Carefully crafting your finances to fit your lifestyle is one of the most important things a student can do. Whether you live with your parents, roommates, or by yourself we want to assist in getting your finances together. 

If you are looking for housing, a few things you need to get started will be bulleted below. One of the more important items is finding a housing budget and the range of rent.

• Budget Calculator
• Moving Budget
• Emergency Budget Calculator
• Rent to Income Calculator
• Credit Building

When looking for a place to move it is important to budget between 25-30% of your gross income strictly for rent. A lot of students in San Diego cannot meet this average due to our extremely high renting costs in the city. To offset this I have provided information on getting a cosigner to assist you in signing for an apartment at the bottom of this page. If you want to know what 25-30% looks for your budget you are encouraged to use the Rent to Income Calculator. The most important reason you want to stay within this range is to not overextend yourself, you might have car problems one month or be sick another month and miss work. Would you be able to afford rent if this happens? If your rent is between this range chances are even with struggles you might be able to still pay your rent on time.

When you are trying to move you should factor in how much moving is actually going to cost you during your first month in your new space. Utilize the Moving Budget Calculator to see the ballpark of how much you will be spending getting yourself situated in your new place.

A credit report is a document that lists a person's debts and history of borrowing and repayment. A credit score is a measure of the person's overall creditworthiness.When applying to an apartment the landlord will usually want to see your credit score or credit report. When landlords look at your credit report it will usually be a soft inquiry that would not negatively impact your credit score. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus each year. If you want to be prepared for the landlord you can print these out and make copies to give to landlords when you fill out the rental application. Some landlords in San Diego will charge between $30 to $50 for running a credit check. Under California law a landlord can charge no more than $50 for a credit report. Before you agree to a credit report fee you can ask a few questions:

• How long will the process take to check your credit report?
• Is your fee refundable if the credit check takes too long and you are forced to rent another place?
• Will the fee be applied to the first month’s rent if your credit is positive and the landlord  selects you as a tenant?
• Will the fee be returned to you if the credit is positive but the landlord rents to somebody else?

Let’s say you do not have a credit score yet and you are looking for an apartment. What you should do is try to find an independently owned property. You can use a cosigner or a renters resume to better your chances of getting an apartment.  If you need assistance in starting a credit history you can check out this resource from Experian that tells college students how they can start building their credit.

If you are in need of a cosigner on your lease you can have a parent or guardian cosign for you meaning that if you are unable to pay your portion of the rent then it would be their financial responsibility to do so.

If you need a guarantor you can use family or friends to cosign on the apartment with you or you can get a company that will act as a guarantor for a fee typically about 80% of one month’s rent. To get approved you must have good credit and meet a smaller income requirement than the one in place by the landlord.

1. Posting for apartments happens 1 to 2 months prior to moving in for very competitive parts of San Diego. You can look 3 months out but you might not find housing for when you are trying to move.
2. Landlords will not hold an apartment unless you have the money to secure the apartment. Never assume you have an apartment until you put down security deposit
3. Leases are usually 12 months for the first year. After the first year you can request a six month lease or a month to month lease but your rent will go up. 
4. Apartments are mainly run by Property Management Companies. Few are operated by private landlords. 
5. In San Diego a typical security deposit for an apartment is the same as 1 month's rent.
6. Landlords also have to comply with state and local tenant protection laws.

• Pacific Beach 
• Mission Valley
• College Area
• North Park
• Hillcrest
• Clairemont
• Normal Heights
• University Heights

Situations and many factors influence the affordability at any given moment. Below will be the average cost of living in San Diego, so it is important for students to take into account that others can find the cost of living to be more expensive while others will find cheaper options. It is up to students to find the best option for themselves.

Shared Room in House or Apartment: $800 - $1,200

Private Room in a Shared House or Apartment: $1,200 - $1,800

Studio Apartment $1,600 - $2,400

1 Bedroom Apartment: $2,100 - $2,500

2 Bedroom Apartment: $2,800 - $3,400

3 Bedroom Apartment: $3,800 - $4,600

Unit Types

• Shared bedroom in a shared space
• Private bedroom in a shared space
• Co Living in a apartment
• Private apartment

• Do you tend to be more quiet or outgoing?
• Do you like to have friends come over frequently?
• How do you feel about overnight guests?
• Are you open and communicative about problems?

• Do you have a consistent weekly schedule or is it more irregular? 
• Are you a homebody or someone that likes to be out? 
• Do you identify as messy or more organized?
• Do you like to wake up early or stay up late?

• What are your standards of cleanliness?
• Who is responsible and for what areas?
• How should the workload be divided?
• Will a rotating weekly schedule work or individual duties work better?

• Who will buy groceries?
• Will it be collective or individual?
• If collective, how much money will be budgeted for food?
• If individual, how will you identify who bought what items?
• Do you have dietary restrictions?
• Do you like to cook for others or will you only cook for yourself?
• Who will replace what items?

• How will the rent be paid?
• How will the money be collected?
• Are you financially reliable?
• Are you working consistently?
• Will your family help you with rent?

• What rules will there be concerning personal items?
• Will sharing or borrowing be allowed?
• Are certain items off limits?
• Will permission be allowed for all items or just certain ones?

Once you’ve chosen your roommate(s), we recommend creating a written living agreement. This agreement should outline shared responsibilities within the household, such as who will handle rent, utilities, and other essential duties. Setting expectations early helps prevent misunderstandings later on.

Keep in mind that room or roommate changes become more complicated after a lease is signed. While moving out before a lease ends may be an option, it often involves financial penalties or ongoing obligations. For that reason, it's crucial to enter a lease only with roommates you trust and feel confident living with. A healthy roommate relationship is built on clear communication and mutual respect. Without these, conflicts are more likely and can negatively impact your experience.

Having a conflict with your roommate? Like with any relationship, communication is key. Here are some tips and steps to working out a disagreement, conflict, or conversation with your roommate(s).

• Good communication beforehand- Making sure you and your roommate(s)  are a good fit for each other. Coming to an agreement before living together on what it's going to be like living with each other is important. 
• Talk in Real-Time- Try to avoid talking over text or through notes as things can lead to miscommunication. Instead try to talk in person or over the phone, or even FaceTime. If this is something that is hard for you, try to find a compromise with your roommate on how to best deal with these types of situations. 

Pick the Right Time- Avoid addressing issues when you’re feeling angry or emotionally charged. Wait until you’ve calmed down so the conversation can remain respectful and productive. The goal is to find a solution, not to escalate the tension.

How to Bring Up a Concern

• Use “I” Statements: Instead of saying, “You always…,” try phrases like “I feel…” or “I noticed…” This keeps the conversation focused on your experience rather than placing blame.
• Show You’re Listening: Practice active listening—make eye contact, nod, and avoid interrupting. These small actions show you care about your roommate’s perspective.
• Acknowledge and Compromise: Let your roommate know you hear them and are willing to find a middle ground. Living with others often means making compromises so that everyone feels comfortable in the shared space.

If the Conflict Can’t Be Resolved

• Reach Out for Support: If you're facing a serious issue or can't resolve things on your own, don't hesitate to contact a mediator to assist in resolution if necessary.
  
  
• Consider Your Living Situation: Sometimes, even with the best communication, it becomes clear that the living arrangement isn’t the right fit. While moving might not be easy, it’s something worth considering if it's impacting your well-being.

Rental Application

To apply for an apartment, you’ll need to complete a rental application. Many landlords also require an application fee, which typically averages around $35. In some cases, you may need to pay this fee before your application is reviewed.

What info you should have

1. Renter application
2. Identification (drivers license, passport, state ID)
3. Proof of Income (bank statements, recent pay stubs, letter of support from cosigner/guarantor, financial aid)
4. Rental History (contact info for all landlords, previous addresses and how long you stayed, reason for leaving)
5. References ( personal or professional references)
6. Cosigner/Guarantor Info (Info includes proof of income and ID, common for students with little to no credit) 

If you need a guide you can use our Apartment Application Checklist to make sure you have all of the information you need.

Apartment Application Checklist

Renter Resume

A renter’s resume shows landlords that you’re a serious and responsible tenant. Including one with your rental application can help make a strong impression. 

Renter Resume Example

1. Demonstrates Responsibility
   It shows landlords that you’re organized, proactive, and serious about renting.
   
   
2. Makes a Strong First Impression
   A polished resume can help you stand out from other applicants and create a professional image.
   
   
3. Provides a Clear Summary
   It neatly summarizes your rental history, employment, references, and other key info in one place.
   
   
4. Speeds Up the Approval Process
   Landlords can quickly assess your qualifications, which may lead to faster decisions.
   
   
5. Fills in Application Gaps
   If a rental application doesn’t allow room for explanation, your resume can clarify things like gaps in rental history or income sources.
   
   
6. Highlights Strengths
   You can emphasize positive aspects—like being a long-term tenant, paying rent on time, or having excellent references.
   
   
7. Supports Your Application in Competitive Markets
   In high-demand rental areas, a renter’s resume can give you an edge over other applicants.

Before signing a lease here are a few things to look over!

Ending the Lease: Make sure you know the process for canceling the lease before signing.

Rent Details: Clarify the monthly rent amount, which utilities are included, and how payment should be made (to whom, where, and on what date).

Lease Duration: Confirm the official start and end dates of the lease, and find out whether it converts to a month-to-month agreement or offers a renewal option once it expires.

House Rules: Review community guidelines—are social gatherings permitted, is there a quiet-hours policy, and what are the consequences for breaking these rules?

 

Insurance Coverage: Check whether renter’s insurance is mandatory. Look into getting a policy anyway since it’s affordable and offers good protection.

Subletting: If you may need someone else to take over your rental, look for subletting terms in the lease.n_rig

What Rental Scams Look Like
Scammers often lure renters into paying deposits or fees for properties that don’t exist, are already occupied, or are being advertised to multiple people at once.

Warning Signs

• Rent that seems far below the going rate

• Generic or stock images in the listing

• “Too good to be true” deals (pets accepted, fully furnished, all utilities included, no restrictions)

• Requests for wired money or unusual payment methods

• Emails that don’t match a real business name

How to Protect Yourself

• Research average rent prices in San Francisco to spot deals that seem suspicious

• Don’t use cash, wire transfers, or cashier’s checks

• Meet the landlord face-to-face whenever possible

• Always tour the unit before signing anything or sending money

• If you can, talk to current tenants for their perspective

Application Fees
Some landlords charge an application fee (usually around $35). Paying this is normal and doesn’t mean the listing is fraudulent—but be cautious if the request feels suspicious or unusually high.

As tenants it is important you know your protections and rights. Below will be a few documents that provide you with information on any situation you might get into when renting here in San Diego.

1. Tenant Protections Guide

2. Tenant Protections with Definitions

3. California Rental Guide

If you are in need of immediate housing students should look into homeless shelters. San Diego has plenty of homeless shelters that can house individuals who are in need, some of them will have specific criteria for admittance depending on the population they serve. If you would like to see a list of shelters The San Diego Housing Commission has a full list of programs to assist you in your time of need. For more information please click here SDHC and City of San Diego Homelessness Programs. If more assistance is needed please schedule an appointment to go over other options if necessary.

Transitional Housing programs provide service-enhanced temporary housing for up to 24 months along with a variety of supportive services to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The list below will have various requirements for being admitted and for some a referral is required. These are not the only options available if more assistance is needed students can reach out to 211 San Diego and/or they can make an appointment with a counselor at The Stand for more assistance.

1. Urban Street Angels

Provides transitional, supportive housing and job training opportunities for those transition-age youth individuals connected to the homeless system in the San Diego area. Homeless transitional age youth 18 to 25 years old with a severe mental illness (SMI) diagnosis. They are open Monday - Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and can reach out to them by calling main phone number: (619) 415-6616 or email  [email protected] for more information.

   2. Turning Point Transitional Living Program

Turning Point is a transitional housing program through YMCA San Diego. They offer a 18-month program that provides transitional shared apartment living for homeless male and female adolescents and young adults with or without children. Support services include case management, employment development/assistance, and independent living skills training. Participants are encouraged to continue their education. Eligibility includes youth ages 16 to 21 years old experiencing homelessness. They will be open from 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday and you can call (619) 640-9774 to schedule an appointment.

  3. Path Connections Interim Housing

Path San Diego provides short-term housing for adults experiencing homelessness. During the stay, all residents receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner, access to laundry facilities, case management services, and linkages to resources. The Interim Housing Program aims to help residents obtain/increase income, access medical/mental health services, and secure sustainable and permanent housing. All residents have access to groups/classes, a computer lab, a clothing closet, and a salon located in the PATH Depot.

This program is for single adults over the age of 18 (no children are served in this program.) THey are available Monday-Friday; Shelter and Online hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call Main Phone Number (619) 810-8600 and email [email protected] for more information.

  4. San Diego Youth Services

We provide shelter and transitional housing for children and young adults, without a home, who otherwise would have nowhere to go.

Through our programs, we move youth experiencing homelessness into safe and stable housing and provide the tools and training they need to create a healthy path in life. They build independent living skills through intensive, in-home case management, counseling, and wraparound services to get them back on their feet. Our transitional housing and support also provide them with time to complete their education and get sustainable employment. There are various eligibility requirements for the different programs that SDYS has. If you would like more information they are open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm and their phone number is (619) 241-0608.

If you are staying in your car overnight and need a safe place to park. You can apply to stay at the one of the safe parking locations that San Diego has to offer. The two most notable ones would be the Jewish Family Services Parking Program and Dreams For Change Safe Parking San Diego and Oceanside.

Another type of more affordable housing, as compared to market-rate apartments, is Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels—not recommended for families but only for single individuals. The following is a list of single room occupancy (SRO) hotels. They are typically single room units with a bed, small refrigerator, and a microwave. These units offer affordable rents and usually do not require security deposits, nor first and last month’s rent. All of the SROs listed are in the City of San Diego. Unless otherwise noted, all phone numbers are in the 619 area code.

Although the price points for these are generally more affordable, single room occupancies should be reserved for last option if you have no where else to go but have a stable income. If looking into renting an SRO click here or please contact The Stand and schedule an appointment to go over these options if needed.

 

The San Diego LGBT Community Center  enhances and sustains the health & well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities to the betterment of our entire San Diego region.

San Diego is experiencing a housing crisis and our LGBTQ+ community is significantly impacted. The Center is extremely proud of our work to help LGBTQ+ people who are experiencing housing insecurity or experiencing homelessness though our housing continuum. Housing insecurity and homelessness create other impacts on a person’s health and well-being and The Center is deeply committed to doing all we can to support them. The Center also provides rental assistance and many surrounding services and resources to prevent homelessness. If you would like more information on the services they provide you are highly encouraged to check out the Housing and Supportive/Care Services page on their website. If you need to get in touch you can reach them on Monday -Friday 7:00am-3:30pm, you can call them at (619) 692-2077 or email at [email protected].

If you are looking for on campus support and community please make a stop by the Pride Center at San Diego Mesa College. They have on campus and off campus resources, counseling services and more.

1. VISPDAT for Housing Insecure.

2. Affordable Housing Resource Guide