After being employed by the Scottsdale Culinary Institue for two years as a National High School Admissions Representative, I decided to make the move from Part-Time Real Estate to full time in March of 2004.  Ever since March of 2004, I have been successfully assisting 100's students from all over the country to rent, obtain roommates, and purchase residential real estate throughout the Metro Phoenix area.  I too have a passion for cooking.  However, unlike the many successful students of SCI, I choose to leave the commercial kitchens to the real chefs, and culinarians to be.  Good luck, and I look forward to assisiting you.  Please call or email me from the site with any questions you might have about the real estate process.  Bon Appetit!

Off Campus Housing Information for The Scottsdale Culinary Institute 

"A Free Rental Locating Service”

SCI Housing Information for 2007-2008

Arizona Landlord Tenant Act 

Understand the laws that protect you and the landlords when renting in Arizona.

Apartment Community Rental 

Rents will vary greatly on depending upon the apartment style, amenities and location you choose. Maricopa County has over 3 million people and rents are average for counties this large.  

The location, age and the eligibility criteria it takes to obtain an apartment will have a huge impact on the price.

With the Scottsdale Culinary Institute is located in one of the most desirable parts of Scottsdale,  the rents in the communities surrounding the school reflect that in their price. Below is an example of the average rents that one can anticipate paying being located within 5-8 minutes of the college.

Studios/ Efficiency $645.00-$725.00
1 Bedrooms            $730.00-$925.00
2 Bedrooms            $750.00-$1400.00

*Few Scottsdale apartments include all or some utilities. This can be a great convenience, and save you money. However, due to our wonderful winter months, over the course of a year, it might be more economical to pay your utilities in addition to your rent, depending on the amount of time you anticipate being in the unit. Prices are always subject to change and will vary.

Electric $50.00 low $250.00 high (Including Heat and Air conditioning)
Water $20.00 low $50.00 high (Including sewer and trash)

To secure an apartment in Arizona;

A non-refundable administration fee of $100.00-$250.00 is required to hold an apartment for up to 30 days. Each community has different max hold days. (This fee can be applied towards your move-in cost)

Security Deposit; $100.00-$200.00 certain credit situations may cause your security deposit to increase up to one and one half month’s rent

Application fee, $10.00-$50.00 per applicant: This is non-refundable, in must cases the co-signer will need to pay an application fee in addition to the number of occupants over age 18 that will be residing in the unit.

Rent is typically due on the 1st of each month

If you move in any date other than the 1st of the month your rent should be pro-rated. Additionally, moving in near the end of the month might cause you to be required to pay for the following months rent at move-in.

Example:

If you move in on the 25th of the month, where the month has 31 days:
Rent is $800.00 per month (plus tax) 1.65% (yes the cities have a rental tax on apartments in the Greater Metro Phoenix area, and rates will vary)
$800.00 divided by 30 days = $26.67
$26.67 times 7 days left in the month = $186.69 (Please remember, that you might be required to pay for the following months rent)

$186.69 pro-rate
$3.08 Tax
_________
$189.77

When apartments have move in specials, act fast as these specials change weekly, and often times daily. We try to track all the best and new specials. Additionally, you may need to take possession of an apartment before your intended arrival date to secure some of the specials.

You will receive the same specials using our service, as if you would have done all of the searching and found the apartments on your own. So do not fear! 

*Due to a reduction in apartment inventory (Available Units) in close proximity to SCI, the number of move-in specials has decreased, and rents have been increasing.

If you are able to be more flexible in where you reside while attending SCI, you could save money living 15 to 30 minutes away.

a. Application Process

Landlords/Apartment Communities will require the following:

1. Positive Prior Rental History
2. Positive Credit History
3. Income to be 2 to 3 Times the Rental Rates (Employment in the Metro Phoenix Area)
4. Criminal Background Check

If you are lacking in any of the first 3 areas when you arrive in town (Most students are lacking..) you may be required to use a credit worthy co-signer or the apartment community may require an additional deposit up to one month’s rent. Other than having a positive criminal background, income is the most important requirement. For all of the apartments around the school, and most throughout the Metro Phoenix area, you will not be able to bypass this requirement. This is the one thing that we get challenged on every SCI start.  It doesn’t matter if you have an 800 FICO credit score or can pay the full years rent. This is one requirement you need to be prepared to handle, if you are wanting to secure an apartment.

b. Lease Agreements

Arizona is a joint and several lease state, meaning each person is equally responsible for the lease agreement. This means in a roommate situation each roommate is responsible for the full amount of rent.

Lease lengths typically run from 6 to 12 months then you can go month to month after the lease has expired. A premium will be charged on a month to month after the first lease has expired in most cases. Most apartment specials will not apply to leases shorter than 9 months. Month to month units are available but, you will pay more in rent.

c. Pets

Pets are very expensive to have in apartment communities. You need to really think this one through before you bring your pet or pets. If you have family willing to keep your pet while you are attending SCI, it will be a great savings. If they are part of your family, then plan on the additional cost. (If you try and sneak a pet into your apartment BEWARE, you could pay a hefty fee, be evicted, or both, plus pay attorney fees to resolve the issue. Don’t do it!)

Pet Deposits range from $150.00-$500.00 (non-refundable) per pet and a pet rent of $10-$45.00 a month pet rent can be added to your rental amount.

Most communities will take pets up to 25 lbs, we do have a few that will take larger pets, but breed restrictions will apply.  "Restricted" breeds will limit your housing options. This includes dogs like Dobermans, German shepherds, Pit Bulls, Boxers, etc…

d. Roommates

Students who want to share the rent and expenses can select a roommate option.

Example:

Rent on a 2 bedroom $850.00 total rent divided by two

$425.00 Per month per student
plus electric
plus furniture

*Each student is equally responsible for the full amount of the rent.

Private Rentals: Houses, Condos or Townhomes

Rents will vary greatly on style, amenities and the location you choose. Location and age can have a huge impact on the rental rates. The Scottsdale Culinary Institute is located in one of the most desirable parts of Scottsdale. However the rents on the rental homes surrounding the school are considered very fair and a good value. Below is an example of the average rents that one can anticipate paying being within 5-10 minutes of the college. The major difference in renting from private owners vs. an apartment community is the amount of deposits, which can be as high as one months rent, plus a cleaning and possible pet deposit. You could be required to fund $2000 or more at move-in.

Types of Deposits you may be required to pay:

Security Deposit: This is a refundable deposit that is returned to you after you move out your rental, minus any damage charges. You can expect to pay an amount equal to one months rent. However, higher credit risks can require additional deposits. 

Cleaning Deposit: This can be a refundable or non-refundable deposit, that will be applied towards getting the rental ready. You can expect to pay an average of $200. 

Pet Deposit: Explained later in this section. 

Earnest Deposit: Or better known as a hold deposit. Some private owners require this deposit 24-48 hours after an approval has been given. Sometimes this deposit will be required to sent in with the application. Every owner/ landlord handles this differently. This deposit if approved will be credited towards your total move in cost. If your application is not approved, the earnest deposit is refundable. You can expect to pay between $200 and an amount equal to the rental properties security deposit.

Area averages:

2 Bedroom, One Bath condo or townhouse: $675-$1400

2 Bedroom, Two Bath condo or townhouse: $750-$1400

3 Bedroom, One Bath condo or townhouse: $825-$1500

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath House: $950-$1600

3Bedroom, 2 Bath condo or townhouse: $950-$1400

a. Application Process

Landlords/ Property Management Firms will require the following:

1. Positive Prior Rental History
2. Positive Credit History
3. Income to be 2 to 3 Times the Rental Rates (Employment in the Metro Phoenix Area)
4. Criminal Background Check (Sometimes, not always) If you have criminal blemishes, this is the avenue I try and take you. However, you need to be a bit more prepared than in renting a traditional apartment. Prior felonies are extremely challenging. However, most students in this situation can be assisted. You will need to be very flexible in the location you reside. You could be 30-40 minutes from the school.

With private rentals, often times a bank statement or voluntary prepaid rent can help over come the income qualifications or lack of a job. However, it will be at the discretion of the owner/ landlord.

b. Lease Agreements

Arizona is a joint and several lease state, meaning each person is equally responsible for the lease agreement. This means in a roommate situation each roommate is responsible for the full amount of rent.

Lease lengths typically run from 6 to 12 months. Specials typically will not apply to private owner leases. However, they are appearing more often every month. Month to month units are available but, you will pay a lot more in rent. Sometimes as much as $300 to $1500 more per month.

c. Pets

Pets are very expensive to have in private rental. You need to really think this one through before you bring your pet or pets. If you have family willing to keep your pet while you are attending SCI, it will be a great savings. If they are part of your family, then plan on the additional cost. (If you try and sneak a pet into the home, BEWARE, you could pay a hefty fee, be evicted, or both, plus pay attorney fees to resolve the issue. Don’t do it!)

Pet Deposits range from $150.00-$500.00 (non-refundable or in some cases refundable)

Most owners/ landlords will take pets up to 25 lbs, some will take larger pets, but breed restrictions might apply.  "Restricted" breeds will limit your housing options. This includes dogs like Dobermans, German shepherds, Pit Bulls, etc…

d. Roommates:

Students who want to share the rent and expenses can select a roommate option. When renting a house, this is by far the most efficient means to renting, while allowing more space for all roommates.

Example:

Rent on a 2 bedroom $850.00 total rent divided by two

$425.00 Per month per student
plus electric
plus furniture

*Each student is equally responsible for the full amount of the rent.

Purchase House, Condo or Townhouse

As a Realty and Mortgage Counselor, my services include assisting students and or parents in all aspects of the purchasing of residential property.  Contact me for additional information regarding this option. After speaking with your tax professional, you might find that purchasing could be beneficial, especially for students completing the Bachelors Programs. The Metro Phoenix area is currently in a Buyers Opportunistic market. Great buys for the right person.

Pre-view Trip

It is recommended that you make a pre-view trip to find, and secure, an apartment/ private rental before you arrive in Scottsdale to start school. Don't worry, if you don't have the finances or the time for a preview trip, you can rent an apartment/ or private rental sight unseen. I can mail, fax, or (Best Option) e-mail you pricing & floor plans and pictures to help you make your decision.

It will normally take 2-5 working days to get approved and moved into an apartment or private rental. If you do arrive in Scottsdale without housing, budget a few days in a hotel ($60/ day in the summer months and $125/ day in the winter months), and set a tour date with me as soon as possible.

Tours are free of charge. I work for you and are paid by the apartment community or the private owner, so there is never a fee to you. I will set up a tour date, pick you up at school or your hotel and visit the apartments or rental properties that meet your needs.

Please contact us as soon as you have booked your trip.

Mailing Address:

PO Box 2503

Gilbert, AZ 85233