Off-Campus Housing
Housing
Off-Campus Rental Guide
Greetings from the Office of Residential Life! As you embark on the following steps to becoming independent and living off-campus, we hope you utilize this guide for information about renting and ways to protect yourself as a tenant. Additionally, you will find standard guidelines on how to be a good neighbor.
Steps to Renting Off-Campus
Make sure you and your potential roommates have been approved to live off-campus.
- Students must have lived in on-campus housing for 6 semesters BEFORE the start of that Fall semester or reach 22 years of age before September 1st of that academic year. If you are not sure if you qualify, reach out to the Office of Residential Life for confirmation at or 219.464.5413.
- You and your potential roommates need to complete a Housing Cancellation Form during the Room Selection Process. Make sure to do this prior to the deadline to avoid any unnecessary fees.
Start researching possible rental properties.
- In addition to determining your ideal monthly rent, you’ll need to know your monthly budget for utilities including water, trash, electricity/gas, internet, and cable.
- It is likely that your potential landlord will have multiple properties and will be able to show you houses and apartments that fit for you and your roommates’ situation.
- Make sure each of your roommates is comfortable with the budget and with the space you pick prior to signing a lease or contract.
- Contact landlords and set up appointments to view properties
- Unsure where to start looking? Visit our Off-Campus Listings below.
Research utility prices if utilities are not included in your monthly rent.
- Did you know you can call NIPSCO, which is responsible for your electricity/gas, and get an average cost for a property? All you have to do is call them and provide the address. This can also be done for Valparaiso City Utilities, which is responsible for your trash and water.
Ask questions of your potential landlord.
Frequently asked questions
- What is covered in the monthly rent?
- Who is responsible for maintenance and how is a maintenance request submitted?
- What is the process if there is a maintenance emergency (ie., burst pipe)?
- Who is responsible for lawn care or snow removal?
- Is the property furnished in any way?
- What is the deposit amount?
- Do you allow subleases?
- Can you have pets on the property and if so, what kind and are there any additional fees?
- What dates does the lease cover?
- If you will be graduating in May, seriously think about a lease that extends through the summer. Do you plan or want to be in Valpo after graduation, or will you be pursuing a job elsewhere? Know that if subletting is allowed, it most likely will be your responsibility to find a subleaser, and if not, you will be responsible for paying full rent, regardless of whether or not you live there.
- What happens if I need to unexpectedly cancel my lease?
- Unexpected events such as Covid may cause you to feel the need to cancel. Is there a clause for a natural disaster? Be prepared to pay your contracted payment IN FULL, unless there is a specific clause in your lease that says differently.
- If your potential landlord is unresponsive to your questions as a potential tenant, think about if that’s the kind of response you would want when you have a maintenance request or emergency.
Read your lease COMPLETELY. Your lease covers everything from payment due dates to when and where garbage is collected. Once you sign, you will each have a copy of the lease. Keep an extra copy in an easy to find place so you can reference it whenever needed.
- If any changes are made to your lease, ensure they’re made in writing and you have an extra copy or two you can then refer to.
Determine how you and your roommates will pay the bills.
- Checks? Apps such as Venmo, Paypal, Splitwise?
- Questions to ask one another:
- How do we want to pay our rent?
- Who will be in charge of the bills?
- How will we keep track of bills and payment dates?
- What is the most effective way to pay one another back?
When you move in, you and your landlord should complete a walk-through of your property and note any existing damages or issues for your lease file.
- You should make sure all damages and issues are thoroughly explained. It is recommended to take pictures as well. Pictures could be used as proof of existing damages/issues in the event your landlord charges you for them upon your departure. This could help you receive the full amount of your safety deposit back.
Renter’s Insurance
- It may be helpful to check if your or your parents’ current insurance plan covers your stay off-campus. If not, purchasing renter’s insurance may be an additional reassurance in protecting your personal property.
Safety Tips
- Check the fire equipment in the apartment regularly (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.)
- Make an evacuation/emergency-preparedness plan with your roommates in the event of emergency situations (fire, tornado, etc.)
- If you’re interested in registering to receive text messages for community/safety alerts, please see here.
Transportation
- Your landlord will contact you close to your lease end date regarding if you will be signing another lease. At this time, they may ask for a deadline of your decision, which is typically at least 30 days before your lease end date.
- If you are choosing to move out at the end of your lease, you and your roommates will need to arrange a walk-through of the space with your landlord.
- Discuss with your landlord what types of “damages” or other expenses could be paid for with your deposit.
- Often carpets must be cleaned once you move out. Some residents will make arrangements and pay out of pocket to have this done. In other cases, landlords will make these arrangements and take the expense out of your deposit.
- During your final walk through, your landlord will make note of any damages, but final costs are often not known until the damage is addressed due to the prices of the item and/or labor.
- Any part of your safety deposit that can be returned after damages are assessed should be returned to you/your roommates within 45 days of moving out.
- Please note, that there may not be an opportunity to appeal your damages depending on your landlord and/or lease agreement.
- Christopher Center Library Community Room houses a commuter friendly space that you can utilize to study or relax in between classes. There are several other commuter friendly spaces on campus including Center for the Sciences Room 187, Gellerson Room 223, Neils Science Center Room 238, Helge Center, Mueller, Loke Hall, and Wesermann. These spaces have a kitchen where you can store your meals, access a microwave, and socialize with other commuter students throughout your day.
- Dining Services offers non-residential meal plans you can utilize for days that you will be on campus and need to grab a bite to eat.
Living Off-Campus
Be Welcoming
- Get to know your neighbors! The better you know your neighbors, the easier it is for you to ask questions and address any issues you might be having. Neighbors who are non-students can be a great resource to you.
Ask Questions
- Make an effort to find out how things are done in your neighborhood or apartment complex. Ask your landlord or neighbors: Where is it okay to place my garbage? Where can I dispose of large items? Whose responsibility is the yard?
Be Respectful
- Park only where it is legal, safe, and considerate—don’t park on your own or anyone else’s lawn or block anyone’s driveway. It’s also recommended that you and your roommates keep up yard and house appearances.
- It is always important to be conscious of those around you, especially if your neighbors are not students. When having parties, let your neighbors know first and keep the noise level down past 11 pm. This may also avoid an unwanted visit from the police due to noise complaints. Your neighbors, even on weekend nights, still deserve a good night’s sleep so it is important that you respect their requests in planning your party.
Common Nuisance Law
- What is it?
- A person can have criminal charges brought against them for visiting or maintaining a place of common nuisance.
- A place of common nuisance is defined as a building, structure, vehicle or other place that is used by any person to unlawfully use a controlled substance.
- What does that mean?
- Houses become a common nuisance when there have been repeated reports of unlawful use of controlled substances. The Common Nuisance ordinance does not go away when students move out each year, as it stays with the property.
- This means a person can be criminally charged for merely being present when a controlled substance is being used, or who allows a controlled substance to be used in their home or vehicle.
Know your guest list
- Set up an invite list with your roommates so you know who is coming. If you are serving alcohol, be sure your guests are 21 & older. Do not invite anyone who is known to cause problems while intoxicated.
- Communicate with all of your guests regarding where to park to ensure they don’t take spaces meant for other tenants of your building.
Set a Plan
- It is important to determine who will be sober for the party because they will be handling any conflicts as they arise.
- Have snacks and nonalcoholic beverages available for guests.
- Put away all breakables and valuables and set boundaries with guests as to which rooms they can and can’t be in.
- Know who to contact in the case of an emergency.
Be Aware
- While the party is going on, make sure everything is going smoothly and that no guests are irresponsibly consuming alcohol.
- Ensure none of your guests are causing any damage to your property.
- Pay attention to the volume level to avoid disrupting your neighbors.
- If at any point there is an emergency, please call 911!
- Indiana’s Lifeline Law provides an individual with immunity from arrest for certain alcohol offenses if they are reporting a medical emergency, a victim of sexual assault, or witnessing/reporting a crime.
- For more information, see: https://indianalifeline.org/
REMEMBER: At the end of the day, you are entirely responsible for all of your guests, their safety, and their actions.
- Emergency: 911
- Valparaiso University Police Department (VUPD): 219.464.5430
- Valparaiso University Police Department (VUPD) (Non-emergency): 219.462.0717
- Office of Alcohol & Drug Education: 219.464.6820
- Valparaiso University Transportation Services: 219.464.6040
- Office of Residential Life: 219.464.5256
Off-Campus Rental Listings
The Office of Residential Life advertises off-campus rentals for those who wish to advertise their properties on our website. There is an annual fee of $45 to advertise with us. The fee may be paid via check (made payable to Valparaiso University), cash, or credit card. The University accepts all credit cards with the exception of American Express. Multiple listings within the same building count as one listing.
Landlords complete the Off-Campus Listing form and can email it to reslife@valpo.edu or mail it to The Office of Residential Life, 1509 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Listing information is taken from the form and added to our Off-Campus Rental Listing.
Mailings are sent semi-annually to those already advertising in order to find out if they want to continue their listing. We allow approximately one month for response before discontinuing your listing.
Off-Campus Rental Listings
The Office of Residential Life offers off-campus rental listings on our website for an annual fee of $45. Payment may be made by check (payable to Valparaiso University), cash, or credit card (all major cards accepted except American Express). Multiple units within the same building count as one listing.
Landlords must complete the Off-Campus Listing form below. Information from the form will be used to create the listing.
Advertisers receive renewal notices twice per year and are given approximately one month to respond before a listing is removed.
Room for Rent
Description:
- Phone: 219.465.1129
- Email: elizabook@gmail.com
- Rent: $700
- 1 Bed 1 Bath
- 2.7 miles to campus
Roommate wanted to share 2 bedroom condo with own bath Near Valpo High School. Must be 21 and non-smoker or partier. No pets since there is a very friendly cat already there. Neat & Clean.
Description
- Phone: 678-860-0922
- Email: at9343@gmail.com
- Rent: $1000
- Security Deposit $1000
- 1 Bed 1 Bath
- 3.9 miles to campus
1 furnished bedroom with private bath. Driveway parking available. Utilities and cable included. No pets; must like dogs and not be allergic to cats (we have one of each), No drugs, no smoking.
Description:
- Phone: 219.510.5666
- Email: ddboyd216@gmail.com
- Rent: 0
- 2 bed
- 4.9 miles to campus
Two rooms for female students in a beautiful home. Rent is free, but $3950 per semester for academic assistance from an award-winning professor is required.
Description:
- Phone: 219.313.8758
- Email: delisbill@gmail.com
- Rent: $1800
- Deposit: $1800
- Unfurnished
- Off-Street Parking
- Pets and children allowed
- 4 Bed 4 Bath
- .7 mile to campus
- Lease Required, Sublease Allowed
- Max Capacity 4
Descrtipton:
- Phone: 219.241.8110
- Email: kenyon62406@hotmail.com
- Rent: $800-$1,050
- Unfurnished
- Off-Street Parking
- 1 Bed 1 Bath
- .8 mile to campus
- Deposit Required
- Lease Required, Sublease With Approval
- Max Capacity 2
- Utilities included
Description:
- Phone: 219-241-8110
- Email: kenyon62406@hotmail.com
- Unfurnished
- Off-Street Parking
- 1 Bed 1 Bath
- .8 mile to campus
- Rent $800 – $1,100
- Deposit Required
- Lease Required, Sublease With Approval
- Max Capacity 2
- Utilities Included
Description:
- Phone: 219.928.3847
- Email: kjmteach59@gmail.com
- Rent: $800+utilities
- Deposit: $800
- Partially Furnished
- Driveway Parking
- 1 Bed 1 Bath
- Lease Required, No Sublease
- 9 miles to campus
Description:
- Phone: 219.462.0675
- Email: zanna1@comcast.net
- Rent: $1200
- Deposit: $1200
- Furnished 1 Bed 1 Bath
- 1.4 mile to campus
- Lease required
- Max capacity 1
Fully furnished, including pots, pans, tableware. Tenant only need personal bedding, towels, etc..
Description:
- Phone: 219.309.6366
- Email: david.pape@rocketmail.com
- Rent: $1360
- Deposit: $1360
- Unfurnished
- Off-Street Parking
- 2 Bed 1 Bath
- .8 mile to campus
- Lease Required, Sublease Available
- Max Capacity 2
Homeshare
Description:
- Phone: 303.941.0752
- Email: mgrillo0456@gmail.com
- Rent: $600
- Deposit: $500
- Furnished
- Off-Street Parking
- Small dog upon request
- 1 Bed 2 Bath
- 1.3 miles to campus
- Lease Required
- Max Capacity 2
Two story home, walking distance to campus and downtown, all kitchen appliances, plus washer and dryer, small dog upon request, lovely yard, no smoking, no illegal substances.
- Phone: 219.707.2038 or 219.462.6501 (message)
- Rent: $335 for smaller bedroom/ $400 for larger bedroom
- Deposit: $200
- 2 furnished private bedrooms
- Street Parking
- .8 mi to campus
- No lease required, but 30-60 day depart notice.
- Shared kitchen and house with owner.
- Cooking and laundry, includes utilities and internet.
- No smoking inside.
- Phone: 219.386.0404
- Email: danchopaul@yahoo.com
- Rent: $400-$500
- Deposit: $200
- Furnished
- Off-Street Parking
- 3 Bed 2 Bath
- 2.5 miles to campus
- Lease Required, Sublease
- Max Capacity 1
- No smoking, drinking
Home Rental
Description:
- Email: linwood 1082@gmail.com
- Rent: $1200
- Deposit: $750
- Partially furnished
- 1 Bed 1 Bath
- .6 miles to campus
- 1 year Lease Required, No Sublease
Check out this 1 bedroom, 1 bath newly remodeled home right across the street from campus. The “Little White House” is 575 square feet, with wood floors, kitchen appliances furnished, and a walk-in shower. This partially furnished home has an industrial feeling, with sliding barn doors and blinds on the windows. A year lease is required and no sublease. References and credit report required. Off Street parking with private drive.
Description:
- Email: blampropertygroup@gmail.com
- Phone: 219-386-8562.
- Rent: $600/student for 6 students- $720/student for 5 students
- Deposit: $600-$720
- Unfurnished
- 6 Bed 2 Bath
- .6 miles to campus
- 1 year Lease Required, No Sublease
This off-campus home is for VU students only! The home has enough bedrooms to house 6 students at $600/student. Or $720/student for 5 students. Students may reach out as a group and request a tour of the home; details can be set up after that. Co-signing parents are required for the lease. Washer and dryer available. *Home is currently undergoing renovations and will be move-ready in August*
Description:
- Phone: 219.707.1750
- Email: budward6@yahoo.com
- Rent $2400
- Deposit $3000
- Unfurnished
- 2.5 Car Garage
- 3 Bed 1 Bath
- 3.9 miles to campus
- Lease required, sublease possible
- Max capacity 3 adults
Single story 3 bed, 1 bath home with detached 2.5 car garage. See Zillow link here for additional information
Description:
- Phone: 219.840.1322
- Email: jeffbarton1959@outlook.com
- Rent $2800
- Security Deposit $2800
- Unfurnished
- Driveway Parking
- 4 Bed 2 Bath
- .8 miles to campus
- Lease required, no sublease
- Max capacity 4-5
4 bedrooms, 2 baths, large family room, large kitchen and dining room, back deck
Description:
- Phone: 219.840.1322
- Email: jeffbarton1959@outlook.com
- Rent $3300
- Security Deposit $3000
- Unfurnished
- Driveway Parking
- 5 Bed 2 Bath
- .6 miles to campus
- Lease required, no sublease
- Max capacity 5
5 bedrooms, 2 baths, large family room. All appliances
Townhome/Condo
Description:
- Phone: 219.689-7980
- Email: vicki.vicari@gmail.com or jake@webuy219.com
- Rent $1195 per student for 4 person Unit
- Security Deposit $1500/student
- Furnished
- 2 Bed 2.5 Bath
- .1 miles to campus
- Lease required, no sublease
- Max capacity 4 per unit
Each apartment is a two-story unit with four people living in each unit. The apartments include a common area living room, full kitchen, two bedrooms, and two and a half bathrooms. 14 Total Units – Max 4 people per unit. Fully Furnished with 4 twin beds, dressers, couches, dining table and desks
Contact Us
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