Parents’ Guide to Off-Campus Rentals

Key Takeaways

• Off-campus living promotes independence and responsibility, helping students build real-world skills like budgeting, cooking, and household management—skills less emphasized in dorm life.
• Parents who co-sign leases are legally liable for missed rent payments or property damage, making it essential to review lease terms, payment deadlines, and tenant responsibilities in detail before signing.
• Safety and location top the list of housing priorities, with proximity to campus, neighborhood crime rates, and access to amenities like groceries and public transit being major decision factors.
• Choosing compatible roommates is crucial—financial reliability, shared lifestyle habits, and clear communication styles can make or break a student’s rental experience.
• Budgeting goes beyond rent—students (and their parents) must plan for utilities, internet, groceries, furniture, security deposits, and renters insurance when calculating total monthly and upfront living expenses.

Understanding the Basics of Off-Campus Rentals

Before we delve into all things off-campus, let’s answer some common questions. What is off-campus housing? How can it be beneficial for students? And as a parent, what should you know about this housing option?

Off-campus housing is any form of housing located outside of the college or university campus. This can include apartments, single-family houses, condos, and townhomes. It’s a popular option among students seeking more independence and privacy after experiencing on-campus living.

Benefits of living off-campus

So why do students choose to live off campus? As just mentioned, off-campus living brings newfound independence to a student’s life. Rather than sharing walls with other students in residence halls or having to follow on-campus living guidelines, students who live off campus enjoy more privacy and freedom. While going to college was a big first step, moving off-campus is a whole new chapter of “real world” living.

In an off-campus rental, students learn how to budget, cook meals, and handle responsibilities like household chores. This type of exposure is important for their personal growth and isn’t as prevalent when living on campus.

Financial Considerations

To start the conversation about off-campus living, it’s important to address finances. If you’re helping your child with living costs, set a realistic housing budget before they begin apartment hunting. If your child is paying for things on their own, have a conversation about what expenses to expect and how to budget for them.

On top of rent, students should expect to pay for recurring bills like utilities and internet. If they’re no longer on a meal plan, add groceries to that list, along with living supplies, transportation costs, and furnishings for the home. When moving in, they’ll also be expected to pay a security deposit, application fees, and other upfront fees like renters insurance coverage or pet deposit, if applicable.

Your role as a co-signer or guarantor

Many college renters sign their lease with a co-signer or guarantor. This is typically a parent or guardian who agrees to be responsible for rent or property damage if their child can’t fulfill their lease obligations.

If you’ve agreed to cosign your child’s lease, it’s important to understand your role and responsibilities. Before committing to a rental, read and review the lease agreement with your child, identifying key components like rent deadlines, community guidelines, and overall tenant expectations. Throughout their tenancy, check in with your child to make sure rent is paid, and keep open communication throughout the lease. Doing so will ensure your child stays on top of things and protect you from any financial liabilities.

Location & Neighborhood

Next, let’s talk location. After price, this is typically the most important deciding factor for off-campus living. From distance to campus to community safety, here are some things to consider when selecting an off-campus rental for your child:

Proximity to campus

The ideal off-campus rental is still relatively close to the university. Whether it be walking distance or just a short drive away, living close to campus will make your child’s life much easier. Not only will they save time commuting to class, but they can also save money on parking or public transit costs. Plus, they’ll save themselves the stress of finding a parking spot on a busy college campus.

Neighborhood safety

Safety is another huge factor in finding off-campus housing. When your child finds a rental, make sure to do some research on the neighborhood. Look up local crime rates and see if there are any security measures in place, like gated entrances or surveillance cameras. Doing so will give you and your child much peace of mind as they take on independent living.

Amenities and convenience

In addition to being close to campus, your child’s off-campus rental should also be close to local amenities. Places like grocery stores, gyms, and restaurants are ideally nearby, as well as public transportation options. This will make it easier for your child to tend to their daily needs without having to travel far.

Choosing the Right Roommates

While living in a dorm means being assigned a roommate, off-campus housing gives students more of a choice. Before your child commits to living with one or multiple housemates, make sure they vet their roomies with the following criteria:

Financial responsibilities

Living with a roommate can quickly go south when it comes to money matters. So, make sure your child and their potential roommates are on the same page about rent, utilities, groceries, and other shared expenses. It’s important that each person holds up their end of the bargain and contributes a fair share. Otherwise, resentment can quickly build and tarnish your child’s overall living experience.

Lifestyle compatibility

Compatibility is another huge part of harmonious roommate living. For example, if your child is very clean, their roommate should have similar cleanliness habits. Or if your child prefers to study at home, they should ensure their roommate isn’t prone to having rowdy guests over during the week. Discussing these lifestyle habits and preferences can prevent major conflicts down the road and create a more harmonious living environment.

Communication style

Lastly, make sure your child’s communication style aligns with their roommate’s. If they’re both non-confrontational, underlying resentment is likely to build. Or if they’re both outspoken, heated arguments may become the norm. Encourage your child to establish open and honest communication early on. If conflicts do arise, advise them on how to approach the subject calmly and respectfully.

Lease and Legal Checkpoints

Remember when we suggested reading over your child’s lease earlier? Well, this is why! As a parent, it’s important to review the lease agreement to confirm your child understands their obligations. Discuss rent deadlines, late-fee penalties, pet policies, and more to ensure your child knows what they’re signing up for. If you notice any red flags, highlight them and reach out to the landlord with follow-up questions.

State and local tenant laws should be another item of discussion. Ensure your child understands their rights as a tenant and what they can do if any issues arise. This will also help them understand the responsibilities of their landlord.

Other important legal checkpoints to discuss with your child include:

• Safety and security measures in place
• Proper maintenance expectations for the property
• Procedures for requesting repairs
• Utilities included in rent (if any)
• Insurance coverage options (renter’s insurance)
• Subletting or roommate arrangements (if applicable)
• Move-in and move-out procedures

Safety and Responsibility

Before your child moves into their off-campus rental, advise them on appropriate safety measures. Though some might seem obvious, it’s important to remind them of how to safely and responsibly approach independent living. From simple steps like locking doors to bigger projects like installing security cameras, here are some tips to offer about safety and responsibility:

• Make sure all doors and windows are secured, both when your child is home and when they’re away.
• Tell them to never give out personal information or allow strangers into their apartment.
• Encourage them to create an emergency plan in case of a fire or other emergency.
• Remind them to always have a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in their apartment.
• Instruct them on how to properly use kitchen appliances and handle any potential hazards like grease fires.
• Discuss the importance of respecting their neighbors and following noise regulations, especially during quiet hours.

Moving In and Living Wisely

The move-in process can be stressful for a college student, particularly if they don’t have help or insight from on-campus staff. As a parent, this creates a big opportunity for you to step in and offer insight into the moving process and responsible living habits. Before your child packs every box and loads up the car, here are some things to go over:

Furnishing basics

If your child is coming from a dorm, they likely won’t have much furniture. Before move-in, help compile a checklist of furnishings they’ll need, like a bed frame, desk, bedding, etc. Then, cross-reference with roommates to see what’s needed in common areas. To save money, you may offer up furniture you’re not using, or shop at secondhand stores for budget-friendly finds.

Move-in checklists

Before moving day, talk to your child about creating some checklists. They should have one for packing, one for move-in day, and another for setting up their new space. This will help them stay organized and on top of things throughout the move-in process.

Household habits

As your child moves into their new home, they will have to adjust to living with others. Encourage them to be mindful of their household habits and how it may affect their roommates. Remind them to clean up after themselves, take turns doing chores, and communicate openly with their roommates about any issues that arise.

When It's Time to Move Out

Time flies when your child is living off campus! As their lease comes to a close, there are ways to assist with the move-out process. Generally, we recommend doing a run-through of the following tasks to ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient move-out process:

• Begin with a walk-through: Before your child moves out, schedule a time to do a thorough walk-through of the apartment or house. This is an opportunity to identify any damage or necessary repairs that need to be addressed before moving out. It’s also helpful to take pictures for documentation purposes.
• Make repairs and clean thoroughly: If there is any damage or repairs needed, make sure they are completed before moving out. Encourage your child to clean their living space thoroughly, including wiping down surfaces, scrubbing floors, and taking care of any stains or messes.
• Return keys and get security deposit back: Make sure your child returns all sets of keys to the landlord on time. This will ensure they receive their security deposit back in full. Remind them to take pictures or videos of the empty apartment before turning in the keys as proof of its condition.
• Update address and utilities: Help your child update their address for important documents such as bank statements, credit card bills, and any subscriptions or memberships they may have.

FAQs

Should parents be concerned about safety at off-campus housing?

Yes, safety is a primary concern when selecting a new apartment. Before renting, students should:

• Assess lighting and parking: Ensure the area is well-lit and parking is open and visible.
• Familiarize with neighbors: Get to know those living nearby.
• Verify safety detectors: Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and functional.
• Stay alert: Be aware of surroundings and have emergency contacts readily available.

What are some safety tips that parents can share with students while they are at class and living off-campus?

Parents can remind students to always lock their doors and windows, even when home. Encourage them to avoid sharing their exact schedules or personal information publicly to protect their privacy. Additionally, students should stay vigilant by walking in groups at night and keeping their phones charged for emergencies.

What calendar dates do parents and students need to be aware of?

Parents, take note of these key college dates:

• Financial Aid Priority Deadline
• Enrollment Deposit
• Orientation
• Course Registration
• Summer Opportunities
• Tuition Deadline
• Lease Renewal & Expiration Dates

If parents want to be involved in their son/daughter's college years, but don't want to be overbearing, what are some options?

Colleges and universities often provide resources and services specifically for parents to encourage their involvement. These may include:

• Separate parent orientation sessions
• Dedicated parent offices
• Parent-specific phone lines (e.g., 1-800 numbers)
• Parental notification for alcohol and substance abuse violations
• Websites for parent questions
• Family weekends

Should students moving into off-campus housing get renter's insurance?

Yes, students moving into off-campus housing should consider getting renter's insurance. It provides essential protection for personal belongings against theft, fire, or natural disasters and may also cover liability in case of accidents. Many policies are affordable and offer peace of mind for both students and their families.

What are parents’ responsibilities and liabilities as a guarantor or co-signer?

As a guarantor, you're financially responsible if the applicant defaults on the lease. This means covering missed payments and assuming full liability if the applicant breaks the lease entirely. You're also responsible for property damage beyond normal wear and tear if the applicant doesn't pay. Review the lease carefully and direct any questions to the property management.