Off-Campus Engagement

Review Your Finances

Students who are interested in living off-campus should review their budget and finances first to determine their price range.

• The typical rent per room in the surrounding areas is between $800 - $1300/month per person, not including utilities.
• Be ready for upfront costs: first and last month’s rent, security deposit, possibly a broker’s fee, and one time costs such as furniture and household supplies.
• While Financial Aid is available for students living off campus, there are elements to consider, such as the amount of aid you are eligible for, disbursement of funds, and upfront costs for living off campus.

Use our Living Off-Campus Budget Worksheet and review Budgeting & Financial Aid resources to plan ahead. International students can review specialized considerations and International Students resources.

Begin Your Search

• Ready to look? Start with Apartments.com to browse listings and connect with potential roommates. Other options include word-of-mouth or connecting with a broker/agent.
• Wondering what it’s really like to live in a particular apartment or with a specific landlord? Browse and submit Off-Campus Housing Reviews to help us help all students make informed choices in their housing search.

Avoid Scams

Protect yourself during your search:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never send money before seeing the apartment.
• Always ask questions and request a written lease.

See our Scam Awareness & Tenant Rights resources for a full list of red flags.

Know the Rules

The cities of Medford, Somerville and Boston (in addition to other cities in the area) have local occupancy ordinances on apartments/houses with non-related persons. Each city has its own ordinance: in Medford, the limit is 3; in Somerville, it is 4; in Boston, it is 4, etc. On-campus housing owned by Tufts University can have more than 4 non-related persons living in them, because the university has obtained lodging house licenses for these residence halls. Failure to abide by these city ordinances could potentially result in fines and/or eviction. To understand zoning ordinances, we suggest researching the local town website.

Apply for a Space

When you find a potential apartment:

• Expect to provide an application, credit check, and possibly a cosigner/guarantor.
• Ask about application fees and what’s required upfront.
• Stay on top of deadlines.

See our Finding & Securing Housing resources for helpful considerations.

Read and Sign Your Lease

Our office does not review leases, but you should:

• Read the full agreement before signing.
• Confirm details such as names of tenants/landlords, rent, utilities, security deposit, and emergency contacts.
• Understand your rights as a tenant in Massachusetts.

See our Scam Awareness & Tenant Rights resources for additional legal information and considerations.

Move In

Before moving in:

• Complete a Statement of Condition with your landlord to document the apartment’s status and keep a copy for your records.
• Furnish your space. Check out our partners at CORT Furniture who offer furniture rentals for single rooms or full apartments for lower monthly costs. Their services also include drop off, set up and pick up - so no need to determine how to get rid of your furniture later. You can also try low cost options such as the MIT Furniture Exchange or Facebook Marketplace.

Be a Good Neighbor

Living off campus means being part of our local communities. Review Tufts’ Guide to Living Off-Campus for tips on being a respectful neighbor, staying safe, and understanding local policies. When it's time to move out, check out our Moving Out & Lease Termination information.

Get Help When Needed

Have questions or want a lease reviewed? Email us at offcampusinfo@tufts.edu to ask questions or set up an appointment. You can also check out our Safety Tips. Check out our YouTube channel for video presentations on renting, budgeting, and living off campus.

Sublets

Students sublet for many reasons such as covering summer rent, studying abroad, or navigating roommate changes. Whatever your situation, subletting can be a helpful option.

• Terms: The subletter/sublessee/subtenant is the person renting the space from the current tenant. The sublessor/tenant is the person renting their space to a sublessee.
• Always confirm with your landlord/property manager before subletting. Subletting without approval is a breach of contract.
• Ask if your landlord has a process for approving subtenants (some require applications; others leave it up to you).
• Remember: tenants on the lease remain legally responsible, even if a subtenant is living in the space.

Looking for a sublet, or hoping to offer one? Use the Sublet Connection Form to connect with other Tufts students who are seeking or offering sublets.

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