Navigating the Rental Process

Conducting a Housing Search

1. Determine your budget

Before you begin your search, determine how much you can afford to spend on rent and utilities each month. This will help you narrow down your search to properties that fit within your budget.

2. Decide on the type of housing you need

Knowing what you need or want from a property will help you focus your search and find the right housing. Consider things such as how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, laundry facilities, parking, whether pets are permitted, amenities, etc.

3. Choose a location

Consider factors like proximity to work, school, public transportation, and access to things like grocery stores, restaurants, and parks. Research different neighborhoods and decide on the best location for you.

4. Search for properties

The off-campus housing website allows students to search for housing and filter results based on their preferences and needs. The website also offers a "Roommate Finder" tool that allows users to create a profile and connect with potential roommates. There are many other resources online as well, such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Zillow.

5. Schedule viewings

Once you've found some properties that interest you, schedule viewings with the property manager. Be prepared with questions to ask about the property, lease terms, and move-in process. This guide on navigating a lease includes a list of questions to ask. If a property is especially sought-after, you may need to apply during your tour or within a short time after in order to be considered.

6. Compare properties

After you have narrowed down your search, it’s important to compare options. Think about the factors that you determined earlier, and compare which option best fulfills your wants and needs, while being within your budget. It helps to have multiple properties to compare, from different landlords, to feel confident about your choice.

7. Review & sign the lease

Once you've found a property that you like, review the lease carefully before signing. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, including rent, security deposit, utilities, and maintenance responsibilities. Attached is a comprehensive guide for understanding and navigating a lease.

Breaking Down the Application Process

Rental applications can often seem daunting at first. Here is a breakdown of what to expect in your application, and what you need to have prepared before starting the application process.

The application form itself will almost always include the following things:

Personal information – Including your name, social security number, and date of birth
Contact information – Including current address, phone number, and email address
Occupancy – Include contact and personal information for any other residents who will be living in the home as well.
Photo identification – May include a license, state ID, or passport
Employment and Income Information – List your current employment and income. You may also be asked to provide pay stubs or an offer letter as proof of income.
Pet and vehicle information – You may be required to list and give details about any pets (if allowed) or vehicles you will have on the property.
Emergency contacts – You will most likely be asked to provide names and contact information for anyone you would like the property to contact in the event they can’t get ahold of you, or in an emergency.
Move-in date and lease term – Indicate when you plan to move in and how long you plan to stay. Lease terms often range from 11-15 months, but some properties give the option to go month-to-month.
Application fee – This will vary, but the fee usually ranges between $25-$50 to apply
Signature – Sign the rental application to indicate that all the information you have provided is accurate and complete.

Other aspects that are likely to be included in the application process are the following:

References & rental history – You may be asked to list your previous rental history, including the name and contact information of your previous landlords as references.
Cosigner – If the landlord needs further evidence of your ability to pay the rent on time, they may require that you add a co-signer to your application. A co-signer is someone who can be relied upon to pay the rent if you are not able to pay it yourself. This will require you to obtain a cosigner application and pay any required fees.
Background check – You will likely be required to consent to a criminal background check, which will be used to evaluate whether you have a criminal record that could impact your tenancy.
Credit check – You will likely also be required to consent to a credit check, which will be used to evaluate your creditworthiness and ability to pay rent on time.

Conducting a Roommate Search

Make a list of desired roommate qualities

Before you start your roommate search or commit to living with friends, it can be helpful to write down a list of qualities you want in a roommate. Here are some things to consider:

1. What do you want out of your roommate situation?

Consider lifestyle, interests, and expectations when choosing a roommate to ensure harmony. Some students want a friend, while others just want a reliable roommate. Careful consideration of these factors is essential.

2. Do your personalities work well together?

It is important to consider compatibility in terms of lifestyle, habits, and expectations. Consider whether you have similar personalities and interests, and whether you think you would get along well on a daily basis.

3. Do you share cleanliness habits and expectations?

Living with someone can be difficult if cleanliness habits do not match. Find someone who shares your cleanliness expectations for common areas and shared spaces.

4. Can they pay their share of the rent?

Make sure to choose someone who can pay their share of the rent and other bills on time. You do not want to end up in a situation where you are responsible for covering someone else’s expenses.

5. Do you communicate well?

Effective communication is key to any successful living situation. Make sure to choose a roommate who is easy to communicate with and willing to have open and honest conversations about any issues that may arise.

Start with your friends

Starting your search for a roommate with people you already know is a convenient option. For instance, you can consider rooming with college friends or ask your acquaintances if they know someone who needs a roommate. However, it is important to note that having a good relationship with someone does not always translate to being compatible as roommates. To avoid any misunderstandings, it is crucial to have honest discussions about living habits, values, and communication styles beforehand.

Create a roommate finder profile

The roommate finder section of the University of Oregon's off-campus housing website provides students with a platform to search for potential roommates. Users can create a profile that includes their personal information, preferences, and lifestyle habits, which can then be viewed by others. The search function allows students to filter potential roommates based on criteria such as age, gender, and smoking habits. Users can also message each other directly through the website to discuss potential living arrangements.

Join facebook groups

Another effective way to find roommates is to search for housing or roommate groups specific to the University of Oregon. Once you've joined a group, you can post a message outlining your search for a roommate and include information about yourself, your preferences, and any other pertinent details. Be sure to also read through other people's posts and reach out to those who seem like a good match. It's important to communicate openly and ask questions to ensure compatibility before agreeing to live together. By using Facebook groups, you can connect with a wider pool of potential roommates and find someone who suits your needs and preferences.

Random matching

Individual leases are common in many apartments, which means you are only accountable for your portion of the rent. Such lease arrangements frequently provide an option for random roommate matching, where you can rent a room without having to find roommates in advance. This can be convenient, but there is a risk that you and your roommate will not get along or share common interests if you are randomly paired. Before you commit to this type of living situation, consider your personal needs and capacity to work through any conflicts that may arise.