HOUSING RESOURCES

It is best to always act with caution if you decide to live in off-campus housing. Unfortunately, housing scams do occur. You should never provide bank details or credit information, send money, or give personal information to someone over email or over the phone. Search for housing agents and property management companies using the Better Business Bureau to verify their legitimacy. For more information on scams visit isafety.ucsd.edu.

Learn to recognize the common signs of a housing scam:

• Advertisements
  • The advertised price of a rental property is much lower than similar properties in the area.
  • The landlord/owner/agent posting an ad on Facebook has an account that was created very recently.
    
    
• Landlords/owners/agents
  • The owner or agent will not let you see the home or apartment in-person or charges you a fee to view it.
  • The owner or agent requires you to sign the lease before you see the rental room or property in-person.
  • The owner or agent uses high pressure sales tactics, urging you to rent quickly, before someone else gets the property.
  • The person renting the room/property claims to be an agent for the property owner who is too busy, out of the country, or otherwise unavailable to handle the rental.
    
    
• Financial transactions
  • You're asked to wire money as a deposit or payment of the first and last month's rent. Wiring money is the same as giving cash. You can't get a refund, even if you find out the offer was a fraud.
  • The person preparing the lease writes in a higher monthly rent or additional fees that you hadn't agreed upon.
  • The landlord directs you to a website to get a free credit check. This can be a tactic for harvesting your identity. Only disclose this information on a written application after you have seen the property.
    
    

What you can do to protect yourself:

• If you’re not able to see the unit in person, have a friend or family member check it out for you. If this isn’t possible, hire a local real estate agent.
• Check the home’s address online using Google Maps to see if it matches what is being advertised online.
• Consult with UCSD Student Legal Services if you have any questions or concerns about a property you are renting/would like to rent: https://students.ucsd.edu/sponsor/student-legal/.
• Report any scams to the San Diego Police Department: https://www.sandiego.gov/police/services/nonemergencies

*Source: USA.gov Housing Scams Website https://www.usa.gov/housing-scams#item-211837

1. Search for housing: The easiest place to look for housing is online. You should research neighborhoods and search to see housing options on different websites. The rental price advertised is monthly, but does not include any additional charges such as utilities. When you send a message to the landlord or owner of a property, you should include your name, what you are doing in San Diego (for example: studying or researching), a little bit about yourself (for example: hobbies and interests), the general time period that you are looking to move in, and ask if they are willing to set up a time for a viewing. You should send many messages to many different housing ads, and do not expect that all of your messages will be answered.


2. Ask questions and set up a viewing: You should always be sure to ask landlords, owners, or agencies several questions to make sure you know all relevant information. You should always request to set up a time to see the property in person, which is known as a viewing or inspection. Never send any money to a landlord, owner, or agency without viewing a property and signing legal paperwork first. Here are some useful questions to ask a landlord or owner:

• Cost:
  • How much is the monthly rent?
  • How much is the deposit? Is it refundable?
  • Are utilities included? If not, how much per month?
  • Is there an application fee?
    
    
• Availability and Property Facilities:
  • When is the earliest move-in date?
  • When can I visit the apartment/house?
  • Is there a waitlist?
  • What is the length of the lease or rental agreement?
  • Is it furnished?
  • Are there parking spots for tenants?
  • Are there laundry facilities onsite?
  • How are maintenance issues handled?
    
    
• Contract:
  • Do you allow co-signers?
  • If I have no credit score in the United States, what can be done?
  • Do you allow subletting?
  • Do you allow pets?
    
    

3. Examine your lease: Once you view a property and agree to move in, the next step is to sign a lease. A lease is a legal contract details the rights and responsibilities of both the renter and the landlord. If either party violates the lease, there are usually penalties. For the renter, penalties can range from a warning, to a fine, to an eviction. For a landlord, violating the lease can sometimes mean the renter can leave without penalty. Rental law in California can be very complex and ambiguous. Contact Student Legal Services for assistance with reviewing your lease or rental contract.

It is important you read your lease carefully before signing it to better understand your rights and responsibilities. Examples of some of the items contained in the lease are:

• The date rent is due and which methods of payment are acceptable.
• Restrictions on painting and other alterations to the property.
• The guarantees the landlord makes to the renter to ensure safety and well-being. 
  
  

4. Pay your first month’s rent and deposit: After you sign your lease, the owner or landlord will ask you to pay the first month’s rent along with a security deposit. Be prepared to pay a security deposit equal to at least one month’s rent (which is refunded upon leaving if there is no property damage). The deposit is in addition to the first month’s rent. The maximum allowed security deposit amount in California is twice the rent for an unfurnished unit and three times the rent for a furnished unit.

Application: If there is a rental application, you will have to supply your personal, professional, and financial information. Some landlords also require the tenant to pay an application fee.

Credit: Once you have an American social security number, it means that you have credit. Your credit score will determine your ability to apply for certain things such as a cell phone or credit card. If you don't have credit in the U.S., landlords or companies will require a monetary deposit instead.

Deposit: A deposit, or security deposit, is typically required. This will be a monetary amount paid at the same time as your first month’s rent and will be 1-2 times your monthly rent. A deposit is returned when you move out if there is no property damage.

Full vacancy: “Full vacancy” listings indicate that the entire apartment is for rent.

Furnished: When a room or an apartment is furnished, it implies that there are enough furniture and/or appliances for you to live without purchasing any extra ones.

Landlord: Somebody who owns an apartment or a house.

Lease/Leasing contract: A legal document that both landlord and tenant sign to officially agree on the obligations of both parties during the stated length of stay. A six-month or one-year lease guarantees that the price of rent will not be raised during that time period. A person who signs a lease and moves out before the lease ends will probably be liable to pay a penalty, or possibly all rental payments for the remainder of the lease time.

Maintenance person: A person who comes to fix technical problems such as plumbing issues occurring in the apartment or house.

Month-to-month rental: This refers to a rental agreement renewed monthly. Renting month-to-month allows the flexibility to move out with 30 days notice.

Tenant: Somebody who rents an apartment or a house.

Utilities: Additional charges that are not necessarily included in the rent fee. Examples: Water, electricity, phone, internet, trash.

Personal Information: It is best to have specific information readily available when looking for housing. Additional information beyond this list can be required but will vary depending on the landlord, property owner, or rental agency.

• Legal Name: Names of every adult that will reside at residence.
• Social Security Number (SSN): A Social Security Number is used as a way to verify credit history. If you do not provide a social security number, you could be asked to pay an increased deposit. The maximum allowed security deposit amount in California is twice the rent for an unfurnished unit and three times the rent for a furnished unit.
• Contact Information: U.S. phone number and email that you can be reached at. Most rental agencies will also ask for emergency contact information.
  
  

Documents: Landlords or rental agencies may also ask for scans or pictures of specific documents to help prove your identity and your ability to pay rent.

• Proof of Identification: Individuals seeking to rent or buy a home will be asked to provide a proof of Identification document, for example:
  • U.S. Government issued ID
  • Passport
    
    
• Proof of income document: Applicants usually must also demonstrate their financial ability to pay a monthly rent. A common requirement is for a tenant to have a total monthly household income of at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. Note that this will vary depending on the landlord/rental agency. Here are documents that you can use to provide proof of income:
  • Most recent pay statement
  • Job offer letter indicating income
  • Other recent income verification document or proof of funds
    
    

Other Rental Forms: UCSD Student Legal Services has created Off-Campus Rental Forms for students renting off-campus housing, including a Rental Property Inventory Checklist and a formal template for Roommate Agreements and Sublease Agreements.

Cost of living: Living in San Diego, especially in La Jolla, is very expensive and it is important to set a realistic budget before beginning to look for a place to live. Please take a look at the average cost of living in San Diego to help plan your budget, and consider the following costs not included in monthly rent:

• Security deposit: A deposit is typically required to hold your rental until your move in date when you are provided the keys. Be prepared to pay a security deposit equal to at least one month’s rent (which may be refunded upon leaving if there is no property damage). This is in addition to the first month’s rent. The maximum allowed security deposit amount in California is twice the rent for an unfurnished unit and three times the rent for a furnished unit.
• Application fees and conditions: When you submit an application to rent, there may be an application fee per adult that will be living in the household. The application fee is typically non-refundable. If your application is approved, typically you are either approved or approved with conditions. If an applicant has no credit or bad credit, they could be approved with conditions and be asked to pay a higher security deposit.  
• Renter’s insurance: An often required expense to cover loss or damage to a renter’s personal property. See information about Renters Insurance under our 'After Moving In' section below.
• Utilities: Additional fees are not included in the monthly rent for utilities such as gas and electricity, telephone, and cable television service. See information about Utilities under our 'After Moving In' section below.
  
  

Availability: Vacancy rates are very low in San Diego and it may take some time to find an apartment. The largest number of vacancies come up in June - September. If you find a suitable location but there is currently no availability, it is recommended that you join the apartment complex’s waitlist if they have one.

Neighborhoods: When searching for housing in San Diego, it could be useful to search with specific neighborhood names. see map of nearby San Diego Neighborhoods. UC San Diego is in the University City and La Jolla neighborhoods. The area near the UTC Mall is also often referred to as UTC in housing ads.

Safety: When searching for housing we recommend that you review safety reports for the area. UC San Diego publishes an annual campus security report (Clery Report) which includes data regarding crime statistics on and around campus for the past three years. For information, visit the City of San Diego’s Crime Statistics & Crime Mapping for crime statistics by city and neighborhood.

Address Format: Ensure that you are familiar with the way that addresses are written in the U.S. Here are some examples:

• U.S. Address Format
  [First Name of Recipient] [Last Name of Recipient]
  [Street Number] [Street Name] [Apartment or Unit Number] 
  [City], [State Abbreviation] [Zip Code]
  
  
• Sample U.S. Address Format
  Tommy Triton
  1234 University Ave. Apt 101
  San Diego, CA 92122

Make sure that you check how accessible your off-campus housing options are. Before securing housing in another neighborhood of San Diego, we recommend that you consider the location and its proximity to public transportation.

Public Transportation: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) trip planner tool can be a helpful resource to help you see which public transportation options are near your potential home. You can use public trnasportation through the Triton U-Pass program, which grants unlimited access to regional MTS and NCTD mass transit bus and trolley/light rail routes during the fall, winter and spring academic quarters to current UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students (not exchange students or visiting scholars). Here are some public transportation options available to you:

• Public Bus: The SDMTS has bus routes that operate throughout San Diego and connect to other transportation options such as the Trolley and Airport.
• Trolley: The SDMTS has Trolleys that operate throughout San Diego. The Blue line runs from San Ysidro to UTC, stopping at UC San Diego Central Campus on the way.
• UC San Diego Shuttle: UC San Diego offers free shuttle options that operate in the neighborhoods near campus.
  
  

Driving: Are you commuting to campus? Discover commuter resources and plan your journey with the links below.

• Commuting to campus: UCSD’s main Transportation Services site.
  
• Resources for commuter students: Find useful tips and resources especially for students living off campus.
• Parking passes: Parking at UCSD is not free, so make sure that a parking pass is within your budget.
  
  

Here are some additional resources from UCSD organizations that can help you in your housing search:

• UCSD Basic Needs Hub
  • Educational Campaign 2023: A 6-week informational series that breaks down the basics of the housing search process.
    • Follow the series: Follow The Hub Basic Needs Center on Instagram and TikTok (@ucsdbasicneeds).
    • Schedule a housing consultation: Get help with reviewing off-campus housing options, receive first-time lease signing information, and access moving resources.
  • UC San Diego Housing Booklet: Off-Campus Housing information that helps your strategize the housing search, navigate the application process, understand leasing information, and find community resources.
  • Food and Housing Resource Guide: Resources for ensuring that your basic needs are being met, both on and off-campus.
    
    
• UCSD House Hunting Tips
  • Information and tips to help you as you search for off-campus housing.
    
    
• Associated Students Local Housing Guide
  • Student guide for finding on and off-campus housing.
    
    

Off-Campus Housing Webinar: The following webinar describes first-time renting, housing search platforms and tips, the leasing process, and undergraduate/graduate housing off-campus. Webinar provided by: The Hub Basic Needs Center, Off-Campus Housing, Student Legal Services, and Housing, Dining & Hospitality (HDH).