Frequently Asked Questions

Our staff can help connect students to emergency housing if needed. Please complete the referral form on our website or call our office at 303-735-9938. We strive to respond to requests on time. Be sure to check your email for a message from the Basic Needs Center.

Students can find available housing listings through Ralphie’s List, a housing search platform maintained by Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations. Students can also find listings on Apartments.com, Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, and local Facebook housing groups. Students needing support finding housing should contact Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations.

A lease is a legally binding document that contains relevant information about a rental agreement. It contains information on payment amounts, payment dates, what the renter is responsible for, what the landlord is responsible for and more. Violation of a lease may result in fines or eviction. You should read your lease before signing to ensure you understand the agreement. You can review your lease with an attorney for free through Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations.

The main cost of renting is the monthly rent payment. However, there are other costs that renters should expect. In addition to rent, the monthly payment may include utilities (if these are not covered in the base rent), regular fees (such as ground maintenance), rental insurance and pet rent (if applicable). Renters will likely also encounter one-time costs upfront, such as a security deposit, application fee and pet deposit (if applicable).

Many students choose to have one or more roommates to split the cost of housing. Students may also choose to live outside Boulder and commute by car or bus from cities such as Longmont, Louisville, Broomfield or other cities. All students receive an RTD pass, making commuting an option for students without cars. It is also recommended that lease requirements be followed to avoid extra fees.

Scams are most often found online. Scammers may urge potential renters to sign leases quickly, sign leases without seeing the property or ask for a money transfer or wire before signing a lease. Potential renters should also note the high cost of housing in Boulder and be wary of listings that seem too good to be true. Listings on Ralphie’s List are verified as legitimate by Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations, and legitimate landlords are registered through the City of Boulder.

Landlords can decide how many pets a renter can have (if any) and what kinds of pets are allowed. They can legally charge a refundable deposit of up to $300 and monthly pet rent of up to $35 or 1.5%, whichever is higher.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are legally required to be given reasonable accommodations. The landlord can request a document from a medical professional detailing the need for an ESA, but the document is not needed to disclose the disability itself. ESAs cannot charge deposits or rent.

Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Renters have the right to have a service animal if it works and performs a task related to the renter’s disability. Like ESAs, service animals must be given reasonable accommodations and are exempt from certain pet restrictions.

Students who are unhoused, at risk of eviction, or in an unsafe housing situation (including but not limited to violence and health hazards) should contact the Basic Needs Center. The Basic Needs Center may be able to support students by providing financial assistance or emergency housing.