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Off-Campus Living Guide

Finding and Securing Housing

Find an off-campus home that fits your needs. Explore resources to help you search for housing, compare options, understand leases and make informed decisions about where to live.

Photo of a off-campus property owned by Vanderbilt properties.

Finding Housing

  • Where to Search
    • An Introduction to Nashville
    • Use the Vanderbilt Off-Campus Housing Service for vetted listings.
    • Use reputable websites like Zillow or Apartments.com.
    • Be wary of listings on Craigslist or Facebook unless verified.
    • Don't underestimate word-of-mouth. Talk to students currently living off-campus.
  • What to Look For
    • Location: Prioritize proximity to campus, public transportation, grocery stores, and safety.
    • Commute: Use Google Maps to estimate transit or walking times.
    • Included Amenities: Does rent include utilities, internet, parking, laundry, or trash pickup?
    • Safety Features: Secure doors, smoke detectors, outdoor lighting, etc.

Securing Housing

  • Evaluating Listings

    Watch for Scams:

    • Prices that seem too good to be true
    • Landlords asking for payment before showing the unit
    • Vague or unverifiable contact information
    • Tour the Unit (in person or virtually):
    • Check for damage, cleanliness, water pressure, pest issues
    • Test appliances, locks, and outlets

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  • What to Look For

    Ask Questions:

    • Are utilities included?
    • What's the lease length?
    • Who handles repairs?
    • Are pets allowed?

    Talk to Current Tenants or Neighbors:

    If possible, ask about noise, maintenance response time, and neighborhood safety.

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  • Lease Signing

    Be Prepared (Have these ready):

    • Government-issued ID
    • Proof of enrollment
    • Financial aid award letter
    • Bank statements or pay stubs
    • Co-signer (if required)

    Understand the Lease

    Read carefully: term dates, rent amount, penalties for breaking the lease, guest policies, and responsibilities.
    Ask for all verbal agreements to be in writing-including repair promises or utility agreements.

    Co-Signer Info

    Most students will need a guarantor-often a parent or guardian-especially if you don't have income.
    Move-In Checklist

    Once you've signed your lease:

    • Document the condition of the unit with timestamped photos/videos.
    • Note any damage and notify the landlord in writing.
    • Store documentation for move-out disputes.
    • Confirm how to pay rent and when utilities start.
    • Provide Info to Vanderbilt (required)

Submit off-campus address to Vanderbilt

All undergraduate off-campus residents, including those who lived off campus the previous year, must update their current local address and phone number inÌý Your Enrollment Services (YES). This information helps the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ reach you in an emergency and gives you access to VandyRide Point to Point Service if you live within a half-mile from campus.Ìý

How to update your information in YES:

  1. Log into YESÌý
  2. Go to Personal Information.
  3. Under Local (Mailing) Address:
  4. Line 1: Your street address.
  5. Line 2: Your apartment number (if applicable)
  6. Line 3: Leave blank
  7. Ensure your city, state, and ZIP code is accurate.
  8. In the Phone Numbers section, enter your current mobile phone number.

*Failure to provide your valid local address and phone number by the first day of class will result in a hold being placed on your student account. Questions? Contact housing@vanderbilt.edu.Ìý