Student Resources
Housing Comparison Worksheet – See which location is the best option by using this form.
Local Apartment Listings –This is a list of apartments in the area if you are interested in this option.
Off Campus Landlord/Property Manger List – Intempus Realty and SunArcher own a lot of properties around campus. Reach out to them individually to inquire about application deadlines and property information.
Rental Listings for Available Off-Campus Housing – SCU managed rental listings posted by community members. Be sure to check often, as new listings get added weekly.
SCU Switchboard- Can connect with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to ask them for what you need. Some post rental listings as well.
If a student has any questions concerning neighborhood and off campus advising they can set up an appointment by contacting neighborhoodambassadors
Avoiding Housing Scams
Unfortunately scams can and do arise when looking to rent. Below are a few tips to help you with detecting a scam:
Red flags:
- Rental amount is unusually low (i.e. 2BR/2bathroom apartment for $1,500).
- The Landlord or Property Manager refuses to show you the rental or says they are out of town, state or country and cannot show you the rental. They will ask for the money first and claim that they will mail you the keys.
- There is an unusual sense of urgency and they are rushing the contract signing process.
- Request of advance payment through wiring money order
- Many misspellings in the rental listing or excessive use of capitalization.
- Stock photos used in the rental posting (i.e. Pics of staged house or taken from the internet).
- Inability to find the address of the unit online.
- Being asked to wire/send money for any reason before signing a lease.
- All inclusive (utilities, parking spot, pets allowed, etc.)
- Landlord only communicates via email/text.
Note: Be aware of providing sensitive information (bank account number, credit card information, social security number) without first verifying the legitimacy of the renter/property owner.
Helpful tips to avoid scams:
- Never make a deal with or mail cash/cashiers checks.
- Demand to see a written lease.
- Meet with the landlord in person.
- See the apartment in person prior to signing a lease or transferring funds.
- Speak with current tenants.
- Be aware of the current market rates.
Housing Scam Notification for Landlords/Property Managers
It has come to our attention that several landlords have been contacted via e-mail by people posing as international students/visiting scholars/faculty. The majority of these e-mails have originated from the UK.
Typically, the scam works like this:
- Tenant expresses urgency in completing rental agreement & agrees to send a check/money order for the cost of the rental ASAP.
- Tenant sends a counterfeit check/money order for more money than is needed and requests the landlord send them the balance.
- Tenant states that they’re planning to use the balance to purchase their plane ticket, furniture or another urgent cause and asks the landlord to send the money ASAP.
- Upon initial deposit, the bank accepts the counterfeits but contacts the landlord within a couple of days and notifies them that the check/money order was fake.
IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, DO NOT SEND OR RETURN MONEY WHO SHOULD YOU NOTIFY ABOUT FRAUD OR SCAM ATTEMPTS?
If you feel suspicious that a potential tenant may be attempting a scam, request that the bank/post office investigate and/or contact the following:
- FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
- FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)
- Non-emergency number for your local police department.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS WARNING AND BE SUSPICIOUS
http://brown.edu/Administration/Auxiliary_Housing/documents/ScamNotification.pdf
3 Day Notice – Three day notices come in three options: 3 day notice to quit with no option to correct, 3 day notice to quit or correct, or 3 day notice to pay or quit. This document explains.
CA Tenant Handbook- This is a great site for information about Tenant/Landlord Rights. If the answer is not in this document, I would be surprised!
Constructive Eviction- This is a description of the illegal form of eviction called constructive eviction.
Deposit Disputes - Here is a list of ways to make sure you get most if not all of your deposit back.
HUD Portal - Housing and Urban Development has this information about Tenant Rights, Laws, and protection in California.
Neighbor Rights- Neighbors can hold you responsible for various things. See what things you are responsible for.
Privacy/Right to Enter- When can a landlord enter my home?
Project Sentinal is a free resource to talk about your housing concerns. Below are their pamphlets on specific topics.
Rent Increases - When can the rent be increased? What is the difference from a fixed term lease vs. a periodic rental agreement?
Repairs - Habitability and Landlord requirements are listed along with the responsibilities of the Tenant.
Security Deposits – These are the main rules for Security Deposits.
Successful Tenant-Dangers to Avoid
Tenant Rights – This is a list of ways to protect your rights as a tenant.
Termination Notices- Types – Do you have a lease or a month to month contract?
Terminating a Tenancy – Requirements - This explains 30 and 60 day notices and what is required/allowed in these situations.
Zoning Code Update- Potential short-term rental regulations and occupancy criteria in single family residences.
Inventory Checklist – When moving in, make sure you utilize this inventory. This will help you get your money back from your security deposit!
Law School Resources – The Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center provides pro bono advice.
Leaving For Break Checklist – Short break and longer break checklists. Keep your home safe!
University Response to Off Campus Misconduct - This is a quick summary of all rules and regulations applying to Off Campus Students.
Chapter 9.10 Regulation of Noise and Vibration
University Area Code Enforcement: Understanding Common Code Violations - This handout is distributed by The City of Santa Clara Code Enforcement Division that monitors the SCU area.
Santa Clara Police Department: Common Citations - This handout is distributed by the Community Response Team that monitors the SCU area.
Do Your Part, Roll In Your Carts - Reminder that all waste carts must be removed from the street after collection and stored in the rear or side yard, §8.25.080(d).
Neighborhood Resources
