Before signing a lease, you should evaluate your monthly budget and consider all expected costs, including housing, food, and transportation.

There is a wide range of costs for rental units and houses in Oxford. The pricing situation is complicated by the fact that many properties charge students rent per semester, rather than per month.

Off-campus apartments often charge a monthly rate per person, while off-campus houses frequently charge a semester rate per person. Be sure to understand the terms and length of the lease as you compare properties.

Rent is usually due at the beginning of each month and most housing leases require a rental deposit (typically equal to one month’s rent). This deposit is due in addition to your first month’s rent. Some properties may also request last month's rent in advance. At the end of your lease, you will get this deposit back, minus any fees for damages or cleaning.

Note that utilities (electric, gas, water, internet) may or may not be included in the rental fee. If you need to set up your own utilities, then your property manager should be able to provide utilities companies that service that apartment or house. Utility companies may also require their own deposit ($200 or more) for renters without U.S. credit history or a Social Security Number (SSN).

Signing a Lease

There are more than enough places for students to live and shopping around will provide the most options and, often, the best prices and leases.

A lease is a legal contract that outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the landlord and the tenant and it goes into effect from the moment it is signed.

Read the lease thoroughly and make sure you understand and agree to all of the terms. Leases will vary from one unit to another.  Be sure to read and understand your entire lease - and its addendum - prior to signing!

Please remember: When you sign a lease, it is a legally binding contract. You are liable for upholding the terms of the contract for the duration of the contract.

Make sure to review:

• Security deposit: How much? When is it paid? How/when is it returned?
• Is there an application fee, background check fee, or a credit check cost?
• Which utilities are included?
• Other fees or costs?
• How/when to pay rent and other fees?
• When are your specific move-in and move-out dates.
• When and how you can get keys and other move-in procedures?
• How to resolve maintenance issues?
• How to communicate with property management?

Feel free to question anything confusing or misleading. Do not sign a lease with blank spaces and be sure to get a copy of your signed lease from the landlord.

Off-campus Housing Search

Be mindful that there are certain areas within the Oxford community that houses more undergraduate student populations that may not be preferred among the graduate student population.

Consider what is important for your living experience.

• What is your monthly or per-semester budget for housing and utilities?
• Is there a bus stop nearby? How far is the walk? Consider making the walk through rain, snow, and late at night.
• What is the neighborhood like? Who else lives there?
• Do you prefer to live where the action is, or if you would rather be in a quiet setting?
• Do you expect to have a place to study? Relax?
• What amenities are important to you?
• Does the rental unit have a valid permit and current inspections through the City of Oxford?
• What kind of vibe do you get from the landlord or property manager?
• Can you talk to current residents there?

Note also that some rental applications may require a background check (and often a fee); these background checks may require a Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have a SSN, contact your rental company or landlord to see what other options you have for completing the background check.

There are a number of online tools and webpages to search for available housing.

Neither Miami University nor ISSS endorses the listed properties, so check information carefully before you sign a lease. This is not a full list of all available apartments in Oxford. There are more options that students are welcome to explore on their own.