Living Off Campus

Resources & FAQs

Here is a list of offices, contacts and services to help UB students living off-campus.

More Resources

View/Download important numbers & contacts as a PDF (38KB)| Word (48KB) file.

Living Off-Campus: Frequently Asked Questions

http://subboard.com/sbi-och/faq.aspx

UB students live all around Western New York, but most commonly in Buffalo’s University Heights, or Elmwood neighborhoods; Amherst and Tonawanda. The distance between UB’s North (Amherst) and South (Buffalo, Main St.) campuses is about 2 miles. The UB Stampede (inter-campus bus) runs every 5 to 10 minutes Monday through Friday during the academic year and every 30 to 60 minutes on weekends and during the summer.

Before you begin your housing search, consider these basic questions:

• Do I want an apartment in a home? Or a complex?
• How much can I spend?
• How much are utilities?
• Do I need amenities like 24-hour security? Air conditioning? Fitness/recreation center?
• Will I have a vehicle?

http://subboard.com/legal/information_packets/landlord-tenant_rights.asp

Yes. Call the landlord and set up a time to see the property. If a landlord is unwilling or unresponsive to your request to see the property, it is likely an unsuitable property. If you are renting from out of town, ask the landlord to send you photographs.

Walk through the property with the landlord and visually inspect it carefully. Document and videotape or photograph damage. Make a "property/damage report checklist" outlining all repairs, no matter how small. Tenants and landlord should sign the property/damage report checklist and attach it to the lease.

General

• Room is in an attic or basement? (New York State law prohibits this)
• holes or damage to walls, windows, doors
• worn carpet
• Signs of rodents or insects?
• Closet and storage space is sufficient?
• Lockable storage?
• Sturdy handrails on all stairs?
• Basement, attic, and hallways free of debris?
• Smoke detectors on every floor?
• Carbon monoxide detector in a hallway or sleeping area?

Electrical

• Lights and outlets all work?
• Functioning exterior lights at doors and entrances?

Water/Bath/Kitchen

• Unusual leaking, water stains on ceilings/floors
• Bathroom tiles or walls or shower feel "spongy"?
• Adequate water pressure? Flush toilets and run hot water.
• Cabinets and drawers don’t open properly?

Heating/Cooling

• Adequate insulation and a storm window for every window?
• Heat duct, vent or radiator in every room?

Exterior

• Sidewalks, driveway, front/back yards in good condition and free of debris?
• Sturdy handrails on all stairs?
• Secure railing on any porch or balcony?

Doors/Windows

• Exterior doors have sturdy deadbolt locks and a peephole or window?
• Locks will be changed before you move in?
• Windows in good condition with working locks?
• All windows have storm windows, screens, and blinds, shades or drapes?

Ask as many questions as necessary. If a landlord refuses to answer or is evasive, seek another property. If a landlord agrees to make improvements to any apartment/property get this in writing, with a timeline for completion. Be specific.

• Are appliances included and in good repair (stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher)?
• Is the unit furnished?
• Is there laundry on-site? Is it coin-operated?
• Are utilities covered in rent? Which utility companies do you use?
• Where are the circuit breakers or fuse box?
• What are average monthly costs for utilities? Ask for copies of the bills from the previous tenants (not always possible).
• Are heating and cooling systems and hot water heater in good condition?
• If there is off-street parking, does it alternate?
• Is there a street parking ban during winter months?
• Will you supply garbage containers and recycling bins? Where are they stored?
• When is garbage collected?
• Are pets allowed? Is there an additional security deposit required?
• Do you live near-by? Can you quickly respond to emergencies?

None of the listings on this site are endorsed or monitored by the University so it’s important that you ask around and talk to legal experts before you sign any contract.

Sub Board's Off Campus Housing office maintains a "complaint" book in which fellow UB students can submit their opinion of a particular landlord or property. To find out if other students have had a problem with a landlord or property you are considering, contact or visit the Off Campus Housing Office.

http://subboard.com/legal/need_to_know.asp

The distance between the two campuses is about 2 miles and UB buses and shuttles connect both campuses several times each day.

Walk Or Bike

Many students who live in University Heights walk or bicycle to South Campus – and take the UB Stampede (campus bus) to North Campus.

Public Transportation:

• Metro (Bus & Rail): Many students live near Metro Rail (subway) stations and take it to South Campus University Station, then take the inter-campus bus to North Campus.
  http://www.nfta.com. (716) 855-7211

UB Campus Transportation

• UB Stampede (Inter-campus bus) and campus shuttles run every 5 to 10 minutes on both campuses. UB also offers a Mall/Market shuttle weekly to get students to/from area shopping.
  http://www.ub-parking.buffalo.edu