Touring student apartments near Texas A&M is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for. Between lease terms, utilities, parking and policies, it’s easy to miss details that can impact your experience and your budget later on.
Finding the right student apartment comes down to asking the right questions before you sign. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 15 important questions to ask when touring a student apartment in College Station, so you can feel confident you’re choosing a place that truly fits your needs.
Read Next: What Types of Housing Are Available for Texas A&M Students?
1. What are the specific lease terms?
Lease agreements can be long and full of details that are easy to overlook. This includes the start and end dates, lease length and move-in schedule. You may also want to ask about common leasing terms that don’t immediately come to mind. Things to look for include:
- Quiet hours
- Rules for putting holes in walls
- Subleasing policy
- Pet policy
- Late fee policy
- Parking accommodations
- Additional expenses
2. What is included in my monthly rental rate?
It’s important to know exactly what your rent covers. Some apartments include utilities or Wi-Fi in your rate, while others bill utilities separately.
Here’s what to ask about:
- Utilities: Typically, utilities will be a separate charge, but some apartments include it in their monthly rental rate.
- Internet: Internet is commonly factored into monthly rental rates, but sometimes it is paid for by the tenant at student housing apartments.
- Cable: Most student housing in College Station includes cable in your monthly rental rate.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is typically included in the monthly rental rate at most student housing complexes, but not always in traditional apartments.
- Trash service: Student housing usually includes trash services, but sometimes at an additional cost, so be sure to clarify with your apartment complex.
Read Next: What is Generally Included in Student Apartment Rent Near College Station?
3. How much do utilities cost?
When choosing a student housing apartment, it’s important to find which utilities are included in your rent and which ones you pay for separately. This will help you budget more accurately for your monthly living expenses. If the leasing team doesn’t have an exact number, contact the local utility provider for a ballpark estimate.
4. How do you handle subletting?
If you need to leave for a few months — could be for an internship or wanting to go home for the summer — you may be wondering what to do with your apartment. You might not want to break your lease, but you also don’t want to pay for a place you won’t be living in.
The easiest solution is to sublet your apartment. Subletting allows you to rent out of your apartment to someone else while you’re gone. This can be a great way to save money and cover your utilities.
Some communities require management approval or charge a small fee. Make sure to clarify this before signing so you’re not stuck paying rent for months you won’t be there.
Read Next: 7 Steps to Sublet Your College Station Apartment
5. What happens if I need to break my lease?
Life happens – maybe you’re graduating early, transferring schools or studying abroad. It’s best to know upfront what your options are if you need to break your lease.
There are many different ways it could go. You may have to pay a fee for breaking your lease, plus find a replacement. Sometimes, there is no fee, but you have to find a replacement nonetheless. Other apartment complexes require a fee, but you don’t have to find a replacement. Since policies can vary by apartment, be sure to ask your lease staff what their policy is.
If you are already anticipating life changes, like studying abroad or graduating early, signing a year-long lease might not be the right choice for you. Ask the leasing team about their early termination policy so you understand your responsibilities.
6. Are pets allowed? What is your pet policy?
Before signing a lease, ask about the building’s pet policy. This includes whether pets are allowed, pet deposits, pet rent and breed restrictions.
Here’s a breakdown of each point:
- Pet policy: Some buildings don’t allow pets at all, so it’s important to ask first.
- Pet deposits: Most buildings charge a one-time pet deposit to cover any potential damages caused by your pet.
- Pet rent: Some buildings could charge a monthly pet rent fee.
- Breed restrictions: Some buildings have restrictions on the breeds or types of pets allowed.
7. Do you require renter’s insurance?
Renter’s insurance is an important factor to consider when on your apartment search. It protects your belongings from fire, theft or water damage. Many apartments require tenants to show proof of coverage before move-in.
While renters insurance is always a good idea to have, some apartments require it. Additionally, some apartments may offer their own rental insurance for a small fee. This could be optional or required, depending on the apartment. When you’re touring, you’ll want to ask whether or not the apartment requires rental insurance and if they offer their own plan or not.
8. How do I pay rent?
Management companies usually offer several different options to pay rent, including online, auto-pay and check. Auto-pay is the best option for college students because you avoid late fees and you can have peace of mind. No matter what you pick, make sure you know where your payment should go, who it’s addressed to and when it needs to arrive.
9. How are repairs handled?
Even though everything should be in good condition when you tour an apartment and move-in, it is important to ask about the maintenance procedures. Finding out how emergency repairs are handled, if there is 24/7 maintenance and what their average response time is will help you gain a better understanding of the apartment. Knowing this information upfront will give you peace of mind about any future emergencies.
10. How secure is the property?
It is important to understand what security exists in your potential new home. Ask your tour guide to cover the building’s security features. You will want to know both the internal and external security measures.
Security measures in complex may include:
- Key fob or card access
- 24-hour on-site security
- Controlled entry points
- Deadbolt locks or individual bedroom locks
If there’s a parking garage, ask how residents enter the building from the garage and whether it’s gated or monitored.
11. How often does rent increase and by how much?
It is common for Texas A&M student housing to increase rent each year upon renewal of the lease. If you’re planning to stay more than one year, it’s smart to ask about annual rent increases. Some properties raise rent slightly upon renewal, while others offer renewal incentives or keep rates stable. Ask what’s typical so you can plan ahead for next year’s budget.
12. Is parking available and how much does it cost?
Parking is a top priority for students who bring a car with them to College Station. Ask about on-site parking options, monthly parking fees and whether spaces are covered or assigned.
At student apartments, parking sports are typically an additional charge, so be sure to ask about any costs associated with parking.
13. Do you have roommate matching?
Looking to find a roommate? If you have decided that you want a roommate, but aren’t sure how to find them, you’re in luck. Lots of Texas A&M housing offers roommate matching. Fill out a quick survey provided by the student housing complex and get paired with your ideal roommate match. If this is something that interests you, be sure to ask if the apartment offers it on the tour.
14. What expenses are due upon application, lease signing and move-in?
Before committing, find out exactly what payments are due and when. This typically includes:
- Application Fee: An application fee is generally a non-refundable, one-time fee that covers the costs of a background check to approve your application, including the screening of a guarantor.
- Admin Fee: An admin fee is generally a non-refundable, one-time service for administration, billing, bill auditing, overhead and similar expenses and is charged to be incurred by the apartment complex throughout your lease.
- Security Deposit: A security deposit is typically refundable and will be returned at the end of your lease term so long as there is no damage to the apartment beyond typical wear.
15. Do I need a guarantor?
If you are a full-time student who does not work or only works part time, you will likely need a guarantor. A guarantor is someone who co-signs a lease with you and is responsible for payments you cannot make. Some College Station landlords do not accept tenants who are undergraduate students unless those tenants have a guarantor, so be sure to clarify if you need one and how co-signing works.
Touring student apartments is one of the most important steps in finding the right off-campus housing near Texas A&M. Asking the right questions upfront can help you avoid surprises, compare your options more easily, and choose an apartment that fits your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re continuing your housing search in College Station and want help along the way, reach out to the leasing team at The Jay. We’re happy to answer questions, share pricing details or help you schedule a tour when you’re ready.
Audrey
Audrey is a Property Marketing Intern for The Jay. She's a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Communications. Her favorite drink to order is an iced matcha latte with lavender syrup!
Published On: April 15, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026
