Getting Started - Off Campus Housing

Types of Leases

There are two types of leases – individual and joint leases.

Individual Lease

Also called “rent by the bedroom,” each person is responsible for their rent each month and is not affected if other roommates don’t pay. Typically, each person has their own bedroom and shares common areas with everyone else. Properties are more likely to offer some, if not all, utilities with rent each month.

If a roommate does not return to campus or moves out mid-semester, roommates are not responsible for paying that portion of the rent. However, because your lease is for one of the bedrooms, you have less control over who the other roommates are. If a bedroom becomes vacant, the property can assign another tenant to that space without your permission.

Joint Lease

A more traditional lease where all roommates are on the same lease. If one roommate does not pay, the others are responsible for the remaining portion. These generally work for students who already have roommates in mind when they sign a lease.

Joint leases are less likely to have any utilities included in the rent. This typically means all roommates split utility costs, but one student will need to set up an account with each specific utility company.

Factors to Consider

Proximity to campus
Budget
Transportation
House or apartment
Live alone or with roommate(s)
Furniture package offered
Laundry availability (on-site, in the unit, or connections provided in unit)
Security features
Other amenities
On-site maintenance staff

It is important to consider these factors as you begin your off-campus search. If you need assistance during your housing search, please contact Off-Campus Resources.

Resources