Location: Try to find a location convenient to places you´re likely to go (campus, grocery, laundromat).
Safety/Security: How safe will you be and feel? If possible, talk to your prospective neighbors.
Condition: Check all furnishings, walls, windows, and floors.
Appliances: Check to make sure they are in good working order.
Water: Check the flow and drainage. Do the faucets drip? Who pays the water bill?
Pest Control: How often is extermination done? Charleston houses should be treated often.
Noise: Listen in the living areas and hallways.
Utilities and terms: What is included in the rent payment? Will you be required to sign a lease or pay by the month? Be leery of monthly leases; always ask if the house is going up for sale.
Roommates: Can you afford to live alone or will you need a roommate to share expenses?
Pets: Are pets allowed? Is there a security deposit for them?
Lease: How long is the lease? Is subleasing permitted?
Maintenance: Who is responsible for repairs and yard work? Also consider how much space and privacy you need.

Here are a few types of properties available in the Charleston area:
Rooms: sleeping quarters rented out, often in private homes; usually furnished; price usually includes utilities; kitchen privileges may or may not be included; bath is usually shared
Efficiencies: one room accommodations that have sleeping, living, and cooking facilities all within one area, plus a private bathroom; sometimes referred to as studio apartments
Apartments: separate kitchen, living room, and bedroom(s); kitchen appliances usually furnished; rent may or may not include utilities; usually unfurnished
Duplexes: single housing units with two separate apartments; kitchen appliances usually furnished; will have one or more bed rooms; utilities usually not included
Houses: single units with separate kitchen, living room, and bedrooms; most have two or more bedrooms; kitchen appliances usually not furnished; utilities usually not included; private yard with maintenance provided by tenant or landlord

Many students prefer to live in the downtown Charleston area because it is convenient. Below are some approximate monthly rates of rental accommodations in houses, apartments, and condominiums in the downtown Charleston area (these are only estimates from information we receive).
*Keep in mind the prices estimates below may not include amenities!*

Rooms in private homes $300-600 monthly

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Efficiencies From $650

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One-bedroom apt. From $750

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Two-bedroom apt. From $1250

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Three-bedroom apt. From $1800

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Apartment/Condominium complexes outside peninsular Charleston (ex. Mt. Pleasant, James Island, West Ashley) tend to offer carpet, draperies, fully equipped kitchens, parking, and swimming/fitness facilities.

Efficiencies From $575

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One-bedroom apt. From $650

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Two-bedroom apt. From $850

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Three-bedroom apt. From $1000

Plan to spend several days looking. Weekdays are best because most realtors may not be open on the weekends.

Always call before visiting a possible vacancy. When you call, state your name and the purpose of the call (i.e., "My name is John Smith and I will be a new College of Charleston student in the fall. I was wondering if the apartment on Main Street is available"). Many agents are listed with the Department of Residence Life and Housing and give preference to students. If a location is not available, ask if they are aware of any other properties or people to contact. Take advantage of these realtors since they are usually very knowledgeable in the rental market. Be friendly and courteous!

If you are interested in a particular apartment, be persistent and assertive. A personal visit is always better than a phone call.

TIPS:
Work early and quickly; listings in prime locations may be gone later in the day.
Be presentable; landlords prefer students who look like they will be good tenants.
Carry a checkbook and identification; if you find a good place, be prepared to put money down on it to hold it.
Get it in writing; whatever you agree on with your landlord or realtor, get it in writing.
For personal safety online, including how to recognize online scams, examples of scams, and common sense tips, visit www.craigslist.org/about/scams/

Many students seeking housing for the Fall semester begin their search during the Spring semester.
In some cases, students proceed with renting an apartment before actually needing it, thereby paying rent for time it is unoccupied. Very few realtors hold apartments due to the great demand for properties. If a realtor agrees to hold a property for you, be sure you have something in writing to verify this.

Some students cannot visit Charleston to search for an apartment until a few weeks before the semester. While it is not impossible to find accommodations, it is considerably more difficult. Looking later does not mean you won't find anything, but choices are better the earlier you start.

When looking for an apartment it is good to take notes of the following things:
Location: (distance from campus)
Distance from work:
Landlord's name:
Landlord's phone number:
Type of facility: (room, efficiency, apt., house, etc)
Cost: (rent, deposit, application fee)
Other: (pets, etc)

Utilities Deposit Avg. | Monthly Cost | Included in rent?

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Electricity

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Gas

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Water

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Telephone

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Cable

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Other
(parking, etc)

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Security:
Does the building have:
A security system?
Adequate outdoor lighting?
Dead bolt lock?
Peephole?
Working smoke alarm?
Fire extinguisher?

Fixtures:
Is the oven gas or electric?
Gas or electric heat?
Do all bathroom fixtures work?
Is cable available?
Are there sufficient phone jacks? Electrical outlets?

Amenities:
Ample study space?
Sufficient closet space?
Sufficient storage?
Laundry facilities?
Parking for tenant and guests?
Air conditioning? Who changes the filter?
Will your furniture fit?
Recreational facilities?
Yard? Who maintains it?