TIP SHEET: FAQs About Rental Housing

frequently asked questions about finding affordable rental housing and related resources
WHERE DO I START LOOKING FOR RENTAL HOUSING?
    Housing Resource Lists - Following are nonprofit organizations which provide a list of affordable rental housing:
    Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless (Atlanta/Fulton/DeKalb) - (404) 589-9495
    Gwinnett Housing Resource Partnership - (770) 448-0702
    Cobb Family Resources - (770) 428-2601
    Housing Initiative of North Fulton - (770) 642-9185
    Atlanta Urban League - (404) 659-1150
  1. Classified Ads - Search the classified section of your local newspaper where you may find housing that falls into your price range (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Creative Loafing, etc.)
  2. Apartment Finder Magazines/Newspapers - Check a nearby newstand for a stack...For Rent and Apartment Guide are popular choices.
  3. Apartment Finder Services - You may only find a few affordable properties through these services, but it doesn't hurt to have someone else assisting with your search!
    Search the Yellow Pages for free apartment locator services; Visit the Apartment Locators page on HUD's website; Use a search engine to find apartment locator websites - enter key words such as "apartment finder", "apartment locator", etc.
  4. Drive/Walk Around - Simply driving/walking around particular neighborhoods is another option, especially if you are looking for a house to rent. Before you rent, or buy for that matter, drive around your prospective neighborhood at night. Since most people work during the day, you may not get an accurate picture of the neighborhood then. You're likely to get a better picture of the complex and/or neighborhood if you visit at night when most people are at home. You might see people working on their cars in the parking lot, people sitting on their decks talking; you might hear music blaring, kids playing outside, etc. ...all things to consider before you make a commitment to live in a particular neighborhood.
  5. Referrals - Ask your friend and family members if they have any recommendations. You could find out about vacancies before even the landlord knows!

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I SIGN A LEASE?

The University of Massachusetts' Commuter Services and Housing Resource Center (CSHRC) has compiled a list of basic (often overlooked) questions for potential tenants to ask before signing a lease. Before you rent, ask the property managers about the availibility/condition of amenities, property maintenance, security, condition of appliances, surrounding neighborhood, accessibility, etc. and read QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN RENTING.

Visit the Landlord and Tenant Legal Center at nolo.com. Learn about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. The Legal Encyclopedia covers topics such as Leases/Rental Agreements, Tenant Selection & Housing Discrimination, Rent & Security Deposits, Repairs, Evictions, etc. See if your question is asked in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section...

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

AGENCIES WHICH PROVIDE EMERGENCY RENT & UTILITY ASSISTANCE (when funds are available) EXTENDED STAY LODGING
Extended stay hotels, motels, and inns are generally acceptable as a short-term solution, however, you should weigh the benefits of the convenience vs. the cost. Keep in mind that an extended-stay motel which charges weekly tends to cost comparatively more than an affordable rental unit which charges monthly.
DEFINITIONS
Affordable Housing - a term generally defined as housing where the occupant pays no more than 30% of gross income for total housing costs, including utilities.
Fair Market Rent (FMR) - an amount determined by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to be the cost of modest, non-luxury rental units in a specific market area. Generally, an "affordable" rent is considered to be below the Fair Market Rent
Cost Burden is the extent to which total housing costs, including utilities, exceed an acceptable percentage (30% is the standard) of gross income.
Unfortunately, many people are burdened by the high cost of market rate housing. Example: Jane Doe earns $7.00 per hour at her full-time job which results in an annual income of $14,560. In theory, Jane Doe should be able to afford $364 (30% of her income) for rent, including utilities. In reality, however, many would agree that finding a safe, decent place to live in the Metro Atlanta area for $364 is challenging. So, in order to live in a place where she is comfortable, Jane might pay $450-$500 for rent (more than she can truly afford) and goes without some other necessities. Hence, the concept of cost burden.
The above list of Extended Stay Lodgings is not comprehensive and is for informational purposes only; the CHRC does not necessarily endorse any of the properties listed. Your questions and comments on this and other CHRC web pages are more than welcome. Thank you for your interest in the CHRC!

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ã Copyright 2000 Community Housing Resource Center
Designed by Esther Omar of the Community Housing Resource Center (CHRC). The mission of the CHRC is to support community groups and organizations dedicated to affordable housing and community revitalization. This Tip Sheet may not be reproduced nor distributed without prior written permission from the Community Housing Resource Center. Updated 7/16/01.