Off-Campus Housing FAQs

The FSU Off-Campus Student Life (OCSL) department is a resource designed to help FSU students navigate the process of living off-campus. Its mission is to empower off-campus students to thrive personally and academically by providing dedicated education, resources, and guidance. The department is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all students feel connected to their individual communities and can thrive.

You can contact the FSU Off-Campus Student Life office by emailing offcampuslife@fsu.edu or visiting the office at the Askew Student Life Center.

OCSL provides a variety of resources to support students, including:

• The Online Housing Marketplace (https://offcampushousing.fsu.edu/listing)

• The Online Student Resource Page (https://linktr.ee/offcampusstudentlife)

• Presentations and Workshops on Off-Campus Housing

• Personalized Leasing Guidance

• Advice on Housing Questions

• Roommate Matching Events

The typical lease term is 12 months, and most student housing communities only allow for short-term leases with an additional fee.

It is crucial to begin your search well in advance, often 6 to 12 months before your desired move-in date. Student housing in competitive areas like College Town fills up extremely fast. Apartment communities in Tallahassee typically start their lease launch for the next academic year as early as October.

In addition to rent, you should be prepared for one-time fees such as application fees (typically $40-$60) and administrative fees (around $100). Other potential costs can include a security deposit, pet fees, or parking fees. Some communities may also have monthly fees for technology or amenities. You are responsible for paying for any utilities not included in your rent.

Yes, security deposits are generally refundable at the end of your lease, as long as you return the apartment in the same condition you received it, accounting for normal wear and tear. If the landlord does not intend to claim any portion of the deposit, it must be returned within 15 days of the lease termination. If a claim is made, the landlord has 30 days to provide the tenant with written notice detailing the reasons for the claim.

A guarantor, or co-signer, is an adult who agrees to be financially responsible for the lease, even though they do not live in the apartment. They must meet the same rental qualifications as the primary tenant and are typically required to be at least 27 years old. If the tenant defaults on the lease, the guarantor is financially responsible for any outstanding debt, and their credit will be negatively affected. A guarantor's role is solely a financial guaranty, and they do not have the same legal rights to occupy or access the premises as the tenant.

The Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act outlines a tenant's primary duties to maintain a safe and functional living environment. This includes:

• Paying rent on time without demand or notice, unless otherwise specified in the lease.

• Complying with all applicable building, housing, and health codes.

• Keeping the occupied parts of the premises clean and sanitary.

• Maintaining plumbing fixtures and using all facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner.

• Not destroying, defacing, damaging, or removing any part of the property.

• Conducting yourself and requiring others to conduct themselves in a way that does not unreasonably disturb neighbors.

No, a landlord is required to give at least 24 hours' notice before entering your unit, and the entry must happen at a reasonable time. This right of access cannot be used to harass you. The notice requirement can be shortened or waived in case of an emergency.

If a landlord fails to meet a material obligation, a tenant must first notify the landlord in writing. The notice should specify the non-compliance and your intent to terminate the rental agreement if the issue is not resolved. The landlord then has seven days to correct the issue. If they fail to do so, you may have the right to terminate the lease and vacate the premises without liability for rent while the dwelling remains uninhabitable. In some cases, you may have the right to withhold rent, but Florida law requires you to deposit the withheld money into a court registry until the matter is resolved to avoid potential eviction.

When you move in, it is vital to conduct a thorough walkthrough of the unit. You should document any existing damage with clear photos and videos and formally report your findings to management in writing to create a record. This documentation is your key protection against being unfairly charged for damage when you move out.

The cost of your rent depends heavily on the apartment size and neighborhood you choose. Having more roommates and living farther from campus generally results in lower rent. Your electricity bill can also vary based on usage habits and the size of your apartment. You can save on groceries as an off-campus student by purchasing a meal plan from Seminole Dining. FSU provides various resources on its Financial Success website to help with planning and budgeting.

Unlike on-campus housing, your financial aid won't pay your rent directly to your apartment community. Instead, you will receive a disbursement directly to your personal bank account. You are then responsible for using those funds to pay your monthly rent. It is important to budget your refund carefully to ensure you have enough to cover all your rent payments for the term.

Fair housing is the rigt to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. A violation, such as "steering," occurs when a property manager shows certain groups of people older, less desirable units while showing other groups newer, more desirable units. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint with local, state, or federal government offices.