Starting Your Search

Transitioning to off-campus living is both an exciting and challenging phase that embodies newfound independence. Navigating the off-campus transition involves a lot of decisions and responsibilities, from finding an apartment and roommates to handling finances and household tasks.

To assist you in commencing your off-campus housing search, the resources outlined below will provide valuable guidance and support as you embark on this exciting new chapter.

Housing Search Basics

  • Search the Housing listings and filter by bedrooms, price, neighborhood, and more. 
  • Sign up for an account to save listings you may be interested in and contact properties.
  • If possible, always tour the property before signing a lease. If you aren't in the area, ask if the landlord provides virtual tours. 
  • Be on the lookout for scams.

Housing Search Checklist

Using a checklist like the one below to evaluate the properties you visit can help you stay organized during your apartment search. Also, be sure to take photos during each visit to ensure you remember the features of each location, especially if you're exploring multiple communities. This will assist you in making informed decisions and finding an apartment that best fits your needs.

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HOUSING SEARCH CHECKLIST Use this checklist to help evaluate each property that you view and take photos to record what you see. This way, you will be able to review your options when you are home and not under pressure. This will also help you to compare the pros and cons of each apartment. PROPERTY ADDRESS: NOTES/COMMENTS: Location: How close/easy is it to get to campus from the property? Is there easy access to necessary conveniences (grocery store, shops, parking, etc.)? Layout: (Is the space adequate for your needs?) Bathrooms (number, size, shower/tub/closet?) Bedrooms (number, size, layout?) Closets (number, location, size?) Is there storage space? (location and size) Laundry Facilities (location, cost?) Kitchen Appliances (what is provided?) Parking (Is there ample parking? Are parking spaces reserved? Is a permit required? If there is on-street parking, are there plenty of spaces available throughout the day? Is a city permit required to park on the street?) Pets (Are they allowed? Any restrictions? Is the property/unit petfriendly?) Condition: What is the condition of the carpet and/or flooring? Does the thermostat work properly? (Test both heating and air conditioning.) Do all faucets work properly? (Check the hot and cold settings.) Do all light fixtures work properly? Cost & Lease Information: How much is the monthly rent? Are any utilities included in the rent? What is the average cost of the utilities not included in the rent? What are the required move-in/move-out fees and deposits? Are sublets allowed and, if so, is there a fee? When does the lease begin and end? What are the fees associated with terminating the lease early? When do you have to give notice to renew or move out? Safety & Security: Do the windows lock/unlock properly? Do the windows have screens? Do exterior doors lock/unlock properly? Do bedroom doors have privacy locks on the inside? (This is a possible consideration if you are living with roommates.) Is there a smoke detector on each floor? Do all smoke detectors function properly? Who is responsible for changing batteries in the detectors? Do all doors (interior & exterior) completely close and lock? Is the exterior well-lit? Is shrubbery appropriately trimmed? What is the feedback from current/previous tenants? (if available) Other Notable Property/Unit Features:

Renting Without Credit

The good news: no credit is better than bad credit. This video shares ways to be approved to lease an apartment before having established credit.

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Leasing Lingo

Be sure to read your lease before signing! Watch the video below for helpful information on terms you might come across as your review your lease paperwork.

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Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease

Consider these key questions to ask your potential landlord or property manager when evaluating a new apartment.

For more important questions to ask before signing a lease, click here.

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Suggested questions for landlords PDF