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Houses in a neighborhood near UB's South Campus called University Heights

Off-Campus Housing

Tips for International Students, Scholars,
and Employees

Will you look for off-campus housing?  By doing a thorough apartment search and being very selective about both the apartment and the landlord, you can prevent many potential housing problems.

We do not recommend that you rent an apartment without seeing it first. Choosing a place to live is the most important decision you will make when you come to Buffalo.  Please be careful!

Here are some helpful steps to follow as you search for off-campus housing:

Step 1: Find out what's available

By consulting the following resources, you will be able to find advertisements (“ads”) for apartments and learn about potential places to live:

Online apartment listings:

Newspaper classified ads:

City websites:

UB International Student Clubs:

Other resources:

  • Campus bulletin boards
  • Other UB students, scholars and employees
  • “FOR RENT” signs in potential neighborhoods

To understand the abbreviations in apartment ads, read “Deciphering Rental Property Ads”.

To find how close or far apartment listings are to UB’s North or South Campuses, visit:

Step 2: Visit and inspect potential places to live

Visit potential neighborhoods a few times and at different times of day before choosing a place to live.  Once you’ve located a potential place, visit and inspect the apartment carefully.  Get answers to the following questions:

Neighborhood Safety and Condition:

  • Does the neighborhood seem safe?  At night too?  (Ask your International Student Club representatives if the neighborhood is safe.)
  • Are the sidewalks, driveway, and front and back yards in good condition and free of debris?

Apartment Safety:

  • Are there working exterior lights at doors and entrances?
  • Are the exterior doors sturdy, and do they have sturdy deadbolt locks and a peephole or window?
  • Is there a sturdy handrail on all stairs and a secure railing on the porch or balcony?
  • Is the apartment in an attic or basement?  (Renting an attic or basement apartment is illegal in New York State because it is not safe!)  
  • Are the windows in good condition with working locks?  Do they have storm windows, screens, and blinds, shades or drapes?
  • Are the basement, attic and hallways free of debris?
  • Are there working smoke detectors on every floor?
  • Is there lockable storage?

Apartment Condition:

  • Is the apartment clean and well-maintained?
  • Are there signs of insects or rodents?
  • Are there signs of leaking water on ceilings or floors?  Do bathroom tiles or walls or the shower feel "spongy"?
  • Are there holes in walls, windows or doors?
  • Is there adequate water pressure?  (Flush toilets and run hot water to find out.)
  • Do the lights and outlets all work?
  • Do the appliances (stove, oven, refrigerator) work?
  • Do the cabinets and drawers open properly?
  • Is the carpet in good condition?

Apartment Comfort:

  • Is there a heat duct, vent or radiator in every room?
  • Is there adequate insulation and a storm window for every window? :

WARNING #1:  DO NOT RENT an attic or basement apartment.  They are dangerous and in violation of the fire code.  Tenants can be required to vacate an attic or basement apartment immediately and landlords can be fined.

WARNING #2:  DO NOT tolerate situations that jeopardize your health (e.g. no hot water, inadequate heating, dangerous wiring, mold, insects, rodents).  Unlivable conditions can be legal grounds to break a Lease.  If you live in bad conditions for too long, it becomes more difficult for you to argue that the apartment is unlivable, however.

WARNING #3:  BE SURE there are no bed bugs in the apartment.  When you rent an apartment, do your best to ensure that there are no bed bugs.  If other students are living there comfortably, then the apartment is probably free of bed bugs.  If all of the previous tenants have moved out, try to find out why they moved out.  To determine if bed bugs may be present, read the tips at www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/#residence

Step 3: Find out about the landlord

A bad landlord can cause you unending problems.  Find out as much as you can about the landlord BEFORE YOU SIGN THE LEASE.  You can do so by contacting members of your International Student Club.  You should also interview the landlord carefully and ask many questions.  If a landlord refuses to answer your questions or is evasive, find another landlord and apartment.

Here are some important questions to ask the landlord:

  • Do you live near-by?  Can you quickly respond to emergencies?
  • Will the locks be changed before I move in?
  • Are utilities (electricity, water, heat) included in the rent?  Which utility companies do you use?
  • What are the average monthly costs for utilities?  (Request copies of the bills from previous tenants).
  • Are the heating and cooling systems, and the hot water heater in good condition?
  • Are the appliances (stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher) in good condition?
  • Will you supply garbage containers and recycling bins?  Where are they stored?  When is garbage collected?
  • Is there a laundry on-site?  Is it coin-operated?
  • Where are the circuit breakers or fuse box?

Step 4: Get your lease checked before signing it

Take your Lease to SBI Legal Assistance (UB North Campus, 377 Student Union, Tel. 716-645-3056) for review by an attorney before signing it.  (This service is free for all UB students.).  Keep these points in mind:  

1)  All Leases can be modified if both the landlord and tenant agree.

2)  Anything that the landlord and tenant agree upon verbally should be written in the Lease.  This includes repairs which the landlord promises to make, arrangements for snow removal and lawn maintenance, etc.  

3)  Be sure that your landlord’s address and phone number are in the Lease and that the length of the Lease corresponds to your time frame.  Note:  If you will only be in Buffalo for nine months, but you sign a twelve-month Lease, you can be held responsible for the remaining three months.

4)  Be sure to sign a Lease (unless you are renting month-to-month).  If you do not, you will be living illegally in the apartment and can be evicted.   

5)  Your landlord values you the most when you’re about to sign the Lease and pay a lot of money.  If the landlord isn’t willing to commit in writing to promises made verbally, it's unlikely s/he will become more trustworthy over time.  

WARNING #1:  Your landlord rents apartments to students as a business.  Some landlords (including some who speak your language and come from your country) will try to exploit you in order to make money. Always keep in mind that your relationship with your landlord is a business relationship, not a friendship.  Do not allow landlords to exploit you!

WARNING #2:  Before moving in with roommates, understand that all tenants are each responsible for all of the rent (not just their part of the rent).  This means that, if your roommate moves out, you will be expected to pay the full rent.

For more information about Leases and your rights as a tenant, visit http://subboard.com/legal/information_packets/landlord-tenant_rights.asp.

Step 5: Document the condition of your apartment when moving in

Since you will likely have to pay a security deposit when you move in and will not get it back if there is any damage to your apartment, it is a good idea to take photos of any existing damage in your apartment when you move in. Fill out an “Apartment Inventory and Condition Report” as well.

Step 6: Avoid bed bugs

Some UB international students have had problems with bed bugs in off-campus apartments. To avoid these problems, be sure not to move into an apartment which is infested with bed bugs. To find out if an apartment has bed bugs, follow the tips at www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/.  

After you move into the apartment, keep these points in mind:

1)  Do not purchase a used mattress or box spring for your bed.  Buy only new ones that are sealed in plastic.  (Alternatively, you can buy an air mattress for a minimal amount.)

2)  Do not take anything off the street for your use.  This includes mattresses, box springs, furniture, etc.  

3)  If your apartment is furnished with a mattress, buy a plastic, sealed mattress cover to put between the mattress and sheets.

4)  Avoid sharing clothing or linens (e.g. sheets, towels) with others.

5)  If you see insects (e.g. bed bugs, cockroaches) in your apartment, contact your landlord and ask to have your apartment fumigated.  If your landlord refuses, contact SBI Legal Assistance, 377 Student Union, North Campus (Tel. 645-3056, E-mail: sbi-gls@buffalo.edu, Web: www.legalassistance.buffalo.edu) for legal advice.

6)  Do not leave exposed food out in the open in your apartment.  Exposed food can attract insects and rodents.

For more information about bed bugs, visit www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/.  This website provides helpful information about what to do and not do.

Step 7: Pay your rent and security deposit

Do not pay cash and don't pay too much in advance. If you pay cash, there will be no record of your rental payments unless you get a receipt. Therefore, it’s better to pay your rent by personal check. And, while it is typical for a landlord to ask for first and last months' rent plus a security deposit, never pay more than that amount in advance.

Step 8: Purchase renter's insurance

Since your landlord’s insurance will not cover your personal belongings, you should consider purchasing renter’s insurance in case of theft, fire, loss or damage to your personal effects. For more information about renter’s insurance, visit www.buffalo.edu/intlservices/pdf_files/RentersInsurance.pdf

Step 9: Document any complaints you make to your landlord

If you have a complaint, call your landlord, but be sure to follow up your phone call by sending him/her a letter in the mail (Don’t forget to keep a copy for yourself.). If you have to go to Court, written evidence is the best kind, and the Court will accept such letters as evidence that the landlord was informed of the problem.

Step 10.  Get to know your neighbors.  Be a good neighbor.

Your neighbors can be your most valuable resource.  Introduce yourself to neighbors whom you feel are trustworthy.  Develop a good relationship with them by keeping the noise down and keeping your property clean.

Step 11: Seek help from UB if you have a serious problem with your landlord or housing.

If you have a serious problem with your landlord or housing, you may contact Mary Clare Fahey, Off-Campus Services and Relationships Coordinator, 102 Harriman Hall, South Campus (Tel. 829-2493, E-mail: mcfahey@buffalo.edu, http://subboard.com/legal/) or SubBoard Legal Assistance, 377 Student Union, North Campus (Tel. 645-3056, )

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