Non-University Housing
Below is a partial list of temporary housing available in hotels and motels in the general area of USC, particularly for the downtown area (2 miles north of campus). The MTA and DASH buses are available between downtown and the USC campus. There are no cooking facilities at these locations.
These hotels and motels listed below, like the USC campus itself, are located in the center of a large urban area. The university cannot guarantee the safety of any individual lodging, has not inspected the locations and does not endorse any of the listed lodgings. This information is provided solely as a reference guide. Please call hotels for current rates:
USC Campus Area (within walking distance):
Radisson Hotel3540 Figueroa Street
(213) 748-4141
USC student rates are:
$130/night single occupancy or $140/night double occupancy
You will need to identify yourself as a USC student when making your reservation.
Vagabond Hotel3103 South Figueroa Street
(213) 746-1531
Downtown Los Angeles :
Millenium Biltmore506 South Grand Avenue
(213) 624-1011
Hotel Stillwell
838 South Grand Avenue
(213) 627-1151 Figueroa Hotel
813 South Flower Street
(213) 627-8971 Orchid Hotel
819 South Flower Street
(213) 624-5855
Mid-Wilshire Area:
Wilshire Royal2619 Wilshire Boulevard
(213) 387-5311
Housing to Rent
When you are looking for housing to rent, look at the house or apartment with a critical eye. Check it all out very carefully. Make sure that all faucets work and that you can get hot and cold water. Check to make sure there are no signs of leakage in the plumbing. If there are obvious signs of problems, such as a bucket full of water under the sink, ask the landlord about it.
Make sure you get his/her reply in writing with a time estimate for repair. Check to see if all appliances and lights are in working order. Look at all wiring and make sure that bare wires are not exposed. Inspect the refrigerator, stove, oven and dishwasher to see that they work and are clean.
Check the doors and windows to make sure they are secure and safe. Do the doors have strong locks? Do the windows have locks and screens? Try opening and closing doors and windows to ensure that they work properly. Ask the landlord any questions you may have and get meaningful answers. You may also want to talk with neighbors find out their impressions of the landlord. Ask if repairs are quickly made. It is a good sign if other tenants speak highly of the landlord.
Negotiating and Signing the Lease
The lease is a legally binding rental agreement. Do not sign more than one lease thinking that you are holding apartments until you make a decision. Before you sign a lease, be sure you want the apartment. Read the lease carefully and do not be afraid to ask the landlord to add things to the lease such as repairs or appliances. The lease is usually for a one year period, but this may be negotiable. Normally you are expected to pay rent for the entire lease period even if you move out earlier.
Most landlords will require you to pay a security deposit. It is usually the equivalent of one month's rent. The security deposit is the landlord's insurance against damage or tenants leaving without paying rent. The landlord may subtract the cost of any damage or cleaning incurred after you leave the apartment. The landlord may not charge you for normal wear and tear on the apartment or excessive cleaning charges if you have cleaned the apartment.
You are legally entitled to receive your security deposit back at the end of your lease (minus any charges for excessive damage or cleaning costs).
Make sure that all agreements with your landlord are in writing. If you make any agreements requesting repairs, put it in writing. Verbal agreements are usually worth nothing. If a landlord won't put anything in writing, you may not want to rent from him/her.
For more information on renting an apartment, check out the International Student and Scholar Handbook 2004-2005 available at OIS.
Below are useful links in searching for off campus housing:
