If you’re looking to save even more money on your new apartment, Gainesville apartments offer additional perks in the form of move-in specials. Some of these specials are incredible deals, others are less so. Here’s a quick overview of some of the recent types of move-in specials offered by Gainesville apartment communities.
First Month Free
The term “free” can be relative, and if you choose this option, be sure you understand exactly what you’re getting. Why the need for caution? Some “first month free” offers may not charge you your first month’s rent, but they add that rent to the total cost of the lease. This means that you pay for a portion of that “free” month incrementally during the remaining months of your lease.
Waived or Reduced Security Deposits and Move-In Fees
Often, an apartment manager offers to waive your security deposit or associated fees. Sometimes this is a perk of signing within a few hours or days of viewing the property. Sometimes it’s just an advertised special designed to get apartments filled. This benefit can save you hundreds of dollars, but a security deposit waiver doesn’t mean you can leave your apartment in disrepair when you move out. If the apartment manager sees damage in your apartment after you’ve moved out, you’re still financially responsible for that damage.
Trips, Gadgets and Bonuses
Some apartment communities put your name in a drawing for a special trip or gadget like an iPad or scooter after you’ve met some milestone. Sometimes, this is a perk for signing a certain type of lease or referring a potential resident. These are nice perks, but before you let the potential “gift” sway your decision on what apartment to rent, get the facts. Find out how many people will also be in the drawing, when the drawing will take place and the monetary value of the perk. If it’s an expensive gift, consider that you may have to pay taxes on the item if you win it. If you’re just one of a thousand other people in the running for the gift, the deal may not be worth it. In general, these drawings are a nice gesture, but they’re not enough of a financial boon to influence your apartment choice, especially if the apartment is significantly more expensive than your other options of cheap apartments.
Refer a Friend
A few local cheap apartments offer discounts or bonuses to residents who refer friends to their apartment community. The discounts or bonuses are usually active once the friend signs a lease with the apartment community. If you live in an apartment community that you love, and you want to share your joy with friends, then certainly give your referrals freely. As with all of these deals, though, be sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
Longer Lease Discounts
To counteract the fact that many students only need Gainesville apartments near UF for the duration of the school term, some apartment communities offer deals to residents who sign year-long or multiple-year leases. If you love your apartment near UF and you know you'll be staying a while, this is often a good deal. If you don't want to be locked into a long lease, though, consider alternate options.
Move-in specials can be a nice bonus if you know exactly what you're getting. Asking questions and taking note of the answers can save you many headaches down the road.