Question 1

What does the rent payment at Latitude Apartments include?

Accepted Answer

The monthly rent covers furniture, water fees, sewage fees, garbage disposal fees, and Wi-Fi costs. Other fees, such as vehicle parking fees, pet fees, or electricity charges, will be charged separately.

Question 2

How far is the apartment from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

Accepted Answer

It's easy to walk from the engineering area of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to here, and our location is very convenient for transportation. You can also take a short bus ride from the apartment to another building.

Question 3

How are maintenance requests handled at Latitude Apartments?

Accepted Answer

Our property maintenance staff is on-site during regular working hours to meet service needs. Residents can submit requests in various ways—our online portal accepts maintenance work orders 24/7, while phone and in-person requests can be made during our office hours at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Question 4

Are there parking spaces available at the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Residents at Latitude in Urbana-Champaign can apply for dedicated parking spots, either in our garage or in one of four outdoor lots (these lots require an additional monthly fee). For those who ride bikes, there is a covered bike storage area in the parking garage.

Question 5

Are pets allowed in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have pet-friendly apartments! Each unit can accommodate up to two pets and is equipped with amenities such as a self-service pet spa and two outdoor play areas for dogs. Additionally, there is a non-refundable pet assessment fee of $350 and a monthly pet rent of $50.

Question 6

Does the apartment come furnished?

Accepted Answer

The apartment comes furnished with beds and desks in the bedroom, and a sofa, dining table, chairs, and a coffee table in the living room. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator that has an ice maker, a stove, a microwave, a dishwasher, and an in-unit washer and dryer. While basic furniture is provided, personal items like bedding, dishes, and toiletries need to be provided by the tenants. Some bedroom layouts include ceiling lights.

Question 7

What do shared and private mean in XBXB?

Accepted Answer

The naming convention for U.S. apartments is XBXB, where the first B denotes the number of bedrooms and the second B denotes the number of bathrooms; for example, 3B3B refers to a unit with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. If the unit is marked with【single】or【private】, it indicates a single occupancy bedroom; while a label of【shared】or【double】 describes a double occupancy bedroom, meaning one room accommodates two people.

Question 8

If I'm renting a single bedroom, does that mean the opposite bedroom must also be a single bedroom?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. A contract for a single bedroom only guarantees that your room is a single; the room across could be a single or a double, depending on what the roommate is renting.

Question 9

What is the size of the bed?

Accepted Answer

The bed size is Queen Size, approximately 152 cm × 203 cm.

Question 10

Is there a washer and dryer in the unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each unit has a full-sized washer and dryer.

Question 11

Do all bedrooms have windows? Can the windows be opened?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all bedrooms have windows, and all windows can be opened.

Question 12

How big is each bedroom?

Accepted Answer

The specific area of each bedroom is not provided by the apartment, but based on student feedback, it is approximately 12 square meters.

Question 13

Is there air conditioning in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is central air conditioning.

Question 14

Does the apartment have elevators?

Accepted Answer

Each building has two elevators.

Question 15

Do the bedroom doors have locks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the bedroom doors do have locks.

Question 16

Is it safe to live in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the apartment has 24-hour access control with key card entry; each unit has its own lock.

Question 17

Does the apartment provide bedding like comforters and pillows?

Accepted Answer

No, the apartment provides beds and mattresses, but not bed sheets, comforters, or personal items. Please bring your own or you can buy them at local supermarkets upon arrival.

Question 18

Is there a shuttle bus to the school from the apartment?

Accepted Answer

There is no shuttle bus; however, it is a 7-minute walk to the campus.

Question 19

When was the apartment built? How many floors and beds does it have?

Accepted Answer

The Latitude apartment was completed in 2016, with two buildings: one 5 stories and the other 6 stories, totaling 524 beds.

Question 20

Is there a supermarket near the apartment?

Accepted Answer

The first building (east) has a coffee shop and Old Sichuan on the ground floor, and on the south side, there are County Market and Far East Supermarket.

Question 21

What communal facilities are available in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Facilities include a swimming pool, 24-hour gym, clubhouse, and study room.

Question 22

How is the internet speed in the apartment? Can I install other networks myself?

Accepted Answer

Download speeds can reach up to 1000mbps, while upload speeds can go up to 50mbps.

Question 23

Can you take a video of the actual room I'm staying in?

Accepted Answer

Generally, we cannot film specific room videos as they are occupied. However, the apartment will provide videos of the model room for reference, and the actual rooms have the same decor style as the model room, but without furnishings. If you are local, the apartment will also show you the model room.

Question 24

What is the difference between a studio and a 1B1B?

Accepted Answer

Studios and 1B1Bs are very similar, with the main difference being the living room; studios are typically cheaper. Studios include a bathroom and kitchen, without separation between the kitchen, living room, and bedroom; whereas 1B1Bs usually have one bedroom, one living room, one kitchen, and one bathroom as standard units.

Question 25

How is the sound insulation in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Compared to domestic properties, sound insulation in US apartments is slightly worse. However, off-campus apartments generally have better sound insulation than on-campus dorms. If you rent a studio or one-bedroom unit alone, the sound insulation will be better than when sharing. Units on higher floors tend to be quieter. If your neighbor or roommate makes too much noise, you can report it to the apartment front desk for assistance in communication.

Question 26

Why is booking through Jihjiajia free?

Accepted Answer

The rental price through Jihjiajia is the same as renting directly from the apartment. Most US apartments are willing to cooperate with rental platforms and stipulate that the apartment bear the commission, ensuring that the rent is consistent regardless of the channel used. Therefore, Jihjiajia does not charge any fees to tenants for partnering with apartment, provides completely free assistance in booking, helps students avoid possible errors or obstacles in the process, saving time and providing necessary reminders before move-in. Your rent and deposit are paid directly to the apartment, and contracts are signed directly with the apartment. Additionally, Jihjiajia gives students cash back from the commission.

Question 27

Is there a fee for booking an apartment through the Jihjiajia platform?

Accepted Answer

There is no fee for booking through Jihjiajia; contracts are signed directly with the apartment, and all costs are paid directly to the apartment. Jihjiajia consultants assist you with the booking process and add unique cashback on top of the discounts provided by the apartment.

Question 28

How often is the rent paid?

Accepted Answer

Rent is paid monthly and must be paid by the 1st of each month for the next month.

Question 29

How to pay rent?

Accepted Answer

You can pay through the apartment's online resident account. You can use Visa or MasterCard, or pay with cash checks or mail Money Orders.

Question 30

Can I transfer money or pay rent in cash?

Accepted Answer

No. American apartments do not accept cash and do not support wire transfers. Rent payment options include paying with checks (e.g., cash checks or Money Orders) directly at the office or by mail. Additionally, cash checks need to be issued at a bank counter and incur a fee of about $5-10; Money Orders can be purchased in cash or with debit cards at Walmart, Western Union, gas stations, etc., usually with limits of $500-$1000, and purchases over $2000 require ID or Social Security number.

Question 31

Does the rent include utilities like water, electricity, and internet?

Accepted Answer

The rent includes internet, water, garbage, pest control, sewer, and electricity with a maximum limit of $20 per person.

Question 32

What is renter's insurance, and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

In the U.S., many apartments require tenants to purchase renter's insurance. The reason is that if you accidentally damage the property during your stay (such as by leaking water that damages floors or carpets, or hitting walls while moving), renter's insurance can cover compensation to the apartment or management company. Specific requirements depend on the apartment. Most insurance can be paid monthly or annually, with an average cost of about $10 to $20 per month, and the amount insured will vary based on your coverage, location, and selected options.

Question 33

Is there parking at the apartment? Is it indoor or outdoor? How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

There are no free parking spaces. Indoor parking costs $150, while outdoor parking varies from $40 to $100 depending on the location.

Question 34

What fees are required when applying for an apartment?

Accepted Answer

You can refer to the fee details section on the apartment page for an overview of the costs involved in the application.

Question 35

Why do I pay rent 12 times if my lease is only 11.5 months?

Accepted Answer

Student apartments typically charge based on the actual rental period (for instance, 11.5 months), but for ease of calculation and management, the total amount of the lease is divided into 12 payments, billed monthly at an equal rate. In this case, it is usually referred to as a 12-month installment payment. Apartments require that the rent for the next month is due on the 1st or in advance each month. If late, it may incur a late fee as specified in the contract terms.

Question 36

What is the apartment application fee?

Accepted Answer

The apartment application fee is a fee charged by the apartment to review the applicant's documents. Every person applying for an apartment must pay this fee, which is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is successful. The apartment will only start processing the application after receiving the application fee.

Question 37

What are the application fee and holding fee?

Accepted Answer

The application fee is a fee charged by US apartments to review the applicant's documents and background. This fee must be paid before the apartment processes the application, and it is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. The holding fee is charged to temporarily reserve the apartment for the applicant while their background is being reviewed. This fee is typically paid alongside the application fee and is also non-refundable, eventually converting to part of the security deposit.

Question 38

How is the security deposit refunded?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit is refunded by the apartment after the lease ends, provided that the apartment passes inspection without issues. Typically, the deposit is returned to the tenant in the form of a check.

Question 39

Can the security deposit be used to offset rent?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit cannot be used to offset rent. The apartment will inspect the rental unit at the end of the lease for any damages or missing furniture/appliances. Depending on the cleanliness of the unit, a cleaning fee may be deducted. After the inspection is completed and a move-out statement is issued, the remaining deposit will be returned to the tenant.

Question 40

Does the rent start from my move-in date?

Accepted Answer

For student apartments, to facilitate calculations and management, the annual rent is divided into 12 equal installments, noted in the contract as 12 installments. The first month's rent is usually paid before moving in, and then rent is due on the 1st of each month until the end of the lease, making a total of 12 payments. Therefore, regardless of the move-in date, the full rent for the first month must be paid. For general apartments, rent calculations start from the lease commencement date on the contract, with the first month's rent generally paid before move-in and rent due on the 1st of each month. If the move-in date falls short of a full month at the beginning or end of the lease, the rent for that month is calculated daily. The apartment you are currently viewing is a student apartment.

Question 41

What is the convenience fee when paying rent with a credit card?

Accepted Answer

The convenience fee is the handling fee charged when paying with a credit card. International card organizations like Visa or MasterCard charge issuing banks an international transaction fee of 1% to 1.5%. Although this fee is charged to banks, it is typically borne by the cardholder. Additionally, banks may charge transaction or conversion fees ranging from 1% to 2%. It is recommended to use a US debit card for rent payments, as the fees are generally lower.

Question 42

What to do if rent payment fails?

Accepted Answer

If the online rent payment fails, it is usually due to the bank's payment limit. It is recommended to try making multiple smaller payments, using a different bank card, or contacting the bank for clarification on the issue.

Question 43

Can I pay for parking after checking in?

Accepted Answer

If you need a parking space, you can go to the apartment front desk after checking in to handle it and pay for parking; if you do not need a parking space, there is no fee to pay.

Question 44

Can I be assigned with a designated roommate?

Accepted Answer

This apartment is a student residence that rents by bed or individual rooms, and each tenant signs an individual lease, responsible for their own lease. While rooms are randomly assigned, you can inform the consultant during booking about your preference to be placed with a roommate, but there’s no guarantee. If you do not have a roommate, the apartment will match one for you based on lifestyle habits and gender without considering nationality or race to avoid discrimination issues.

Question 45

Can I choose my room? When will I know my room number?

Accepted Answer

In the student apartment, rooms are randomly assigned, but you can select your desired layout when booking. The apartment will coordinate and assign each resident's unit and room prior to check-in, and many students will only receive their specific room number when completing check-in procedures.

Question 46

Can I choose a specific floor and direction?

Accepted Answer

Although student apartments are randomly assigned, you can indicate your preferences (such as floor or orientation) during application. The apartment will prioritize these preferences if there are sufficient vacancies, but does not guarantee fulfillment.

Question 47

Can boys and girls live together?

Accepted Answer

If renting an entire apartment, boys and girls can live together; however, if renting a bed or room individually, the apartment typically arranges for same-gender residents unless there are special requests.

Question 48

Is the rent I submitted with my application the final rent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the rent is based on the amount at the time of signing the contract. After submitting the application form, the apartment will review the tenant's background information, and only after confirming everything is in order will the contract be signed. It's advisable for students to sign promptly once the contract is issued to avoid potential rent increases by the apartment.

Question 49

What is the process for booking a room?

Accepted Answer

The booking process is as follows (Note: All fees are paid directly to the apartment; contracts are signed directly with the apartments; 集好家 does not charge any fees). 【Step 1】 In the 集好家 app, find the apartment type you'd like to apply for, click 【Apply Now】 to fill out the application form, and a consultant will contact you to help you with the booking. 【Step 2】 Pay the apartment application fee (service fee for background checks of tenants); this fee may sometimes be waived by the apartment. After payment, the apartment will start processing your application; fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. 【Step 3】 The apartment will review the application materials; once approved, they will send the contract. 【Step 4】 Sign the contract. 【Step 5】 Pay the apartment housing deposit. 【Step 6】 Purchase rental insurance before moving in and pay the first month's rent. (International students without an SSN usually need to pay a deposit equivalent to two months' rent; this will be refunded by the apartment after the lease ends and the room is checked.)

Question 50

What is the difference between booking through your platform and booking directly?

Accepted Answer

When renting through 集好家, the rent is exactly the same as when you find an apartment by yourself. Most apartments in the US are willing to collaborate with rental platforms and stipulate that the apartments bear the commission, ensuring that the rent remains consistent regardless of the channel through which it is rented. Therefore, for the apartments collaborating with 集好家, there are no fees charged to tenants, and we provide free assistance throughout the booking process to avoid and resolve potential issues, reduce risks, and save your time, while also providing necessary reminders before your move-in. Your rent, deposit, and other fees are paid directly to the apartment, and you sign a lease directly with them. Additionally, 集好家 will also return a portion of the commission to tenants.

Question 51

Is the start date and rental period of the apartment fixed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this apartment is a student apartment, and the start date and rental period are fixed.

Question 52

What does individual lease mean?

Accepted Answer

Student apartments can be rented by bed or by individual room, meaning each resident signs an individual lease, which means each person is only responsible for their own portion of the unit lease or bed. If your roommate leaves partway through, you are not responsible for their costs.

Question 53

What application materials are required?

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Click 【Apply Now】 on the apartment type you wish to apply for; Step 2: Upload your passport and I20.

Question 54

Can freshmen live here?

Accepted Answer

According to school regulations, freshmen at UIUC are required to live in student dormitories URH (University Residential Housing) or PCH (Private Certificated Housing); transfer students and graduate students in their second year and above have the option to rent off-campus (specific regulations depend on school requirements).

Question 55

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

Generally, U.S. apartments do not allow early check-ins because the previous tenant has not yet moved out, or the apartment needs to be cleaned after the previous tenant leaves.

Question 56

What items should I bring when moving into my new apartment?

Accepted Answer

What items should I bring when moving into my new apartment?

Question 57

What time can I check in when I arrive? How do I do it?

Accepted Answer

What time can I check in when I arrive? How do I do it?

Question 58

When can I check in?

Accepted Answer

When can I check in?

Question 59

Can I check in a few days later than the rental start date?

Accepted Answer

Can I check in a few days later than the rental start date?

Question 60

Is open flame allowed in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Hello, open flames are usually not allowed in American apartments for safety reasons, but you can still cook normally.

Question 61

Do I need to clean the room myself after checking in?

Accepted Answer

Hello, after checking in, tenants are responsible for cleaning the room themselves.

Question 62

Can I change rooms after checking in?

Accepted Answer

If the apartment confirms that there are available rooms, you can usually apply to change rooms, and there will be a fee involved; the specifics need to be negotiated with the apartment.

Question 63

What are the consequences if I move out before the lease ends?

Accepted Answer

You can move out before the lease expires, but you still need to pay the rent for the remaining months or sublease the room to someone else; otherwise, it will be considered a breach of contract. Please be aware that a breach of contract not only results in the loss of the deposit, but the apartment has the right to collect the remaining rent and it may affect your credit record and be reported to immigration. Refusal to pay rent might lead to legal action.

Question 64

What should I do if I signed a lease but want to back out?

Accepted Answer

In the U.S., you must strictly adhere to the terms of the contract once you sign it. If you cannot move in, it is advisable to sublease the room to someone else; otherwise, it will be considered a breach of contract. Please note that the consequences of a breach include not only the loss of your deposit but also the right of the apartment to collect all remaining rent, which could seriously affect your credit record and may be reported to immigration. Refusal to pay rent may also lead to legal issues.

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Latitude

Basic Info

Amenities & Services

Price Trend

Floor Plan

Champaign Latitude All Room Types

1 Bedroom

1 BR-Private

1 BR-Master Private

1 BR-Signature Series - 1

1 BR

1 Bedroom

2 Bedrooms

2 Bedroom-Private

2 Bedroom-Signature Series - 2

4 Bedrooms

4 Bedroom-Private

1 Bedroom Unit

4 Bedroom

2 Bedroom

Cost Breakdown

Rent Includes

Apartment Regulations

How to renew the lease

How to sublet

Pet policy

Room policy

FAQ

Guest Reviews

Map

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