FAQs

Jump to:

• Boston Apartment Search
• Lease Questions
• Landlord Issues
• Sublets and Short-Term Rentals
• Beyond Boston  and NU Network Housing Support

Apartment Search

Sublets and Short-Term Rentals

Q: How can I find a sublet (room to rent) or post a sublet?

A: Review our subletting page to begin and use the Northeastern Housing Database to search for available sublets. Use these two great features: 1) Housing Search and 2) Roommate Search. Housing Search allows you to filter listings so you only see ‘sublet’ listings posted by fellow students. The Roommate Search feature allows you to see students that need someone to fill their room, or fill another room, in their current apartment. You should also make a roommate profile of your own so students can find you when they are searching for someone that “Needs A Room” or “Has a Room.”

Q: I had someone agree to take over my apartment as a sublet, but they have since backed out. Do I have any rights to ensure that they still pay the landlord for the months that they agreed to?

A: Tenant laws in Massachusetts and Boston (and elsewhere) do not necessarily govern subletting practices and documents the same as legal leases.  That is, subletting law is minimal and may not be upheld by housing authorities.  Therefore, be mindful of who you are subletting to and always have a written sublet agreement between you and the individual moving in.  If the subletting agreement is verbal, you have little recourse if the person backs out.  If both parties (the tenant and the incoming subletter) signed a sublet agreement that included the date, amount of money to be paid, and to which parties by when, and the original tenant received written permission from the landlord to sublet, you may be able to take the individual who “backed out” to small claims court. Learn more about subletting.

Q: How can I find short-term housing (less than 12 months)?

A: View a list of temporary housing locations near campus that are available for one night, and some allow semester-long rentals. The Northeastern Housing Database also has filters for short-term leases and co-living (shared) options that allow you to rent one room within a unit. 

Lease Questions

Q: Can someone help me understand a lease?

A: It’s important to understand the contract that you are signing. You can also educate yourself by reading our Lease Genius website page. After reviewing your lease, fill out the Lease Review form with specific questions for our team! We will provide some insight within 24-48 hours.

Q: What is a Tenant-At-Will lease?

A: This is often called a month-to-month lease where both tenant and landlord agree to terms and payment for a short period of time (typically less than a year). This type of lease allows tenants and landlords to make changes with 30 days notice (examples: raising rent, moving out).

Q: Which fees are illegal?

A: The legal fees include first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit, lock fee, and a broker fee (if they are a licensed broker). Questionable and illegal fees include pest removal fees and lease re-signing fees if all tenants are remaining the same. If you are being charged fees you feel are questionable or illegal, contact us via email at offcampus@northeastern.edu or via phone at 617-373-8480.

Q: Can I break my lease?

A: It is very difficult to break a lease. You may be able to discuss changing the terms of your lease with your landlord and amend the move out date, however, the landlord is not obligated to grant permission to do so unless there are extenuating circumstances. We recommend contacting our office directly at offcampus@northeastern.edu, 617-373-8480, or visit us in 151 Speare Hall. We can advise you on your rights, your lease terms,  and next steps for your specific situation and needs.

Q: Who is responsible for removing pests?

A: The landlord is responsible for scheduling and paying for pest removal and treatment. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the unit and keeping it free from garbage and bed-bug infested furniture. Clean apartments attract less pests. It is the tenant’s responsibility to notify the landlord to inform them of any problems, including pest infestations.

Q: I’m moving out soon. What should I do to prepare so I get my security deposit back?

A: Always communicate your plan with your landlord. Send an email or write a letter to confirm your last day, key return procedure, and to provide a forwarding address for your security deposit. Follow all cleaning guidelines on your lease. A landlord should not require you to hire a professional cleaning service but if you agree to it in your lease you will need to provide documentation that you paid for a cleaning. Save a receipt for your records. Regardless of what your lease states, you must leave any apartment “broom swept” clean and remove all personal belongings and trash. Schedule a final walk through with your landlord or property manager before you leave so you aren’t caught off guard by repairs or listed damages. Remember, you may only be charged for anything beyond normal “wear and tear.” Take pictures of everything before you move out as well. Review our tips for moving out.

Q: What happens to my security deposit?

A: Your landlord must place your security deposit in a separate interest-bearing account. You should receive a receipt for your security deposit upon signing your lease and making initial payments that includes the bank name and account number where the funds are being held. The landlord must return the security deposit (plus interest accrued) 30 days after the end of  your lease term and may only deduct funds for the following reasons: 1) Unpaid rent, 2) Damages beyond normal wear and tear, 3) Tenant’s percentage of property tax increase (if stated in the lease). If your landlord deducts money for damages, they must provide itemized receipts. More info on the City of Boston’s Housing Stability resource page here. If you do not receive your deposit or disagree with damages, contact your landlord in writing and send the letter via Certified Mail.

Landlord Concerns

Q: I’m having trouble with my landlord. Who can I speak to about this?

A: We are here to help you navigate a conversation with your landlord. Contact our OCES team to learn about your rights as a renter. The City of Boston also has resources including the Boston Office of Housing Stability and Inspectional Services Department. You may call 3-1-1 for city support or download the BOS:311 app. Additional city and legal resources can be found under Boston Resources.

Q: Can my landlord raise the rent?

A: It depends on the terms of the lease. If you are in a fixed term lease, the landlord cannot raise the rent during the fixed term indicated on your lease. If you are a tenant-at-will, a landlord may raise the rent by giving you 30 days notice. It is typical for a landlord to raise the rent each year if you decide to re-sign, but this would be considered a new lease term.

Q: I received an eviction notice. What do I do?

A: Contact our office for advice on how to proceed. We are available on a drop-in basis or  you may schedule a meeting by calling 617-373-8480 or send us an email. Bring all documentation with you (current lease, eviction notice, any emails or messages exchanged with your landlord or property manager). We will want to gather more information in order to provide you the best advice and refer you to the appropriate resources.

Co-op and Network Housing – Beyond Boston Locations

Q: Where does Northeastern University have leased properties available for co-op and Semester-In students?

A: Northeastern University has leased properties in New York City, Chicago, Portland, ME and continues to expand this resoure to new cities. University properties are available for short-term stays by term (Fall, Spring, Summer I, and Summer II).  All space in the leased properties is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Network Housing webpage for more information, and view more specific FAQs for the Northeastern leased housing.

Q: I am going outside of Boston next term for co-op or Semester-In program, but I am not interested in the leased housing, or my co-op is not in a location that has leased housing. How do I search for housing?

A: Our Network Housing staff will provide housing and relocation advice and resources, and connect you with co-op students or alumni who are currently living in your desired co-op location. Visit the Beyond Boston Housing section of our website to find multiple resources for your apartment search (within the U.S. or internationally). Feel free to contact Network Housing staff set up an appointment for help in your housing search.

Q: How do I go about securing housing in a leased property for my co-op or Semester-In program?

A: Students must first meet with a representative from Off Campus Engagement and Support individually, or attend a Beyond Boston Housing Workshop to learn more about the process for securing housing in a leased property location.  Please note that space is available in the leased properties on a first-come, first-served basis.

Q: How will I find roommates and/or meet people headed to my new location?

A: If you plan to live in leased housing in New York, you won’t need to find a roommate, as the rooms there are singles.  If you’re in the leased housing in our other cities, you will be assigned a roommate. You can also find co-op communities in many cities on Northeastern’s Yammer pages.