Off-Campus Living Guide

Still not sure what to look for in a lease? Where to get groceries? How to get around New Haven without a car? Use this survival guide to get essential tips and in-depth info about renting in the New Haven area.

The Renting Process

Search for housing here! Yale off campus housing provides a listing service available to all members of our Yale Community.

When to start looking for Housing

Here are some factors to consider when looking for housing:

  • Since most programs start in the fall, housing options in New Haven tend to become competitive in the summer months.
  • Although new listings are received year-round, we receive the majority of our listings beginning March through August.
  • If you have a car and don’t mind commuting, consider living in one of the nearby towns surrounding New Haven. Housing options tend to be less competitive in these areas.

How long will it take to find housing?

If you are looking for housing during the summer months, you can expect to find a place in one-two weeks. Please keep in mind however that options are greatly reduced as the fall semester approaches. If you are looking for housing during the academic year, please expect the search to take a little longer since the number of listings is typically lower than during the summer months.

Types of Housing Off Campus
Our listings include full apartments, houses, rooms, efficiencies, condos, room shares, and sublets and homes and condos for sale. Most are available for a long-term rental, while others are available for short term use (180 days or less). Our database allows you to select rentals as well as properties that are for sale.

Quality of Housing
Because the quality of housing in the New Haven area varies greatly, you should never sign a lease for a place that you haven’t seen. The Off-Campus Living Service does not inspect or endorse any of the housing listings on our web site. When viewing a prospective rental unit, be sure to ask the landlord and the current tenants if there are plumbing, insect or any other problems with the unit. If the landlord is cleaning or repairing any part of the house, the cleaning or repairs should be completed before your lease begins. If problems with your rental unit occur, notify the landlord in writing, and keep a copy of all correspondence for your records. 

Please see our user generated landlord review system.

What to Look for on the Outside

  • Consider your proposed apartment in relation to Yale services that may be important to you (i.e. Does the Yale shuttle or minibus travel there?).
  • Know which streets are well-lit on the route to the apartment.
  • Notice adjacent properties and whether they are maintained.
  • Does the outside door to the building close and lock behind you?
  • Examine the perimeter lighting of the building at night.
  • Is there an entrance in back (i.e. where you park your car) and is the way to the building door lit well?
  • Is there an intercom entry system? If not, is there a viewer on the door?

What to Look for on the Inside

  • Are there bug screens on the windows?
  • Check the locking hardware on the main door, any hallway doors and the front door to the building. Are they all in working order and do they close behind you?
  • Check lighting in alcoves, front door, and hallways at night to be certain it is sufficient.
  • Look at the overall maintenance of the building. If upkeep is poor, this may be a clue that security is lax.
  • Are the first floor hallway and apartment windows protected?
  • Is there a gap in the door latch that could compromise its effectiveness?
  • Is there a dead bolt for the door to your apartment and for any other perimeter doors?
  • Is there a viewer on your front door to determine who is knocking?
  • Is there a fire escape near your window, is the window protected?

The landlord will ask you to fill out a Rental Application, which allows a landlord to obtain information from a prospective tenant. You may be charged an application processing fee, which ranges from $30 to $50, usually, and which also covers the cost of the credit/background check the landlord will run on you. Basic information includes:

  • Employment, income and credit history
  • Social Security and driver’s license numbers
  • Past evictions or bankruptcies
  • References (not always)

Some of the grounds for not approving an application can be:

  • Insufficient income - as a general guideline, rent should not be more than 33% of gross monthly income;
  • Poor credit history - make sure you know what your credit report contains.
  • In cases of insufficient income, the landlord can ask for a co-signer or a guarantor.

Please read the application carefully, including the small print. The application fee is non-refundable, but the deposit you put down with the application, which can be as much as one month of rent, may also be non-refundable if you change your mind. Some applications state that you have three business days to cancel and get your money back, some others do not. Always get a copy of the application you have submitted. Always get copies of all the documents you sign.

In order to afford living close to campus, many individuals share housing and related expenses with others. You can use our Roommate Search service to help look for a roommate.

When planning to share housing, try to get to know your future roommates, and ask how long they intend to stay in the unit. You will most likely sign a lease in which each tenant is individually responsible for the entire rent; if a roommate backs out, the remaining tenants are liable for the full rent.

  • The roommates who sign a lease together are jointly and severally responsible, which means that one roommate is not only responsible for his/her your own share of the rent but for the total rent, in case another roommate cannot pay or moves out. It also means that you are held responsible for complying with all the terms of the lease individually and collectively.
  • When large groups of students look for a house to rent, very often only one, two or three of them sign the lease. The rest make just verbal commitments. Remember that only the people who have signed the lease are responsible for it. The roommates who changed their minds may be morally responsible, but legally, they are not. Try to get everybody to sign the lease from the very beginning, so the responsibility will be shared.
  • The landlord may accept rental payment with separate checks, but may also ask you to pay with one check. Although this is not a frequent occurrence, it may happen and it is not illegal. Make sure you know from the very beginning of your lease how the rent is to be paid.
  • When trying to recover your security deposit after leaving the premises, you should know that your deposit can be used to cover damage done by another roommate. The landlord does not have to establish who is responsible for the damage and will expect you to settle the matter.
  • When the security deposit is returned, the landlord may choose to return the money with a check written out to all the roommates. That can be quite a hassle for you as all the signatures may be needed for the check to be cashed. You may want to designate one person for the return of the deposit and let the landlord know in writing who that person is. That roommate will receive the returned security deposit, break down the amount and distribute it among the former roommates. The landlord does not have to write out a check for each of the roommates.
  • Handling payment of bills. Rent . How will rent be paid - one check or separate? What if someone is late? Can the roommate afford the rent? If your roommate doesn’t pay the rent, you are legally responsible for their portion of the rent. Utilities and telephone bill. How are utility accounts set up? Who is responsible for the payment to the utility company? How do you divide expenses? Will you have separate telephone lines or one line to be used by all? If so, telephone companies can assign special codes to roommates to keep track of phone calls and bill separately.
  • Privacy. What are your needs for privacy and what are the other roommates’ needs?
  • Security. Locking doors, windows when you are at home and when you are away. Will you keep an extra key? Should anyone beside the roommates have a key? Your lease says “no”.
  • Pets. Are pets allowed by your lease? Are you allergic to cats, for example? How many pets are you willing to have in the apartment?
  • Moving Out. Who will clean the apartment at move out time? Will all roommates be there at the end of the lease? The responsibility for cleaning belongs to all roommates.

When you move in:

  • Document the condition of the apartment at move-in time! Take detailed pictures of your apartment. It will help you request repairs and protect your security deposit. Digital cameras often have a date stamp option, but if you are using a non-digital camera, you may want to place the day’s newspaper in the picture, to be able to date it.
  • Request repairs in writing, always giving a timeframe for response, so that you know when you can take the next step.
  • Obtain renter’s insurance. In the case of fire, water damage, or theft, your belongings are NOT covered under your landlord’s insurance.
  • As a general rule, take pictures, write letters and follow up with your landlord. Don’t let your landlord tell you that all you can expect in this area is a substandard place. A lease is a contract. You are paying good money and you need to get something decent in return. A safe and habitable place is the law.

What is a Lease?

A lease is a legal agreement establishing a landlord/tenant relationship. It is a binding document that you cannot break. Finding a less expensive apartment later, or deciding not to come to Yale are not valid reasons for breaking a lease.

Note:

  • Once you sign a lease you cannot break it.
  • Make sure all agreements you make with the landlord are in writing on the lease. If not, don’t expect it to happen.
  • You and the landlord can change the lease - you both need to initial it after the change.
  • Make sure you get a copy of the signed, adjusted lease and that you make a copy for each tenant on the lease.
  • Make sure all numbers add up correctly
  • If furniture is included, make sure it is listed in the lease. Each landlord has a different process. Generally, you can expect to pay upfront your first month’s rent, last month’s rent and security deposit (which, by law, should not equal anything more than two month’s rent)
  • Some landlords have you pay all summer months in advance. For example, if your lease begins in August, you may have to pay first months rent (August), security deposit and last 2 months rent (June and July).

Before Signing a Lease

Before signing anything, make sure you understand and agree to it, and that it states everything to which you have agreed. It is a good idea to do a “walk through” with the landlord to determine the condition of the living area, and to note in writing, any dings, holes, or repairs that need to be made. This will assist you when you move out, because damages not noted at the time of move-in may be charged against your security deposit.

  • Speak to current tenants who rent the unit you will be renting.
  • Speak to other tenants within the building.
  • Ask those tenants the following questions (preferably when the landlord is not present):
    • Does the landlord respect your privacy - meaning do they give advance notice before entering?
    • Was the apartment/house clean when you moved in?
    • Does the landlord respond to requests/concerns/repairs in a timely fashion?
    • Did you have any problems with the rental unit and/or property owner?

Security Deposit Information

  • By state law, the security deposit may not be any more than two months’ rent; however, if the tenant is 62 years old or older, it may not be more than one month’s rent.
  • The deposit is held by the landlord on behalf of the tenant; the landlord merely has a security interest in the funds.
  • The landlord is required by law to put the full amount of the security deposit into an escrow account where it will earn annual interest at a rate set by the Banking Commissioner.
  • The tenant is entitled to the interest for all months in which the rent is paid on time (within the applicable grace period). With certain exceptions, the tenant will not receive interest for any months in which the rent was paid after the grace period. A landlord who fails to pay the interest due on the security deposit may be sued for the amount or may be subject to a fine.
  • Protect your security deposit! When you move in, you should do a written inspection of the premises (ideally this should be done with your landlord). On that sheet, you should include any marks on the walls, spots on the rugs, floors and counter tops; also note whether the unit was clean or dirty when you moved in, and the condition of the furniture (if furnished). Don’t neglect to check out things that might not be readily apparent, such as water pressure, sink drainage, and the condition of pads under the carpet. You and your landlord should both sign the checklist after completing it and both you and your landlord should receive a copy. This will protect your security deposit so that when you move out, you will have proof in case your landlord charges you for damages that existed prior to your arrival.
  • According to Connecticut state law, landlords are required to return a tenant’s security deposit 30 days (or within 15 days of receiving the tenant’s forwarding address—whichever is later) after the tenant leaves.

Jointly or Individually Bound

All parties that sign the lease are equally responsible for the entire rent as well as individually—if one tenant can’t pay a share of the rent in a particular month, or simply moves out, the other tenant(s) must still pay the full rent. For example, Bob, Mary and Josh all live together and the rent is $1800 a month ($600 per person). Bob decides not to return to Yale in the fall. Mary and Josh are legally responsible for the $1800 and the landlord/lady has the right to pursue the rent from them. Although Bob is responsible for his share, the property owner will pursue the tenants living in the unit as they are easier to pursue. Josh and Mary can then sue Bob for his portion of the rent if he does not pay, but they need to sue Bob where he currently lives.

Length of Lease: Some Issues to Consider

  • Is the lease for 12 months, or an academic year (i.e. 9 months)?
  • If it is for 12 months, will you be here in the summer?
  • What are the penalties that incur if you move out before the end of your lease? Some landlords require that you forgo your security deposit, or that you find a replacement for your apartment/room/house.
  • Does your lease give you permission to sublet?
  • If your lease begins in June, and you sublet, who will do the move-in inspection? You are responsible for the actions of your sublettors. Therefore, if your sublettor destroys the apartment/unit, you will be held responsible by your landlord.

Danger Clauses in a Lease

Leases are legal documents concerning the rental of property. They are binding agreements which you cannot cancel after it is signed. Certain lease clauses can cause problems if enforced word for word. You should be cautious about signing; attempt to renegotiate the terms, or at least ask for an explanation if any of these or similar provisions appear in your lease.

Look for and recognize these “danger clauses” and have them removed or altered, if possible:

The Landlord:

  • Is not liable for repairs
  • Is permitted to cancel the lease if the property is sold
  • Has the right to enter your residence at any time, even when it’s not an emergency
  • May show the premises to prospective buyers or renters at any time, rather than a specific time and/or advance notice
  • Has the right to cancel the lease if “your behavior is immoral”

The Tenant:

  • Accepts the premises in “as is” condition at signing
  • Agrees no one else will live with you
  • Is forbidden to have overnight guests
  • Agrees to extra, unspecified rent or other unknown charges
  • Agrees to obey rules not in the lease
  • Loses their tenancy if gone for any length of time
  • Waives their right to sue
  • Agrees that improvements belong to the landlord
  • Landlord is never liable if tenant is injured or sustains property damage
  • Waiver or your right to a jury trial

After reading the entire lease, you should discuss with the landlord clauses you want removed, altered or included. For example, if you expect the landlord to paint the apartment before you move in, be sure such a clause is in the lease. All agreed changes should be in writing and initialed by both you and your landlord on all copies. Each person signing the lease should keep a copy.

Other precautions concerning leases:

  • If there are rules or other provisions from another document included as part of the lease, know what these are and keep a copy
  • Don’t assume a landlord will not enforce all the lease provisions
  • Be aware that oral additions to a written lease are generally not binding
  • Find out the approximate cost of utilities for which you pay - heat, electricity, gas, cable, internet, phone, water, sewer, and garbage.
  • If there is a provision about renewal deadlines, make sure the timeline is reasonable (usually 30-90 days before the lease ends).

Provisions your Lease Should Include

A lease is one of the most important documents a tenant signs, but probably the least read or understood. A tenant’s happiness and satisfaction is dependent upon their rental housing situation and the lease they sign. The lease, a legal document, spells out both the tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities. Many tenants do not take the time to read the lease or may not understand the terms and conditions. A lawyer should be consulted if any terms or provisions are in question.

The following list includes the obvious and the not-so-obvious terms a lease should contain:

  • The date of the signing
  • The complete names of the landlord and the tenant(s)
  • The location of the rental unit, including the apartment identification
  • Length of the lease term, including both the beginning and ending dates

The Rent

  • The amount due each month
  • When and where rent is due
  • The penalty for any late payment of rent
  • What utilities, if any, are included in the rent price
  • Any extra charges that may be incurred (i.e. parking, storage)
  • Who pays for repairs and maintenance, including damage as a result of negligence

Deposits

  • The amount due
  • What it covers
  • When your deposit will be returned
  • The conditions for refund
  • The provision for payment of interest

Other provisions

  • Are multiple leases jointly or separately obligated? (If tenants are “jointly or severally” responsible for payment of rent, any one person may be responsible for the total rent)
  • When will the landlord enter the unit?
  • Rules such as pets and guests, including a full description of pets allowed
  • Limit on number of occupants, if any
  • Furnished or unfurnished (if furnished, lease should list everything provided)
  • Renewal option available?

Changes in a lease should be initialed on all copies and each party should receive a final copy of the lease.

Rights and Responsibilities

Visit the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website for more information.

An online handbook published by the state of Connecticut. You can learn about your basic rights as a tenant or landlord, as well as the different legal services available in the state.

Living City Initiatives

The Livable City Initiative is a neighborhood focused agency whose primary mission is to enhance the experience of the individuals who live and work in the City of New Haven. The agency seeks to accomplish this mission through:

  • Enforcement of the city’s housing code and public space requirements.
  • Design and implementation of housing programs to support high quality, affordable, and energy efficient housing opportunities.
  • Educating and increasing awareness on solutions for neighborhood concerns.
  • Design and implementation of public improvements and programs to facilitate safer, healthier, and more attractive communities.
  • Common Violations and Required Remediation (Housing Code Enforcement) - List of violations and actions required.

The mission and vision of LCI is achieved by encouraging the involvement of other city agencies, the public and enterprise. Through the cooperative efforts of the private sector, the Livable City Initiative will create an atmosphere of a vibrant exciting city.

Connecticut Fair Housing.

Yale Transportation Options is here to help you make transportation decisions that serve you, your community and the environment. After all, we are all connected.

Unpredictable gasoline prices and congested roads are making many of us reconsider our transportation options. Find out what your options are by visiting the Parking and Transportation Options page.

The Yale University Shuttle provides transportation between the University, the East Rock neighborhood and the New Haven train stations for students, faculty and staff. This free service runs year-round with the exception of the following University Holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the following Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Maps

View the campus map.

Safety/Security

New Haven Pol​ice Department (Front Desk)

Call 203-946-6255 or 6256.

Grocery Stores

Hospitals

U.S. Postal Service

New Haven
754 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510
203-782-7077

New Haven
50 Brewery St
New Haven, CT 06511
203-230-4712

New Haven
369 Washington Ave
New Haven, CT 06519
203-782-3717

Yale Station
206 Elm Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-773-3454

Legal Assistance

  • Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
    You may file a complaint here if you feel you’ve been discriminated against in your housing search.
  • New Haven Legal Assistance Association
    203-946-4811
  • Lawyer Referral Service, New Haven County
    203-562-5750

Schools/Daycare

New Haven Public Schools website

Trash and Recycling

Moving and Storage

And for more information, visit the Yale’s Living in New Haven page.

When you signed your housing contract, you received information about which utilities you will need to arrange yourself. You must set up the utilities that are not included in your monthly rent.

If required, please call these utility providers in order to set up the service:

If you would like to set up telephone, TV, Internet, or cell phone service, please contact these providers to set up service:

If you are interested in knowing what is going on throughout New Haven or even your own neighborhood, find out through one of these community groups. Either visit their website, join their email list, or contact them for more information.

And for more information, visit Yale’s ‘Living in New Haven’ website.