Signing a lease is an exciting step after finding an apartment you love, but the process can also feel intimidating if you have never done it before. Once you submit your application and receive approval, the next step is locking in your housing by signing your lease. Knowing what to expect and what details to look for can make the process much easier to navigate.
At Rambler, we have helped hundreds of students secure off campus housing and move through the leasing process with confidence. In this article, we’ll walk through the basics of signing a lease including:
- What an individual lease is
- Important details to review before officially signing
- How the leasing process works
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What is an Individual Lease?
Before starting the process of signing a lease, it’s important to understand what your lease entails.
First, a lease is a contract that outlines the terms and regulations of the use and occupancy of a residential property. This is held between a landlord and tenant.
An individual lease is a rent agreement where there are multiple people living in a unit only have the responsibility for their bedroom and communal areas. In this agreement, the tenant pays the rent and retains no liability of damages to other residents’ spaces.
As an example, for a 3×3, with two other roommates, you are only financially responsible for your bedroom, bathroom and shared living spaces.
It’s worth noting that the cost for each bedroom may vary due to size, windows and attached or detached bathrooms.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Lease Early at Student Apartments Near UMD
Things to Look Out For When Signing a Lease
Before you sign your lease, take time to understand exactly what the agreement includes. Reviewing the details carefully can help you avoid surprises and make sure everything matches what you expect from your housing experience.
Key Dates
Make sure you know the important timelines listed in your lease. This includes your move-in and move-out dates, the official lease start and end dates, renewal deadlines, and any policies that may affect holidays or early move-ins.
Fees and Upfront Costs
Your lease should clearly list all required fees, such as application fees, deposits, and any recurring charges. Looking over these details in advance can help you understand the full cost of your apartment.
Monthly Rent and Payment Schedule
Confirm that the rent amount listed in your lease matches what you were quoted. You should also note when rent is due each month so you can plan ahead and avoid late payment penalties.
Renter’s Insurance Requirements
Many student housing communities require renters insurance. Check whether it is required, what level of coverage is needed, and whether the property offers an option if you decide not to purchase your own policy.
Pet Guidelines
If you plan to live with a pet, review the community’s pet policy. Pay attention to potential pet fees, as well as any restrictions related to breed, size, or the number of pets allowed.
Lease Term Length
Student apartments often offer 12-month leases, but it’s still important to verify the exact lease term so you know how long your agreement lasts.
Lease Renewal Timeline
If you might want to stay in your apartment after your lease ends, look for information about renewal deadlines. Many student communities require residents to decide early if they plan to renew.
Lease Break Policy
While most students don’t expect to break their lease, it’s still helpful to understand the policy in case your plans change. Your lease should explain the process and any associated fees.
Subletting Options
If you plan to travel, intern, or study abroad, check whether subletting is allowed. Your lease should outline the rules and approval process if you need someone else to temporarily take over your space.
Be sure to ask the leasing team before signing if any of these details are missing or unclear from your lease.
Signing Your Lease
After you’ve carefully gone through your lease and feel confident about the terms, the next step is to make it official. If you’re a full time student without a steady source of income, you’ll likely need a guarantor.
In College Park, most landlords require undergraduate students to have a guarantor. But what does that entail? A guarantor is someone who co-signs your lease and agrees to take financial responsibility if you are unable to pay your rent on time. This is often a parent or guardian.
It’s important to keep in mind that both you and your guarantor go through a credit screening and must provide documents like social security numbers, pay stubs or bank statements.
Once the paperwork is completed and the credit check is approved, your lease will move toward final approval. Soon, you will move into your own apartment near UMD.
Read Next: How to Find the Perfect Student Apartment Near UMD
If you have any questions or need guidance regarding your student housing journey, contact our leasing team at Rambler. We’re always here to help you navigate your housing options in College Park!
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: March 25, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026