FAQ
What is Off-Campus Housing Affairs?Is there a charge for these services?
Where and how can I get general information on off-campus housing in Seattle?
When is the best time to search for housing?
Where can I go to look for housing?
What should I consider before renting?
What is the general timeline for the landlord to complete repairs?
What if I am a prospective student, intern, and/or research assistant and don't have a UW Net ID?
What should I do if I am having trouble finding housing?
I am looking for temporary/short-term housing, where should I look?
What is Off-Campus Housing Affairs?
Off-Campus Housing Affairs (OCHA) is a student-run program affiliated with the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW). We opened our doors in May of 1980 to facilitate the increasing demand with off-campus housing issues. OCHA provides students with a central location for off-campus housing opportunities, information and resources as well as references about the rights of a renter. You can find everything from basic housing logistics (where to look for housing, how to find a roommate, lease options) to the most commonly asked questions regarding landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities.
The office primarily serves as a clearinghouse similar to the classified ads section of your newspaper; we have listings of available houses, apartments, studios, and shared housing situations. It is up to the individual to directly contact the potential landlord or roommate to make further inquiries, we do not find housing for you nor can we endorse or recommend listings.
Is there a charge for these services?
There is NO CHARGE for any of OCHA's services. You can advertise for FREE and access listings by either coming to our office (HUB G-20) or logging online to http://housing.asuw.org. We do NOT however accept any listings via e-mail or through the phone.
Where and how can I get general information on off-campus housing in Seattle?
There are a couple of different avenues for receiving information from OCHA. A good place to start is with our webpage, especially for general information about housing in Seattle. We are also available to set up an appointment via email, mail, phone, and fax.
When is the best time to search for housing?
Housing in Seattle tends to more expensive and more difficult to find then in other parts of the Puget Sound. OCHA typically receives listings about 3 weeks to a month BEFORE a place becomes available, with this in mind; make sure to allow at least a month to start your housing search. It is also normal to see an influx of housing ads prior to the beginning of each new quarter.
Where can I go to look for housing?
Like other large cities, Seattle offers a great variety of housing options. Before you start your search please come visit our office where our friendly staff can guide you through the initial steps of learning how to read vacancies, what to look for, and specific questions to ask potential landlords. Secondly, check out our rental and bulletin boards for listed vacancies.
Another good resource is our on-campus newspaper, The Daily, and to simply take a drive or walk through interesting neighborhoods keeping an eye out for vacancy signs. If you are looking for shared housing or for a roommate and you have an idea of what kind of people with whom you would like to live, check out the bulletin boards in place where that type of person might frequent.
What should I consider before renting?
Keep in mind your preferences and also where you can be flexible, but here are some key questions to ask yourself. What is the average price to rent that you can afford? (Including utilities and food) How long are you willing to sign a lease? (Is subletting an option?). Do you need parking? What types of deposits and fees are required, and how much are they? Is the waster and dryer on site, and if so is it coined-up or not?
What is the general timeline for the landlord to complete repairs?
After receiving a written notice, the landlord has "reasonable time" to begin repairs:
24 hours, if you have loss of heat, hot or cold water, electricity, or a health endangerment.
72 hours, when deprived usage of a refrigerator, range, oven or major plumbing fixture.
10 days in all other cases.
*In each case, you landlord has a duty to see that these repairs are completed promptly.
What if I am a prospective student, intern, and/or research assistant and don't have a UW Net ID?
For those who are not able to set up a UW NetID, you can request a specific housing list (Shared or Non-Shared Housing) via email. Please note that this is a one-time opportunity allowed to individuals who are not affiliated with the University of Washington.
Departments that are hosting or sponsoring an intern or research assistant may consider purchasing a temporary NetID from UW's Computing & Communications. The sponsorship of accounts is available for individuals working on UW-related projects only. The sponsorship of accounts is available for individuals working on UW-related projects only. The fee of $20 per month can only be paid by a departmental budget code. For additional information, please contact Computing & Communications at (206) 543-5970 or via email at help@cac.washington.edu.
What should I do if I am having trouble finding housing?
If you are having difficulties please make an appointment to come see us but in the mean time you can put up a Housing Wanted form on our website. Be prepared to know: date needed, rent willing to pay, contact name/phone/email, and situation preferred (and describe yourself a little). On our website we also have helpful information and links to local papers and other resources to expand your search.
I am looking for temporary/short-term housing, where should I look?
The best resources for short-term housing are to look for rentals that post a month to month lease or no lease contract at all enabling you to get out quickly. Also check out sublets, extended hotels, and internet sites that post short term housing needs. Check out our Short-Term Housing page for a list of some possible options.