Apartments with Individual Leases | University of Georgia
Do you need apartments with individual leases in Athens? When you start looking for your first apartment in Athens, you might run into the terms individual or joint lease. These terms are also commonly referred to as by the bedroom or by the apartment lease. Newer apartment communities in Athens are more likely to have individual leases, especially if they are marketed to students. Which lease you should choose depends on the kind of situation you are looking for.
Pros of Individual Leases near UGA
There are plenty of reasons to rent apartments with individual leases near UGA. If you are living in a 3 bedroom apartment with random roommates, an individual lease is great because you are not responsible for your roommates' payments or any of their damages to the apartment. In this kind of lease, you are essentially paying for your bedroom, not the entire apartment. That's why individual leases are known for being leased by the bedroom. Individually leased apartments reduce the amount of liability you have in the apartment, which is great for a college student. While you might think that random roommates are only for a freshman in the UGA dorms, a lot of apartment communities have a roommate matching system. This is a great way to meet new people! Another reason for individual leases is if your roommate decides to move out. Because your leases are separate, you do not need to pay for their part of the rent or move out. However, you will not have much of a choice if your apartment complex decides to move someone else in.
Prices for Individually Leased Apartments
In Athens, you might find that individual lease rent is more expensive than a joint lease. That is because the apartment is taking more of the liability with individual leases. So, when you are looking, understand that individual leases might be more expensive, but you are going to have less liability.
Joint Leases
There are some instances in which a joint lease might make more sense for you and your apartment needs. A joint lease will most likely be less expensive rent-wise than apartments with individual leases. This is because you are taking on more liability, so you can be on the hook for any damages in the apartment, but also in the case of late rent. So, if you are considering a joint lease, make sure you and your roommate are communicating and aware that if someone is lacking in rent, the other will have to make up for it. This by-the-apartment style is more popular for families or couples, however, this could be a good option for siblings as well! If your roommate decides to move out, you will be expected to pay their part of the rent too and replacing your roommate will fall to you. Therefore this type of lease is less popular for random roommates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an individual lease?
Apartments with individual leases hold a renter responsible for only one bedroom within an apartment home. For example, if you rent a 4-bedroom with 3 friends at an apartment community that allows individual leasing, you'll only be responsible for rent for your own bedroom. All apartment residents will be held accountable for the common area such as the living room, kitchen, balcony, and common area. When it comes to bills, utilities are split evenly amongst the residents.
What are the perks of an individual lease?
Individual leasing is ideal for students because it allows you to split the total rent for an apartment with others without being responsible for their portion of the rent if they were to not pay or move out. You're also able to split other expenses such as electricity or internet with your roommates. Additionally, most apartment communities that offer individual leasing also offer roommate matching, so if you're in need of roommates, they have you covered!
What spaces will I share with my roommates in an individually leased apartment?
You'll share a common area with your roommates, including a living room, kitchen, and laundry room. You could also potentially share a patio or balcony with your roommates if your apartment community offers them! Your bedroom will have an individual lock and key to maintain privacy for all roommates.