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Living in the Community

Finding an Off-Campus Home

Finding your first apartment may seem overwhelming, but can be a fun and valuable experience. Check out the Off-Campus Living Fairs to learn more about living in the neighborhood around campus. The schedule and more information can be found at http://www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/housing/off-campus-living/updates-and-alerts.asp

Office of Off-Campus Living and Conference Services
www.temple.edu/housing/offcampus  

The Off-Campus Living Office guides students in navigating local real estate, and can take the fear out of renting your first apartment. In fact, many find off-campus living a priceless experience in which they gain a true sense of independence and self-reliance. Use our website and our one-on-one services to make your off-campus living experience a success.

Campus Philly
www.campusphilly.org/

Tenants Rights and Responsibilities

What are your rights as a tenant?

  • Fair housing
  • A Clean, Safe place to live
    • A building that is structurally sound
    • Adequate heat
    • Hot and cold running water
    • Properly draining bathroom equipment
    • A functioning stove
    • Properly locking doors
    • Properly locking windows that work
    • No rodent/insect infestation
    • Smoke detectors/fire extinguishers/fire escapes
    • Prompt repairs by property owner/manager
  • Privacy from intrusion or harassment from the landlord
  • To make complaints to governmental authorities regarding violation of rights without retaliation
  • Move out when necessity arises due to legitimate reasons*

*Please note that the tenant continues to be responsible for rent until a new tenant is found

  • Have the landlord make a diligent effort to correct damages
  • Have property seizures, lock-outs, or evictions only in accordance with established legal procedures
  • Have a lease that guarantees these rights in writing

What are your responsibilities as a tenant?

  • Use the dwelling for residential purposes only
    • Not for business or commercial
    • Not for illegal activity
  • Only the people written on the lease may live in the property
  • Pay all rent and bills for which you are responsible
  • Keep the dwelling safe and clean, notify landlord of any damage to property*

*You must pay for damages caused by your actions or the actions of a guest

  • Dispose of all trash and other waste in a clean and safe manner
  • Use electrical, plumbing and heating facilities in a safe and careful manner
  • Do not destroy, deface, damage, alter or remove any part of the premises
  • Do not change locks to the premises without written permission from the property owner, who must have access to the premises at all times, in case of an emergency
  • Conduct yourself in a way that does not disturb others, and ensure that your guests do not disturb others
  • Report all problems with the apartment to the property owner/manager
  • Leave the apartment clean and in a condition similar to the one at the beginning of the lease
  • Provide proper written notice of intention to terminate or renew lease