Housing search tips for incoming graduate students

August will be here before we know it, meaning now is the time to look for housing for the Fall Semester! Below are some helpful Dos and Don’ts to guide you during your housing search. 

1. Start your housing search early. 

Give yourself at least two months before your intended move-in date to tour units and apply for leases. If you are moving from outside the Philadelphia region, make sure the units you’re considering will be available for move-in before you’re needed on campus. 

2. Take a friend or family member on a tour with you. 

They can help you think of questions to ask and point out some of the pros and cons of the unit. It’s always helpful to have an extra set of eyes when you are looking to move.  

3. Familiarize yourself with Philadelphia's neighborhoods.  

Features to weigh in your housing search include proximity to Penn’s campus, availability of public transportation, street parking (if you have a car), and amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and parks. 

4. Visit the virtual Off-Campus Housing Fair to learn about Penn resources as well as vetted landlords and properties throughout the city.  

Penn hosts a virtual Off-Campus Housing Fair. The fair includes information about Off-Campus Services, other Penn resources, landlords, and rental properties currently available near campus. The fair website can be accessed until July 20.  

5. Work with Penn's Off-Campus Services team! 

Penn’s Off-Campus Services hosts a database of vetted housing providers, a roommate search system, and a host of informational resources. They can also help you review your lease agreement if you have questions or concerns. 

6. Don’t sign a contract without reviewing the terms carefully. 

You should check the lease agreement for terms or conditions that seem unreasonable or illegal. Contact Off-Campus Services for guidance if part of the agreement concerns you. 

7. Don’t send money before a lease is signed.  

Some scammers may ask you to send a security deposit or rent payment without signing a contract. Aside from application fees, don’t send anyone money before the lease agreement has been signed by yourself and the property owner. 

8. Don’t use social media as your primary tool for your housing search. 

Scammers can easily use social media to post fake listings. To ensure that you’re looking at verified housing listings, use the Off-Campus Services housing database. 

9. Don’t forget to ask questions. 

Feel free to ask the property manager or owner as many questions as you want before signing an agreement. Lease agreements are legally binding, and you should ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions before signing them. 

10. Don’t forget to set a realistic budget. 

It’s generally recommended to spend no more than one third of your income on rent and utilities (such as Internet and electricity). If you don’t receive a full-time salary, you should ensure that you have enough in savings or an alternative source of income to cover your rent for the duration of the lease term.