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Off-Campus Renter Guide

The University’s official Off-Campus Living page should be your primary location for finding information about securing safe and sustainable housing.

To supplement that official source, the information below was adapted from a Fall 2022 student project by Tara Stevenson and Elena Ziskind.

Housing Market

If you are looking to live in Oakland, please keep in mind: 

  • Landlords sometimes start listing units in September or October for the following year. 
  • Make sure you understand the length of any lease you are signing. 
  • Rentals near campus are often more expensive, but can reduce your travel time. 

Pitt students live in a number of other Pittsburgh neighborhoods close to to campus, including Greenfield, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill. These neighborhoods are further from campus than North, Central, or South Oakland, but you can use your Pitt ID to ride public transportation fare-free , check out Pitt shuttle services to these areas, and/or set up your POGOH bike share account, which gives Pitt students and employees unlimited 30-minute bike share rides.

Housing Considerations

Budgeting: When creating a budget for living off-campus, take into account rent, utilities, and other necessities. Pitt’s Financial Wellness team can help you create a budget that prepares you for off-campus living. 

Utilities: Make sure you know what utility costs are included in your rent (if any) — and which are not. Different landlords and rental property management companies cover utility costs differently (or not at all). Make sure you consider ALL utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewage, internet, etc.).  If you live in an apartment building, some landlords may even have garbage / recycling fees!

Energy Bills: If your electricity and/or gas bills are not included in your rent, ask what a typical energy bill looks like for a current tenant in both summer and winter; this will help you budget appropriately — and give you an idea of how energy efficient the property is.

Water Bills: If your water & sewage bill is not included in your rent, ask for a typical water & sewage combined charge is for a fully occupied apartment.; this will help you budget appropriately — and give you an idea of how water efficient the property is.

Other Costs: Beyond rent and utilities, you may want to consider the following when deciding where to rent your first (or next) apartment: 

  1. Is any portion of the property pre-furnished? 
  2. What maintenance is provided? 
  3. Does the apartment have energy efficient lighting, appliances, HVAC, and/or windows? (These will help lower your energy bill).
  4. Does the apartment have water efficient faucets, showerheads, dishwasher, washing machine, etc.
  5. Are there laundry facilities on site? Do you have to pay to access them?
  6. Is there bike parking/storage available? 
  7. If you or a roommate has a car, is there private, off-street parking available – and what does it cost? Is there street parking and/or do you need a street parking permit for yourself and/or visitors?

Renter’s Rights

Fair Housing Laws protect tenants from being discriminated against based on factors such as race, ethnicity or religion. Landlord Tenant Laws ensure proper procedures be followed regarding the process of repair, maintenance, and eviction.  

In the City of Pittsburgh, landlords are required by law to offer recycling to tenants.

Landlord Responsibilities

While tenants have responsibilities of caring for a rental property, landlords also have responsibilities to tenants. For example: 

  • Right of Quiet Enjoyment – A landlord cannot unreasonably interfere with your right to possess the leased premises. 
  • Implied Warrant of Habitability – Ensures tenants have a right to a decent place to live — and landlord must uphold standards of livability.  
  • All bedrooms must have a window to be legally considered a bedroom.