There are a number of privately owned apartments within walking distance of the CLS.
If you choose to live in a private apartment, you will need to decide whether to lease or to rent.
But if you stay short time or you need somewhere to stay while you can make a decision for housing you can stay a hotel or motel.

• LA HAMILTON HOTEL : 3160-70 W. 8Th St., Los Angeles, CA90005    Tel : (213)384-7768
• LA HILTON HOTEL : 930 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90017    Tel : (213)629-4321
• NEW SEOUL HOTEL : 2666 W. Olympic Blvdl, Los Angeles, CA90006    Tel : (213)381-6262
• EAST WEAST HOTEL : 3206 W. 8Th St., Los Angeles, CA90005    Tel : (213)389-6711
• RADDISON WILSHIRE PLAZA HOTEL : 3515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA90010    Tel : (213)381-7411
• WILSHIRE TOWERS SUITES HOTEL : 3460 W. 7Th St., Los Angeles, CA90005    Tel : (213)385-7281

A lease is a legally binding agreement between you and your landlord.
When leasing an apartment, there is a specific period of time that you are responsible for the rent of the apartment.
This period of time varies from six months to a year. The rent will remain the same for the leasing period.
If you wish to leave the apartment before the end of the lease, you will have to find another person to sublease your apartment or pay the rest of the rent until the end of the lease.
Therefore, it is very important that you read the lease carefully before you make your decision. The minimum information you should have on a lease should include rental rate, required deposit, length of occupancy, apartment rules and termination requirements.



You are under no obligations to stay longer than the renting period (usually a month) when you rent an apartment. You still have to sign a rental agreement, but unlike leasing, you will be free to leave any time after giving a 30-day notice.
For students who are planning to stay for one semester, renting an apartment is recommended over leasing. The last thing you want to worry about before you leave is trying to find someone to sublease your apartment for the six months you will not be using it. There is one disadvantage to renting: the monthly rent can be raised at any time (rents in Los Angeles have not risen in the past year or so). There are many apartments and homes for rent in the area surrounding USC. If you plan to rent off-campus, look at each property very carefully. Here are some tips for apartment seekers.
Make an appointment with the manager and inspect the unit in the daytime. Look around at several locations before you make a decision. Once you have found a good apartment for a good rent, you'll need to fill-out an application. If your application is approved, you will need to do a walk-through (a physical inspection of the apartment). Make a list of the existing damages (be detailed). The list should be signed by both the landlord and tenant and each keeps a copy.

Make sure that all faucets work and that you can get hot and cold water. Check to make sure there are no leaks in the plumbing. If there are obvious signs of problems, such as a bucket full of water under the sink, ask the landlord about it. Make sure you get the manager's reply in writing with a time estimate for repair.

Check to see if all appliances and lights are working. Look at all wiring and make sure that bare wires are not exposed. Inspect the refrigerator, stove, oven and dishwasher to see that they work and are clean. Ask the landlord if these appliances are the same ones you will have if you rent the apartment (sometimes they belong to the previous tenant). Check the doors and windows to make sure they are secure and safe. Do the doors have strong locks? Do the windows have locks and screens? Try opening and closing doors and windows to ensure that they work properly.

Is there a place for you to park? If parking is offered, how many spaces do you get for each apartment? Is the parking area well lit and secure? Is there an extra cost for a parking space? ASK! The second thing you can do to get a better idea about the rental is to ask both the landlord and neighbors. Ask other tenants if they are quick and responsive in getting repairs done. It is a good sign if other tenants speak highly of the landlord.



The lease is a legally binding rental agreement.
DO NOT sign more than one lease to reserve an apartment. Before you sign a lease, be sure that you want the apartment. Read the lease carefully and do not be afraid to ask the landlord to add things to the lease such as repairs or appliances. If there is something stated on the lease that you do not agree with, talk with the landlord about crossing it out. If you are leasing a furnished apartment, be sure you know what furniture is included in the lease. Some apartments do not include a refrigerator, so you may have to pay extra to rent one. The lease is usually for a one year period, but this may be negotiable. You are required by law to pay rent for the entire lease period--even if you move out earlier.
Most landlords will require you to pay a security deposit. It is usually the equivalent of one month's rent. Landlords are not allowed to ask for the first month of rent, a security deposit and the last month of rent (called first, last and deposit). By law they may only require either the first and last month's rent, or first month's rent and a security deposit. The security deposit is the landlord's insurance against damage or tenants leaving without paying their rent. The landlord may subtract the cost of any damage or cleaning incurred after you leave the apartment. However, the landlord should not charge you for normal wear and tear on the apartment or excessive cleaning charges if you have cleaned the apartment. You are legally entitled to receive your security deposit back at the end of your lease (minus anycharges for excessive damage or cleaning costs).

Make sure that all agreements with your landlord are in writing. If you make any agreements with your landlord or are requesting repairs, put it in writing. Verbal agreements are usually worth nothing. If a landlord is reluctant to put something in writing, you may choose not to rent from him/her.