Off-Campus Housing in Williamsburg, VA: What You Need to Know

New to renting or new to renting in Virginia?

This guide is designed for students looking for off-campus housing near the College of William & Mary—especially those renting for the first time.

Why Choose King & Queen Apartments?

If you’re looking for a quiet, renovated, and convenient apartment next door to campus and close to restaurants, delis, and bars—King & Queen Apartments is the ideal place for you. Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students alike.

🔍 1. Know Your Rights as a Resident

Our leases comply with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a resident.

📌 Key Points:

VRLTA applies to most apartment complexes (like ours).
It does not apply to dorms, Greek housing, or some single-family homes.
You should never sign a lease that waives your rights under the VRLTA.

📚 Helpful Resources:

💡 Note: Landlords in Virginia are not required to accept student residents. Many students will need a guarantor—typically a parent—who co-signs and takes financial responsibility if needed.

📝 2. Applications, Fees & Deposits

To apply:

Submit a completed rental application
Pay a non-refundable application fee
Pay an application deposit (becomes your security deposit upon lease signing)

Each applicant must apply separately. If needed, your guarantor must also apply and meet financial criteria.

Joint lease? Guarantors are responsible for all residents under the lease—not just their associated student.

✍️ 3. Signing Your Lease

In Virginia, your lease is a legally binding contract.
By signing, you confirm that you:

Read the lease
Understand it
Agree to its terms (even if you didn’t read it carefully)

📌 Tip: Don’t sign anything you don’t understand—ask for clarification!

Once signed:

Your application deposit becomes the security deposit
VRLTA allows deposits up to two months’ rent

🏡 4. Moving In

Complete a move-in inspection within 5 days of receiving your keys.
✔ Document the apartment’s condition
✔ Submit your completed report to management
✔ Keep a copy for your records

If anything seems off, request a walkthrough with management to reach a mutual agreement.

🎉 5. Living in Your Apartment

Respect your neighbors’ quiet enjoyment. If a problem arises:

Start with a friendly conversation
If that’s not safe or effective, contact the police and report it to management in writing

📌 Noise Violations can lead to lease violations and fines under the City of Williamsburg Noise Ordinance.

🔐 6. Renters Insurance (Required)

Renters insurance protects your belongings and provides liability coverage.

It’s required at King & Queen Apartments.
You must show proof of coverage at lease signing.

📘 Learn more: Insurance Information Institute

🔧 7. Maintenance Requests

🛠 Report all maintenance issues immediately to avoid damage.

Submit requests:

Online (recommended)
Via email
In writing

⚠️ 8. Lease Defaults

You’re responsible for more than just paying rent on time.

Lease violations may include:

Non-payment
Breaking apartment rules
Noise ordinance violations

📌 Legal consequences include eviction, court judgments, wage garnishment, and damaged credit.

📅 9. Lease Renewal or Termination

Residents must provide 150 days’ written notice before the lease ends.

No notice = No renewal. The unit will be offered to new applicants.

Security Deposits:

Returned within 45 days of move-out
Must include itemized deductions
Issued jointly to all residents listed on the lease, unless other arrangements are made, in writing, with management.

🚚 10. Moving Out

Here’s how to wrap up your lease smoothly:

✅ Submit 150 days’ notice (required by lease)
✅ Follow the move-out cleaning checklist and damage addendum
✅ Schedule a move-out inspection (within 72 hours of vacating)
✅ Provide a forwarding address
✅ Save all records (lease, move-in/move-out forms, reports)

📬 Don’t forget to update your address with the USPS at www.usps.com

Ready to Make the Move?

Living off-campus can be exciting and empowering—but it also comes with responsibilities.
King & Queen Apartments is here to make your transition easy and stress-free.