Off-Campus Housing Resources

Careful planning will help you understand if off-campus living fits your budget. Consider both upfront and monthly costs, and know how financial aid may apply.

Upfront Costs

• First + last month’s rent + security deposit (typically = 3 × monthly rent).
• Possible broker’s fee (often 1 month’s rent).
• Example: Rent = $900 → Upfront = $2,700 (or $3,600 with broker).

Monthly Costs

• Rent
• Utilities (gas, electric, water, Internet)
• Food and personal needs

Tip: Use our Living Off-Campus Budget Worksheet.

Financial Aid

• If you don’t have an on-campus housing assignment, you will not be billed for housing or meals — but these costs are still included in your Cost of Attendance.
• Bill: All financial aid is applied to billed charges first. Off-campus students typically see lower billed charges (no housing/meal plan).
• Refunds: If financial aid exceeds your billed charges, you may receive a refund to use for rent, food, and utilities. Refunds are processed starting the first day of the semester and may take 7–10 business days.
• Loans: Federal or private loans can be borrowed to create a credit balance that may also be refunded.

Note: Aid is awarded using the standard cost of a first/second year room and Tufts Full Plan meal plan — not your actual rent.

Consult Financial Services for more insight into your specific financial situation.

529 College Savings Plans

• Many plans allow funds to cover rent, utilities, and meals. Confirm with your plan provider.

As an international student, housing can feel especially challenging. Tufts guarantees on-campus housing for your first two years, and juniors and seniors may apply for limited spaces through the Housing Lottery.

If you’re an internatinoal student exploring off-campus options, start early:

• Watch our Off-Campus Webinar with the I-Center.
• Attend a webinar or set up an appointment with Off-Campus Engagement.
• Plan ahead with friends and family about finances, non-negotiables, and potential roommates.

Financial Considerations

• Credit checks: Most landlords/brokers require a U.S. credit check using a Social Security number. If you don’t have one, learn about the process through the [International Center →].
• Cosigner/Guarantor: Many landlords ask for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with strong credit to cosign your lease. Discuss responsibilities early, as their credit is also at risk if rent isn’t paid.
• If you don’t have a cosigner: Tufts cannot serve as a guarantor. External guarantor services exist but often carry fees or risks, so review contracts carefully.
• Other Proof of Funds: Some landlords may accept your I-20 paperwork as evidence of your ability to pay.
• Prepare all documents in advance as timing can be critical to securing housing.

For more support and resources, visit the Tufts International Center.

From timing your search to reviewing a lease, these steps will help you find safe and reliable housing.

When to Start

• Avoid signing too early. Plans and finances can change, and prices may drop later.

Apartment Checklist

• Ask what utilities are included.
• Check faucets, leaks, heating, and means of egress.
• Look at neighborhood safety, lighting, and grocery access.
• If you notice issues, ask if they’ll be fixed and get it in writing.

Lease Basics

• Includes: Parties (tenant, landlord), address, rent, term, and included utilities
• Security deposit rules
• Restrictions (pets, sublets)
• Sublet rules vary. Always confirm with your landlord prior to signing.

Co-Signers

• Landlords may require a co-signer if you lack credit history.
• Co-signers undergo credit checks and are legally responsible if the rent is unpaid.

Going Abroad

• Options: Sign a 12-month lease and find a sublet, sublet a place yourself, or apply for on-campus housing.
• Confirm subletting is allowed before signing your lease.

Furniture Rental

• Need furniture for your off-campus space without the hassle of buying and moving it? Explore CORT’s student furniture rental packages for short-term solutions.

Protect yourself during your housing search and know your rights as a tenant in Massachusetts. While Tufts works to provide safe and reliable listings via Apartments.com, no system can fully prevent scams. Always use caution. Tufts does not participate in rental transactions and cannot refund money lost to fraud.

Common Red Flags

• Rent listed well below market average
• Requests for money upfront (especially via wire transfer, Western Union, MoneyGram, Bitcoin, etc.)
• No written lease required, or asked to use an outside “escrow” or listing service
• Excessive upfront fees (more than 3 months’ rent)
• Dramatic stories (e.g., landlord abroad, “must sign within 24 hours”)
• Refusal to meet in person or show the apartment
• Asked not to contact the original listing person

Tips

• Always see the space in person before paying.
• Ask plenty of questions and request everything in writing.
• Speak with current tenants if possible.
• Arrange roommate meetings in public, during the day, and tell a friend your plans.
• Be careful about sharing personal information online (use first name/last initial, avoid posting exact addresses).
• Trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, walk away.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

• Mark the listing as “Suspicious” on the housing site.
• Report to offcampusinfo@tufts.edu.
• Contact your local police department.
• File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or Federal Trade Commission.
• If you sent money via Western Union or MoneyGram, immediately contact their customer service to attempt to stop the transfer.

Tenant Rights

Massachusetts law requires landlords to provide safe and habitable housing. If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you may have legal options, including ending your lease or seeking assistance from local Inspectional Services. Learn more at the Massachusetts Tenant Rights Guide.

A lease is a legally binding contract. Know your options if you need to leave early, and prepare carefully before moving out. For more legal guidance, view the Housing Guides from MassLegalHelp.

Bad Conditions

• Contact Inspectional Services or the Board of Health for inspections.
• Document all communication and repairs.
• Breach clauses may allow termination if the landlord fails to fulfill their obligations.
• You may need inspections or legal advice before ending a lease.
• Options include withholding rent, repairs-and-deduct, or court action (seek guidance first).

Surrendering Your Apartment

• Negotiate with your landlord for early termination.
• Get agreements in writing.
• Landlords may charge early termination fees.

Before You Move Out

• Coordinate with housemates to clean and clear the space.
• Schedule a walkthrough with your landlord.
• Take photos for documentation.
• Check furniture/trash disposal rules to avoid fines.

Protect yourself and your home with these practical reminders:

Emergencies

Call TUPD immediately in the event of an emergency. 

• In Medford/Somerville, call 617-627-6911.
• In Boston, call 617-636-6911 (in case of fire on one of our Boston campuses, call 911).
• In Grafton, call 508-839-5303.

Package Delivery

• Don’t assume hallways or back doors are secure.
• Arrange deliveries to a trusted address, neighbor, or local store if you won’t be home.
• Use carriers’ security options: UPS Store pickup, FedEx signature delivery, USPS delivery instructions.

Winter Break

• Review our Winter Break page for important tips and reminders.

New to renting? This glossary explains key terms you’ll encounter in your housing search.

• Apartment/Unit: The space you rent, including all rooms
• Assignment: Turning over your lease responsibilities to another person
• Broker: Professional who helps find apartments/tenants (often charges a fee)
• Credit Check: Review of financial history by landlord or broker
• Co-Signer: Person legally responsible if the tenant defaults
• Deposit (Security): Money held for damages; must be returned with interest
• Eviction: Legal removal of tenants for lease violations
• Landlord/Property Manager: Person responsible for your rental
• Lease: Legal contract defining rental terms
• Sublet: Temporary rental arrangement where another tenant lives in the unit
• Tenant Rights: Legal protections for tenants and landlords
• Zoning Ordinance: Local rules on how many unrelated people can live together