1, about finding a roommate
Students often post advertisements to find roommates. If you reply to such an advertisement, the other party may talk to you or have a telephone interview. These chat interviews are an excellent opportunity to decide whether you can get along well. If you don't get along well with your roommate, it may be a very troublesome thing in your future study and life. So it's best to find a familiar classmate to share.
2. About signing a contract
If you find a house you like, you must sign a lease contract with the owner, also called lease. Many homeowners require tenants to pay the first and last month's rent in advance before moving in. This is called "paying rent in advance". The purpose of paying rent in advance is to ensure that the tenant will notify the landlord at least 30 days in advance before moving out. Many homeowners also require a deposit (also called "cleaning deposit"), usually the amount of one month's rent. This deposit is to ensure that the tenant will not damage anything and that the apartment is intact when the tenant moves out. If the apartment is in a satisfactory condition when the tenant moves out, the landlord will refund the deposit. You should keep the deposit receipt as evidence.
If there is anything wrong with the room, be sure to make it clear in advance, including utilities and light bulbs. It's even more troublesome to have problems after living in it. Only written lease contracts with detailed rules and conditions are accepted. Before signing any rental contract, be sure to read the contents of the contract clearly and thoroughly. You can ask the landlord to take away the contract a few minutes in advance, or even a day, so that you can have a closer look. This is totally acceptable. You don't have to sign the contract at once. If in doubt, please consult the relevant office of the school. Many schools provide consulting services for students who plan to live off campus. As a tenant, the landlord should give you a lease contract. In America, the most important thing is to make full use of school resources.
3. How much is the rent?
Generally speaking, renting a house should cost a quarter to a third of your planned total living expenses. If the rent is half of your whole budget, then you spend too much money on it. Gas, electricity, telephone service and other "incidental expenses" are usually not included in the rent and must be paid by the tenant on a monthly basis. You must pay directly to each service company. Before signing the contract, get the estimate of monthly miscellaneous fees from the office boy company or previous tenants. In cold areas, heating costs may be more expensive. When you estimate the monthly cost of living, you should take gas and electricity into account. Heating, electricity and telephone may increase your monthly rent by 75 to 200 dollars. The rent generally includes water and garbage charges.
4. About returning the house
Many students will have some differences with the landlord on some deductions when they move out. The most important thing in America is not to be afraid. You should have the courage to argue about everything. China people are outside, there is nothing to be afraid of. You should always fight for your own interests and argue. If you are afraid, you will always suffer. If you really can't, ask the school for help or support. The school will always stand on your side to help you, support you and safeguard your interests. What American schools do in this respect is absolutely meticulous warmth.