Off-Campus Student Services

Ralphie's List (Rental Housing Database)

It works a lot like Craig's List; Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) maintains an extensive listing of available rental housing in the Boulder area. Rentals include houses, condos, townhouses, apartments and spare rooms. Search by price, amenities, number of bedrooms and then save links to your Favorites Folder.

If you are a current fee-paying CU-Boulder student, you may access Ralphie's List Free. Just login under "Current Fee-Paying Students."

If you are affliated with the University, but are not a current fee-paying student, there is a service charge of $10.00. You can mail us the money, or you can stop by our office with $10.00 in cash or check. From there we will then be able to set you up an account on Ralphies List!

Transfer and study abroad students, please contact the office at 303-492-7053 to set up an account with our staff.

If you are a landlord and would like to post an advertisement for your rental on our site, you may do so at no charge! Please call the office at 303-492-7053 to get started. Once our staff creates your account you will be able to access the database at anytime to make changes or adjustments to your ads.

 

 

 

Off-Campus Housing Fairs

Dates for 2010: February 3rd and March 10th

If you can't find what you are looking for online or just want to consider more options, OCSS hosts two housing fairs a year! Over 50 landlords, property management companies, and vendors come to showcase their rental properties and services in the UMC Ballroom.

The most common way students find housing is through word of mouth. So talk to your friends about their rentals!You can always use other online resources and the newspaper to help you find the best rental for you and your budget.

(Landlords: If you are interested in registering for our Housing Fair and have not participated in the past, please contact our staff at 303-492-7053)

 

 

Making Your Selection: Things to keep in mind...
Once you've narrowed your search to several potential properties, you should look at each unit and review your preliminary questions:

• Can you afford the rent? 
• How much are utilities and are they included in the rent or in addition to rent? 
• How much is the security deposit? 
• Is the location near a bus line? 
• Is the yard (if any) adequate or too big or too small for your needs?
• Is the property in good condition or disrepair? 
• Is the landlord willing to make any necessary repairs before you move in?

You will also want to inspect the premises. While an online tour can be helpful, you need to make sure the property is in the condition the landlord says it is. Make sure the bedrooms offer sufficient privacy and that there are adequate electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, and fire exits in each room. Check the closet space and see if the walls, ceilings, and floors provide good sound barriers. Test all of the appliances and lighting fixtures and make sure the plumbing and hot and cold running water work well and don't leak; water stains underneath the kitchen or bathroom sink are a sign of leaky plumbing.

You should make sure the property complies with Boulder housing codes, that there are adequate fire exits and ventilation, and that there are no obvious defects that the landlord failed to mention. Also, if you are looking at apartments or condominiums, make sure you look at the specific unit you are interested in renting. Many apartment complexes may show you one apartment that they use for showings and tell you the apartment you will be renting looks just the same or close to it. If you’re going to be living in the place for a year, make sure you see exactly the place you’ll be living in before you sign on the dotted line.

Don't be afraid to ask the landlord questions, and don't sign anything until you get answers.