:: Rooms in Shared Apartments or Houses 

These rooms are usually unfurnished singles (rooms for one person) or doubles (rooms for two people), and a great number are within walking distance of a campus. The common areas of the unit-as well as the household responsibilities-are usually shared by all tenants.

If you choose to live in a shared apartment or house, be aware of all requirements imposed upon you and your co-tenants. In other words, be very familiar with your lease, sublease, or verbal agreement(s). Try to be honest, cooperative and understanding with both your landlord and your co-tenants. Whenever possible, get any agreement between you and another party (whether it be the owner or a fellow resident) in writing.

DO NOT choose unsafe, overcrowded, illegal units just to get a lower rent. Also, if your room is illegal, you can be evicted upon inspection by local housing authorities.

:: Rooms in Private Homes 

These are rooms in owner-occupied apartments or houses. They are usually furnished and generally include partial or all utility charges in the monthly rent. Rooms in private homes do not always include kitchen privileges, and few are available within walking distance of a campus. Most are in surrounding municipalities.

The most important thing to remember about a room in an owner-occupied residence is this: it is someone else's home, so be considerate. Make sure you have all house rules explained to you, preferably in writing. Compatibility with the owner is extremely important. Should problems arise, you have little immunity from eviction when living in owner-occupied dwellings.

:: Things to Think About 

Review the following points when looking for a room (questions in bold are especially important to keep in mind when considering rooms in private homes):

1. What is the condition of the room? What is the condition of the whole house or apartment? Clean or dirty?
2. What is the history of repairs, maintenance, and heating at the rental? Who is responsible for these things? Does the landlord have an agent in charge?
3. How much is the rent? How should I pay the rent? Check, money order, cash? When is rent due? Who do I pay it to? Will I get a receipt?
4. Is a security deposit required? If so, we must get a receipt. Where is the security deposit held?
5. Will I have use of a telephone? Is there a telephone jack I can use in my bedroom?
6. Is parking available? Is parking on the street or is there a driveway, garage, or private lot that I may use? Is a Resident Parking Permit required in order to park on the street? See our Parking in New Brunswick.
7. Are pets allowed? Are only certain kinds of pets allowed? I must receive permission in writing.
8. Do the tenants have a Co-Tenant Agreement? All rules, expectations, consequences of leaving early, what to do about roommate incompatibility, and division of responsibilities should be outlined in writing, signed, dated and copies retained by everyone. We provide a sample Co-Tenant Agreement Form.
9. Will I be near campus and city bus stops? Will I be near the train station? Will I need a car? Our office has copies of many local train and bus schedules for your convenience.
10. Will it be easy for me to leave this rental at any time? How much notice must I give the landlord and/or my co-tenants?
11. Is my bedroom furnished? Completely, partially, or not at all?
12. What other people live in the apartment/house? Are there both females and males? Are they undergraduates, graduate students, international students, or professionals? Is a family there? Small children? Are there older people, people younger than myself?
13. Are any of the utilities included in the rent? Which ones are included and which ones are not? How will my share of the bills be figured?
14. I must have ALL promises, leases, or agreements IN WRITING: dated, signed and understood by ALL.
15. What is my period of occupancy for this unit? Month-to-month, Semester, Yearly, Other?
16. Is the building zoned for as many units as it has? Does the unit meet the requirements of property maintenance and housing occupancy ordinances? Is it under a rent control ordinance? Is it registered with the Rent Control Board/Tax Assessor? (Ask our office if you need further information on municipal codes or ordinances.)
17. What duties, responsibilities and expectations are there between the tenant(s) and the landlord?
18. When may I have visitors? How many visitors may I have? Are there quiet/study hours?
19. Will I have a separate entrance from the outside to my room?
20. Will I share a bathroom with others or will I have my own?
21. Will I have household responsibilities? Cleaning? Children? Others?
22. Will I have use of the kitchen? When may I use the kitchen? May I prepare a large meal or just heat something up? Can I have a refrigerator and hot plate if I have no kitchen privileges?
23. Can I make noise (parties, musical instruments, stereos)?