The “Situation Wanted” Option. Part 3 in a series by Matthew Forman

So far we have taken a brief look at dormitory living and apartment living that caters to the college crowd. It should be pointed out that college and university dorms have a strict no-pet policy, except for service animals. The apartment complexes that do allow pets often have size limits, breed restrictions, and even species limitations. Those that do allow pets will have either an increased monthly rent, a pet deposit (which may be non-refundable!), or both, and this can significantly add to your move in costs.

As an added benefit to both of these kinds of living arrangements, they are normally furnished; you will need dishes and linens, but not bedroom, living room, or other furniture. Contrary to urban legend, mattresses are either replaced or at least treated between tenants, and laws do afford you the right to have an unsuitable mattress replaced by the owner.

A third option does exist for the college student, and it should be carefully weighed and considered. This is the “Situation Wanted” option. If neither the dorm nor the college crowd apartments seems to be ideal for you, then this may be just the thing! And, you can easily begin looking from home, today, instead of waiting until you are about to make the move. I am certain that most of you are more aware of Craig’s List than I am, so you already know how to access the listings for the community that your school is located in. Begin there.

A fast look at the greater Murfreesboro/Nashville area, for today (June 8), shows 405 listings for apartment rentals. Those are only the listings posted today. They range in price from $200 for a 1 bedroom furnished loft up in one of the smaller country communities, to $2,495 (yes - that is per month) for a luxury condo (also 2 bedroom unit) in downtown Nashville.

You also have the roommate wanted option, where you normally “sub-lease” a bedroom, sometimes with a private bath, and shared common areas from someone who has an established rental but needs help with the bills. In some cases, it is not the money that is attractive to the person who is looking for a roommate, but the added security of not living alone. A quick click on this heading gives 30 options for today’s listings; again the prices start as low as $150 (furnished) and go up to as high as $650.

Often, these will include all utilities, and may or may not allow for pets. It’s also common to find this situation when a single person has purchased a home, and they have more rooms than they can use. Why not get someone to help with the mortgage?
One thing to be wary of, especially for you ladies: there are a lot of predators out there, so do your research. I do not recommend a co-ed rental situation.

Now, let’s look at the fourth and final option. This option is only feasible if your school is less than 1 hour commute from your home. Ready? Stay at home. I know, I know; you are an adult now and want to live under your own rules. However, it is the least expensive option from a financial point of view!