Ask how the service is paid
- Will I owe a fee, and under what conditions? Ask for the answer and any service agreement in writing.
- Who else may compensate the agent or firm, and could the amount vary by property?
- Which apartments, condos, houses, co-ops and university options does the search include or exclude?
- Will I receive the same advertised offer directly, and what written conditions attach to a claimed discount or incentive?
A service described as free still deserves clear answers about compensation and coverage. Do not assume a shortlist includes every suitable home.
Verify who you are working with
Compensated apartment locating requires a real estate license, according to TREC’s apartment-locator licensing guidance. Ask for the agent’s full name, brokerage, license details and a clear explanation of whom they represent. Use official channels to verify those details. Read any representation agreement before signing it, including fees, duration and termination terms.
Ask what the person will actually do: prepare options, arrange tours, help with the application or explain paperwork. If a clause needs legal interpretation, seek appropriate legal help. An agent’s summary is not a replacement for your signed lease.
TREC’s consumer questions cover representation and licensing; guidance checked November 2, 2026.
Bring your own comparison questions
Scroll across for every column.
| Decision | Information to supply or request |
|---|---|
| Your stay | Required nights, move-in date, lease end and any internship or semester abroad. |
| Your budget | Total recurring budget, upfront cash available and guarantor or screening constraints. |
| Your room | Private or shared bedroom, bathroom, furniture, pets and essential accessible features. |
| Your week | Class-building destinations, transport, work, groceries and late-night return. |
| The offer | Exact room, year, payment count, fees, written special and source date. |
Ask why each recommended property fits these requirements and which alternatives were excluded. Compare the resulting written offers on the same basis.
Use independent research alongside the service
Groundwork provides sourced housing research and comparison pages. It does not arrange tours, act as your leasing agent or approve an application.
Sources and further checks
Official resources and original access dates
- UT apartment comparison worksheet · checked 2026-10-22
- UT lease review and rental scam checklist · checked 2026-10-22
Confirm your room, lease year and current offer with the operator.