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FAQ’s

AUGUST 2020 – UPDATED FAQS:  http://ruoffcampus.dev.its.rutgers.edu/listing-rates/faqs

WHERE CAN I FIND A LIST OF AVAILABLE HOUSING?

Rutgers University has partnered with Places4Students.com, a company that specializes in providing off-campus housing solutions for university communities. This service is FREE for anyone to use as an effective method of finding a place to live off campus or finding a roommate. Registration is not required to search the listings.

Rutgers community members can also post roommate profiles or student sublets for free.

CAN I FIND HOUSING WITHOUT COMING TO THE AREA?

While possible, it is not advised to commit to housing before looking at the unit in person or without meeting the landlord. Tenants can search for available spaces for rent on our website but we recommend making contact with the landlord and looking at a potential residence before agreeing to sign a lease or paying a security deposit.

Viewing the rental in person enables you to see if the rental unit meets your living standards and gives you an opportunity to develop a relationship with the landlord.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE RENT?

A calculation of average rents of listings posted with our service can be found in the average rent section. This is not reflective of all rental properties in the area but is an average of the units that have been posted with us.

HOW LONG ARE AVERAGE LEASES?

Most leases run for 12 months and commonly begin in May or June or in August or September. Although these lease start times are most common, we list units all year round that may start anytime during the year.

Another popular lease option is subletting during the summer months. This allows you to obtain housing (usually for 1 to 3 months) from an existing tenant who already has a lease agreement with their landlord. Information on subletting can be found in the subletting section.

DOES FINANCIAL AID COVER OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING?

Some students have been able to receive financial aid and live in off-campus residences. Please contact One Stop Student Services for more information.  You can submit an inquiry through their website.

WHO PAYS THE UTILITIES?

Sometimes certain utility charges like hot water are included in the rent. Any utilities included in the rent should be indicated in the lease. If utilities are not included, tenants must set up service directly with each utility company. When searching for possible rentals, remember to factor utility costs into your budget for rent. See the section on utilities for more information.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY A SECURITY DEPOSIT?

Typically security deposits are about 1 to 1.5 month’s rent. In New Jersey, security deposits cannot exceed 1.5 times the monthly rent.

IS THERE A PERIOD DURING WHICH I CAN CANCEL MY LEASE?

Unless your lease contains a clause describing such a period, you will be legally bound to the conditions of your lease upon signing it. This is why it is important to make sure that a prospective rental is up to your standards before signing the lease.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A TENANT?

Our website provides basic information on landlord and tenant responsibilities. More information about tenants’ rights can be found through the Legal Services of New Jersey Tenant’s Rights Handbook or through tenants associations such as the New Jersey Tenants Organization.

 

HOW BIG ARE BEDROOMS REQUIRED TO BE? ARE ATTIC AND BASEMENT BEDROOMS LEGAL?

In New Jersey each city or municipality is responsible for drafting and enforcing a set of housing and property maintenance codes. If your rental violates the guidelines, your unit may be illegally occupied and you may be subject to eviction. Do not overcrowd a unit and do not rent a unit that fails to meet local housing codes. Attic and basement bedrooms can be legal but must meet certain housing codes enforced by the city.