What to Consider in an Off-Campus Rental Property

Find out what you should consider when choosing an off-campus rental property.

• Is the property in a good location?

  • Drive to the rental at peak commute hours to get a feel for what traffic and parking will be like on a daily basis. Is it close enough to UCSD? Is it close to public transport, if you need it?
  • Determine if the rental will provide a reasonable amount of natural sunlight.
  • Be sure the property is a neighborhood where you would feel comfortable walking home in the dark.
  • Consider the "feel" of the neighborhood. Would your neighbors be upset if you hosted parties in your home?

• Can you afford the property?

  • Ask what you will pay per month in rent and how much is required for the security deposit.
  • Ask the landlord if the lease allows for rent increases if real estate taxes are raised or if sewer or water rates increase.
  • Calculate how housing will figure into your budget and cost of attendance at UCSD.
  • Find out if there are extra charges for a late payment on rent.

• What services will the landlord provide?

  • Find out if there are extra charges for utilities, storage space, parking spaces.
  • Determine if the property has a resident manager, if maintenance hours for services are restricted, and how emergency services will be handled.
  • Find out how trash is disposed of and if the trash facilities are easily accessible.
  • Ask the landlord if laundry services are available on the property. There should be one a washer and dryer for every 10 residents.
  • Ask if the landlord provides other services, such as landscaping, window cleaning, or additional storage.
  • Find out how deliveries are handled.
  Note: If you have pets, check to see if they are allowed. See a sample pet agreement (PDF).

• Is the property clean and in good working order?

  • Watch for any signs of insects, rodents, rust, mildew, smoke or water damage.
  • Note the cleanliness of the property's lobby, hallways, bathroom, kitchen, walls, ceiling and floors.
  • Be sure that all electical outlets, phone jacks, plumbing fixtures, appliances, exhaust fans, windows and heating and cooling systems are conveniently located, in good condition and functioning properly.
  • Determine if and where there is a fuse box on the property. You might need to re-set the fuses if the electricity goes out.

• Is the property secured and safe?

  Check for available safety features, such as:

  • An entry door with deadbolt, security chain, and peephole
  • A well-lit exterior and entry way
  • A secure/ lobby entrance
  • Fire exits, fire alarm, and security system