Off-Campus Housing Program

The Off-Campus Housing Program was established to provide students and community stakeholders with connections and resources to improve student success as they live in the San Luis Obispo community. It is our goal to help students make an easy transition from on-campus to off-campus living, while encouraging them to become engaged, positive members of the community.

We accomplish this by:

Supporting students in making informed choices about off-campus housing, roommate selection, and tenant rights and responsibilities
Encouraging students to become knowledgeable and responsible off-campus tenants and to promote neighborhood wellness
Increasing student awareness of community values and responsibilities when living off-campus
Creating and developing effective partnerships with key stakeholders in the San Luis Obispo community

Upcoming Student Presentations

Join the Off-Campus Housing Program to learn about the search process, your rights & responsibilities as a tenant, and how to be a more competitive applicant.

Stay tuned for upcoming presentations. In the meantime, if you have questions email offcampushousing@calpoly.edu.

Educated Renters Certificate Program

Interested in learning about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant? In this short, asynchronous online course, you can learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a renter— and earn a certificate to show prospective landlords. To enroll in the Educated Renters Certificate Program, click here.

Note: If you do not have a Cal Poly login, you'll need to create a free Canvas Commons account, then search for the course.

5 Tips For Your Transition To Living in the Community:

Know Your Budget

Your budget is the most important consideration in your housing hunt. Housing options vary in price widely, depending on amenities, location, configuration, and transportation costs (ex. gas & a parking permit vs riding your bike or taking the bus). And don't forget utilities. When you're seeing properties, be sure to ask what, if any, utilities are included in the cost of rent. You may be responsible for trash, internet, water, electricity, cable/television/streaming services. If living with roommates make sure to communicate your budget with each other so you are searching for the properties that suit both your needs. Use this Budgeting Worksheet to help get started.

Start Your Search Early

Living in San Luis Obispo dials you into the small-town atmosphere, great food and community amenities SLO is know for, all within walking distance - or a short bike or bus ride - to campus. Be sure to plan ahead if you want to find a place close to campus. Most students start hunting for fall housing as early as winter or spring quarter and some property managers may open applications as early as the end of fall quarter.

Find Compatible Roommates

Finding a compatible roommate can be just as challenging as finding a place to live. Review this short video on how to find a compatible roommate. You can also utilize this Roommate Agreement to set expectations with your new roommate(s).

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities as a Tenant

We've created the Educated Renter's Certificate Program to hep you understand the search process, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and to help you be a more competitive applicant. Enroll in the course here and earn your certificate today! A comprehensive document, per the state of California, on your legal rights an responsibilities can be found here.

Know Your Neighbors

Good communication and mutual respect between residents can improve the quality of life for you and your neighbors. Building relationships right away can help avoid problems from occurring in the future. Offer to exchange cell phone numbers with your neighbors to avoid the escalation of any potential issues that may arise.

Local Housing Complexes & Property Managers

If you have any questions about rates & availability, please contact the individual complexes listed directly. The inclusion of any apartment or home does not represent an endorsement of services or facilities listed, nor does it guarantee vacancies. The University has not inspected or approved of the facilities listed, and therefore does not accept responsibility for the listings.