Department of Student Community Development

Red Flags

Be aware of the common red flags that can have negative effects on your experience as an off-campus renter. If you are mindful of the hazards, you will be more apt to making the best and safest decisions for yourself.

Overcapacity

More than 3 non-related people living in a rental home is not legal in the local area. Furthermore, accommodating more people than one individual in a permitted bedroom is unsafe.

Being Asked to Pay Several Months in Advance

It is fairly standard to be asked to provide one (or two, at most) month's rent plus the security deposit (typically equaling one month's rent). If you are asked to provide additional months in advance you should consider if that arrangement is in your best interest.

Security Cameras

Cameras inside the house are NEVER acceptable. If you see one you should not rent the property. It is illegal to monitor tenants this way!

Being Asked to Pay Before Meeting the Landlord or Signing the Lease

Asking for any form of payment before meeting or signing the lease or telling you to wire money is never safe. Do not send money to someone you have never met for an apartment you have not yet seen.

False Advertisement

Flyers or ads for housing in your home country or native language may seem safe but the homes can be illegal, unsafe, or even occupied by too many students.

Hijacked Ads

Some scammers hijack rental ads by changing the contact information and can effect even the most reputable rental websites. For this reason, we encourage you to look at our listings exclusively and only look at outside websites if you take caution.

Blocked Exits and Lack of Smoke Detectors

Blocked exits and lack of smoke detectors are very concerning fire hazards. See our Safety page for more details about Fire Safety.

Electrical Wiring

Make sure to look at the electrical system in the home to check for faulty or unsafe wiring. If someone does not look right, it probably is not!

Non-Permitted Bedrooms

Turning a living room, garage or basement into a bedroom is illegal unless properly permitted by the town.

All listings options provided on our website are legal and properly permitted but if you choose to search through other sites, please be cautious to ensure the rentals are safe and permitted.

A Landlord Not Willing to Sign a Lease

All tenants have the right to protect themselves through a written contract. If your potential landlord insists on not having a binding contract, find a new rental!

Renting Off-Campus

Student Activities Center (SAC), Room 225

Phone: (631) 632-7353 Fax: (631) 982-7324

commuter_services@stonybrook.edu

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all forms, including sexual violence and/or harassment.

If you wish to submit a report of sex based discrimination or sexual misconduct, you can do so at stonybrook.edu/reportit or reportit@stonybrook.edu.