Boston Colleges and Universities Closing Dormitories Due to Coronavirus

According to the World Health Organization, the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak is now a pandemic. As of this writing, the following Boston area universities are in the process of requiring students to vacate dormitories:

• Berklee College of Music
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Brandeis University
• Bunker Hill Community College
• Emerson College
• Fisher College
• Harvard University
• MCPHS
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• Suffolk University
• Tufts University
• UMASS, including UMASS Boston
• Wentworth Institute of Technology

Other schools, colleges, and universities are evaluating the situation and might be closing residence halls in the near future. As a result, there are now thousands of people from these schools needing to rent an apartment. Many of these people are in a panic trying to find a place to live. Though the coronavirus situation is serious, it is not hopeless. The staff of Boston Pads knows how to navigate through a crisis.

Usually the task of renting an apartment is daunting and takes time to complete. With the sudden closures of campuses and residence halls, you have less time than usual to find a place to live. If you are one of the people affected by the coronavirus closures, rest assured that nobody knows Boston better than the experienced agents at Boston Pads. We can help you find an apartment quickly.

Displaced by Coronavirus Closures? How to Rent an Apartment in Boston in One Day:

First and foremost, be prepared. Having the necessary materials on hand can expedite your transition. Landlords within and outside the city of Boston usually require the following to take a property off market:

1. Application
2. Valid ID/Driver’s License/Passport
3. First month’s rent (If you are moving in mid-month, the rent will be prorated accordingly.)
4. Co-signer (This will apply if you are a student or do not have sufficient credit or a history of renting.)
5. Last month’s rent (if applicable)
6. Security deposit (if applicable)

Since the coronavirus emergency is occurring now, have all of the above items organized and ready to go. You will need to fill out all forms immediately. Most landlords and property managers will accept all of the forms executed with an e-signature; this will also help expedite the process. Make sure your agent has the ability to send all forms via a secure e-signature platform. There are different ways to handle the money transfer to secure your move-in date. You can wire required deposits to the real estate firm, obtain certified funds, or cash from the bank.

Within hours, if all of the necessary requirements are prepared ahead of time, you should be able to view properties, complete necessary forms, and transfer deposits to complete the approval process. Landlords with vacant properties at this time of year are eager to have their properties rented. Therefore, they are usually flexible and ready to negotiate.

If you are unable to view the properties in person due to the time constraints, don’t worry. The agents at Boston Pad can show apartments via video, virtual, or 3D tours. Of course, there are additional disclosures required when renting an apartment sight unseen (aka not an in-person viewing). For people unable to tour, these alternatives are still valid options.

Variations in Lease Options

The city of Boston is thriving and there are many people in various stages of their living arrangements. People could have temporary work assignments or students might have different class schedule requirements. Do not be concerned with different lease options.

An apartment might be available now but rented for 6/1/20. In this situation, the landlord has already signed a lease with someone who wants to move in on 6/1/20. This means that you as a tenant would be on a short-term lease from now until 5/31/20.  Many people who have been displaced from their dormitories only need the apartment until the end of the semester. If you are one of these people, this short-term lease would actually be beneficial.

The landlord might be offering a long-term lease until 8/31/20 or 2021. This means that the landlord is trying to get her/his apartment on a popular leasing cycle. In a situation such as this, make sure you ask if the landlord will allow subletting. If subletting is permissible, go ahead and sign the lease until August 31, 2020.   Even if you cannot stay for the duration of the lease, take the apartment. Right now, your housing needs are urgent; when you need to move, Boston Pads will be there to help you sublet the apartment. Boston Pads can help you find a tenant that will meet the approval of your landlord.

With a Little Help From Your Friends…

All of the people in your dormitory are in the same boat. The waters will not be as turbulent if you share the rowing with someone else. Money might be very tight for you and your friends. You budgeted for a dormitory room and now suddenly you need an apartment. Many schools have switched to remote learning. Find someone who has the same study habits as you do so you can both successfully finish the semester. Try to think of this as a new adventure in this amazing city.

Be aware that unscrupulous people try to take advantage of emergencies. Quickly renting an apartment without professional help can be risky. Agents in the Boston Pads family know both the heart and pulse of Boston. For fifteen straight years, Boston Pads has been number one apartment leasing agency in Boston. We understand every step in the processes of renting an apartment, so you can be confident that every transaction is seamless and painless from start to finish. Boston has seen worse crises and has landed on top. We know that this is a difficult time for you and we are here to help.

View Boston apartments or call (617) 208 2121 for immediate assistance.