University of Hawaii
Guide to Living Off Campus
Updated July 2005
Security deposit
APPLYING FOR A RENTAL UNIT
Once you have found the accommodation you want, you will probably be asked to fill out an application for rental. Often there is a minimal application fee of $10 to $25 to cover the cost of processing your application and to run a credit check.
You will also be asked about your past residence, employment, credit references, and bank/credit accounts. The application will be processed quicker if you have with you the names, addresses, and phone numbers of past employers and former landlords. You should also know the name and location of any bank where you have accounts and the account numbers. If you have any credit cards or have had a loan previously, then that information will also be helpful. You should also have name, address, and phone number of an individual, i.e. relative, that the landlord might be able to contact in the event of an emergency.
Some landlords refuse to rent to students because they have no employment. However, some will accept a notarized letter from your parents agreeing to be responsible for the rent.
Hawaii Law does not allow for discrimination in renting. If you believe you have been subject to discrimination because of national origin, ancestry, age, race, color, familial status, marital status, HIV infection, disability, religion or sex, in the rental of a dwelling, contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i at (808) 527-8024. For more information about your rights as a tenant please see the section for Landlord Tenant Guidelines and Fair Housing.
Security Deposit
When approved for a rental, you will be asked to put down a security deposit. It is usually equal to, but can never surpass the amount of one month's rent, and it is held by the landlord to insure that you will fulfill the terms of your lease and will leave the apartment in good condition. Before paying the deposit, ask when it is refundable and under what condition. Be sure the lease specifies how and when you get your deposit back. By law, you should get your deposit back within 14 days after you have officially left the rental unit. Your deposit must accompany a written itemized bill, if you will not be receiving your entire security deposit.
TOC
<< Planning and Organizing Your Search
The Lease >>