First-time Renter's Guide For USC Students: What to Know Before You Sign Anything

Signing a first lease is one of the most overwhelming parts of moving off campus near USC, and most of the mistakes first-time renters make in Los Angeles are avoidable once you know what to actually look for.

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University Park and Nearby Neighborhoods

University Park is one of the most common places USC students sign their first lease, since it sits close enough to campus to skip a car while still offering a real mix of price points and unit sizes.

First-time Renter's Guide For USC Students: What to Know Before You Sign Anything

A good first-time renter's guide for usc students starts with reading the lease line by line, not skimming it, since terms around subletting, early termination, and joint liability are the ones first-time renters skip and regret later. When you work through a first-time renter's guide for usc students, pay special attention to what happens if a roommate stops paying rent, since in most leases every tenant is on the hook for the full amount regardless of what anyone agreed to informally.

Tips From a First-time Renter's Guide For USC Students

• Read every clause about subletting, early termination, and joint liability before signing, not after move-in.

• Get any promise from the landlord, like a repair or a rent discount, in writing before signing.

• Take photos of the unit's condition on move-in day so you have a record if the deposit is disputed later.

• Ask what happens if a roommate stops paying rent, since most leases hold every tenant responsible for the full amount.

For a complete overview of off-campus living near campus, check out our Off-Campus Housing Guide: University of Southern California.

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This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by University of Southern California.