Questions about off-campus housing

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
1

<p>Hello! I'm currently a (lousy) freshman at UCSD, and I'm starting to look early for off-campus housing for the next school year. However, I'm a little confused about the process, and I can't ask my parents because they don't seem to have any experience with this.</p>

<p>1) For the listings on the off-campus directory, how do the school-year leases work? I still have to pay on a month-to-month basis, right?
2) For deposits, how far in advance can I put one down for a condo/apartment that I'm interested in renting for next year (e.g., putting one down now when I'm not going to live in it until September 2014)?<br>
3) If I do decide to live in a particular apartment for the next year, do I sign the contract now? If so, does this guarantee me housing in that condo for next year, so long as I put down the deposit?
4) What's the best way to appeal to a landlord? What kind of questions should I be asking about living conditions when visiting the location? What should I make sure of before I sign any contracts?</p>

<p>Thanks! I'd really appreciate some of you guys' input. :)</p>

<p>I feel like I'm probably missing a lot of questions that I can't think of right now, but I'd really love if someone could give me a little bit more info on how renting an apartment off-campus works.</p>

<p>Sorry, I feel a little stupid, but I just turned 18 a few months ago and I haven't rented an apartment on my own before. </p>

2

<p>1 most places are going to expect a 1 yr lease
2 To some degree, the sooner the better on deposits, especially for desirable places
3 go to the apartment management office and ask, they will all have different rules. Most will have a per-person application fee and are likely to ask your parents (and your roommate’s parents) to co-sign/apply.
4 most landlords near a college expect to see you (a student) walking in - you won’t really need to sell yourself as a tenant - look sharp, ask questions about things that concern you, pets, parking, laundry, noise rules, etc. Read and understand all contracts before you sign them.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>