Housing Types and Rental Agreements
What type of rental will you search for?
Apartments, condos, and townhouses
These tend to require less upkeep than houses. They may include additional amenities, like use of a gym or swimming pool.
Houses
These usually provide more space than apartments or condos, and may include a private yard. If you rent a house, know that tenants are often expected to maintain the outdoor spaces.
Room rentals
These are just what they sound like – rooms for rent within private residences. A typical room rental includes a private bedroom for you (or you and a roommate), and access to shared living spaces, like a kitchen, living room, and dining area. Bathrooms may be shared or private, so be sure to ask the landlord for clarification.
Sublets
These are often short-term rentals, and can include a room in a house, or an entire unit. A sublet may be offered by a student who needs to move out before their own rental agreement or lease term ends.
Types of rental agreements
A rental agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant – a few of the most common types are described below.
Explore the Understanding Lease Agreements webinar, hosted by UC Santa Cruz Community Rentals.
Month-to-month
A tenant can give a 30-day written notice to vacate at any time. The landlord can give a tenant a 30-day notice to vacate at any time; a 60-day notice is required if the tenant has lived there one year or more. No one needs a reason to give notice. The landlord can change other terms of the agreement with a 30-day written notice. The tenant can accept the terms or not by giving a 30-day notice to vacate.
Room rental agreement
This can be used by an owner renting out a room or two in their own home, or when the household is managed by a “principal tenant”. It documents household rules, how utility payments are handled, and the household’s choice of conflict resolution. The Room Rental Agreement form provided by Community Rentals is a month-to-month agreement.
Room Rental Agreement (PDF)
Fixed-term lease
A fixed-term lease is a type of rental agreement that covers a set amount of time, often 9 or 12 months. The landlord cannot break a lease or change the terms of the agreement, including the rent. The tenant is bound by this agreement, and generally cannot move out before the lease ends without financial consequences. Some landlords will allow the tenant to “sublease” the unit to another tenant, essentially taking over the remainder of the lease term. But if the landlord does not allow subleasing, or if another qualified tenant cannot be found, the tenant is responsible for any loss of rent. Community Rentals does not provide lease agreements.
Sublease
A sublease agreement can be used when a primary tenant leaves and a new third party takes over all or a portion of the tenant’s existing rental agreement for a period of time. For students, this is often during summer quarter, or when studying abroad. The tenant listed on the lease must first get permission from the landlord to sublet. It is also very important for the primary tenant to collect a deposit from the tenant who is subletting. The original tenant remains ultimately responsible for rent and/or cleaning and damages. A sublease can also be used when a tenant with a fixed-term lease needs to move out early.
Sublease Agreement (PDF)
What to know before you sign
Even if you’re really excited about a rental, don’t feel rushed into signing! Make sure you fully understand all of the terms included. Read over the agreement carefully, and ask your landlord to explain any points that are unclear. If you need help understanding your rental agreement, consider taking advantage of the free off-campus housing legal consultation services available to UCSC students.
What the rental agreement should include
All rental agreements should contain some essential information, such as:
- Names of the landlord and tenant(s)
- Address of the rental unit
- Amount of rent
- When rent is due and how to pay it
- Who is responsible for paying utilities
- Number of people allowed to live in the unit
- Whether pets are allowed*
Learn more about what rental agreements should include
*Assistance animals are not considered pets under the law.
Rental agreement red flags
A written rental agreement should include anything the landlord or property manager promises – and nothing that contradicts what they told you.
Avoid rental agreements where the landlord retains the right to enter the common areas of the house at any time, usually meaning everywhere except your bedroom. Also avoid a rental agreement where you agree to waive some of your tenant rights.
Are you in the Military Reserves?
If you are in the Reserves or there is a chance you may enter the military, you are strongly encouraged to have a provision in your rental agreement to release you from your obligations. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act does not help you break a lease in all circumstances that you may encounter during your military service. If you have additional questions, the UCSC Veterans Resource Center is the best place to get more information for all military affiliated students.
