FOUND: The Perfect College House
You have found the perfect place, picked the perfect roommates, and anticipate the perfect year living off campus.
While moving off campus for the first time provides lots of excitement and a new sense of freedom, excitement can turn
to conflict quickly. Here are a few things to think about to make your off-campus living experience successful.
Ask your future landlord questions
WHEN LIVING OFF CAMPUS,
FEWER ROOMMATES =
FEWER CONFLICTS.
Don’t be afraid to ask your landlord for clarification on ANYTHING
no matter how inconsequential it may seem. Before you sign a
lease, be prepared with a list of questions to ask your prospective
landlord such as:
 Is this a joint lease or an individual lease?
A joint lease means that if your roommates don’t shell out
money, you’re all responsible for the lack of payment.
 What is your subleasing policy?
This refers to whether or not you need to go through your
landlord before subleasing a room.
 Do you allow pets? If not, are there payment options available if we have one?
Most landlords don’t allow pets for cleanliness reasons, but
sometimes you may be able to negotiate a pet deposit and
keep Fido around.
 When are we allowed to move in and move out?
Make sure you know if your lease is June to June, August to
August or September to June. Leases may not always state
specifically.
 Which utilities are we responsible for paying? Do you pay
any?
 How much is the security deposit, and under what conditions
wouldn’t we get it back?
 What is the maximum occupancy?
The amount of individuals occupying a space must comply
with the City Code.
Pick the right roommates
Off campus housing usually means having to select between 2-8
roommates to share an apartment or house.
Consider:
 How well do you know each individual living in the house? If
you don’t know them very well, plan a night where you can all
get together and meet to discuss.
 Can each person commit to the entire lease or will you be
dealing with new roommates or sub-leasers?
 Are the people responsible, have steady finances, and are
able to pay their equal share of rent and bills?
Continued on back.

A little something I’ve learned
from living off-campus...
Picking Roommates
“Before moving in with someone,
look at their bedroom now. If it is
a mess, chances are that is what
your whole house could look like.
If they live in a mess now, don’t
expect anything to change for
next year!”
Alyssa Rice
“Pick people to live with who
won’t get you into trouble, but
look for ones who will provide you
with stories for a few years down
the road..”
Ty Komjati
Adapted from: www.facilities.ohiou.edu/housing/rs/documents/oclsurvivalguide.pdf

What are their living habits? Really social? Like to study?
Like to drink? Like to drink too much? Gone on weekends?
Are their significant others likely to be staying regularly?
Agree to how you’ll disagree
When many people are expected to share a common space
conflict is bound to arise. To help head this off, we highly recommend completing a roommate agreement with all of your
roommates.
Things to discuss:
 How are the rent and utilities paid? Is one person in charge
or does each person make their own payments?
 How are rooms decided? Houses and apartments tend to
have many sized rooms in various locations of the house.
What is the most fair and equitable way to decide who gets
what?
 How will cleaning responsibilities of common areas be divided and shared? Will roommates split the cost of supplies? How will you decide who buys the toilet paper?
 What things are going to be shared? Common space furniture? Food? Cooking equipment?
 Is alcohol allowed? Parties with close friends? Under-agers?
Open to anyone? Consider the consequences and if you
want to pay them.
A printable house/apartment roommate agreement is available
from www.uwstout.edu/content/housing/nextexperience/
forms/off-campus-roommate-agreement.html
Prepare to pull out your wallet
Paying several monthly bills may be a new experience for you.
To help yourself, prepare a monthly budget. At the beginning of
each month set aside the money you need for: rent, utilities,
food, gas, etc.
A sample budget worksheet can be found at: www.asa.org/
pdfs/borrower/asa.org_budget-worksheet.pdf
Think about safety
LIVING OFF CAMPUS
MEANS FREEDOM
PLUS RESPONIBILITY.
TO-DOS:
-ADDRESS CLEANING
-BILL PAYING
-HOSTING “SMALL, SAFER”
PARTIES WITH FRIENDS.
Your safety is your responsibility. Take a few simple precautions
to make sure you and your roommates are safe.
 See that doors and windows lock properly.
 Don’t leave candles burning unattended.
 Ask roommates and guests to smoke outside.
 Check fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Keep extra batteries around so
you can replace them quickly.
 Lock your door every time you leave & when you go to bed.
 Develop party/guest rules—what spaces and behaviors are
off limits.
 Report any suspicious activity to the police.
 Make sure that you have renters insurance.