Off-Campus Housing

As you prepare for your search, you'll want to consider the following:

• What are you looking for? An apartment? An apartment with a roommate? A room to rent in a single-family home?

• What is your housing budget? Be sure to include deposits, move-in costs and monthly utilities. 

• Do you have reliable transportation? How far are you willing to commute either by car, using public transportation, walking or biking, etc. 

• What is your timeline for moving?  

• How long do you plan to stay? 

• How long is the lease?

• What is the security deposit amount and when is it due?

• What is the screening process for tenants?

• Is proof of income required? If so, what is the minimum income requirement for renters?

• Are utilities included in the rent?

• Are there any other fees to consider beyond rent and utilities?

• How are maintenance issues and repairs handled?

• Does the unit come with a designated parking space? If so, is there an additional fee for parking?

• Are guests allowed? 

• Are pets allowed? If yes, is there a pet deposit or additional monthly fee?

• What is the policy for renewing the lease or moving out?

• What is your monthly income?

• What is your budget for a room/apartment? Does this budget include utilities?

• Have you ever had difficulties paying your rent on time? Any past evictions?

• What is your typical schedule?

• Do have any pets/an emotional support animal/a service animal that you'll bring with you?

• What are your expectations related to guests?

• How long do you plan to rent this space?

• What are your “deal breakers” when it comes to sharing living space with someone?

Navigating the rental market can be challenging. When demand is high, scam artists often try and take advantage of people. When interacting with potential landlords, trust your gut if something feels off.

Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

• A price that's significantly less than everything else on the market.(Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!)

• You can't view the property in person or via a live video tour. Scammers often use old photos or videos that don’t represent the current condition of the rental.

• High-pressure tactics. Scammers often push for you to complete an application or even pay a deposit before touring the property — often using Zelle, Cash App or other wire transfer services.

• No written lease.

Yes! Your financial aid is first used to cover tuition and fees. Any remaining aid is disbursed to you to pay for education-related expenses like books and supplies, rent, utilities, transportation and personal expenses.

A good rule of thumb is to not spend more than 30% of your total monthly income on rent. Your income also needs to cover food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, emergencies, personal expenses — and hopefully leave a little money to enjoy some fun and have a social life.

Yes! A lease agreement protects both you and the person you’re renting from. It helps prevent misunderstandings and conflict that can arise when a situation comes down to one person’s word against the other.

Utilities are the basic services that keep a home running — things like electricity, water, gas, trash collection and internet. When you rent an apartment, some utilities may be included in the rent. If not, they’ll be an additional monthly expense you’ll need to consider when deciding about your budget. Utility costs can vary from month to month. For example, electricity costs are usually higher in the summer if you have and use air conditioning.