Tenant vs. landlord

A tenant is somebody who rents an apartment or a house
A landlord is somebody who owns an apartment or a house

Utilities

It is the other charges that are not necessarily included in the rent fee.
Example: Water, electricity, phone, internet, trash, etc...

Application

It is the first document that you will have to fill up. You will have to write your personal, professional, and financial information on it. Some landlords require the tenant to pay an application fee as it often guarantees a hold on the room or apartment.

Leasing contract

It is a legal document that both landlord and tenant sign to officially agree on the obligations of both parties during the stated length of stay.

Maintenance person

It usually is a person who comes to fix technical problems such as plumbing issues occurring in the apartment or house.

Credit in the United States

Once you have an American social security number, it means that you have credit. Your credit score will determine your ability to apply for cellular phone, credit cards, loans, etc...

If you don't have credit in the U.S., landlords or companies will require a deposit instead.

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.

• Commuting to campus
• Resources for commuter students

Resources to help you understand your legal rights as a tenant:

• City of San Diego resources
• San Diego County
• Homeownership Council of America
• Introduction to U.S. and California Law – information about renter’s rights and living off campus

Avoid Housing Scams

Be aware of housing scams, particularly on websites like Craigslist!  Signs of a scam targeting renters can include the following:

• The advertised price of the rental property is much lower than that of similar properties.
• The person trying to rent you the 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.
• The owner or agent requires you to sign the lease before you see the rental property.
• The owner or agent isn't able to let you enter the home or apartment or charges you a fee to view it. 
• You're asked to wire money as a deposit or payment of first and last month's rent. Remember 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 owner or agent uses high pressure sales tactics, urging you to rent quickly, before someone else gets the property.
• 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 for the home’s address online using Google Maps to see if it matches what is being advertised online.
• Use UCSD’s Off-Campus Housing website to search for a property: https://offcampushousing.ucsd.edu/. However, it is still important that you follow the tips listed above when checking out these properties!
• 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

A lease is a written legal contract in which the renter agrees to make rental payments for a specified period of time. The advantage is that a six-month or one-year lease guarantees that the price of rent will not be raised during that time period. In contrast, renting month-to-month allows the flexibility to move out with 30 days notice. If planning to stay in the apartment for six months or more, a lease is a good idea. A person who signs a lease and moves out before the lease ends will probably be liable to pay a penalty, possibly all rental payments for the remainder of the lease time.

A lease also details the rights and responsibilities of both the renter and the landlord. 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

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.

Speak with an attorney who represents tenants.  If there is a large amount of potential liability involved, it is a good idea to consult with a couple of attorneys.

The San Diego County Bar Association has a referral service in which the initial consultation is without charge. 
619-231-8585
https://www.sdcba.org/index.cfm?pg=MainLRIShttp://www.san-diego-lawyer-referral.com/?PPCCode=G3-San_Diego

Use the UCSD Legal service for staff, if you registered for this additional benefit at your employee orientation (it was an additional fee for this service).
https://blink.ucsd.edu/HR/benefits/insurance/legal.html

Try searching the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the state of  California.  There are some “legal advisors” in San Diego.
https://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=CA

It is important to consider purchasing renter’s insurance while in the United States. Generally, except under very special circumstances, a landlord is not legally responsible for loss or damage to a renter’s personal property. Also, if a renter causes damage to the landlord’s property, even unintentionally, the landlord may have the right to hold the renter financially responsible. In both of these situations, renter’s insurance would protect the renter from having to pay sometimes very large amounts of money.

For more information on renter’s insurance, the following insurance is designed specifically for UC San Diego renters: https://gradguard.com/school-search?school=6965 

For most (but not all) apartments, the landlord pays the water, sewer, and trash removal bill. The renter pays for utilities such as gas and electricity, telephone, and cable television service. San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) supplies San Diego County with gas and electricity service. To begin service, a deposit, plus a fee for reading the meters, must be paid. To establish service call (800) 411-7343 and service will begin within a few working days. For more information: https://www.sdge.com

For assistance finding providers for utility plans, internet, and cable visit: https://www.inmyarea.com

Cell Phone Service

In order to activate cell phone service in the United States, it is helpful for customers to have a valid social security number and an established credit history. Customers without these things can still activate service but may be subject to a security deposit at the time of application. The security deposit ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the service provider. This security deposit will be returned customers as stipulated in the cell phone contract.

Service contracts may last for one or two years and early termination fees may apply. Prepaid and no-contract plans are also available. Purchase cell phones or sign up for cell phone services at shopping malls or provider branches. If you would like to utilize a free resource to check availability of internet, cable, and telephone providers in their area and compare prices, visit https://www.inmyarea.com.

Below is a list of major US cell phone service providers

• Verizon Wireless
• T-Mobile
• AT&T
• Sprint

There are many ways to find inexpensive furniture and household items. “Discount” furniture is sold at a reduced price due to out-dated style, minor damages, etc. “Used” furniture is usually less expensive than “discounted” furniture and can be found at garage sales or second-hand stores. Furniture stores that sell new furniture usually provide delivery services.

Thrift Stores

There are many stores listed in the yellow pages under “Thrift Shops” and “Clothing, Used.” Also, there are various thrift shops in Pacific Beach on Garnet Avenue near the beach.

Goodwill Industries
1430 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 274-4960

The Salvation Army
4606 Mission Bay Drive, Pacific Beach
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 272-6514 

Discount Stores

Target
8251 Mira Mesa Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 530-1901

Costco
4605 Morena Boulevard (membership required)
San Diego, CA 92117
(858) 270-6920

Walmart
4840 Shawline Street
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 268-2885

Kobey’s Swap Meet
3500 Sports Arena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 226-0650

Furniture Rental Companies

CORT Furniture Rental for Students
8288 Miramar Road (by appointment only)
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 549-0800
Most apartments in the U.S. are not furnished. CORT provides furniture rental packages and housing information for students living off-campus.

AFR Furniture Rental 
7825 Trade Street Suites 104/105
San Diego, CA 92121
619-819-9680

Other Resources

The Kitchen and Exchange Rental Service is a service provided by Oceanids, a UC San Diego support organization. International post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and faculty who are staying at UC San Diego for one year or less are eligible for this service.

Weekly papers such as The San Diego Reader and Pennysaver are also good places to look for advertisements for garage sales, used furniture items, and other items for sale.

https://www.sdreader.com
https://sandiego.craigslist.org
https://www.pennysaverusa.com

Questions to ask a landlord when
renting a room, an apartment or house

• How much is the rent?
• When is the earliest move-in date?
• Are utilities included? If not, how much per month?
• What is the length of the lease? Is it month-to-month, 6 months, school year?
• Do you allow co-signers?
• Is there an application fee?
• If I have no credit in the United States, what can be done?
• Is there a waitlist?
• How much is the deposit? Is it refundable?
• How many parking spots? Any visitor parking?
• Do you allow subletting?
• Do you allow pets?
• How are maintenance issues handled especially in case of emergency?
• How far is it from campus?
• Is there a bus stop nearby?
• When can I visit the apartment/house?
• Is it furnished?

We understand that many international students may need storage options during the summer, so here are a few resources for you to check out:

• UCSD Student Storage
• Campus Storage
• A1 Self Storage
• Public Storage
• Price Self Storage
• Sparefoot.com
• Neighbor Storage
• FindStorageFast