louisiana landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities. Laws vary by state and community.
   
• Phone or visit property managers or landlords who are advertising units of interest to you. When visiting a rental property, be sure to show up on time and dress well. Script a short, positive statement about yourself that can be recited as a telephone message if you call to make a viewing appointment and get no answer.