Stupid Question (apartment, leasing, credit)

[Aby0487]

Hi, I have a stupid question I was hoping someone could answer:

Im a college student looking to lease a 2 bedroom apartment. Im new to the whole apartment leasing thing...so I was checking out craigslist and found a few options near my school. The question I have is this: If a listing says, for example, a 2 bedroom apartment for $600 per bedroom, does that mean that only one person is allowed per bedroom? Or, even though its listed as a 2 bedroom apartment, could 4 people (2 people per room) move in and split the rent? Also, does the landlord need to give you permission for how many people can live in each room? Thanks in advance.

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by Aby0487

Hi, I have a stupid question I was hoping someone could answer:

Im a college student looking to lease a 2 bedroom apartment. Im new to the whole apartment leasing thing...so I was checking out craigslist and found a few options near my school. The question I have is this: If a listing says, for example, a 2 bedroom apartment for $600 per bedroom, does that mean that only one person is allowed per bedroom? Or, even though its listed as a 2 bedroom apartment, could 4 people (2 people per room) move in and split the rent? Also, does the landlord need to give you permission for how many people can live in each room? Thanks in advance.

I would say ask the landlord. S/he would probably have a preference as to the maximum people sharing the apartment.

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by Aby0487

Hi, I have a stupid question I was hoping someone could answer:

Im a college student looking to lease a 2 bedroom apartment. Im new to the whole apartment leasing thing...so I was checking out craigslist and found a few options near my school. The question I have is this: If a listing says, for example, a 2 bedroom apartment for $600 per bedroom, does that mean that only one person is allowed per bedroom? Or, even though its listed as a 2 bedroom apartment, could 4 people (2 people per room) move in and split the rent? Also, does the landlord need to give you permission for how many people can live in each room? Thanks in advance.

Not a stupid question at all. I've had a few years dealing with the legalities of leases and the bottom line, like Tone said, is ask the landlord. You mentioned you'e looking near your school so most likely the property owners in that location have rented to students before so they expect several residents in an apartment. Just make sure, before you sign a lease, is that everything is documented with the landlord and that both parties understand each other. You also may want to enter into a contract with your roommate(s) in case all parties have issues down the road (skipping out before the lease is up and leaving one person responsible for the rent, damage to the property, etc.)

Good luck.

[ooodsie]

As a landlord myself I second the fact that you should have ALL parties sign the lease, not just you.. If they skip out on you or do damage to the apartment, you want them held liable as well instead of taking all of the blame yourself. Most times though if a Landlord says its a 2 bedroom, you will pay the flat rate for the 2 bedroom and can have more people there if you want, just be sure to be upfront about it and let them know who all will be living there so they are aware ahead of time. Also they may want to check everyones credit when you apply, so be prepared for potentially a higher application fee if they need to run credit for multiple people.