FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I start looking for an apartment?
As soon as you are ready to move! You should only be looking at apartments if you are serious and certain about moving!
When do apartments become available?
Apartments usually come to market 30-60 days before the occupancy date. However, because of the area's large student population apartments renting for May through September usually start becoming listed during the Spring.
When are most apartments available
The busy season is May through September. The largest selection of inventory is usually during those months. Usually, June and September have the most apartments to choose from.
Will more apartments become available?
Real Estate is dynamic in nature and the inventory is constantly moving. You never know when something might hit the market. All you can do is work with what you have seen. If you see something you like, jump on it!
How soon do I need to make a decision?
Apartments rent fast, especially during the summer. You are not the only person looking for an apartment and your agent may not be the only person showing the apartment. Apartments are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, and it's not unusual for landlords to receive multiple offers for the same apartment.
Do multiple agents or agencies show the same apartments?
Yes! Many apartments are shared listings - meaning all agencies and agents can show them. Often times different agencies advertise the same apartments. It helps both you and your agent save time and energy if you let them know what apartments you've seen prior to your appointment.
How much are utilities?
Utilities vary from one apartment to the next. For any apartment you see, you can get the average utilities from NSTAR by calling 800-592-2000. They will need the address and apartment number. They will give you averages for both the gas and the electric and can also provide you with the high and the low.
Do I have to pay for trash removal at my apartment? Recycling?
Typically all trash and recycling are included in your rent.
Is this a safe area? Safe building?
It is against the law in Massachusetts for Real Estate professionals to talk about safety. If safety is a concern, you can call the local police department and ask them about specific areas and statistics.
Who are the other residents? What kind of people live here?
It is against the law in Massachusetts for Real Estate professionals to talk about the makeup of an area or building. Landlords are required to rent to all qualified individuals.
Is the rent negotiable?
It all depends on the individual landlord. Some landlords negotiate, some do not. Your agent can help you navigate this when the time comes.
If I submit an offer to rent an apartment for less than listed is the offer binding?
Only if the landlord accepts the offer.
What is the parking situation?
Unless otherwise specified, parking is usually on-street resident permit parking.
Cambridge: A resident permit sticker in Cambridge is required and currently costs $20 annually. You must have a Massachusetts License Plate on your vehicle and you must register with the City of Cambridge. Street parking is generally easy to find within a 5 minute walk of your apartment.
Somerville: A resident permit sticker in Somerville is required and costs $30 annually. You must have a Massachusetts License Plate on your vehicle and you must register with the City of Somerville.
Cambridge: A resident permit sticker in Cambridge is required and currently costs $20 annually. You must have a Massachusetts License Plate on your vehicle and you must register with the City of Cambridge. Street parking is generally easy to find within a 5 minute walk of your apartment.
Somerville: A resident permit sticker in Somerville is required and costs $30 annually. You must have a Massachusetts License Plate on your vehicle and you must register with the City of Somerville.
Can I move into my apartment early?
This depends on two things - the current tenant and the landlord. The current tenant has already paid to be in the apartment until the end of the month, and as such, is under no obligation to move out early and can not be forced to move out of the apartment before the last day of the month. If the current tenant does decide to move out early, it is then up to the landlord whether or not you can move in early.
Why can't I move into an apartment before a certain time on the start of my lease?
This is done to allow cleaning and maintenance crews enough time to clean the apartments and address any maintenance issues.
Can I sublet my apartment?
You have to ask and get permission from your landlord. A standard Massachusetts lease states that no subletting is allowed without the landlords permission.