Housing Search Timeline
You may want to invite someone to join you as you work your way through the tasks on this checklist. Share this website with a helpful family member or a friend who’s also looking for off-campus housing. Working together can help keep up your motivation and make it easier to succeed.
First steps
Create your search strategy
It’s never too early to take these important first steps.
- Take the free, online Renters Workshop, and receive a Certificate of Completion to show landlords you are a knowledgeable prospective tenant.
- Familiarize yourself with average rental costs and determine your housing budget.
- Consider where in the Santa Cruz area you want to focus your search, and look into transportation to campus.
- Think about who you want to live with, and start networking. You never know who will have information about a place to rent unless you ask!
Prepare for your search
February – March
Very few rental listings will be posted this early, but there’s a lot you can do to prepare.
- Create your Rental Application Packet. If you’re searching with a housemate group, work on your packet together.
- Submit a Reference Release Form. This quick online step authorizes university housing staff to serve as your rental reference if you have previously lived in campus housing – find the form under “Releases” on the Housing Portal.
- Familiarize yourself with Places4Students, UCSC’s rental listings partner.
Search for housing
April – May
Landlords who know their property will be available for fall occupancy begin to advertise. New listings may be added at any time. Dedicate time each week to your housing search.
- Learn how to avoid rental scams. Always meet the landlord or property manager in person before signing rental documents or sending money.
- Search Places4Students for off-campus rentals, student sublets, and roommate profiles. To maximize the reach of your search, you may also consider reaching out directly to apartment complexes or property managers.
- Contact the landlord or property manager of the rentals you are interested in. Set up a time to view the property.
- View the property. This is your first chance to meet a prospective landlord in person, so make it count! Be prepared and on time. Consider dressing as you would for a job interview. Be sure to ask questions and give the place a good look.
- Submit your application packet. Remember, applying does not guarantee you will be offered a place. While waiting for a decision from one landlord or property manager, continue to search for other possible rentals.
Intensify your search
June – September
If you haven’t secured housing by now, it’s time to intensify your search. Consider the following ways you might adjust your search strategy.
- If you live outside the Santa Cruz area, take advantage of House Hunters Housing (available in July and August) so you can search in person.
- Look into communities farther from campus and transportation options.
- Consider a short-term sublet.
- If necessary, reassess your needs. Flexibility in your price range, preferred location, space needs and other preferred features may open up new possibilities.
Once you’ve found a space
Do these things before you move in
- Review your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
- Sign your rental agreement and pay the deposit.
- Document the condition of the property (PDF).
- Create a housemate agreement (PDF).
- Bookmark this website! Return here for help with conflict resolution, legal resources, and more in the future, should you need it.