Housing
General Housing Guidelines
It is possible to book
housing prior to arrival, and this is recommended if you find something you
think you like. However, keep in mind that housing contracts are binding and if
you arrive and find the housing option unsuitable, you may not be able to move
without paying high fees.
Some international scholars
wait until after they arrive in Winston-Salem to make a housing commitment.
This allows for the opportunity to find housing that is suitable for personal
wants and needs. If you will be using this method to find housing, you will
probably need to plan to stay in a local hotel for two to three days. This will
give you time to look at several different properties, as well as give the
complex time to prepare and clean the apartment prior to your move-in date.
Find Housing Options
Temporary Housing
Contact Corporate Accommodations for temporary housing arrangements with local apartment complexes: 336-299-1312.
Long-Term Housing
For information on rental
housing including local apartment complexes, visit Housing Resources.
Please keep the following in
mind when looking for an apartment and and/or signing a lease:
- A contract is a legally
binding agreement between you and the owner/management. Once you sign a
contract and take possession of the apartment, you are bound by the rules of
that contract. If you decide to move prior to the end date listed on the
contract, you will most likely have to pay a large fine and forfeit your
deposit.
- Most apartment contracts are
for a 12-month period. On occasion a complex will allow you to sign a lease for
five or six months.
- Most apartment complexes
require a deposit. The amount of the deposit is often equal to one month’s rent.
- Most apartments in
Winston-Salem are unfurnished, and you will be responsible for furnishing the
apartment.
- Your personal safety should
be your highest priority in looking for an apartment. If you have doubts about
the overall safety of a certain property, please consult with the Office of
International Services prior to signing a lease.
- When you look at an
apartment, make sure that you ask the management about any rent specials that
they might have. Many local complexes run specials throughout the year. Even if
the complex doesn't have any advertised specials, a discount might be available
If you ask.
- Most apartments charge extra
rent and/or deposit money for pets.
- You should not hesitate to
call the apartment's management office if you have a problem with your
apartment, such as noisy neighbors, leaky faucet, etc.
- If you damage the apartment
or leave it in a dirty condition when you move out, you will be charged a
repair/cleaning fee.