Navigating off-campus housing, applications, leases, and community ordinances can be difficult, and apartment leasing looks different than it did 30, 20, or even 10 years ago. The Off-Campus Living Guide can be a helpful resource to both students and parents as they navigate the transition to life as a commuter student. This guide explains the different types of housing available in NWA, budget considerations, a roommate contract, transportation information, and more.
One word families of students that are looking to live off campus may have heard is guarantor. Many off-campus apartments have a minimum income requirement for residents, in order to make sure they can pay the rent, but most students cannot meet this requirement on their own. In comes the role of the guarantor. A guarantor is similar to co-signer, but with less access to the housing unit. As a guarantor, you are only guaranteeing payment of rent each month and you become liable if your student doesn’t pay rent. You do not get a key or access to the apartment. If you become a guarantor for your student, make sure they understand that the consequences of not paying rent on time can affect you as well.
Families and their students may have a hard time determining what budget to set for housing without knowing what rent and fees to expect in the housing market around the University. Off-Campus Student Services created a Guide to: Off-Campus Living Expenses to inform about median rent amounts for student apartments, traditional apartments, and single-family homes, as well as fees and estimated utility costs.
Off-Campus Student Services has a variety of other resources about off-campus living on their website and is happy to review leases with students. Please call 479-575-7351 or email iliveoff@uark.eduwith any questions about off-campus living or to schedule a lease review.