Off-Campus Housing FAQs

When is my rent due?

In most cases, rent is due on the 1st of every month during your lease but be sure to confirm your due date with your landlord. Most commercial properties will have a grace period of 5 days to submit your rent before eviction proceedings are started. However, your landlord has the right to begin the eviction process as soon as your rent due date has passed, and the rent has not been paid.

What is a co-signer?

A co-signer is a person who becomes financially responsible for paying the rent should you no longer be able to and/or in the event that the property is damaged. Unless you can prove to the landlord that you meet their income requirements on your own, you will likely need a co-signer. Be aware that not all landlords will accept a co-signer, so be sure to ask.

How does my financial aid factor into my off-campus expenses as an undergraduate student?

Whether you are living on or off campus, your family’s contribution towards your educational costs should not significantly change and, in some cases, may be reduced. Please do not hesitate to contact the staff in Student Financial Services with any questions or concerns you may have. The Office of Student Financial Services is available by phone at 410-516-8028 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For an in-person visit, plan a visit to them in Levering Hall, Suite 102, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Can I change my mind after I sign my lease?

The answer is no. Once signed, a lease is a LEGAL and BINDING CONTRACT. In most cases, the landlord will hold you responsible for the rent due through the remainder of the lease (or until it is rented). Oral contracts are considered legal, though they are very hard to prove in a court of law, so make sure you get any and all oral contracts in writing whenever possible. In some cases, leases will have an early termination clause that will allow a tenant to end their lease early by paying additional fees and/or penalties.

What should I do first?

Take time to research the buildings and properties in the area. Some things to consider are distance, security, cost, and amenities. Visit the properties you are interested in and take tours of their buildings. You should also have a budget in mind, along with the types of amenities you would like to have in your new home. If you are planning on having a roommate, make sure to talk about the things that are important to you both.

When should I start looking?

As soon as you determine what your future housing needs will be, you can start contacting properties for more information and inquire about availability. If you want to live in a commercial building, you should contact the property manager(s) anywhere between 60 to 120 days before you want to move in. You should continue to contact the property manager(s) to find out if there is any new information regarding available housing. While most leases are signed during the spring semester for students moving in during the summer months, housing opportunities are available throughout the year. If you want to rent from a private landlord, you can search the classified ads and/or our online property listings. Landlords generally list properties 10 to 60 days before they are available for rent. New listings on our site come in daily, so check frequently.

Where do I look?

The off-campus database has listings for residential and commercial properties exclusively for the Hopkins community. Please login with your JHED ID to register and begin your search. PLEASE NOTE: you should visit each property before you sign a lease and/or send any money.

What if I am studying abroad?

Our recommendation is to research properties while you are here and develop a list of 5 properties that you are interested in living in. Ask them how their application process will work while abroad. Most properties will allow you to send the application and/or deposit via mail or will work with your parent or guardian to secure housing while you are away. You can also search for short-term leases. If you prefer to rent something for a year, be sure to ask your landlord about subletting. Keep in mind that finding a subletter is not guaranteed, so prepare to maintain your lease while you’re away. We always encourage students to talk to their landlord to possibly negotiate lease terms and/or rent. Some students will connect with other students who are traveling abroad during the opposite semester. Should you agree to an arrangement such as this, be sure to confirm enrollment in the study abroad program and create a contract that outlines all the specifics of your agreement.

Commercial vs. residential?

Commercial properties have property managers and maintenance staff to assist you when you have a problem. The management team will have general office hours from Monday through Friday and typically have an emergency number you can call in the evenings and on the weekends. Most buildings offer amenities such as a secured entrance, laundry facilities, and pest control.

A residential property is a privately owned home or apartment. With residential properties, you may be required to fix minor things around the house, such as a drafty window or squeaky door. Make sure you talk to your landlord about things such as trash collection, lawn care, and snow removal. If you are responsible, you may be fined by the city for improper lawn maintenance.

What about security?

Many of the commercial properties in the area offer some level of security, such as a secured entrance, surveillance cameras, and/or security guards. Some residential properties have a security system such as ADT in place, but you, as the tenant, may be responsible for the monthly maintenance fee. As you are searching for housing, be on the lookout for things that may not be safe, such as no secured locking mechanisms on first-floor windows or a fire escape that is accessible from the street level. Don’t be afraid to talk to your landlord about adding security improvements to the home or apartment before you move in. Be sure to get all commitments from them in writing or as an addendum to your lease. If the landlord is unwilling to put your agreement in writing, they may be unlikely to follow through.

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