The University of Virginia S

University of Virginia’s College at Wise

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise has produced this guide for those students who wish to consider off-campus housing options. We strongly urge students to consider the benefits of on-campus housing when choosing whether to live on or off campus.

Benefits to living on campus include:

Fixed costs that include cable TV & internet connections, telephone service, and all utilities
Convenience
Flexible housing options
Safety
No hassles w/roommates regarding bill payments, breaking of lease, etc

Things to Consider:

Be sure to consider additional expenses if living off campus (i.e. utilities).
What is the length and what are the terms of your lease?
Remember to budget money for groceries or a commuter meal plan. (For more information on commuter meal plans, visit
Never sign a lease without first inspecting your property.
Assess safety and security of your rental (i.e. door locks, exterior lighting, smoke detectors).
Is the location of your rental close to a grocery store or Laundromat?
Is garbage removal offered?

Area rental options

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise does not necessarily endorse any listed agents or facilities. Students should remember to carefully investigate each opportunity.

Last Updated: August 2016

Contact Person / Telephone / Description
Ricky Mullins / 276/393-6632
276/219-7784 / 2 bedroom, 1 bath house located at 707 Falin St., Wise, next to Valero gas station. Kitchen appliances included. Central air, non-smoking tenants only. Will rent to 2 people, 1 year lease, $700/month, $700 deposit.
Terry Baugh
Nancy Baugh / 276/328-6842 / Baugh Apartments, Old Hurricane Road, 703 Altamaha Avenue, about a mile from campus; $550-$600/month, water sewage and garbage pickup included; 2 bedrooms; No pets.
Travis Kennedy / 276/393-7134; / 2 bedroom $600/month; 3 bedroom $825/month; Apartments located behind Hardee’s in Wise, another in Coeburn; 1 month’s rent security deposit; No pets. Appliances included.
Bonnie Aker / 276/328-8184 or 4470
/ Bonnie Aker Rentals; 2 bedroom duplex with yard located behind the Clapboard House; $500 month
Cavalier Housing (contact: Thomas Kennedy) / 276/ / 1-2 bedroom, all-inclusive furnished units available, ranging in price $375-$700/month; About 2 miles from campus; No pets; Laundry facilities provided.
Don Stephens / 276/328-8290 / 2 bedroom apartments in Wise (Church St. & Spring St.) between $300-$400/month; No deposit; No pets; Comes with stove and refrigerator.
Barbara Reed / 276/679-3307 / Four 2-bedroom complexes located at 707 Kentucky Ave. in Norton; $340/ month with $100 deposit required; No pets.
Debbie Toplisse / 276/523-1679 ext. 107 / Dogwood Terrace. 1-4 bedroom apartments located 2-3 miles from campus; Part-time students only; Rent is income-based; Comes with stove and refrigerator; No pets.
Shelley Perry / 276/337-8635 / Colonial Mobile Home Park, located on Birchfield Road near JJ Kelly High School in Wise. Various units available, ranging from $500-$750/month. No pets.
Vicky Wampler / 276/523-0141 or 393-6526 / 1-3 bedroom apartments in Big Stone; $450-$500/month, plus deposit; appliances included.
Judy Sluss / 276/679-2171 / One bedroom apartments in Norton; $350/month includes water. Security deposit of $350; No pets; Appliances provided; Some with air conditioning and washer/dryer hook up.
Glenda Skeen / 276/328-8655 / Apartments and houses for rent in Pound; Cost varies; Security deposit required; No sub-leasing. Year’s lease; No pets; No smoking inside; Air conditioning.
Fig Enterprises L.L.C. / 276/328-5286-ask for Lisa (business hours);
276/328-4947 evening/weekends (ask for Greg)
/ Mobile homes for rent all over Wise county; Cost ranges $350-$500/month; Utilities not included; Security deposit required; Small pets considered. Some have washer/dryers. Kitchen appliances always.
Randy Partin/R. P. Rentals / 276/393-6469 / Mobile homes in Wise/Norton area. Wise Mobile Park T.T.W. Residential Community; Cost varies $435-$500/month; Some have dish washers and/or storage units; Utilities not included. Security deposit required. Pet deposit required.
Justin Mullins-
University Square Apartments / 276/393-4570 / 3 bedroom, 2 bath town homes fully furnished; 1/2 mile from campus. All appliances included; No utilities included; Internet/cable hook-up; $350/month/person.
Performance Properties, LLC / / 3 bedroom house; walking distance to UVa-Wise; appliances included; central heat/air. $570 per month or separate agreements available for 3 people. Very clean and maintained w/storage building. No pets.
Bob Adkins / 276/393-6695 / 2-3 bedroom house/apartments located on Main St., Wise (next to Dari Barn); price range $600-$750/month; Utilities not included; Security deposit required; No pets; Most have washer/dryer, refrigerator & stove.
Chester Riggs / 423-312-2330 / 1-3 bedroom apartments
Gil Blackburn / 328-0046 / 3 room apartment (bedroom, living/kitchen, and bathroom) located at 103 W. Main Street in downtown Wise. $400 monthly, including water and sewer.
Nathaniel Maggard / 276-219-1336 / 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom located in Wise
$500 per month
Pam Sutherland / 276-865-5942 / 3 bedroom house and a 2 bedroom mobile home for rent. No pets.
Eric / 276-219-1219 / One bedroom mobile home located in Wise. $425 a month plus $425 deposit. No pets. The unit has a washer & dryer and a heat pump.
Nichole Davis / 276-235-9746 ext. 7021 or / 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedroom furnished apartments within walking distance to College and with individual leases. Variety of amenities, including study spaces, parking, outdoor grill and fitness area. Pet friendly for an additional fee.
Wayne Yeary / 276-275-3760 / Mobile home in walking distance to UVa-Wise. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, heat pump. No smoking, no pets, and 1 year lease and deposit required. $650 a month.
Kathy & Willard Funk / 276-395-2542 / 2 BR/1 Bath Trailer on Rockbard Road, Wise. $475 per month.

NOTE: If you would like your student-friendly rental property listed here, contact the office of housing and residence life at 276/328-0214 or via e-mail at

All about Leases:

Some leases are very detailed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about details in a lease if you don’t understand something. You have a legal obligation to abide by the provisions of your lease, and your signature indicates that you are familiar with and agree to the terms of the lease agreement. Remember, you can negotiate provisions or remove clauses in the lease. Make changes before signing and make sure changes are included on all copies. Try to avoid oral leases.

Choosing Roommates:

Be sure to discuss the following things with any potential roommates, even if you are “best friends”:

Cleanliness — will everyone be responsible for cleaning up after themselves?
Food — will you be eating meals together? Will everyone share shopping& cooking responsibilities?
Habits — consider study and sleep habits.
Drugs & alcohol — what is the roommate’sgeneral attitude about drugs and alcohol. How do you feel about partying or guests?
Your property — how will you and your roommate(s) handle issues related to borrowing?
Financial responsibility — how much can you afford to pay for rent, utilities, and other bills?(NOTE: The only way that you will be solely responsible for your part of the rent is if you each sign a separate lease. If everyone signs one lease, the others are responsible for rent if one roommate moves out.)

Renter’s Insurance:

Check your parents’ homeowner policy to see if it covers your personal property. If it does not cover you, you should consider obtaining a policy on your own. Consider such things as theft, damage, vandalism, and accident to visitors. Without renter’s insurance, you may be personally liable if something were to occur.

Neighbors:

It’s always a good idea to introduce yourself to your neighbors when first moving in. Get into the habit of treating your neighbors as you would like to be treated. In addition, be sure to do the following:

Think about noise levels as if you lived next door.
Tell your neighbors if you are sponsoring a large get-together.
Let your guests know where they should and shouldn’t park.

Other Helpful Hints:

Save a copy of your signed lease, as well as all correspondence, receipts, and/or checks
Don’t pass out keys to your friends
A “permanent” guest who is not on the lease may mean trouble for you
Find out from your landlord what s/he recommends for hanging things on the walls.

Questions to ask Your Landlord:

When is the apartment available?
Is it currently occupied?
When can I move in?
What is the monthly rent?
Is there a security deposit required? If so, how much?
When is rent due each month?
What are the penalties for late payment?
Is there a grace period?
Is there a lease?
What are the penalties for breaking the lease?
What are the terms for renewing the lease?
If my housing needs change, can I move to another available unit in the community?
Is the rent controlled or otherwise regulated by housing authorities?
Can I sublet (i.e. rent out rooms to others)?
Can I have roommates?
What utilities am I responsible for?
What maintenance items will I be responsible for (plumbing, mowing, etc.)?
What parking is available?
Are pets allowed? If so, what kind?
Is there a pet deposit?
Are laundry facilities available on the premises?
How is trash removal handled?
What kind of security is there?
Are there any community rules regarding quiet hours?
Are parties permitted?
How is the delivery of mail and packages handled?
Is there a phone number I can call for 24-hour maintenance emergencies?
What modifications (i.e. painting, wall papering, etc.) am I allowed to make?
Can I speak with current tenants in the community?

Apartment Inspection Checklist

Terms & Conditions / Unit 1 / Unit 2 / Unit 3 / Unit 4

General Information

Date available

Deposit
Pet rules/deposit
Late payment charges
Length of lease
Penalty for breaking lease
Physical changes allowed
Rent amount
Rent due
Subletting
Utilities included
Water
Heat
Garbage
Other
Amenities

Air conditioning

Ample outlets
Bedroom privacy

Blinds/curtains

Cable TV connection
Carpet
Hardwood Floors

Closet space

Fireplace
Furniture
Light Fixtures
Paint/wall conditions
Patio/balcony
Pet-friendly
Phone jack in each room
Storage
Upstairs/downstairs
View
Water Pressure

Monthly Budget Worksheet

Item / Estimated / Amount/worth
Housing
Mortgage/rent
Phone (include installation fees/deposits)
Cable TV (include installation fees/deposits)
Furniture
Appliances
Maintenance
Utilities (include installation fees/deposits)
Transportation
Gas
Maintenance
License/Taxes
Public transportation
Tolls
Debt
Credit card(s)
Car loan(s)
Student loan(s)
Personal loan(s)
Line of credit
Entertainment
Movies, concerts, etc.
Vacation
Hobbies
Pets
Magazines & books
DVD, CD, videos
Restaurants
Personal
Food
Gifts
Clothes
Shoes
Jewelry
Dry cleaning
Hair/make-up
Health club
Health care
Co-payments
Drugs/prescriptions
Contacts/glasses