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Whether you're looking for a house, private room, or an apartment from efficiency/studio to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-bedrooms --- even a 6-10 bedroom duplex --- we have exactly what you're looking for with prices to fit your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting Houses and Apartments in the Winona.
QUESTION: When is the best time to look for an apartment or house to rent?
Answer: The earlier the better. We begin showing an signing in late September for the following academic year. Lease terms generally run from the first of June to the latter part of May of the following year. Occasionally we have units available with leases starting at different times of the year. The most desirable apartments available for the next school year always rent in the fall. Smart renters who want a great place for next year get their groups together and sign leases early in the fall.
Question: You have so many choices. It can feel a bit overwhelming. What's the best way to start looking for place to live next year?
Answer: Fortunately, with our web site, you can do over 90% of your touring and shopping online. We are the only local off campus housing provider with all interior and exterior photos, floor plans and locations online. By exploring our web site you can narrow your search to two or three places that meet your needs. After that, simply call our office at (507) 454-4444 and schedule an appointment for a showing. When you’ve made your decision (and most people know right away when it feels right), our staff will walk you through the lease and other paperwork and answer all or your questions.
Question: Speaking of the lease, how can I review a copy of the lease?
Answer: Our lease was adapted from a model lease recommended by the Minnesota State Attorney General. You can access it on our web site at any time by going to the “FORMS” link on our homepage or CLICK HERE. You may print out a copy or forward it to rooommates, parents or advisors at any time for your convenience.
Question: I don't have a lot of experience as a renter. How can I tell a good landlord from a bad landlord?
Answer: A professional rental property owner/manager has the resources, organization and staff to meet your needs as they arise. Does the landlord have another full-time job or business? If so, you want to make sure they have professional 24-hour management in place. No one can work a full-time job and be on call 24 hours a day. An "absentee landlord" (one who lives out of town without a local office) can be a definite red flag.
When you call during business hours, do you get a professional response or a cell/voice mail? Ask if the landlord is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Winona Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota
Multi-Housing Association and the Winona Housing Association. Members of the Winona Housing Association tend to be professionals who keep abreast of current issues in the rental industry, as opposed to an individual who may see the rental units as merely a small part of his or her income and investments.
Are all promises for future repairs and improvements offered in writing without asking? It's easy to make promises for improvements which may never be made. Is the price significantly lower than comparably sized and located units with similar features?
Providing excellent customer service is expensive. As in most things, you usually get what you pay for. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Finally, what is your intuition telling you? What kind of feeling are you getting when you first meet and during the interaction? If something feels a little "shady" or not quite right, it may not be. Trust your intuition. A free brochure of useful information for off-campus renters is available in our office and at WSU through the Community Liaison's office.
Question: My friend and I love one of your larger units, but some of our friends who are interested in renting with us aren't sure yet. Can you help us find roommates?
Answer: Yes we can! We're here to help in all aspects of your search. Please call and let us know which house or apartment you are interested in. Remember, you don't need to have all of your roommates sign at the same time. As long as at least half of the number of renters needed to rent your unit sign a lease, we can hold it for you (so that no one else can rent it) and give you 30-60 days for your friends to decide for sure, or for you to find the remaining renters. We are also happy to help if you need extra time to get all of your security deposits together. Our friendly staff will work with you to help you get the place you really want
Question: How much is the security deposit?
Answer: Unlike some local landlords who require up to 3 times the rent as a security deposit when you sign the lease (deposit plus first and last month's rent), our security deposits are $100 over the rent amount/person for all of our units. A utility pre-pay may apply.
Question: Does my Financial Aid help pay for housing off campus?
Answer: Yes it does. Please see our "Living off Campus" link on our homepage for more information.
Question: Will you accept rent payments in advance?
Answer: For your convenience, all rent payments are withdrawn directly from a bank account monthly. You may pay one or more months rent in advance if it is more convenient for you. Many of our renters pay a semester or even the whole year in advance. It's totally up to you.
Question: Do you allow pets?
Answer: One cat per-unit is permitted with an additional $500 security deposit which is refundable with interest, as long as kitty doesn’t ruin the carpeting. Small dogs maybe allowed in a single family house, otherwise we do not allow dogs to reside or to visit for any period of time. Fish and small caged pets are allowed without any additional security deposit.
Question: Can I allow someone else to rent my space if I am unable to live there (subleasing)?
Answer: Yes, but they must fill out an application form in our office, and be acceptable to any remaining roommates. Our staff is available to help with this.
OUR units rent quickly, so ...
CALL OR E-MAIL US TODAY for your best selection.
Phone - 507-454-4444 Fax - 507-474-0066
Email --- Office@WinonaStudentHousing.com
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