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Beginning your search for off-campus housing in Tuscaloosa, one thing you should consider is the two different types of rent: “by the bedroom” and “by the apartment”. Many apartment complexes for students tend to offer the by the bedroom option, so that’s the most prevalent type of rent for local apartments. As for rent by the apartment, though it’s a less common option, the idea is applied to many rental houses in the area instead of apartment communities. But what does each option mean, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of either one?
By the bedroom leases
Also called individual leases, this lease type only requires you to pay rent for your bedroom as opposed to what the whole apartment has to pay. Essentially, you’re only responsible for your individual living space, any common areas, and what your bedroom costs each month.
In this arrangement you assume less risk because you’re only responsible for your individual rent and spaces you occupy as opposed to the rent and upkeep of the whole apartment. While it’s a safer bet in that regard, it also tends to be more expensive than if you were to split the rent of a by the apartment lease. That’s because while you assume less risk, the apartment complex takes on more with this arrangement.
By the apartment leases
Referred to as joint leases as well, residents all share the responsibility for paying rent for the whole property, handling repair expenses, and keeping it in acceptable condition. Even if you and your roommates agree to pay equal shares of the rent and someone fails to hold up their end of the deal, the whole group is still responsible for making sure it gets paid. Similarly, the condition of the whole living space is the responsibility of each resident, even if one person makes a mess or causes damage.
While this sounds like quite the risk to incur, it could bring some great benefits as well. Taking on the risk for yourself usually means that rent will fall quite a bit, possibly even hundreds of dollars per month compared to an apartment. If you know your roommates well and can trust them to be clean and on time with rent, it’s a solid option to consider for those looking for budget-friendly options.
Where to look for each option
As previously mentioned, the most common option you’ll encounter in your Tuscaloosa apartment search is by the bedroom leases. It’s no secret at all that many Bama students are rooming with near-complete strangers and don’t want to be liable for any of their errors. That’s why individual leases are by far the most common in town among student apartments near The University of Alabama.
If a joint lease sounds more appealing to you, do your research on any complexes that might have them available, or ask around for apartment options. This lease type is much more common for local rental houses. Because of this, rent in a house and an apartment are often comparable depending on the neighborhood.
To sum up, leases by the bedroom offer more individual responsibility when paying rent and maintaining the living space. While individual rent tends to be higher, you assume less risk when it comes to the actions of others. Leases by the apartment, though less common, can help you save on rent but put you on the hook for any problems your roommates may have with payment or maintaining their space. Each one has its distinct advantages, so consider which is better for your situation before signing a lease.
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