Living Off-Campus
Living Off-Campus
URI Off-Campus Housing Guide
Live Smart. Live Off-Campus.
Considering or Planning to Live Off-Campus?
Check out our “How to Get Started” 3-step guide! At Narragansett Properties, we’re not just a property management company offering off-campus housing—we’re committed to educating and supporting URI students as they search for, secure, and maintain off-campus rentals.
We’re here to guide you through every part of the process, especially if you’re renting a single-family home for the first time. Living off-campus is an important experience during your time at URI. When you rent with Narragansett Properties, you not only find a place to live—you gain valuable life skills along the way. Think of us as your home away from home, your “in-state parents,” and your reliable resource throughout the year.
Where to Start
- Form your group and decide how many people you want to live with.
- Fill out the Academic House Tour Request Form.
- You will receive a text confirming a tour date and time that works for your group and one of our Academic Housing Coordinators.
- Meet at the first scheduled property to begin your tour!
What to Keep in Mind
- Budget: How much can each person comfortably afford, not including utilities?
- Location: Do you prefer to be closer to campus or closer to the beach?
- Heat source: Oil, gas, or electric.
- Bedroom sizes & closet space.
Understanding the Rental Process
Timeline: When to Start Looking
The sooner, the better. Off-campus houses rent quickly for the following academic year. To maximize your options, please contact our team as soon as your group is formed.
Signing a Lease: What to Know
Read every clause carefully and make sure you understand the terms. If you have questions while reviewing the agreement, our team is happy to help at any time.
Landlord vs. Property Management
- A landlord is the homeowner and may handle finances and maintenance themselves.
- A property management company (like us) communicates directly with tenants, collects rent, and coordinates maintenance and repairs.
Roommate Agreements
Creating a roommate agreement is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid conflict. It helps organize responsibilities such as chores and shared expenses.
Maintenance Responsibilities
If you experience any issues during your lease, contact us immediately so we can assess and resolve them. Examples include:
- A washing machine not spinning
- A running toilet
- Broken windows
- Any other concerns or questions
For maintenance requests, text (401) 399-3793.
Our maintenance team responds within 24–48 hours, depending on urgency. We will always notify you before entering the home unless there is an emergency.
Legal & Financial Information
Key topics include:
- Rhode Island tenant rights
- Common lease terminology
- Importance of renters insurance
- Security deposit rules in Rhode Island
- URI’s off-campus code of conduct
Living Off-Campus Tips
Parking & Transportation
Most homes are 20–25 minutes from URI, depending on traffic. We recommend leaving early for classes, meetings, or exams, and giving yourself extra time to find parking.
Helpful links:
- URI Shuttle Services
- URI Student Parking Permits
Grocery Shopping & Budgeting
Living off-campus means learning to manage your income and expenses. Creating a realistic budget is essential.
Moving Tips
- What to bring
- A move-in checklist
- Organization tips to make your transition easier
Resources
Downloads & Links:
- Off-Campus Housing Checklist (PDF)
- Roommate Agreement Template
- Housing Fair Schedule
- Student Legal Services Contact
Contact & Support
- Office Phone: (401) 783-1155
- Academic Textline: (401) 326-2005
- Maintenance Textline: (401) 399-3793
- Student Support & Advocacy Services
- Student Legal Services – Office of General Counsel
Commonly Asked Questions
When can I move in and move out?
Move-in is typically right after Labor Day, and move-out is the day after the last graduation date.
For the next academic year:
- Move-in: September 7, 2026
- Move-out: May 24, 2027
There are no early move-ins and no extended move-outs due to summer rentals and home preparation.
Does the house come furnished?
Yes. Every home is fully furnished:
- Living room, kitchen, and bedrooms include essential furniture.
- Kitchens are equipped with common basics.
Specialty items (like blenders or crock pots) are not guaranteed—we recommend bringing your own or waiting until move-in to see what is needed.
What utilities am I responsible for?
Tenants pay separately for:
- Electricity
- Heat (oil, gas, or electric)
- Cable/internet
- Rubbish removal
These are not included in the rental amount.
What is the cost of utilities?
Expect an average of $125–$175 per renter per month for electricity and heat.
During colder months, this may increase to $150–$200 per renter depending on thermostat usage.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Two options are available:
1. Semester Payments
Rent is paid each semester, while utilities vary monthly.
2. Student Loan/Scholarship Schedule
- Fall:
- Aug 1: September Rent, Rubbish Fee & Registration Fee
- Sept 1: October Rent
- Oct 20: November, December & January Rent
- Spring:
- Jan 1: February Rent
- Feb 20: March, April & May Rent
Late payments incur a $100 late fee.
Am I allowed to host parties?
No. Parties are not permitted. You may have friends and family visit, but large gatherings can cause property damage, risk your security deposit, and may result in a costly police citation.
Do I need a co-signer?
Yes. Every student must have a co-signer (typically a parent or grandparent). If rent is unpaid or damages occur, the co-signer becomes responsible.
Is there enough parking?
Each driveway accommodates the same number of cars as there are bedrooms.
No parking on the grass—this can result in expensive repairs and reseeding.
Do I have to take care of landscaping or snow removal?
- Landscaping: Handled by the homeowner.
- Snow removal: Tenant responsibility.
Shovels are usually sufficient; plowing is rarely needed. If a major storm is forecasted, you may choose to hire a local snow removal service. We will notify tenants if we contract a provider in the future.
How do I replace myself on a lease (sublet)?
If you cannot continue renting (e.g., studying abroad, graduating early), you must find someone to take over your lease spot.
Requirements:
- Your housemates must approve the new renter.
- The new renter must complete an application (click here).
- After the application is submitted, email students@narrprop.com and text (401) 399-3793 so we can finalize the process.
What is a security deposit and when do I get it back?
The security deposit equals one month’s rent, due at lease signing.
It is held by the homeowner to cover any damages.
The homeowner has 20 days from your lease’s move-out date to return the deposit.
Please allow an additional 14 business days for mail delivery before contacting our office.
If you have questions, we will connect you directly with the homeowner, as they complete the deposit assessment and return.
