ASU Off-Campus Housing Checklist: What to Check Before Signing
Don't sign an off-campus lease near ASU without checking these things first. A practical checklist for avoiding expensive surprises.
Before You Sign That Lease Near ASU
Signing a lease is a legal commitment — usually 12 months, sometimes longer. Students rush into leases near ASU all the time because they're worried about missing out on a unit, and they end up stuck with problems that were obvious on day one if they'd looked.
Here's what to check before you sign anything.
Research the Property and Landlord
Before you even tour:
- Google the property and property management company: Look for reviews on Google, Yelp, and Reddit. Pay attention to how management responds to complaints.
- Check the Maricopa County Assessor's website: Confirms who actually owns the property.
- Search for code violations: Tempe's city inspection records aren't always easy to pull, but asking the landlord directly about recent inspections tells you something by how they respond.
During the Tour
Don't just admire the pool. Walk through the actual unit:
Check every faucet and fixture:
- Water pressure in sinks, shower, and tub
- Hot water availability
- Any evidence of leaks (stains on ceilings, water damage around windows)
Appliances:
- Turn on every burner, the oven, the dishwasher
- Open the refrigerator and freezer
- Check if washer/dryer hookups exist or if laundry is communal
HVAC — this matters a LOT in Tempe:
- Turn on the AC and confirm it works (critical in an Arizona summer)
- Check air filters — if they're filthy, maintenance isn't keeping up
- Check for any musty smells that could indicate mold
Doors and windows:
- Do they lock properly?
- Are there gaps or broken seals? (Adds to utility bills)
- Screens intact?
Pest evidence:
- Check under sinks for droppings
- Check along baseboards
- Scorpions, cockroaches, and mice are all real in Tempe — a well-maintained unit should show no signs
Phone signal and WiFi:
- Do a speed test or check your signal strength in the unit
- If the complex provides internet, ask for the actual speed tier, not a marketing claim
Read the Lease — All of It
Specifically look for:
- Lease term and end date: When are you locked in until?
- Rent escalation clause: Can they raise rent during your term?
- Pet policy: Even if you don't have a pet now
- Guest policy: Some leases limit how many nights guests can stay
- Subletting clause: Can you sublet if you need to leave?
- Renewal terms: How much notice do they require? When do they notify you of the new rate?
- Early termination: What does it cost to break the lease?
- Utility responsibility: What's included vs. your responsibility?
- Parking: Is it included? What's the cost and policy?
- Security deposit: Amount, conditions for return, and timeline for return after move-out
Move-In Documentation
If you sign:
- Do a move-in inspection with a written checklist, and document everything with photos/video
- Submit the completed checklist to management in writing (email, not verbal)
- Keep a copy for yourself
This is what protects your security deposit when you move out. Arizona landlords must return deposits within 14 business days of move-out. If they withhold anything, they need written documentation.
Questions to Ask the Leasing Office
- What's the average utility cost for this unit size? (Ask for actual numbers)
- How many maintenance staff are on site?
- What's the average response time for maintenance requests?
- What's the parking situation during peak hours?
- Has this unit had any pest or water damage issues?
The Bottom Line
A lease near ASU is typically $10,000–$15,000+ per year. Spending 2–3 hours doing proper due diligence before signing is one of the best investments of your time as a student. Use this checklist, take your time, and don't let leasing pressure rush you.
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