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FAQs for Students
FAQs for Property Managers
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What are the benefits of using this site to find a place to live?
This database is the most up-to-date listing of rental properties
available near
University of West Florida.
Local property managers add and update their listings daily to reach renters
like you - undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff. You can use
our site to generate a custom list of properties that meet your
specific criteria for location, price, number of bedrooms, and other
amenities. From that list, you can browse the listings in a list or on a map, view pictures
of the properties, and read detailed descriptions to compare properties.
Once you narrow your search to a few properties in which you are interested, you can e-mail the property managers directly to set up an appointment
or to ask questions.
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How do I find a place to live using this site?
Once you have logged into the site, finding a list of available
places to live is a simple, three-step process:
- Click on "Rental Properties" on the top navigation
bar on the home page.
- Select the property features you are looking for (e.g., location,
distance from
campus,
washer/dryer) and click on the "Search"
button. Tip: Enter only the "must have" features
in order to get the maximum search results and ensure you do not
miss out on a great place.
- Review your results, and click on properties that interest
you to get more information. You can switch between a list and map view using the buttons at the top of the search results. Tip: You can sort your results
a variety of ways by clicking on the column headings.
To begin searching for a place to live now, click
here.
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How do I find a sublet?
The database includes properties available for sublet. Simply select the Listing Type
"Sublet" as one of your search criteria on the search
page. To begin searching for a sublet now, click
here.
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How do I sublet my property?
Students are allowed
one property listing per school year at a reduced rate to be used exclusively for listing sublets.
To take advantage of this feature,
you must modify your account profile as follows:
- Log in to the site using your username and password.
- Click on "Edit Your Profile," which appears directly
under the "Welcome" message on the upper left portion
of your screen.
- Click on the "Yes" button at the top of the page in
response to the question, "Would you like to
add 1
listing to the database for $ 25?,"
and click on the "Update" button.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings" in the top navigation bar
to pay for your student subscription and add your listing. Follow
the on-screen instructions to pay for your listing. For specific
instructions on adding a listing, click here.
To edit your account profile now if you are already logged in,
click
here.
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What are the message boards and how can I use
them to find a roommate and buy/sell furnishings?
Our message boards are designed to connect members of the
University of West Florida off-campus
community who have similar needs. We have message boards
for roommates, furnishings to buy/sell, and other topics of interest.
You can use the message boards in two ways: (1) to post announcements
for others to reply to, and (2) to search for and view other people's
postings and reply to those that interest you.
To post a message:
- Click on "Message Boards" in the top navigation bar
on the home page.
- Click on the appropriate message board from the Board Topic
column.
- Click on "Add a Post."
- Fill in the form with your contact information, the date the
post should be deleted, a short subject line, and the full text
of your posting. Click on the "Add Post" button to post
your listing.
To view the messages related to a particular topic:
- Click on "Message Boards" in the top navigation bar
on the home page.
- Click on the appropriate message board from the Board Topic
column.
- Review the Posting Subjects, and click on any subject to view
the complete message.
To search for messages containing certain words or phrases:
- Click on "Message Boards" in the top navigation bar
on the home page.
- Type the word or phrase you want to search for in the Search
field and click on the "Search" button.
- Review the Search Results, and click on any subject to view
the complete message.
To reply to a message:
- Click on the Subject of the message that you want to reply
to.
- To reply by email, type your reply in the Message box and click on the "Send Response" button. To reply by phone,
call the number listed in the "Phone" field (if provided by the individual who posted the message).
To begin using the message boards, click
here.
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What should I do to avoid housing scams?
Internet scams are common; Always use caution when using this, or any, website! The best way to avoid scams is to use your common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam!
Scams can cost you money and time. Look for the following signs which may indicate a scam:
- If the property manager renting the property says he or she is out of the country and needs the money wired before meeting in person, refrain from doing business with him or her.
- When dealing with a potential roommate or person who is subleasing your space,
- Be cautious of potential sublessees or roommates who express a desire to rent your property sight-unseen.
- Never issue refunds for over-payment on security deposits, first month's rent, or utilities until you are certain the check or money order you received has cleared. (International checks and money orders take longer to clear than domestic.)
- If at all possible, visit the property to inspect it in person before you sign the lease. What you see in person may be different than the pictures you view online. Verify the location and the condition of the property in person. Always fully investigate the location and its upkeep.
- Always get a written lease and the keys when you make the first payment.
- Don't pay before receiving confirmation of the rent amount.
- Meet the property manager in person before giving any payment. If the property manager is serious about renting the apartment,
he will make the effort to show interested renters the property personally or via a licensed agent/management company.
- Verify identity and residence of the property manager with proof of identification.
A lease is a legal document that you are formally bound to after signing. Be sure to do the following before signing a lease:
- Read over the entire document.
- Ask questions about clauses and terms you don't understand.
- Any changes or additions agreed upon with the property manager should be documented and initialed in the lease before signing.
- Make sure all parties involved sign the lease.
- Date the lease and make copies for your records.
If you suspect Internet fraud, contact your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
For more information on this and other types of Internet fraud, please visit www.ftc.gov.
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Why should I list my property in the
University of West Florida off-campus
housing database?
This database is the most effective way to rent properties to students,
faculty, and staff in and around
University of West Florida.
-
Most effective use of your advertising dollar
This database was designed specifically to meet the needs of the
off-campus
housing market
at University of West Florida.
The database is
a part of the University's official website and is the only online
off-campus
housing service fully endorsed by
the University. In addition, we
promote the site directly to the
university community through flyers, advertisements in the student
newspaper, inclusion in search engines, and direct marketing/giveaways.
Our site is promoted in housing brochures to incoming students
(undergraduate, graduate, and transfer), and is referenced by many web pages on the University's server.
The site is more targeted
and localized than national real estate web sites, is more accessible,
and
is a better value
than classified advertising.
- Saves you time while generating qualified leads
Through our service, potential renters can get a complete profile
of a property, including amenities, location, directions, and
even the "look and feel" of the property based on pictures
and floor plans. They can even e-mail you directly through the
site to ask questions or schedule appointments to view a property.
This saves you valuable time by providing a single answer to frequently
asked questions and enabling you to answer e-mails when it is
convenient. When you do set up an appointment with someone who
has used the housing database to find you, you can be confident
that you are dealing with a qualified lead who has determined
that the property meets his/her basic criteria and is seriously
interested in the property.
- Makes re-renting properties painless
Once you have entered a property into this database, it is easy
to re-list your property each year. We keep your property listing
in our database even when it is not actively included in our property
search engine. When you are ready to re-rent your property, you
can simply edit any items that have changed (e.g., price, new
amenities) and activate the property again.
But don't just take our word for it. Here is what other property
owners/managers have said about this service:
"Just a note of thanks for your service. Not only did I
get multiple contacts from the listing on the site, [but] all
were high quality and qualified applicants. Both units were rented
as a result of your site."
"
I'm sending a check today.
Thanks, we were all rented thanks
to this site."
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How do I sign up to list my property on this
site?
You must sign up for a subscription to our listing service
to post your property on this site. Your subscription includes
property listings with up to three pictures or images, the ability
to edit, activate/deactivate, and manage your own property listings,
and reliable customer support. The cost of an annual subscription
is based on the size of your
off-campus
housing property management
business. For specific pricing information from a member of our
sales staff, click
here.
The quickest way to get started is to sign up for your subscription
online. Simply register for an account, pay by credit card, add
your listing, and your property can appear on the site today. To
subscribe online, click
here. If you would prefer to have a member or our sales staff
sign you up, click
here.
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How does this service compare to classified
advertising in the local or student newspapers?
- More informative listings
The most obvious difference between classified ads and our service
is the pictures and maps! Our service allows you to post up to
three pictures per property, which can include exterior, interior,
and floor plans. In addition, potential renters can access a map
with your property's location in relation to
campus
directly from your listing,
which makes it easier for them to find you and saves you wasted
time giving directions. Aside from offering pictures and maps,
our database knows what information students are looking for and
allows the users to convey all the pertinent information to students
in an easy-to-follow format. Students will already have most of
their questions answered just from viewing the listing.
- 24x7 Access
Students have busy schedules and often conduct their housing search
outside of regular business hours as a break from late-night studying.
Students also tend to perform their searches on weekends, when
most student newspapers are not published and may not be conveniently
accessible. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Targeted audience
Why use mass-market advertising when you can list your property
in a medium specifically targeted at people looking for
off-campus
housing? The visitors to the database are looking for vacancies
in and around the university community, and we devote all of our
efforts into marketing to this targeted group.
- Superior Value
Most classifieds charge on a daily basis and add on extra charges
for excess words used.
We charge on an annual basis allowing you
to add as much information as you need with a fixed cost for the
year.
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How does this service compare to advertising
on other real estate websites?
- Customized for the University of West Florida
off-campus
community
From our customized search fields to our student-friendly design,
this site is designed to serve the student, faculty, and staff
rental market at University of West Florida.
- Experience in the local rental market
We have worked closely with many of the local property managers
in the area. Through the feedback we have received, we have improved
and continually will improve our services to meet the needs of
the renters in the university area. If you have any comments or
proposed improvements feel free to contact
us.
- Direct marketing to the University of West Florida
population
No other real estate website markets to the University of West Florida
student, faculty, and staff population as frequently or effectively
as we do. Our staff understands the rental search process intimately.
We know the university locations students visit most, and know
the most effective times to promote to them. Our staff actively
promotes the service through flyers, giveaways, and word-of-mouth
marketing.
Aside from our community connection, our service is
the University's official Off-Campus housing service, and is
embedded within the University's website. The University also promotes
the site in informational packets distributed to incoming undergraduate,
graduate, and transfer students.
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How do I create a listing for my property?
To add a listing to our database:
- Log in to the site using your user name and password.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings," located in the top navigation
bar on the home page.
- Submit your property listing:
- Click on "Add Listing."
- Complete the listing & property information form. Click on the "Review Listing" button.
- Review your entry and click on the "Finish &
Add Listing" button.
Your property will appear on the site immediately. To begin adding
a listing, click
here.
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How many listings should I create for my property?
Each listing in our database represents a unique combination of
three items: (1) floor plan, (2) address, and (3) date available.
You should create a separate listing for each unique combination
of these three items that you have at your property. For example,
a single-location 200-unit apartment complex with 1 floor plan and
leases that all begin August 15 would only require one listing.
If the same apartment complex had two floor plans (100 units 1 BR/1BA,
100 units 2BR/2BA), the property manager would create 2 listings
for the property.
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How do I submit pictures and floor plans?
You can submit digital picture and floor plan files directly onto
the site from your disk or hard drive if they are in JPEG, PNG or GIF
file formats (the file name ends in ".jpeg", ".jpg", ".png",
or ".gif"). For best results should be horizontally-oriented (rather than
a vertical image). Refer to the user manual for your digital camera
or photo editing software for assistance if you need to manipulate the orientation of your image(s).
If you do not have a
digital picture or floor plan, and would like us to help you obtain
either one, contact
us.
To add a picture or floor plan once you have an electronic file:
- Log in to the site using your user name and password.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings," located in the top navigation
bar on the home page.
- Click on "Add Listing" to enter a new listing or click
on "Edit Listing" beside the property listing to which
you are attaching the picture.
- Add the picture(s) to the listing.
- Scroll down to the "Pictures & Floor Plans" section near
the bottom of the form.
- Click on the "Browse" button. Locate the featured
image that will appear first in your listing by finding it
in the "Choose file" window and
clicking the "Open" button.
- Type the name that will appear beneath the image in the
"Image Title" field (optional).
- Repeat this process to add up to two additional images
in the "Additional Images" section.
- Click the "Review Listing" button and review your
listing information to ensure it is correct. Note: If you need
to edit your listing,
you MUST load your image files again because they will not be
stored in the database yet.
- Click the "Finish & Add Listing" button. Your images will
now appear as part of your listing.
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How do I change or delete a picture
or floor plan that is included in my listing?
If you wish to replace an image in a listing that already contains
another image, you can simply overwrite the existing picture with
a new picture. To replace a picture, follow the same steps for adding
a picture outlined above in the FAQ: "How do I submit pictures
and floor plans?".
To delete a picture from a listing:
- Log in to the site using your user name and password.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings," located in the top navigation
bar on the home page.
- Click on the address of the property listing from which you
want to delete the picture in the "Address" column.
- Locate the image you want to delete by scrolling to the bottom
of the page. Click on "Delete this Picture" beneath
the image you want to
delete. The image will be deleted from the listing.
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How do I edit the information in my listing?
You may edit your property listings as many times as you wish. To
edit your listing:
- Log in to the site using your user name and password.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings," located in the top navigation
bar on the home page.
- Edit your property listing:
- Find the address of the property listing you wish to edit
on the Property Administration page.
- Click "Edit" to the right of the address of the
property listing you wish to edit.
- Change the listing information as desired and click on the
"Review Listing" button. Tip: The pictures and images
in your listing will not be affected by any text changes so
you do not need to submit anything in the images section unless
you are replacing them with new images.
- Review your changes and click on the "Save"
button.
Your changes will appear on the site immediately. To begin the
process now, click
here.
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How do I edit or remove the location of my listing on the map?
By default, we display your listing on a map in relation to the
campus
.
If your listing is not showing up correctly, of if you would like to hide it from appearing on the map, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to the site using your user name and password.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings," located in the top navigation bar on the home page.
- Edit your property listing:
- Find the address of the property listing you wish to edit on the Property Administration page.
- Click "Edit" to the right of the address of the property listing you wish to edit.
- If you want to hide your listing on the map, uncheck the box next to the line which reads "Allow searchers to see my listing on the search results map."
- If your listing location on the map is not correct, check to make sure you enetered the correct listing address in "Property Address." You can click the "Test Map Location" button to see if the new address appears correctly. If the property address is correct but the map will not display correctly, enter a nearby location in the Alternate Address field. You can try entering a nearby intersection, city, state, zip. Click "Test Map Location" to see if the new information is adequate for display on the map. Note: People viewing your listing are not able to see the address you enter in the Alternate Address field.
What actions can I perform from the Property
Manager Administration page?
- Delete: Allows you to erase a listing from the database. You
should only select this option when you no longer own a property.
- Edit: Allows you to edit the information you previously entered
into the property listing (e.g., price, amenities, description).
- Turn Listing On/Off: Allows you to make the listing available/unavailable
to renters who are searching for a property. Use this feature
to "unlist" a property that rents before the date you
specified that the property should deactivate from the database.
The database will retain all of the property information so you
can quickly re-list the property the next time it becomes available
for rent.
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What do I do when my property has been rented?
Once a property has been rented you should deactivate your listing
so you no longer receive calls and e-mails inquiring about the property.
To deactivate a listing:
- Log in to the site using your user name and password.
- Click on "Add/Edit Listings," located in the top navigation
bar on the home page.
- Click on "Listing is ON; Click to turn OFF" to the right of the address
of the property listing you wish to deactivate.
Your property listing will no longer appear in the "live"
portion of our searchable database, but your data will be stored
to make it easy for you to re-list the property the next time it
is available.
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What should I do to avoid housing scams?
Many students, faculty and staff use the Off-Campus website to find their housing each year. A handful of people attempt to take advantage of property managers through various scam attempts. Don't be fooled! Scams can cost you time and money! Use your common sense when dealing with potential renters. Follow these guidelines and you'll be well on your way to recognizing a scam when you see it:
- Use caution when accepting cashier's checks or money orders. Your bank may hold you responsible for fakes.
- Never issue refunds for over-payment on security deposits, first month's rent, or utilities until you are certain the payment you received has cleared. (International checks and money orders take longer to clear than domestic.)
- Never wire funds. Period. Anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
- Never share financial information such as your social security number, credit card, login information, etc.
- Be cautious of potential renters who offer to rent your property sight-unseen. While many legitimate renters cannot view your property before they sign a lease (e.g., out-of-state or international students/faculty), you should use extreme caution with long distance transactions.
If you suspect Internet fraud, contact your local police department and the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
For more information on this and other types of Internet fraud, please visit www.ftc.gov.
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What if I forget my password?
We will send you instructions for resetting your password and determining
your user ID to the e-mail address that is associated with your
account. If you have forgotten your password or user ID, click
here.
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What if I have a different question?
Our Customer Support team is specially trained to answer your questions.
Send us an e-mail and we will reply promptly. Contact
Customer Support.
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