Off Campus Housing
Tips For Finding A Home
In Orange County, bargain-priced housing is at a premium. Because you will be in competition with other prospective tenants, the way you come across to a landlord can affect your chances of securing the apartment or house you want. The better your appearance and self-presentation as a responsible individual, the more likely a landlord will be to rent to you and to be responsive to your request.
The Information for Rental Application (PDF) will give you an idea of the information a potential landlord may request. If you are renting from a large apartment complex, you will probably need to fill out an application. This application will likely include all of the information on the form, including bank account numbers and credit card numbers. Having this information with you when you start looking for a place to live will prevent you from having to come back later with the correct information. If you are renting from a private owner (an individual home, a room in a private home, or some small apartment complexes), it's a good idea to have a tenant resume. A typical tenant resume includes all of the data on the Information for Rental Applications form (except bank account numbers and credit card numbers).
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There are, in general, two types of tenancies. The first is a lease agreement between the landlord and the tenant for a fixed period of time. This type of lease agreement may be for a 6-, 9-, or 12- month period as long as the date of termination is certain. Tenants who have signed a lease are obligated to pay rent and observe the provisions of the lease for the entire lease period.
The second type of tenancy is a periodic tenancy, also known as month-to-month tenancy. This normally requires that you give the landlord 30 days' notice of your intent to move. Likewise, the landlord may terminate your lease or change the terms of the lease, provided that you are given a 30 days' notice.
Once you decide on a specific apartment, approach the rental agreement with an awareness of your responsibilities to your roommates, the other tenants, and the landlord. If you have questions regarding the terms or legality of the rental agreement, check with the Housing Office or call the Fair Housing Council of Orange County at (800)698-FAIR or at info@fairhousing.org. Do not sign anything you don't completely understand.
Before you sign, thoroughly read the lease agreement. Make sure you are given an exact copy of the lease you sign. The information you receive should include the rental rate, required deposit money, occupancy date, length of occupancy, apartment rules, and termination requirements. A good business practice is to pay rent, deposits, etc., by check, or when paying in cash to get a receipt. This is a protective measure for both the tenant and the landlord. Sample Rental Agreement (PDF).
Take an Inventory. We strongly urge you to make a written inventory of the condition of the apartment and furnishings either prior to or as soon as possible after occupancy. A detailed inventory of the premises will reduce the possibility of future misunderstanding or problems when you vacate. Such a list should be signed by at least one tenant and the landlord, and a copy given to each. It's also a good idea to take photographs of the apartment before you move in to record any pre-existing damages. Sample Inventory Checklist (PDF)
Review the fine print. Please read this section carefully if you are signing a lease for the first time. A lease protects both you and your landlord. Be informed. Be prepared to ask questions. If and when problems do arise, confront them directly in a mature fashion. Know your rights and don't be shy about informing your landlord of them.
Know the Landlord/Tenent Rights
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When students terminate rentals they often expose themselves to deductions for cleaning and damage costs by failing to follow required procedures. The following are some procedures you should observe. If you have any questions regarding the return (or non-return) of your deposit, come to the Housing Office in 209 Administration.
- Check your signed rental agreement for any information of expiration date and procedure for terminating rentals. Failure to vacate the premises on the date agreed upon without written consent of the owner may constitute "holding over" and result in legal action against you.
- Notify the landlord in writing of the date on which you plan to move out. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself. This should be done at least 30 days in advance of your termination date.
- Arrange to have the landlord inspect your apartment in your presence, using the signed Inventory Checklist.
- Verify balances due on miscellaneous charges at the beginning of the last rental period.
- Notify the utility companies of the date you wish to discontinue service at least one week in advance.
- Remove all trash and personal possessions, including items you intend to discard. Place furnishings in their original position. Clean floors, closets, fixtures, kitchen, etc. Give particular attention to the bathrooms, stove, oven, and refrigerator.
- Repair damage. Should there be any damages of which you are aware or any broken appliances at the time you leave, consider having them fixed yourself rather than having the landlord do so.
- Return all keys to the landlord.
- Leave a forwarding address with the post office and the landlord to enable the correct delivery of your mail and prompt return of your deposit. The landlord must provide you with an itemized list of any deductions from your deposit within 14 days of your vacating the unit (California Civil code 1950.5).
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