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off-campus housing services
Section 1: Searching for a Place
PART 1: GET READY
Start the Search.
If you are thinking of living off-campus, begin making plans immediately. New students should plan to arrive in Tucson 15 to 30 days before the beginning of the semester to secure housing. By avoiding the rush, you will be more likely to find an off-campus situation that you will be pleased with. Housing is available in Tucson year round; however, the longer you wait the more likely it is that you may have to accept a place that does not perfectly suit you.
Remember to constantly check housing listings for updates to give yourself as many options as possible. Above all, don’t wait until the last minute to find housing–you’ll have more choices earlier!
On the other hand, do not allow yourself to be pressured into signing a lease or a pre-lease agreement unless you are certain you want that unit. There will still be plenty of housing available through the summer.
PART 2: GET SET
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Budget.
What will your expenses will be? Include rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and dining out expenses; use the budgeting form to the right to estimate your expenses. Download a budget worksheet!
House, Apartment or Other?
Decide what type of housing you would like to live in (for example: single rooms in houses, apartment complex, duplexes, houses, or mobile homes). The details regarding all of these vary greatly, so you will need to be sure of the written details before you sign any rental agreement.
Amenities.
Make a list of the things you are looking for in a place to live, and take this with you on your search. For ideas about what you might want to look for in an apartment, visit the Housing Locator section of the Guide (see pages 71). Consider proximity to public transportation, laundry facilities, shopping, and off-street parking. Check the landlord’s policy on water beds, pets, subleases, smoking, parties– whatever is important to you.
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Roommates.
Determine how many roommates you would like to have and who they are. Be very careful in picking roommates: you may not really know a person until you move in; and once you sign the lease you are forming a legally binding agreement. Renting a house or apartment with several other people could help defray costs, but also has disadvantages. Roommate problems, which may be minor if you have one roommate, can become quite complicated if they involve three or four others. Be sure to take this into account when you are considering roommates. Read more on working with Roommates
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PART 3: GO
Hit the road to narrow down the area of Tucson you would like to live in. Walk or drive through that neighborhood and take note of the “For Rent” signs. Check local newspapers (ads listed under Central Tucson will be in the University vicinity), campus papers, and Off-Campus Housing Services.
Ask.
When you visit apartment complexes, ask to see units that are not models, as models are generally not accurate representations of what your apartment will be.
Inspect for Security Outside.
When inspecting a housing unit, be sure to check the exterior for adequate lighting in parking areas, pathways, front door, and surrounding areas that you may be using. Look at the landscaping. Are trees and shrubbery blocking doors and windows? Could someone hide undetected? Ask what sort of security system is offered. If it is a complex, are there gates or security guards? Ask if the complex offers insurance for theft. More on security
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Inspect for Security Inside.
When you check the interior, look for deadbolt locks. Check for a peephole in the door with a 180-degree view. Make sure sliding doors are secure. Is the front door solid core or hollow? For entrance doors use either a deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw, or if there is a window within reach of the door handle install a metal mesh grill over the glass. Use a security strike plate with at least two-inch screws, because normal screws do not prevent the door from being easily kicked in (one swift kick) by an intruder.
Inspect the Condition.
When viewing any place you are interested in, take a careful look around. Check water pressure, appliances, lights, and storage space. Use the Condition Checklist to help you with this process. If you want the apartment on the condition that certain repairs are made, get a written agreement from the landlord with the date of completion.
Get the Financial Skinny.
Many times the bills are sent to only one of the tenants, so it is his or her responsibility to see that all of the bills are paid. You will probably sign a “joint and severable lease,” which means that the landlord isn’t interested in who pays the rent, just that the rent is paid. Know your roommates well, and check to see how apartment complexes handle billing for rent & utilities.
Rent isn’t everything.
To estimate utilities, contact the customer service departments of Southwest Gas Corporation and Tucson Electric Power Company and give them the address (Click here for contact info). They will be able to give you the average cost for the unit over a twelve month period, plus the lowest and highest bills. Some apartment complexes use private billing services to bill for electricity. Ask the manager for the average cost per unit, but it is a good idea to verify with a current tenant, if possible.
Know Your Landlord.
Who manages the place you’ll be renting and how? If there is a maintenance problem during the holidays, how is it addressed? If you want to paint, or hang artwork, what is the policy?
Furnished Places.
If the apartment is “furnished,” find out what is included, and, again, get this in writing. If the specific apartment you are going to be renting is vacant, ask to see it to be sure it is acceptable. Also, a tenant presently residing in a complex is an excellent resource to get a consumer’s view, and a chance to make a friend in the area. Renting an apartment “site unseen” is NOT a good idea.
Especially for Room Renters.
Will you have your own entrance, kitchen facilities, and bathroom? If you must share, how many will you be sharing with? What kind of environment is there? Is it noisy, are there people to meet with, will you be like a member of the family, or merely a boarder?
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