Factors to Consider When Choosing Accomodations

A landlord’s honesty and responsiveness can be major factors in how satisfied you are with an apartment. Find out as much as possible about your potential landlord from other students living off campus

By Rhode Island law, landlords must provide window coverings in all bedrooms and bathroom windows, a stove and refrigerator hookup, a sink, and at least two means of egress. Your lease will indicate whether you or the landlord are responsible for clearing snow from walks and driveways, cutting grass, raking leaves, preparing trash, etc. A clear definition of responsibility is important and should be defined in writing.

Safety and Security

To guarantee your safety, certain considerations should be made before renting any apartment. These include:

  • At least two legal means of egress in case of fire or emergency. There are clear guidelines defining legal egress (for example, trap doors in closets do not count).
  • Accessible and working fire escapes.
  • Electrical wiring that is up to code. Exposed wiring and overloaded outlets or extension cords suggest larger problems. Outlets near water sources must have a GFI outlet.
  • Operable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, certified fire extinguishers, appliances, and door buzzers.
  • Secure, functioning locks on all exterior doors and windows, and deadbolt locks on apartment doors. Building doors should fall shut by their own weight and self-lock.
  • Security screens or metal grates on windows accessible from the ground. Later sections of this guide discuss personal and fire safety at greater length. For more information on codes and enforcement, call the Department of Inspection and Standards at 401-680-5362.

Parking

It is important that you arrange for off-street parking if you gave a car, because:

  • The City of Providence traffic regulations prohibits parking on city streets for more than two hours between 1 A.M. and 7 A.M.
  • The fine for violating this ordinance is $15; however, if not paid within 14 days, court charges are added to fines and may considerably raise the cost of a ticket.
  • Parking is prohibited on unpaved surfaces (sidewalks/backyards) and other designated no-parking areas. On-street parking is also prohibited during snow bans to facilitate snow removal.

If your rent includes parking, be sure that fact is written in your lease.

Cost

Make a realistic budget that includes the cost of:

  • Heat
  • Hot water
  • Gas
  • Electricity
  • Parking
  • Phone, internet, & cable TV services

Rental costs vary depending on:

  • The apartment’s size
  • The apartment’s physical condition
  • The apartment’s location/proximity to campus
  • Whether utilities, if any, are included
  • Whether furnishings and appliances, if any, are included
  • Whether parking is included

Stay within your budget!

Location

Consider the apartment’s proximity to:

  • Campus
  • Grocery stores
  • Laundry facilities
  • Public transportation (for schedules & routes see RIPTA's website)

Housemates

Your choice of a housemate/s is very important in determining how comfortable and relaxing your living situation will be. Providence restricts the number of unrelated persons living together in a single dwelling unit to no more than three (3) people. Be sure to discuss the following with prospective housemates honestly and thoroughly, clarifying what you can and cannot tolerate and defining your expectations as specifically as possible:

  • Cooking
  • Food sharing
  • Cleanliness
  • Noise levels
  • Study habits
  • Guests
  • Smoking
  • Responsibilities incurred if one party leaves before the lease expires (remaining tenants may be legally responsible for that person’s portion of the rent and other shared expenses)

Neighborhood

The nature of your prospective neighborhood may have a major impact on your daily life. Ask yourself these questions about the neighborhood when considering an apartment:

  • Is it well-populated or isolated? How will this affect me?
  • Is it safe? How will I successfully cope with the level of safety?
  • Is it noisy? How will that noise level affect me?

For information on Providence neighborhoods, please visit The City of Providence's Know Your Neighborhood page.