Student Resources
Facebook Housing Site – Students post open spots and other information about places to live here.
Note: Santa Clara University does not own or monitor this facebook group. Please be wary of housing scams and proceed with caution when communicating with others in this group and make sure to confirm the legitimacy of the post before sending any forms of payment. Refer to the Housing Scam for additional information.
Housing Comparison Worksheet – See which location is the best option by using this form.
If a student has any questions concerning neighborhood and off campus advising they can set up an appointment by contacting neighborhoodambassadors
HOUSING SCAM NOTIFICATION
It has come to our attention that several landlords have been contacted via e-mail by people posing as international students/visiting scholars/faculty. The majority of these e-mails have originated from the UK.
Typically, the scam works like this:
- Tenant expresses urgency in completing rental agreement & agrees to send a check/money order for the cost of the rental ASAP.
- Tenant sends a counterfeit check/money order for more money than is needed and requests the landlord send them the balance.
- Tenant states that they’re planning to use the balance to purchase their plane ticket, furniture or another urgent cause and asks the landlord to send the money ASAP.
- Upon initial deposit, the bank accepts the counterfeits but contacts the landlord within a couple of days and notifies them that the check/money order was fake.
IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, DO NOT SEND OR RETURN MONEY WHO SHOULD YOU NOTIFY ABOUT FRAUD OR SCAM ATTEMPTS?
If you feel suspicious that a potential tenant may be attempting a scam, request that the bank/post office investigate and/or contact the following:
- FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
- FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)
- Non-emergency number for your local police department.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF THIS WARNING AND BE SUSPICIOUS
http://brown.edu/Administration/Auxiliary_Housing/documents/ScamNotification.pdf
3 Day Notice – Three day notices come in three options: 3 day notice to quit with no option to correct, 3 day notice to quit or correct, or 3 day notice to pay or quit. This document explains.
CA Tenant Handbook- This is a great site for information about Tenant/Landlord Rights. If the answer is not in this document, I would be surprised!
Constructive Eviction- This is a description of the illegal form of eviction called constructive eviction.
Deposit Disputes - Here is a list of ways to make sure you get most if not all of your deposit back.
HUD Portal - Housing and Urban Development has this information about Tenant Rights, Laws, and protection in California.
Neighbor Rights- Neighbors can hold you responsible for various things. See what things you are responsible for.
Privacy/Right to Enter- When can a landlord enter my home?
Project Sentinal is a free resource to talk about your housing concerns. Below are their pamphlets on specific topics.
Rent Increases - When can the rent be increased? What is the difference from a fixed term lease vs. a periodic rental agreement?
Repairs - Habitability and Landlord requirements are listed along with the responsibilities of the Tenant.
Security Deposits – These are the main rules for Security Deposits.
Successful Tenant-Dangers to Avoid
Tenant Rights – This is a list of ways to protect your rights as a tenant.
Termination Notices- Types – Do you have a lease or a month to month contract?
Terminating a Tenancy – Requirements - This explains 30 and 60 day notices and what is required/allowed in these situations.
Zoning Code Update- Potential short-term rental regulations and occupancy criteria in single family residences.
Inventory Checklist – When moving in, make sure you utilize this inventory. This will help you get your money back from your security deposit!
Law School Resources – The Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center provides pro bono advice.
Leaving For Break Checklist – Short break and longer break checklists. Keep your home safe!
University Area Code Enforcement: Understanding Common Code Violations
University Response to Off Campus Misconduct - This is a quick summary of all rules and regulations applying to Off Campus Students.
Santa Clara Police Department - This handout is distributed by the Nuisance Suppression Unit that monitors the SCU area.
Neighborhood Resources
