Finding an Apartment

Student Legal Services cannot provide assistance with claims or disputes involving the University of Florida, University of Florida students, the State of Florida, and any state agencies.

How Do I Find an Apartment?

In Gainesville, there is a glut of available apartments. You should examine several apartments before signing a lease. Pick up an Off-Campus Housing Packet from the University of Florida Division of Housing located at the corner of Museum Road and S.W. 13th Street. It contains information on apartment complexes, utilities, and maps. Contact the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Gainesville Police Department, or the University Police Department regarding the Community Safety Guidelines and the Voluntary Rental Inspection Program and to obtain information on crime in the area.

• Never put down a deposit to hold an apartment unless you have a written agreement indicating whether it is refundable.
• Never sign a lease based upon a model. Insist on seeing your actual apartment.
• Inspect the locks on the doors and windows as well as the lighting in hallways and parking lots. Make sure tree limbs and shrubs in front of the apartment are well trimmed.
• At move-in, check the plumbing and appliances. Note all defects n the inventory sheet or check-in list signed by the landlord or an impartial witness. Photograph or videotape the apartment at move-in.
• The landlord may provide fewer services for houses and duplexes and shift maintenance responsibilities to you in the lease.
• In some Gainesville neighborhoods, only three unrelated persons may live together. Check with the city if you plan on having more than two roommates.
• Retain a copy of the lease and all attachments or addendums to the lease for your records. Have all promised repairs and improvements written into the lease and signed by the landlord.
• Expect to pay full rent, not just your share, in a "joint" lease.
• Get clear written permission for any pets.
• Avoid signing a lease with an automatic renewal clause and parental guarantee.
• Sign an agreement with your roommates outlining expectations on guests, bills, etc.
• Review a copy of the lease with an attorney prior to signing it.

Caveat

The Florida Bar does not guarantee in any way the success of the plan and gives no assurances of the quantity and quality of legal services to be provided. Total responsibility for the delivery of services rests with the sponsor and staff attorneys in the individual attorney-client relationships.