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This is the time of year when I receive many panicked calls from students and parents worried about having a place to live NEXT YEAR. Let me assure you, there is no reason to panic.

Students often ask me why they have to sign leases so early and my answer is always the same: you don’t. I encourage students to wait until spring, after experiencing the area, exploring options and deciding on compatible roommates. East Lansing has more rental property marketed to students than ever. There are many options in EL and neighboring communities.

Things to consider:

• Ask to see a copy of the rental license.
• Look through the entire unit before signing a lease.
• Not all rentals have parking for every occupant, so keep that in mind.
• Know if you will have to share a bedroom.
• Know if you will have a basement bedroom and, if so, ask if the landlord provides the dehumidifier. Get it in writing that they will replace it if it breaks.
• What you see is what you get. Promises to remodel might not materialize.
• The MSU Housing Fair is informative and should not signal the time to sign.

Remember, you are the consumer and drive the market. Billboards promoting “leasing season” and campouts are meant to create demand. Do your homework before signing a lease and do not be afraid to negotiate.