Housing
There are a number of on-and off-campus housing options available in the Denver area.
On-Campus Housing
On-campus housing is offered Housing & Residential Education. The University has a two-year on-campus requirement for first-year and second-year undergraduate students.
Housing options for graduate students are typically limited and are subject to availability. Graduate students are not guaranteed to have on-campus housing.
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Residence Halls
Most residence halls are closed during the summer and the six-week vacation period between fall and winter quarters from the end of November to the beginning of January. If you intend to enroll during the summer, notify the Housing office and they will try to place you in a facility where you can remain for a full year. In some cases you might be able to apply to live in campus housing during these breaks for an extra cost.
Off-Campus Housing
If you don't secure on campus housing, you will need to arrange your own housing off campus. ISSS recommends that you secure housing before you arrive in the U.S. There are many different ways to look for available housing. Listed below are some suggestions for finding vacancies:
University of Denver Off-Campus Housing Service
The Office of Housing and Residential Education maintains an online platform available to students, faculty, and staff to help with finding housing or roommates.
University-Owned Properties
The University of Denver owns and operates a number of rental units within walking distance of campus. More details are available on the Rental Properties webpage.
IMPORTANT: When responding to any housing advertisement or website, use caution and do not disclose personal or banking information until you have met the person who posted the listing. You should always walk through a residence before paying any deposit or rent (excluding a small application fee)--be wary of housing scams.
Once you've found an apartment, house, or room you'd like to rent, the landlord will likely have you complete several additional steps before you will be allowed to move in.
Any document that you are asked to sign becomes a legally binding contract so you must read the documents carefully before signing.
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Signing a Lease
An application fee is often required to check a renter's financial and criminal histories before being approved to lease a property.
The lease agreement is a legal contract obligating you to pay rent on a property for a specified amount of time. The contract should outline the terms of your lease, including the service you can expect from your landlord or rental agency (for example, will the landlord/rental agency shovel snow off the sidewalk, do minor maintenance repairs, etc.). Before signing, review the document carefully. If you have questions, speak to the landlord or property manager so that you fully understand its terms. If you and the landlord have agreed to changes in the rental contract, make sure to get them in writing.
Please visit the Housing Resources section below for more information on your rights as a renter in Colorado.
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Security Deposit
You may be asked to pay a security deposit and/or a damage deposit when signing a lease. The security deposit is often equal to the first and last months' rent to cover possible damage to the unit or unpaid bills. In most cases, you will receive the entire deposit back when you move out, provided the apartment is clean and in good condition.
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Renter's Insurance
Renter's insurance provides compensation to a tenant in the event of losses caused by fire, theft, or vandalism, regardless of who is at fault. Insurance policies generally provide coverage for all items in your home, including clothing, electronics, and personal property, as well as any damage to the building itself. The cost of renter's insurance varies, but it is generally considered a good investment, especially if you own anything valuable in your home. Some landlords will require you to have renter's insurance.
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Utilities
Before you move into the apartment, confirm with the landlord or rental company what utilities are included in your monthly rent. These could include water, gas, electricity, garbage/recycling, and internet.
Unless the utility is paid for in your rent, you will need to contact the service provider directly to activate water, power, telephone, or Internet. Some utilities require a deposit before activation.
Housing Resources
Note that ISSS does not endorse any of these groups and cannot ensure that the information contained on their websites is accurate.