Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Housing
Plan ahead when looking for off-campus housing! Make sure you understand exactly what your needs and options are when you begin your search. Follow this step-by-step guide to stay on track and learn what to expect and when in the rental search process.
Quick Safety Link:
Follow these steps to stay on track in your search:
1. Create a Budget
- Determine how much you can afford to spend on housing. Use the Budget Worksheet in Resources to plan your expenses.
- When? 3-4 months before your planned move-in
2. Research Neighborhoods
- Check the Boston Neighborhoods link in the Resources library. Recent rents and informative articles like: Boston's Best Neighborhoods for College Students
- When? 3-4 months before your planned move-in
3. Search for Apartments
- Visit the Housing page of this website to search for housing. Be sure to review information on how to avoid scams.
- When? 2-3 months before your planned move-in
4. Search for Roommates
- Search for roommates and create a roommate profile. Options to see roommates who attend UMass Boston and even other Boston area schools. Do all of this at our Roommates page.
- When? 2-3 months before your planned move-in
5. Contact Landlords or Management Companies to View Apartments
- When? As listings become available
6. Prepare Questions to Ask
- Use our Questions to Ask the Landlord worksheet when you view apartments.
- When? 2-3 months before your planned move-in
7. View Apartments
- Bring the Questions to Ask the Landlord worksheet and the Housing Code Checklist when you visit apartments.
- When? 2-3 months before your planned move-in
8. Revisit your Budget
- Double check that the apartments you are interested in meet your budget requirements. Be sure to factor in additional costs for utilities, parking, and laundry.
- When? 2-3 months before your planned move-in
9. Decide on an Apartment
10. Complete a Rental Application
11. Review Lease Terms Thoroughly
- Leases are signed legal contracts. Make sure you are familiar with the lease agreement and common terms used in leases. You can view a Sample Lease here, and a list of Common Lease Terms here.
- When? Days to weeks before your planned move-in
12. Sign the Lease
- All parties renting an apartment need to sign the lease. Students with limited credit history may need a co-signer, usually a parent or guardian.
- When? Days to weeks before your planned move-in
13. Pay Upfront Costs
- Most rentals require upfront fees that may include first month's rent, last month's rent, and a security deposit. Discuss the requirements with the landlord, and be prepared to pay upfront costs to secure an apartment.
- When? A few weeks before move-in (July/August)
14. Create and Sign Roommate Agreement
- Roommate Agreements help to set expectations and prevent problems between roommates. View a Roommate Agreement here.
- When? Soon after move-in
- Don't wait too long before reviewing roommate expectations. This step can save you from roommate problems down the road! Review how rent will be paid when split by roommates.
15. Set Up Utilities
- Before your move-in date, make an appointment to have utilities (such as electricity, heating, cable, and internet) set up. Set up service with local providers including Eversource, National Grid, Comcast, Verizon, and RCN.
- When? 2 weeks before move-in
16. Complete Apartment Condition Report
- On move-in day, complete an Apartment Condition Report before you move any furniture and belongings. This way you will not be held responsible for damages you did not cause. You should also double-check that the apartment is up to code by using the Housing Code Checklist.
- When? Move-in day
17. Move In!
- Use the Moving In Checklist to cover all the details
- When? Move-in day