Searching for an Apartment

We recommend that you start planning more than six months in advance of your desired off-campus move-in date. For instance, if you want to move into an apartment off campus by June 1 (or before the start of fall classes but won’t be in the area during the summer), you should start planning in November or December of the year prior to moving off campus.

Before you dive into your search, assess your needs and priorities take time to evaluate what you're looking for in an apartment. Things you should consider include:

• Budget: Determine how much you can afford for rent, utilities and other living expenses. Recognize your financial limits up front to avoid surprises later.
• Location: Decide how far from campus you’re willing to live, keeping in mind your public transportation and parking needs.
• Living arrangements: If you plan to live with roommates, discuss how you will share responsibilities like rent and cleaning, and preferences for personal space, quiet, etc. Make sure you’re on the same page about living essentials.
• Amenities: Identify must-haves like laundry facilities, air conditioning or pet policies. 

You should start researching apartments and other off-campus housing options 4–5 months before your required move-in date (or more). To get a sense of what’s available within your price range, use websites like JumpOffCampus, Zillow, and those of local real estate agencies to search for options that meet your criteria.

While exploring, you might want to set up alerts if the rental platform you’re using gives you the option. 

Utilize RISD’s myriad of resources to aid in this process. We encourage students to connect with Student Financial Services for assistance with your search. 

Once you find a few promising listings, start booking apartment tours a few months before your desired move-in date. Touring a space in person lets you assess its condition, safety, location and other key aspects of off-campus housing.

During tours, you should ask questions about important topics like:

• Lease terms (duration, renewal options, subletting policies)
• Maintenance responsibilities and response times
• Utilities (what’s included or not included with rent)
• Additional fees (parking, pet deposits or other charges)

By the time you’re within 2–3 months of your desired move-in date, you should have several properties to help you make comparisons. When comparing spaces, consider things such as:

• Rent
• Location
• Amenities
• Comfort

Balance your preferences with what’s practical. An apartment may have everything that you want, but if it’s too expensive or too far from campus, it might not be the right fit.
If you’re moving in with roommates, involve them in the decision-making process to ensure everyone is on the same page. Discuss how each option fits into your needs and budget as a group.

Once you find an apartment that suits your needs—we recommend you find a place 1–2 months before you need your lease to start—be prepared to act quickly. But don’t rush into signing a lease if you feel unsure about the space or the lease terms. Make sure you’re comfortable with the rental agreement.

It’s easy to feel pressured to sign the first lease you see, but it’s important for an off-campus housing space to genuinely meet your needs. Keep in mind that some on-campus housing options might be available over the summer if your off-campus search doesn’t work out.

Make sure you understand your legal obligations. Before signing any lease, read the document carefully and make sure you understand the terms, including:

• Rent amount, due date and any potential increases
• Lease duration and renewal policies
• Security deposit, including requirements for getting your deposit back
• Maintenance responsibilities for both tenant and landlord
• Rules about breaking the lease or subletting

If you’re unsure about any part of the lease, consult RISD's off-campus housing office or a legal advisor for clarification. It’s better to address concerns now than face issues later.

Once you review the lease and feel confident in your decision, secure the apartment by signing the agreement and paying any necessary deposits. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your move-in date and any additional steps required by the landlord.

After you sign, make move-in preparations before the actual move-in date. Coordinate with roommates to decide who will bring specific pieces of furniture or household items, who will put utilities in their name, etc., in order to avoid duplicates or missing essentials.