After all the anexiety and angst about school acceptances and funding is over, my new source of anexiety is housing. I am starting in the summer so I am already very very late for reasons beyond my control.
So fellow internationals, please help me make a decision
I am torn between 2 places, both close to school (No commute or driving required)
The first is very expensive (950$), very small BR in a 2BR/2BA appartment but the building is huge, new, clean, well run, 24 h consierge and security, and the rent includes everything( utilities, cable, 42" screen, equipped kitchen, washer dryer, internet, Gym,..). Current tenants complain a lot and are dissatisfied with the administration but all their complaints are actually not fundemental IMO ( slow internet, sometimes maintance is a bit delayed, having to renew lease well in advance, Gym always busy, ambulance noise at night- it is next to one of the largest medical centres in the world-, strict policy for rent delays,...etc.) And I love the sense of community that it provides since all residents are professional/grad students. The best thing is that there is a reliable trusted owner company that I can pay online and be confident that it is no scam and have the place ready to move in as soon as I arrive. Lease for a year
On the other hand, the other place is a large bedroom with a private BR in a 3 BR house ( 2 female grad students at same school) with a finished basement, back porch ( with a grill), furnished living area, private entrance with security system, cable, internet, washer/dryer and 3 minutes from school. Rent is 600$ not including utilities. A little bit further but still quite close. Available a week after I move to the city. Lease for a year or 2
I am on a very tight budget ( the stipend will be probably between 1200-1300 $, and all my savings dropped 25 % in value ( since the turmoil in my country had a disasterous effect on the exchange rates )
It seems a no brainer that the second place is the better option. But since I am going to rent this place without seeing it, I am afraid that it might not be as it seems or that I can fall a victim of a scam or something and end up homeless at a strange city- ok a bit dramatic but still possible, right? .
I have lived temporarily in the states before but then I had a relative near by who rented this amazing place on my behalf. What was surprising, was seeing that most of the places I considered great, on craigslist for example while initialy looking, where horrible choices.
So the question after this incridibly long post, is how can I make sure that this place is authentic and as good as it sounds?
What questions should I ask? How can I pay a deposit ? Sign the lease?.. Especially since I cannot be there earlier.
Will be grateful for any advice you can spare.