Any tips for leasing while practicing social distancing during COVID-19?

We know this is a stressful time for students looking for apartments near FSU, TCC, and FAMU. You're adjusting to distance learning, and navigating social distancing recommendations. You're adjusting to semesters that look completely different and washing your hands more times than you ever thought possible. It's a lot. But leasing your apartment doesn't have to feel stressful. We're here to help.

We're not medical experts, and we can't offer you advice on how to avoid the Coronavirus. However, we are experts on apartments in Tallahassee, especially apartments near FSU, FAMU, and TCC. We've put together some advice on how to secure your apartment and navigate some new leasing procedures in these uncertain times. Depending on the property, some leasing offices remain remote and some have reopened with precautions in place. Just check out each listing for info on office procedures and hours. Easy! If a live tour isn't in the cards, remote leasing is totally possible and we've rounded up our best tips for a virtual leasing experience so that students at FSU and beyond can reserve their space remotely and with confidence!

Begin Your Search Online

RentTally.com has tons of listings for apartments with comprehensive community descriptions, amenity lists, and galleries full of photos so you can see ALL the details to find your next home. Some listings offer a sneak peak video walkthrough as well so you can get a feel for the space. See floor plan layouts and find the best fit for your lifestyle. Do an online search for an apartment near FSU and share your finds with your future roommates. You can even use your new Zoom video conferencing savvy to chat live about your preferences and hash out the location of your future home!

Are leasing offices open? Should I call or visit?

At this time, many leasing offices have reopened with social distancing precautions in place, though some may still be offering strictly virtual tours. Simply see each listing that you're interested in for comprehensive info about office hours and availability. One this is always certain. Leasing offices near FSU are accepting emails and phone calls so be sure to reach out and a leasing agent will be available to chat with you and answer all of your questions. Many offices are up and running with "remote leasing environments" and are prepared to take you on a virtual tour (more on that later!)

Do you have tips for remote property tours?

Definitely inquire if the student housing communities around FSU, FAMU, and TCC have systems in place to help you tour the apartments and amenities remotely! Many of the apartments have created tour videos that they can share with you and are willing to offer one-on-one virtual tours through Facetime and similar platforms. Just like you would if you were choosing to visit properties in person, make a list of your top 3 and reach out. See if they can provide a virtual tour and begin to make some decisions. 

Also, don't hesitate to come prepared with questions. Don't be afraid to ask them to interact with the apartment on video so that you can see how things work. Examples of things you might ask:

  • Where is the washer and dryer located? Can you show me what they look like?
  • Can you open the closet? I want to get an idea of what the shelving is like!
  • How many outlets are there in the bedroom?

Can I apply and sign my lease without visiting the office?

Good news! It has become much more common for apartment communities to offer online application and leasing options in recent years. If you're ready to sign, the apartment community should have the capability to offer you a digital way to apply and sign a lease. Just ask the leasing agent. Each apartment community will likely have a different process, especially as each community adapts to recent changes so just ask and they'll guide you through their process.  

Ready to Experience a Virtual Tour?

Some of our properties already have virtual tours loaded onto their websites! We've curated a few for you to get you started. Check them out here.


The Social 2700

Learn More and Contact the Leasing Team at The Social 2700


The Social Tallahassee

Learn More and Contact the Leasing Team at The Social Tallahassee


West 10

Learn More and Contact the Leasing Team at West 10

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentTally.com or any of our advertising partners.