Housing resources

Begin your housing search here.

The Carey Business School partners with other Johns Hopkins University schools and off-campus partners to create an off-campus housing listing service and website to serve the needs of our Baltimore and Washington, D.C. students. 

The Carey Business School housing website allows students, staff, and faculty to view listings on a user name and password protected site. The site provides tools to breakdown properties into neighborhoods, pricing, and much more. There is also a roommate section and message board to post requests for roommates as well as a section for furniture for sale. The service also includes educational components designed to help students become involved in their community.

If you have other questions about housing, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at carey.student@jhu.edu or 410-234-9240. If you have any questions for off-campus partners, please email info@offcampuspartners.com or call 877-895-1234.

Baltimore housing options

Many resources are available for students looking to find housing in Baltimore.

To start a housing search in Baltimore, visit https://offcampushousing.carey.jhu.edu.

View a sample guide of popular Baltimore neighborhoods based on student feedback. All information included has been self-reported by current students, and the Carey Business School is not held responsible for information included here. This information is for general purposes only.

While renting, problems occasionally arise. In order to understand your renting rights and responsibilities, review the information provided by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, “Avoiding common problems with landlords for students living off-campus.” 

If you have a complaint against a business in Maryland, the Consumer Protection Division provides mediation services to consumers to help resolve complaints against businesses and health insurance carriers. The Division also provides information about complaints that have been filed against businesses, information regarding new home builder or health club registration, and provides publications to help consumers make good decisions in the marketplace. You may contact the Division to file a complaint online or via telephone.

Washington, D.C. housing options

Many resources are available in Washington, D.C. to search for housing. There are many distinct neighborhoods for those interested in living near the Carey Business School's Washington, D.C. campus. Neighborhoods within a 20 minute walking distance from the Carey Business School include Dupont Circle, Thomas Circle, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, Foggy Bottom, and West End.

To start a housing search in Washington, D.C., visit https://dchousing.carey.jhu.edu 

View a sample guide of popular Washington, D.C. neighborhoods based on student feedback. All information included has been self-reported by current students, and the Carey Business School is not held responsible for information included here. This information is for general purposes only.

Additional information for students

Download the Student Housing Resource Guide to find helpful information about finding and leasing a rental property. Consult the Resource Guides created by off-campus partners for more information on frequently asked questions, checklists, safety information and more.  

Frequently asked questions

Can I find housing without coming to the area?

While possible, it is not advised to commit to housing before looking at the unit in person or without meeting the landlord. Viewing the rental in person allows you to see if the rental unit meets your living standards and gives you an opportunity to develop a relationship with the landlord. During your apartment search, consider staying at a local hotel or with a friend/family. Some local hotels offer discounted rates for Johns Hopkins staff, faculty, and students. And some local hotels offer shuttle services.

I found an apartment I like. What are my next steps?

Contact the landlord, and schedule an appointment to view the apartment. We strongly recommend that you do not sign a lease before visiting the property.

  • Apply and pay application fee if you want to proceed with renting the apartment. You may need to put down an application fee and deposit to hold the apartment; if approved and depending on the landlord’s policy, the deposit may go towards your first month’s rent or returned back to you. If you are not approved, you will be refunded the deposit amount but not the application fee. The deposit may made by check or credit card. Please note: it is an acceptable policy for the landlord to ask for a credit card deposit.
     
  • Read the lease. This step may seem obvious, but you must completely understand the policies (expectations and rights of both the lessor and lessee): if you do not, you may face serious financial consequences later on.
     
  • Explore the different options for renters insurance (renters insurance protects your personal property such as jewelry, computer, printer, TV, etc.). If you already have an automobile policy with an insurer, you may be able to get renters insurance through them. If not, you can research your options and select the policy that best meets your needs.

AM I REQUIRED TO SIGN A LEASE?

Yes. Leases, which typically run for one year, are binding legal contracts. Nearly all of the landlord’s obligations/rights and those of the lessee (you) are outlined in the lease. You agree to certain requirements and/or restrictions during the lease term, such as rent, move-in date, move-out date, restrictions on pets, guests, and the number of occupants. By signing the lease you agree to all terms in your lease. Read and understand your lease completely before signing. The lease indicates who is liable, so all individuals paying rent should be on the lease as well.

IS THERE A PERIOD DURING WHICH I CAN CANCEL MY LEASE? 

Unless your lease contains a clause describing such a period, you will be legally bound to the conditions of your lease. Thus, it is important to visit the prospective rental before signing the lease.

WILL I HAVE TO PAY A SECURITY DEPOSIT?

A security deposit is often required by a landlord to cover possible damages to the rental property. Your landlord can legally require you to pay a deposit up to one or two months’ worth of rent. The deposit is returned at the end of the lease if the apartment is left in good condition and there are no major damages. A landlord cannot keep your deposit to cover normal wear and tear. Inspect the apartment before move-in with the landlord and note any pre-existing damages in the lease agreement. Insist on the same walk-through with the landlord before you officially move out so that you can discuss any potential “damage” issues.

ARE APARTMENTS FURNISHED?

Apartments can be furnished or unfurnished although unfurnished apartments are more common. All apartments come with at least basic kitchen appliances. Renting an unfurnished apartment means you will have to buy/rent your own furniture, kitchen utensils, linens, etc. When a room or an apartment is furnished, it implies that there is enough furniture and/or appliances for you to live without purchasing anything extra.

BESIDES RENT, WHAT OTHER PAYMENTS AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR?

Utilities
Some apartments include all utilities (water, electricity, gas, trash fee, internet, cable, etc.) in the price of rent. If the apartment you select does not include all or some of the utilities, this will be an added expense you must pay each month. You will also need to pay for laundry service if the apartment does not include a washer and dryer. Cleaning the apartment is your responsibility.

Added-on services
Some apartments may offer services such as dry cleaning, gyms, etc. for an added lessee expense.

Renters insurance
Do not assume that your landlord’s insurance will cover your personal property if there is a fire, flood, or theft. Renters insurance helps to protect items such as clothing, jewelry, furniture, laptop, etc. Landlords may also require proof of rental insurance before the lease is signed.

I DO NOT HAVE A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, CAN I STILL RENT?

Social Security cards are only issued to international students who either have jobs on campus or are authorized by U.S. Immigration to work off-campus. Most landlords will ask for your Social Security Number in order to check your credit report. If you do not have credit history in the U.S., landlords may accept a deposit instead. Ask the landlord about other options to verify your credibility to pay the rent.

I have to leave my apartment before the end of the lease, can I sublet?

Subletting is what you might have to do if you must move out of your apartment before the end of the lease term. Before you sublet, you need to be certain that your lease allows you to do so. Some leases specifically state that you cannot sublet; other leases allow subleasing only with the landlord’s written permission.

What are the landlord's and tenant's rights/responsibilities?

Landlords and Tenants: tips on avoiding disputes.

What is the average rent?

Please refer to these websites as reference:

Expenses for apartment rental

  • An application fee pays for someone to process your inquiry for an apartment.
  • A deposit holds the apartment while your background is checked.
  • A broker's fee is assessed if a third party is used to find the apartment.
  • A security deposit is usually one or two month's rent, refundable at the end of the lease minus any damages.
  • First month’s rent needs to be paid.
  • Insurance to cover renter's belongings.
  • The last month's rent is sometimes required as well.

Questions to ask a landlord when renting:

  • How much is the rent? When is the earliest move-in date?
  • Are utilities included? If not, how much per month?
  • What is the length of the lease? Is it month-to-month, six months, one year?
  • Do you allow co-signers?
  • Is there an application fee?
  • I do not have credit in the U.S., what are my options?
  • Is there a waitlist?
  • How much is the deposit? Is it refundable? When will you refund?
  • How many parking spots are there? Is there visitor parking? Is there a surcharge for parking?
  • Do you allow subletting? Do you allow pets?
  • How are maintenance issues handled especially in case of emergency?
  • Is there a metro/bus stop nearby?
  • When can I see the apartment/house? Is it furnished?

Leasing/renting terminology.

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