Tips for Renting a Room Off-Campus
Tips for Renting out an Available Room:
1. View the room and see if it is furnished. You may have to buy new furniture from somewhere like IKEA.
2. Ask questions about compatibility (see questions below) to your potential roommate.
3. When paying rent find out how they accept payments. They cannot require you to pay cash. If you chose to pay in cash then request a receipt.
4. It is common to pay a deposit that is equal to one month’s rent. You will receive this when you move out.
5. Ask about who the owner is? Would you be paying rent directly to this person.
6. You need to give 30 days’ notice when you decide to move out. If you are asked to leave they also need to give your 30 days’ notice.
7. You may be required to sign a rental agreement. This is for your own benefit, but read the agreement carefully. It is always best to get everything in writing, especially in regards to money.
8. Inspect the apartment carefully before you move in and take any photos of how the place looks. Email these photos to yourself, so they will have an email time stamp on them.
9. For more information, please check Ithaca College’s off-campus housing section.
Questions to Make Sure You Ask When Looking for a Roommate
Here are some important details you will want to pay attention to:
1. Sleeping habits: early risers or night owl? Light sleeper or deep sleeper?
2. Typical work or school schedule? (Will it conflict with yours?)
3. How does this person describe their cleaning habits and expectations and does it match yours?
4. Any allergies? Examples: peanuts, perfume, milk, flowers, mold, smoke).
5. Lifestyle habits: Do they smoke, drink, listen to loud music, stay out late? Are you ok with that?
6. How would the candidate describe their decorating style (if they have one)? Does it match yours?
7. Social habits? Will there be friends over often? If so, will you get along with these friends? Is there a boyfriend or girlfriend in the picture?
8. How will you combine your belongings? Who will provide the living room furniture, pots, dishes, electronics, etc? Can you share these items?
9. Does the potential roommate have a job? What is their basic financial situation? Nobody wants to be stuck with unpaid utility bills or rent!
10. Can you rely on this person to be honest and be courteous to you and other potential roommates?
11. What are their rules for overnight guests?
Katherine Murrin is the American Language and Culture Institute Coordinator at Long Beach City College. She specializes in social media, marketing, writing about language and culture, international education, and traveling the world. She also really loves Long Beach. She can be reached at [email protected].
