Lease Signing

Signing a Lease

Recognizing that a college apartment is likely the first time that most students have ever signed a lease or completed a lengthy legal contract, our office strives to proactively provide educational guidance on leasing matters that will be useful to students even after they move on from Marquette.

The single most important thing that any renter should do is to thoroughly read and understand all paperwork that they will be signing (physically or digitally).

Granted, leases are complicated documents.  But they are so in the interest of thoroughly describing the rights and responsibilities of - and the protections for - both the renter and the landlord.  Many leases attempt to address any issue that might be encountered during a renter's tenancy; understanding all rules, regulations, provisions, and clauses of a lease will prepare you for a smooth and successful tenancy, and will reduce the odds of any unfortunate issues or consequences.

It is also important to discuss your leasing plans - with roommates, parents, and with our office.  Once again, having everyone on the same page in advance of signing your lease will help ensure the best possible living experience!

 

Leasing Documents

The university provides a number of documents that are always available for review:

  • Apartment Condition Report - this serves as a record of apartment condition and cleanliness at the time of move in.  Many landlords spend a lot of time and resources preparing apartments for new occupants; at the end of your tenancy, the expectation is to return the apartment in the condition in which you received it (clean, orderly, etc.).
  • Housing Checklist - there is a lot to consider when choosing an apartment or house to rent!  A housing checklist can help you consider different factors and make comparisons between properties.
  • Lease - once again, thoroughly reviewing a lease is paramount step in renting an apartment.  Blank copies of the current and future University Apartment leases are available on our website.

 

Understanding a Lease

Remember: you are agreeing to everything in a lease once you've signed it - whether you have read it or not!  Taking the time to review the lease and ask questions will help you learn and understand leasing protocols, and will make you a more educated renter going forward.

Have a question on your lease?  Let us know!  We would be happy to offer more clarity on any provision or regulation of the lease.

Other resources that can be helpful in improving your leasing acumen are as follows:

 

Signing a University Apartment Lease

Step-by-step instructions for lease signing are available here.

 

University Apartment Lease - FAQs

How do I pay rent?

Just like tuition, student fees, residence hall bookings, etc., rental charges are billed on a semester basis, and are due to Marquette Central prior to the start of classes each semester.  Information on monthly payment plans and the billing schedule are available from Marquette Central.  Monthly payment plans may be available during the fall and spring terms; the several months of summer charges are due in full prior to the start of the term.

In many instances, financial aid can be used to cover some of the costs of on-campus housing.  However, you must contact the Financial Aid office to verify the eligibility of any loans, scholarships, etc. that you intend to use for housing charges.

 
 

What if I need to get out of a lease?

Simply put: The only way to get out of a lease is find someone to replace you.

The University provides a myriad of options to proactively tailor your leasing experience:

We encourage students to sign only for the amount of time that they are certain they will be leasing.  Extending a lease is typically possible after the fact; shortening a lease is only possible via subletting.

With this flexibility, students can structure their lease in a way that dovetails with their academic pursuits; we recommend that students sign a lease only for the amount of time they are certain to be utilizing the apartment.  And the university will work with students - even after lease signing - should these plans unexpectedly change.  The university can help with the subletting process, but it is ultimately the residents' responsibility to find a sublettor if necessary.

Whether it be: studying abroad, clinicals, co-ops, conflicts with roommates, or even withdrawal from the university - leases are still upheld and are the responsibility of the signee.  None of these aforementioned situations are a valid reason to get out of a lease.

 
 

Do I need Renter's Insurance?

While renter's insurance is not required, it is highly recommended.  Landlords are not responsible for your personal property, so you should take steps to ensure that your belongings are protected in the event of fire or water damage, theft, etc.

 
 

Do I have to pay utilities?

A comprehensive list of what is included in each apartment can be found on our Utilities page.  Most renters are required to pay electricity for their apartment; students who rent houses may also be responsible for other utilities.  We recommend reviewing the detailed information on electricity billing for the University Apartments.

 
 

What about maintenance, internet, or pest problems?

As part of the University, many of the familiar systems in place in the Residence Halls are still available in the Apartments:

  • Maintenance Issues - If something is broken or stops working, our various maintenance teams can respond promptly (staff are even on-call for emergency situations).  Most apartment residents can submit routine maintenance requests via the TMA System or by contacting their apartment manager.  Marq residents can contact the on-site maintenance team, COCM.
  • Internet / Connectivity Issues / Wi-Fi - The Apartments operate on the same campus network as the residence halls and academic facilities.  Assistance can be garnered through the IT Services TechSquad (email or 414-288-7799).
  • Pests and Bed Bugs - The University retains a pest management contractor to prevent and proactively address pest issues on campus.

Have additional questions?  Let us know!