Have U Heard that when a student moves into an off-campus apartment, they generally sign a lease for twelve months? So looking to sublease can be a challenge. (It is a 10-month lease that prorates apartments, so it gets paid over 12 months). Most leases run mid to late August through – July 31/Aug 1. Unlike most dorms, students are responsible for the entire year, even if they do not intend to stay for the summer. However, most apartment complexes will allow students to sublet their apartments. You will, nevertheless, have to jump through a few hoops to make it happen.

To find a sublessor for the summer, it is best to start looking at the semester before (in the fall). It may seem a bit early, but there are usually more available apartments looking for sublessors than there are people looking to sublet. Post on Facebook pages and begin asking around in December. Get the word out there if you are in a sorority or fraternity or involved in any sort of club. Take it if you can make an arrangement with someone you trust early. Do not count on getting your full rent covered. Most people tend to give up their summer leases, so finding someone to take over your lease in the summer can be tricky. Most girls in sororities will have to come back two weeks before the start of school, and many of them will not be able to move into their apartments yet. Be on the lookout for posts around mid/late summer because girls will be looking to sublease for those two weeks out of August, which would still give you back half of your monthly rent. Something is better than nothing, though.

If you want someone to take over for the fall semester, try looking at the summer before. Many people sign a lease and find options that better suit them last minute. If you are looking for a spring sublease, this may be a bit tough since most people have already signed year leases. Definitely start posting in the fall semester (around October/November). There are students that decide to take a semester off or go abroad and are committed to a year’s lease. Finding one of these with roommates you will be happy to live with can get complicated, but it is definitely possible.

The most popular way students find those willing to sublease is through the USF/HCC Sublease Facebook pages.  Also, check out Facebook pages related to Roommates, Off-Campus Housing & Apartments.  Make sure your parents join a USF Parent Facebook page, as there are always posts shared by parents trying to help their students with their housing dilemmas.  Believe it or not, parents have helped many students find their roommates or housing choices simply by connecting their students to those in need. Other places to look are Live Somewhere, USF U Loop, and Off-Campus Housing.

Some apartment complexes charge a sublet fee. Most all require signed forms with complete information on your sublessor. It is to your advantage to play by the rules and be sure all forms and fees are taken care of because, without them, you (the original renter) are responsible for any damage that may occur in your absence…and it happens. As a matter of fact, all renters may be responsible if they cannot be sure who caused the damage. You will hear stories of students being charged for a broken appliance, even though they were studying outside the country, simply because their name was still on the lease.

Depending on how much you will be getting for the sublet, once the fees are paid, you may also want to consider the cost of storing your student’s belongings during the duration of the sublet. Check out our blog on storage here.

Another resource is apartmentsforbulls.com, which is a guide to Tampa apartments that meet your lifestyle and budget.

The post Planning to Sublease an Apartment at USF appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.

Every time I headed up to USF to see my kids, they asked that I bring our dog. Let’s face it; the pup is everyone’s favorite family member. Personally, I would rather travel with pets than have our daughter adopt one of her own that may eventually become mine too, so I often obliged. The good news is that is becoming rather common for people to travel with their pets.

Dog-friendly Restaurants:

Armature Works

Ciccio Cali

Datz

Michael’s Grill

Sparkman Wharf

Starbucks (outside)

World of Beer

Pet-friendly Apartments:

The Retreat, Halo 46, The Standard, The Union on Fletcher, and many more are pet-friendly and typically charge an upfront or monthly pet fee.

Pet-friendly Hotels:

La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens

La Quinta Inn & Suites USF Busch Gardens

Hyatt Place Busch Gardens

Holiday Inn Express USF- Busch Gardens

Embassy Suites by Hilton USF

Holiday Inn & Suites Busch Gardens

Home2 Suites by Hilton USF

Quality Inn & Conference Center

Extended Stay America

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa North

Wingate by Wyndham at USF

Tampa Inn

Be sure, when making reservations, you tell them you are traveling with a pet. Some have fees.

Perhaps while in the area you just want to let Fido get out and run a bit.

Here are a few dog parks in the area:

Rowlett Dog Park – 8401-8549 N Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL. Bring Fido and enjoy a separate small dog area and large dog area, trees, benches, and agility equipment. Has fenced, off-leash dog runs at this city park.

Temple Terrace Hilltop Dog Park – 9420 Harney Rd, Tampa, FL. It has a side for small dogs and one for big dogs. Nice open space to let Fido run and play. It has water pools for your dogs and waste bags. They also have bowls and buckets in case Fido gets thirsty.

These parks are dog-friendly, but not solely for dogs:

University  Area Community Park  – 14015 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL

USF Riverfront Park – 6550 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL.

Lettuce Lake Park – 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL

Copeland Park Trail – 11001 N 15th St, Tampa, FL

Temple Terrace Riverfront Park – 7801 Capwood Ave, Temple Terrace, FL

The Retreat Apartment complex has its own dog park.

Of course, if you are traveling with a service animal, which is not considered a “pet,” you are allowed to take your service dog virtually anywhere you are allowed to go. There should be no extra fees or deposits for this. However, emotional support animals may not be allowed to accompany their owner in public places, ie. restaurants, stores, hotels, so you may want to check before you head out.

That said, if you should end up with a grand-pet, as I did, because, apparently my speeches about responsibility and cost weren’t loud enough, here are some thoughts. Encourage a fish first. This worked her freshman year, as she was in the dorms, and knew that pets were not allowed (except for small fish in a 10 gallon or less tank).  And frankly, there was no room for a tank anywhere. But alas, her second year she lived in an apartment and she and her roommate heard about some kittens that lost their mom in a hurricane.  See where I am going with this? Yep, they each took one and now we have a cat added to the family. She has it in her apartment; it is small pet-friendly, but the responsibility is a lot.

If your student really needs a puppy fix, the Center for Student Well-Being has a Paws & Relax program where they bring a variety of certified therapy dogs on campus.  It’s usually during exam time to help with the stress. They have even brought a llama before.

As for apartments, make sure they check the rules and also the consequences if an un-allowed pet is discovered. They may have a roommate that gets a pet, which could affect them as well. Some students will try to hide a pet too, which usually doesn’t end well.  Fines can be steep and you don’t want your son/daughter a part of a problem with the leasing office. So, if they absolutely need a pet-friendly apartment, start by looking at the list of apartments available. Check often, and call the offices. Rules change, and apartments do change their policies from time to time.

Whether you need a pet sitter while you are away or at classes or you want to become a pet sitter, check out Rover.

Finally, you may want to add some Bulls gear to the holiday shopping list. Show your spirit with a collar, food bowls, toys, etc. for your newest furry friend. And if you’re lucky, you may end up with some fun pics/videos like the ones I sent in return.

Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram,  Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com. Are you new to HaveUHeard? Here is how to best use the site.

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Not Your Momma’s Apartment

Just when you think you have your student all settled in the dorms, chances are you will be hit with the “wanting to move to an apartment” talk. Students quickly learn that the hunt and race to get a good apartment are fierce, and one must start early. They are not kidding. I hadn’t even memorized my daughter’s dorm address when she told me she and some friends would start looking for apartments for the NEXT school year!

Yes, dorms are convenient, but when you see what apartments offer today, you won’t be shocked at the yearning to live off-campus.  They are nothing like when I lived in an apartment one mile from campus. My roommate and I scoured the Salvation Army for cheap but clean furniture and split everything down the middle.  Today, some apartments come furnished, and the amenities resemble popular hotels. Some have granite countertops, new appliances, resort-style pools, happy hours, electric bikes, and tanning beds.

Obviously, the closer to campus is the easiest, but it may also be the most expensive.  Don’t fear to venture a few miles from campus. Check to see if the BullRunner bus system stops at the apartment you are looking at.  That can help with the dreaded “trying to find a parking spot” on campus.

Now, be prepared.  The rent prices can be shocking, but remember that they may be fully furnished, along with washers/dryers, and include utilities.   A one-bedroom will be much pricier than a four-bedroom/bathroom, and most have individual leases. I do love that idea. Each person is responsible for their own rent payment.  No more collecting the money from everyone and one person paying the office. Also, most everything is done online and with an app. Like the rest of the world, convenience is key.

Again, some apartments come fully furnished, and some do not.  Take that into account with the rent price. Most leases are for 12 months, so summer planning needs to be considered.  Check sublet policies with the offices if you will not be there for summer. There are many posts for students subletting their apartments either over the summer or studying abroad; be prepared to pay rent even if your student is not at USF. Parking may be extra, and they all have different pet policies, so take note. Some of the apartments accept pets.

Some apartments to take note of:

Halo 46  – 14500 N 46th St, Tampa, FL 33613. Only a three-minute drive from USF. Offers 2 -5 bedroom floor plans. Amenities include Alexa in every unit, a 24-hour fitness center, a pool, study rooms, and walk-in closets. A very popular place to live and in a safe area.

IQ Apartments – 12702 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa, FL 33612 Conveniently located near the University of South Florida’s medical library, IQ is the ideal home for those looking for a highly-styled environment in which to learn, work and play. With state-of-the-art amenities and features, IQ brings modern luxury to the heart of Tampa.1 to 4 bedrooms.

Venue at North Campus – 13702 N. 42 St. 813-413-4588.  These are fully furnished and fully inclusive. They have studios to 5-bedroom townhomes.  They are affiliated with USF and have individual leases; the rest are from $699 to $1299/month per room.

The Province –  10921 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612. American Campus Community. It offers 1-4 bedrooms, two swimming pools, a volleyball court, a theatre room, a community kitchen, and a 24-hour fitness center. Parking included. Walk or drive to campus. This complex is affiliated with USF.

The Retreat at Tampa – 11326 N. 46 St. 813-379-2415.  This is across the street from USF and one mile from the Sun Dome. They offer individual leases, are pet-friendly, have an optional furniture package, and have 2-4-bedroom homes. They have their own dog park!

40Fifty Lofts – 4050 Rocky Cr. 813-673-8300.  They are a USF affiliate and offer 3-4 bedrooms, furnished.

The Flats at 4200 – 4200 E. Fletcher Ave. 813-517-1366.  This is right across from campus, and they offer furnished studios with four bedrooms.  They only rent to students and have individual leases; rents are $740-$1125/month. Parent opinion of  The Flats is high, although pricey.

Other newer apartments:

The Standard – Landmark Properties has built luxury-style apartments on many college campuses, and the USF location is new.  They have a lot of floor plans from 1 to 5 bedrooms. Amenities include an arcade/game room, lounge, computer lab, rooftop pool, gym, and a PGA-quality golf simulator. Apartments are furnished and include wifi, cable, waste disposal, and pest control, but utilities and parking are not included. They have a garage, and for $45, you can park on your own floor. Exterior parking is $15 a month.

The Union is opening in 2020. It is located right on Fletcher and within walking distance from campus. They will also have a stop for the BullRunner as well. These apartments are fully furnished with major appliances included. They will offer 1-4 bedrooms and are pet-friendly.

Our other apartment rentals suggestions.

Another resource is apartmentsforbulls.com, which is a guide to Tampa apartments that meet your lifestyle and budget.

The post Favorite Apartment Rentals appeared first on HaveUHeard.com.