Congratulations, you are heading to university. This should be an exciting time in your life, and to make your transition easier, we have put together a guide on how to find an off-campus home.
While on-campus housing offers convenience and built-in communities, many students choose to live off-campus, including greater independence, more diverse living environments, potentially lower costs, or the ability to choose roommates. This Redfin student resource explains important steps and considerations that will help you find the right off-campus home.
>>If you are an international student exploring off-campus housing, check out Redfin’s method of renting an apartment as an international student guide for more information.
>> Understand Fair Housing Act before you begin.
In this article:
We evaluate different regions
Take your time to explore the various neighborhoods around campus before considering a particular list. Consider the following factors:
Closeness to Campus: How important is it to be within walking distance and cycling distance? Explore Redfin’s walk scores to better understand the walking experience of your neighborhood. Transport Options: If you don’t have a car, are there any public transport routes available? With the mobile phone map application, you can get better ideas about what your daily commute will look like from your residence to your university. Amenities: What services are there nearby (grocers, pharmacies, laundromats, restaurants)? If you don’t own a car, make sure to investigate how much these important locations are accessible via public transport. Noise Level: Looking for a quiet learning environment or a more active area? For those living in busier areas, you may encounter noise from neighbors, delivery trucks, or pedestrians or traffic.
Determine your budget
This is probably the most important step. Consider all potential monthly costs beyond rent alone:
Utility: Some apartments include the utility cost of the total monthly rent. Ask if the utility is included to ensure it stays within the planned rent budget. Internet Connection: Don’t forget to add internet costs to your budget as you will likely need to access coursework from home. Transport: Gas, public transport pass, or parking permit. Food: Grocery and meal budget. Personal expenses: laundry, toiletries, entertainment.
Create a realistic budget and stick to it. Typically, the landlord will ensure that the tenant’s income is three times the rent. However, if the income provided does not meet the landlord’s income requirements, the co-signer will help students provide the financial security they need to lease.
For example: If your rental is $2,000 a month, your verifiable income must be at least $6,000.
*Some apartments include the cost of monthly rent payment utility. Ask if the utility is included to ensure it stays within the planned budget.
>>Learn more details on rental budgeting
Beware of fake lists
The internet is a powerful tool for finding a home, but it also ripens scams. Please note:
Prices that seem too good are not true. The unusually low rent in major locations is the red flag. Landlords who are abroad and unable to show their property: This is a common tactic. Before looking at the assets or signing a lease, please request money: Do not send money via wire transfer or gift cards. Listings with vague explanations and poor quality photos: This is not necessarily a sign of fraud. However, if you are unsure, please request more photos and information.
Always check the list and, if possible, safely access the facility directly.
Where to find off-campus homes
Your university is the perfect place to start an off-campus housing search. Many schools have resource pages for international students traveling to the US to help with documentation, roommate searches, and housing searches.
When you’re ready to search for your list, use national rental websites such as Redfin, ApartmentGuide, and Rent.com. Local social media pages and neighborhood message boards can also be great sources for your local listings, but be especially careful of rental scams.
Understand broker fees
In some regions, especially urban centers, you may encounter real estate brokers that will help you connect your tenants with available properties. If you are using a broker or rental agent, prepare the following:
Broker Fees: These are usually the percentage of annual rent or flat rates, often paid by tenants (not tenants). One-time payment: Broker fees are usually one-time fees that differ from security deposits or rent last month.
Please clarify the broker’s fees in advance and get them in writing before providing services.
Inspect the status of the property
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your property before signing a lease. Don’t be afraid to be extremely careful. confirmation:
Structural issues: cracks in the wall, dirt on the ceiling, signs of flood damage. Working Appliances: Test all kitchen appliances, laundry machines, and heating/cooling systems. Plumbing: Flush the toilet, run the faucet, and check for leaks. Electric outlets and lighting: Make sure everything is working. Pest control: Look for signs of pests like rodents and insects.
Take photos of existing damage before taking photos or videos of existing damage so that you won’t be charged later.
Beware of hidden fees
Some landlords and property management companies may include additional charges that are not immediately apparent in the advertised rent. question:
Application Fees: For background and credit checks. Pet Fees/Deposit: If you have a pet. Parking Fee: For dedicated parking. Amenity Fee: Access to the gym, pool or common area. Early termination fee: If you need to break the lease.
These charges are usually spelled out in leases, but always require a full breakdown of all potential costs before committing.
Read and understand the lease agreement
A lease agreement is a legally binding document. Do not sign until you have read and understand all single clauses. Pay close attention to:
Lease Period: Tenant start and end dates. Rent and due date: and postponed fees. Renewal Terms: How to renew or terminate a lease. Maintenance Responsibility: Who is the person responsible for repairs (landlord vs tenant)? Pet Policy: If applicable. Sublet Policy: Can I sublet if I leave for the semester? Rules and regulations: Noise policies, guest policies, etc.
If you are unsure, ask your landlord or property manager for an explanation. Consider reviewing it with a trustworthy adult or legal aid service.
Manage your security deposits
A deposit is money held by a landlord to cover potential damages beyond normal wear, tears and unpaid rent.
Find out how much: This is usually a rent of 1-2 months. Understanding the terms of returns: A lease should outline what qualifies for a deduction. Perform a occupancy inspection: As mentioned above, document the status of your property before moving. Perform a mobile inspection. When you leave, if possible, you will make a final walkthrough with the landlord to agree to the damages. Know your return timeline. Landlords usually have a retention period (30 days) to return the deposit.
Keep a detailed record of all communications and payments related to your deposit.
Now you are ready to explore off-campus homes:
Finding homes off campus requires careful planning and hard work. By assessing your neighborhood, setting a realistic budget, being careful about fraud, understanding all fees, thorough inspection of your property, and reading your leases carefully, you can find a place to successfully navigate the process and call a comfortable and affordable home during your academic journey.
