Searching for off-campus housing as a college student can be an exciting yet daunting task. Here are some steps and things to consider when starting your housing search for the following year:

• Establish Your Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent each month. Consider not just the rent itself, but also additional expenses like utilities, internet, transportation, and groceries. 

• Decide on Preferences: Think about what you want in a living situation. Consider factors such as location, distance to campus, roommates, amenities (like laundry facilities, parking, etc.), etc.

• Start Early: Begin your search well in advance, properties can be available in Boulder as soon as October or November for leases starting in July/August. Boulder properties get leased fast, especially in the more popular areas like the ‘hill’

• Use Multiple Resources: Explore various resources to find housing options such as online rental platforms (like Ralphies list, Craigslist, Zillow, Apartments.com), and social media groups (e.g. Facebook groups like ‘CU Boulder Class of 2025). Don't forget to ask current students, friends, or faculty for recommendations.

• Attend Housing Fairs or Events: CU hosts housing fairs (sometimes in both fall and spring) where local landlords and property managers showcase available rental properties. Attend these events to gather information and possibly even secure a place. You can find when these events are by searching ‘CU Housing Fair.’ Heres an example of a previous posting about a housing fair: https://calendar.colorado.edu/event/spring_housing_fair

• Tour Properties: Once you find potential options, schedule visits to inspect the properties. Pay attention to details such as the condition of the house/apartment, safety features, cleanliness, noise levels, and proximity to amenities. You can schedule tours with rental properties usually by calling or visiting property management company’s websites

• Check Landlord References: If possible, talk to current or previous tenants of the property to get insights into their experiences with the landlord or property management company.

• Apply: Property Management companies will have you apply to the place you are wanting to rent from. This usually requires an application fee (can be anywhere from $25-$100). On this application, you will be asked to put a lot of information about yourself so the company can decide if you are an appropriate candidate for leasing their property. Property Management Companies in Boulder usually will ask you to put a “co-signer” down in this application. This be anyone who is agreeing to take the responsibility for your rent if you fail to pay it (a parent, guardian, family member, etc.)

• Review Lease Agreements: Carefully read and understand the terms of the lease agreement before signing anything. Pay attention to clauses regarding rent, security deposit, maintenance responsibilities, rules on subletting, and any penalties for breaking the lease early.

• Stay Organized: Keep track of all communication, documents, and deadlines related to your housing search to ensure a smooth process

CU's student-populated neighborhoods offer various housing options, from apartments to houses. Research different neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

• Off-Campus Housing:

  • Condo/Flat/Apartment: Common options for students, ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments.

  • House: Popular for groups of students, with considerations like maintenance responsibilities and utility costs.

  • Townhouse: Less common but offers customization options, usually with higher utility costs and potential HOA fees.

• CU Housing:

  • Bear Creek Apartments: Available to upper-division students, offering individual liability leases and extensive amenities.

  • Graduate and Family Housing: Options for families, married couples, single parents, and graduate students near campus.

  • Residence Halls: Priority given to freshmen, but upper division and transfer students can apply if space is available.

• Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations:

  • CU's service offers listings, roommate connections, and legal advice for students.

  • Attend housing fairs and access resources for a successful housing search.

• For additional information, visit the Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations website or contact them at 303-492-7053 during office hours.

• Property Management Websites: Explore websites like Sunnyside, Boulder Property Management, and Four Star for available listings.

• Ralphies List: CU's official rental database exclusively for CU affiliates, offering housing options and roommate searches. To access the Ralphie’s List rental database, CU affiliates (including students, faculty, and staff) will login using their CU-issued IdentiKey and password. If you have difficulty logging into Ralphie’s List, contact our office at och@colorado.edu or visit us in the University Memorial Center, Room 313.

• Other Platforms: Utilize Craigslist, Facebook, and other online resources for additional listings.

• Definition: A co-signer is someone who agrees to take on the financial responsibility for the lease if the primary renter fails to meet their obligations. This typically includes paying rent and any associated fees or damages.

• Purpose: Landlords often require co-signers for tenants who may not have a sufficient credit history, steady income, or rental history to qualify on their own. This is common for college students who may have limited credit or income due to their student status.

• Responsibilities: Co-signers are legally obligated to fulfill the terms of the lease if the primary renter defaults. This means they could be responsible for paying rent, covering damages, or any other financial obligations outlined in the lease agreement.

• Qualifications: Co-signers are typically required to have a stable income, good credit history, and be willing to undergo a credit check. They may need to provide proof of income and assets to demonstrate their ability to cover the rent if necessary.

• Legal implications: Co-signing a lease is a serious commitment, and it's essential for both parties to understand the legal implications. If the primary renter defaults on the lease, the landlord can pursue legal action against the co-signer to recover any unpaid rent or damages.

• Communication: It's crucial for tenants to maintain open communication with their co-signers throughout the lease term. This includes keeping them informed about any changes in financial circumstances or issues that may arise during the tenancy.

• Release: Some leases include provisions for releasing the co-signer from their obligations after a certain period of time or if the primary renter meets specific criteria, such as establishing a good rental history or improving their credit score.