<p>I have been posting to the USC threads for almost 4 years, under a different screen name. I have chosen to register with this new screen name, because I am embarrassed to admit the nightmarish problem that we are encountering. </p>
<p>In short, we are going through a nightmare with "Cal Student Housing", the company that rents apartments to USC students. (They are not officially affiliated with USC. But you will see their huge signs on many rental apartment buildings in the neighborhoods around USC). They have been unethical. They have lied to me, and to our child. </p>
<p>I am confident that there are probably many students who rent from Cal Student Housing who have no problems. I am thrilled for you. However, all it takes is one nightmare experience in which you receive unprofessional and unethical treatment, and all the many success stories are meaningless. </p>
<p>The choice is obviously yours, but my personal recommendation is that you do not consider renting an apartment from Cal Student Housing.</p>
<p>Could you please elaborate? I’m still looking for housing, have not considered CalStudentHousing, but would appreciate any stories/advice.</p>
<p>Yikes! How horrible. Since you are anonymous–can you give some specifics to this problem? Was it to do with the contract, or…? Are you able to notify an attorney? Or at least file a complaint with USC (maybe not Housing, but to the Provost or some other intermediary on our student’s behalf) -just to alert them of your experiences so they can forewarn other students or perhaps even advocate on your behalf?</p>
<p>So sorry you’ve had this problem. It sounds like an opportunity (I just <em>hate</em> these sorts of ops) to show your student how we sometimes will be called upon to a) fight the bad guys, or at the very least 2) be aware of all the traps out there and try to avoid them if we can.</p>
<p>oh boy. i def agree with madbean. please, share your story so other future freshman/transfers will know what to do! :)</p>
<p>I hesistate to mention the particulars since we are in the middle of the situation. After my daughter moves out of her apartment I will provide additional details. </p>
<p>They are not nice people. </p>
<p>I can only state after hours of lost sleep for both my husband and myself that I would strongly recommend that you avoid renting form Cal Student Housing.</p>
<p>To be honest, First Choice Housing (once called Cal Student Housing) is not perfect, but two years ago my daughters were at an apartment owned by StuHo and it was much worse. It took them 6 weeks to repair the front door, and even longer to exterminate the ants and roaches. StuHo did not offer any discounts when my daughters moved in and before we move out they wanted to increase the rent.</p>
<p>The following year we rented an apartment from First Choice Housing (Cal Student Housing). My daughters did not have to worry about delays with repairs or ants and roaches. First Choice Housing is the lesser of the two evils.</p>
<p>OMG!!! Are you kidding, First Choice is the best. They walk the Unit before and after your move out and tell you what you are going to be charged and you have two weeks to fix it. On the other hand, when I moved out of StuHo and they charged me over $800.00!!! I was so ****ed off I took them to small claims court. Luckily, I had pictures and video of my apartment before I moved out. They messed up big time, I proved that I did not break anything or trash the place. I got back every penny!</p>
<p>Honestly, I’m going to try to live in USC owned housing all four of my years. Much more accountability that way.</p>
<p>$500/month</p>
<p>Perfect for a Spring admit or transfer student looking for affordable housing close to campus.</p>
<p>Fully furnished, utilities included. Sublease from December or January through May with option to renew. Parking spaces and laundry available onsite. 10 feet from a USC Tram Stop. Only 2 minutes away from campus and one block from The Row.</p>
<p>Email me to schedule a tour. Please contact me as soon as possible, as I’d like to move out before I go home for break.</p>
<p>[Uloop</a> - USC Sublets, Housing, $500/Month USC Apartment](<a href=“http://usc.uloop.com/housing/view.php/1064647]Uloop”>This listing has expired)
<a href=“mailto:mquandt@usc.edu”>mquandt@usc.edu</a></p>
<p>Location
2636 Portland Street, Los Angeles, CA</p>
<p>I second TrojanParent, they told me that after 3 years of residence there are no deductions from the deposit, they’ve sent me a breakdown of cleaning? and fixes that makes no sense and they did not include any receipts, I’ve asked for receipts and refund and it’s been weeks and months with no answer. Costumer service is absolutely horrible, managers completely incompetent, overall a straight rip off.</p>