Living Off Campus

Confident, Safe, and Connected

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Students decide to live off-campus for several reasons: more freedom, to gain a sense of responsibility, a lack of on-campus housing, the social aspects of sharing a house with others, or the peacefulness of living in a property alone. Whether you’re staying in Narragansett, Wakefield, Kingston, or beyond, living independently comes with new freedoms — and new responsibilities. URI’s Commuter Affairs Office is here to help you navigate your experience with confidence.

Things to Consider When Moving Off Campus 

Deciding to live off campus can be an exciting time. It can also be overwhelming as more and more decisions, expenses and issues pop up throughout the process. While it is impossible to account for each decision you are going to have to make, this list can help you to plan ahead and prepare you as much as possible. 

  • What kind of housing? Apartments, houses, co-ops and rooms. There are lots of options out there that vary in their level of support and independence. Making this decision early on will help you narrow your search. 
  • Where do you want to live? Students choose to live all over Rhode Island, Connecticut Massachusetts. Make sure to take your commute into consideration when deciding where you want to live. 
  • Solo or Roommates? Living with roommates will typically give you a more cost-efficient rent. Having a roommate can be a good way to expand your social circle, but having a roommate that you are incompatible with can cause a lot of stress. Check out the roommate finder to browse a list of other Rams looking for roommate and add your own profile as well. 
  • Narrow down your choices. Many factors go into choosing a home. Check out offcampus.housing.uri.edu to browse a list of properties that have opted into highlighting their properties to URI students, staff and faculty. The following are things you may want to think of when choosing an apartment:
    • Parking – If you plan to bring a car, you will need a parking spot. Most apartment complexes offer parking as an additional monthly cost. If commuting, you may also have to factor in the cost for a university parking pass. 
    • Commuting – Think about where your home is located. Will you need to commute to campus? Will you bring a car, take the bus, bike or walk? Think about how far you are wanting to live from campus when looking for a home and consider those options for commuting. 
    • Amenities – Think about what amenities you want your housing to have. A gym, pool, study/common areas, etc. are all examples of amenities you may want to consider when looking for a home. 
    • Security – Check for things like gates, fences, the types of locks provided on exterior doors and if there are any security personnel.
    • Hidden costs – Make sure you understand and know all the costs that come with renting an apartment to avoid running into any unexpected/hidden fees. These costs can include things like an application fee, background check fee, your security deposit and extra costs for certain views. 
  • Signing a lease. After you select a space you like, you will need to sign a lease. A lease is a contract between you and the landlord outlining the terms for the space you are renting. Breaking a lease can be difficult, so make sure you fully understand the terms of your lease before signing. Some key terms likely to be in your lease are the following:
    • A background and credit check will likely be required as part of you signing your lease. Make sure to fill out the forms provided promptly and correctly to avoid delays in being able to move into your new apartment. 
    • Many leases require a guarantor, sometimes also called a cosigner. Guarantors are often required when a renter does not have a long credit history or when their yearly income is lower than what would be typically expected to make their rent. If you do not have someone who can serve as your guarantor, consider reaching out to the property manager directly to state your case or consider subletting. 
    • Often when you sign your lease, you are agreeing to pay a security deposit in addition to your first month of rent (sometimes your last month of rent is requested as well). Your security deposit should be returned to you at the end of your lease term so long as there are no new damages in your apartment and you clean the space before leaving. 
  • Moving in. The next step is moving in. Make move in day go by smoothly by making a list of all the stuff you need to bring, so you don’t forget anything. Check your email or with your landlord for any guidance or instructions for move in day. Also, take a quick moment to take pictures of all the spaces in your apartment, taking special care to note any damages or broken items. These pictures will be important should part of your security deposit be unfairly withheld after you move out. 
  • Moving out. After the lease term is over, it will be time to move out. Make sure you check in with your landlord or management before moving out to avoid any fees and to ensure you are good to go. Do the same from move in day and make a list of all your belongings to make sure nothing gets left behind.
    • Before starting to pack, carefully read any emails or letters from your landlord/management for important information about move-out procedures, cleaning requirements, and key return instructions. Missing these details can lead to deductions from your security deposit.
    • Communicate with your roommates about when they plan to move out of the space. Your timelines might be vastly different, but you don’t want the burden of cleaning to fall on the last person that moves out. Make a plan for who is going to clean what spaces and make sure to do your share or consider contributing money as a group to have the space professionally cleaned. 
    • Clean Thoroughly to Maximize Your Security Deposit. Focus on these areas:
      • Floors: Vacuum carpets and sweep and mop hard floors.
      • Kitchen: Clean the oven, stovetop, microwave and refrigerator. Wipe down countertops and cabinets.
      • Bathrooms: Scrub the toilet, shower, sink, and mirrors.
      • Living Areas: Dust all surfaces, clean windows, and wipe down walls if needed.
    • Before you hand over the keys, take detailed photos or videos of the entire space. Capture areas you’ve cleaned and existing damages in case of disputes about the condition of the property.
    • Find out the specific procedure for returning your keys, which is often outlined in your lease agreement or in communications from your management company. Make sure to return all keys, including those for the front door, mailbox, and any other areas. Also, remember to return any access cards you may have to amenity or parking spaces.
    • As you pack up, double-check every cabinet, drawer, closet, and storage space to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. Leave spaces open once they are emptied as a visual reminder of where you have and have not checked.
    • If you have items you no longer need, consider donating them to local reuse organizations.
    • Keep an eye out for communication from your landlord/property management team. Ignoring an email could result in more charges in the case of lost keys or steps you may have missed in the check out process. Be prompt in communicating. Your landlord or property manager should be issuing you your security deposit within thirty days of you move out. 
    • Subletting. If you would like to move out before your lease ends or your plans change, you may want to consider subletting. Subletting is when you find someone to essentially take over your lease.
Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

💵 Budgeting for Off-Campus Life

Living off campus can offer flexibility, but it comes with financial responsibilities. Plan ahead so your experience is sustainable and stress-free.

  • 🧾 Start with URI’s Cost of Attendance
    • Use the Cost of Attendance to estimate your total expenses as a student. Then, create a budget to determine whether living off campus is a realistic and affordable option.
  • 🛋️ Build a Monthly Budget
    • Know your income and include all sources:
      • Financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships)
      • Family contributions
      • Part-time job income
      • Work-study or stipends
    • Understand your expenses:
      • Fixed Expenses: rent, utilities (heat, electric, water), internet, renters’ insurance, car payment, car insurance, etc.
      • Variable Expenses: groceries, gas, transportation (rideshare, bus, etc.), entertainment, dining out, school supplies, laundry, streaming, etc.
    • Don’t forget occasional costs like textbooks, travel (holiday, breaks), clothing, and medical or dental costs.
  • 🧮 Clarify What’s Included
    • Review your lease and talk to your landlord to be clear about what is included in your rent.
      • Is Wi-Fi included?
      • What about snow removal or trash?
  • 🔄 Split Costs Fairly
    • Use apps like Venmo, Splitwise, or Zelle to manage shared expenses and avoid roommate conflicts.

💡 Need help? Check out Money Basics (via Center for Career & Experiential Education) for resources about keeping track of your money, automating savings, and ways to avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

Reviewing Your Lease

Leasing contracts can be hard to read. Here are a few things to look for when reviewing your lease.

  • Verify the details. You can never be too careful. Verify the names, start and end date of the lease term, rent amount, due dates for the rent, address, apartment number, etc. Small errors in these details could cause a lot of issues.
  • Read over the guest policy. Some leases place a limit on how long a guest can stay in your unit. Be sure to read the guest policies thoroughly.
  • Confirm the utility costs. Make sure you understand which utilities are covered by your landlord and which ones you are paying for. This should be detailed in the lease.
  • Check the policies for subletting. If you decide to leave before your lease term is over, you may want to sublet your unit to someone else. However, many landlords have restrictions on subletting and require their approval first. Make sure you understand the protocol before planning to sublease.
    • Check the lease termination policy as well. If the lease mentions a termination fee, that means you can pay that fee and get out of your lease before the lease term is over. Otherwise, you would have to continue paying rent for the duration of the lease term. 
  • See if your landlord requires rental insurance. If your lease does not explicitly specify a requirement for rental insurance, you can choose whether you want it or not. Rental insurance commonly protects against burglary, fire and natural disasters. 
  • Take note of the renewal policy. Make sure you know if the lease renews automatically or if you have to renew it directly. Your landlord might require a certain type of renewal notice.
    • Look for an escalation clause as well. An escalation clause means that your rent will be increased at a certain rate in the subsequent years if you choose to renew your lease.  
  • Note the pet policies if you have or plan to have a pet. Many landlords will allow pets, but some will have restrictive pet policies. The lease needs to explicitly state the allowance of pets in order for you to have a pet in your unit. You should also check the lease for pet fees, pet rent, and weight/breed restrictions.
  • Make sure your roommate(s) also signs the lease. When signing with a roommate, make sure you know what you are personally responsible for. 
  • Understand the renovation policy. Your landlord may agree to certain renovations, but you need to make sure those permissions are included in the lease. Otherwise, you could be responsible for the cost of returning your unit to its original condition before moving out.
  • Look for a list of all included furnishings and appliances. The lease should contain such a list, and you should verify that everything on that list is present and functioning when you move in.

How to Avoid Renting Scams

Use these tips to avoid all online scams, from marketplaces to rental listings.

  • Never provide credit card information over email. Only provide personal information in a secure online form.
  • Before entering any personal information into a website, check the URL. If the site has “https” (the ‘s’ is for ‘secure’) in the URL or a lock icon in the address bar, the site is probably secure.
  • If a website is pressuring you to act immediately or the seller seems overeager, it could be a scam. Most legitimate companies will not urge you to pay immediately.
  • Be wary of unusual payment requests. Examples include a preloaded debit card, gift card, cash or a virtual currency.
  • Use a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards come with some level of anti-fraud protection, so they are easier to trace if your information gets stolen.
  • Check for bad spelling and typos. Misspelled words and unprofessional writing could be clues pointing to a scam.
  • Determine whether the seller is asking for too much personal information. 
  • In the context of housing rentals, there should be a screening process. If the landlord does not require a rental application or credit check, it may be a scam.
  • Watch out for other rental red flags, like refusing to show you the property in person and not providing a lease.
  • Learn how offcampus.housing.uri.edu works to combat scams.
Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

What Every Renter Should Know:

  • Understand Your Lease Thoroughly
  • Read all lease terms carefully before signing. This includes rent amount, payment due dates, lease length, renewal policies, security deposits, fees, subletting rules, and conditions for early termination.
  • Inspect Before You Commit
  • Never rent sight unseen. Visit the unit in person, check for damages or safety issues, and confirm that the landlord or agent is legitimate to avoid scams.
  • Get Everything in Writing
  • Ensure all agreements, promises, or changes to your lease are documented either in the lease itself or through written correspondence (email or text). Keep duplicate copies of your signed lease.
  • Maintenance and Repairs
  • Ask how maintenance requests are handled, typical response times, and the process for reporting repairs. Keep copies of all maintenance requests and follow up as needed.
  • Respect Shared Responsibilities
  • If you have roommates, maintain clear communication about shared expenses, cleaning schedules, guest policies, and any other house rules. Using a shared calendar or app can help.
  • Document the Condition of Your Unit
  • Take photos or videos of the entire apartment when you move in (and when you move out) to avoid disputes over security deposits later.
    • You are responsible for providing a list of broken or damaged items to your landlord upon move in.
    • Ensure that your water, sink, toilet, applicances (microwave, stove, refrigerator, oven, etc.) are in good working condition.
  • Know Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
  • Familiarize yourself with Rhode Island tenant laws, including your rights to a safe and habitable living environment, privacy, and protection from unlawful eviction.
  • Your landlord (or their agent) may only enter your apartment to inspect it, make repairs, or show the apartment to prospective tenants. Unless there is an emergency, they must give you proper notice.
  • Your landlord cannot terminate tenancy or raise rent in response to you exercising your legal rights.
  • The landlord must keep the apartment rodent- and insect-free.
  • Security Deposits and Rent Payments
  • Understand how much your deposit is, conditions for its return, and keep records of all rent payments (checks, receipts, bank statements).
  • Dispute Resolution
  • If problems arise with your landlord or roommates, try to resolve issues amicably and in writing. For serious concerns, seek legal advice.

What Can I Do If I Need to … ?

…Report Unsafe or Unlawful Housing Conditions
Contact your local city or town code enforcement or housing inspection department to request an apartment inspection if you believe your unit is unsafe or uninhabitable.

…Legal Assistance
Access to legal aid for tenants facing disputes, harassment, eviction, or discrimination. A tenant may contact the following agencies for assistance:

…Learn about the Eviction Process
Learn about the eviction process and your rights as a tenant in Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Judiciary’s Landlord/Tenant Information.

Helpful Documents and Forms

Other Online References

Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

🏛️ Know the Local Rules

Your Responsibilities

Pay your rent on time. Never pay rent in cash (for tracking purposes).
Follow the terms of the lease.
Appropriately dispose of garbage and recyclables in a clean and safe manner.
Follow proper garbage collection procedures and schedule.
Be responsible for your conduct and the conduct of other persons on the property, whether you know them or not.
Contact your landlord in a timely manner for any repairs or damages.

  • Be a respectful neighbor—represent URI positively in your community.
  • Be aware of noise ordinances, trash pickup rules, and parking regulations in your neighborhood.
  • Know the Local Ordinances:
    • Only four unrelated people may live together per unit in Narragansett.
  • You’re subject to URI’s Student Code of Conduct while living off-campus.
  • Landlords must provide functioning smoke detectors, locks, and heat per code.
Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

🚨 Safety in Off-Campus Housing

  • Make sure all your entrance doors and windows have working locks.
  • Use your peephole even if you know who is at your door.
    • Check for a working doorbell or intercom system.
    • Use your alarm system.
  • Ensure that your surrounding area, especially your entranceway and exits, are well lit.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight.
  • If you’re in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation, contact your local police department, Dean of Students, or report a concern online.
  • Get renter’s insurance — it’s affordable and protects your belongings.
  • Report any safety issues promptly.
Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

⛈️ 🔥 🚓 Emergency Preparedness

Living off campus comes with added responsibility. Be ready for emergencies by knowing who to call, where to go, and how to stay informed.

Stay Informed

  • Sign up for URI Alerts through e-Campus to receive emergency notices simultaneously via voicemail, text-messaging, and email about news and instructions quickly in the event of an emergency.

Prepare Your Household

  • Share contact info with roommates and review your town’s emergency resources.
  • Know your local police and fire department phone numbers.
  • Enroll in the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry (RISNER) to let police, fire, and other first responders in your community better prepare for and respond to your needs during a hurricane, storm, or other emergency.
  • Have a plan
    • Begin preparing 72 hours in advance:
      • Food: Stock non-perishables (e.g., canned goods, bread, peanut butter).
      • Water: Store enough bottled water for drinking and cooking.
      • First Aid: Gather bandages, disinfectants, and medications.
      • Essentials: Have flashlights with extra batteries, phone chargers, warm clothing, a fire extinguisher, cash, and tools.
      • Electronics: Fully charge phones and devices before the storm.
    • During the Storm
      • Stay informed via TV, internet, or radio updates from local officials.
      • Stay indoors unless told to evacuate.
      • Call 911 for emergencies.
      • Avoid windows to prevent injury from shattered glass.
      • Unplug electronics to protect from power surges.
      • Use a radio if other devices lose power.
    • After the Storm
      • Wait for local authorities to say it’s safe to go outside.
      • Inspect your property and report damages to your landlord.
      • Avoid downed power lines.
      • Board up broken windows for security.
      • If using natural gas, check lines for damage and call utilities if needed.
      • Track repair costs and document all damages to protect your security deposit.

Weather and Natural Disasters

Fire Safety

Who to Call

Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

Subletting Safely

✅ Before You Sublet

  1. Check Your Lease for Subletting Clauses
    Some leases may prohibit subletting outright or impose specific requirements (e.g., background checks or additional fees). Review your lease carefully before taking action.
  2. Notify Roommates in Advance
    Ensure all roommates are aware of and agree to the sublet. Roommate conflicts are common when subtenants are introduced without notice.
  3. Verify the Subtenant’s Income & References
    Ask for employment verification or proof of income to ensure they can reliably pay rent. Contact prior landlords or references to assess their behavior as a tenant.
  4. Request a Security Deposit from the Subtenant
    This helps cover potential damages caused by the subletter and reinforces shared responsibility.

📑 Legal & Documentation Tips

  1. Use a Legally Sound Sublease Template
    Tailor your sublease to Rhode Island law. Include:
    • Rent amount and due dates
    • Utilities and other responsibilities
    • Dates of occupancy
    • Termination clauses
  2. Document the Unit’s Condition at Sublet Start
    Take dated photos/videos and complete a written inspection checklist. Share this with the subletter and retain copies for your records.
  3. Inform the Landlord of the Subletter’s Identity
    Even if the landlord has approved the sublet, formally notify them of the subtenant’s name and contact info.

🔐 Safety & Security

  1. Change Wi-Fi and Entry Access Codes (if applicable)
    If you are leaving the property but retaining the lease, consider changing digital codes or keys before and after the sublet.
  2. Establish Emergency Contacts and House Rules
    Share emergency contacts (yours and the landlord’s), and outline expectations about guests, noise, trash, etc.
  3. Keep Utilities in Your Name (Optional but strategic)
    Keeping bills in your name gives you control and avoids lapses in service, but include a repayment clause in the sublease.

🏡 When You’re the Subletter

  1. Research the Area and Property Management
    Confirm that the person subletting to you has the right to do so. If possible, meet the landlord or visit the unit.
  2. Never Pay Cash for Security Deposits or Rent
    Use trackable payment methods. Get receipts and a written agreement.
Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

📄 Breaking a Lease: What You Need to Know

📘 1. Understand Legal Justifications for Early Termination

In Rhode Island, valid legal reasons to break a lease without penalty may include:

  • Unsafe or uninhabitable housing conditions (e.g., no heat, water, or persistent mold).
  • Domestic violence (protected by RIGL § 34-18-41).
  • Active military duty (under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act).
  • Landlord’s failure to maintain the property
  • Illegal lease terms
  • Sexually harassing a tenant
  • Tenant death
  • Early termination clause
  • Landlord retaliation

📅 2. Give Proper Written Notice

Most leases require 30–60 days’ notice. Include:

  • Desired move-out date.
  • Reason for termination.
  • Offer to assist with re-rental or sublet.
  • Keep all communication in writing or via email for proof.

🔄 3. Help Find a Replacement Tenant

Some landlords will release you from the lease if you assist in finding a new qualified tenant. Share:

  • Subletting procedures.
  • Lease transfer policies.
  • How to advertise legally (URI housing listings, peers, or bulletin boards).

📝 4. Request a Lease Break Agreement

Negotiate a written agreement that states:

  • Any early termination fee.
  • Date of lease end.
  • Security deposit expectations.
  • Avoid informal verbal agreements.

💰 5. Prepare for Potential Costs

Budget for:

  • Lease break fees (if listed).
  • Rent until a replacement is found.
  • Loss of part/all of the security deposit if terms are not met.

📸 6. Document the Property Condition Before Leaving

Take dated photos and complete a move-out checklist. Provide a forwarding address to ensure deposit return and prevent disputes.

Budgeting for Off-Campus Life
reviewing your lease
What Every Renter Should Know
Know the Local Rules
Safety in Off-Campus Housing
Emergency Preparedness
Subletting Safely
Breaking a Lease
Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

Off-Campus Living Mini-Checklist

✅ Before Signing the Lease

  • Reviewed lease terms, renewal/termination clauses, guest and pet policies
  • Created a budget (including rent, utilities, parking, groceries, etc.)
  • Discussed living preferences and responsibility with roommates
  • Verified who’s on the lease and what each person is responsible for

✅ Move‑In Day Essentials

  • Took dated photos or videos of unit condition
  • Saved emergency contacts: landlord, local non‑emergency police, URI support
  • Confirmed trash/recycling schedule and local parking rules
  • Tested all locks, alarms, and smoke/CO detectors
  • Reviewed sublease, lease‑break, and eviction resources

✅ Routine Living Habits

  • Are rent and utility payments on autopay or tracked clearly?
  • Use apps to track shared expenses with roommates (e.g., Splitwise, Venmo)
  • Attend at least one URI commuter or on‑campus program each semester
  • Stay aware of safety and health resources via URI and local authorities

✅ Preparing to Move Out or Sublet

  • Scheduled walkthrough with landlord and documented repairs needed
  • Confirmed lease-end cleaning and key-return instructions
  • Took final photos/videos on move-out day
  • Returned all keys and parking or amenity cards
  • Confirmed return of security deposit within 30 days—check your rental ledger

📞 Still Have Questions?

Contact URI Commuter Affairs
📧 Email: commuter-group@uri.edu