A Landlord’s Guide to Renting to UCLA Students

By Owen Conrad | Adapted for UCLA Universe

Owning property near the University of California, Los Angeles can be a lucrative investment. With thousands of Bruins seeking housing near campus every year, demand remains strong — but so does competition and turnover. Renting to students can be a smooth experience if you’re proactive, clear, and prepared for the unique nature of student renters.

At UCLA Universe, we work closely with both landlords and students to create better off-campus housing experiences. Here's a guide for property owners looking to rent to UCLA students effectively and responsibly.

Understanding Today’s UCLA Students

When most people think “college student,” they imagine 18–22-year-olds living in dorms. But that’s only part of the story. Today’s college population includes many non-traditional students, such as those who:

• Are financially independent

• Are over 30

• Are parenting children

• Attend part-time

• Returned to school after time away

This is good news for landlords — these renters often bring more financial stability and maturity. That said, plenty of UCLA students are still first-timers to renting, so clear communication and guidance are essential.

As veteran landlord Carol Walbye explains:

“You have to teach them how to care for a home — what they can and can’t do, when to report issues, and how to live respectfully. Be visible, stay in touch, and outline expectations up front.”

5 Key Tips for Renting to UCLA Students

After ensuring your property complies with Los Angeles rental laws and UCLA’s off-campus housing policies, follow these tips to make student renting smoother for everyone.

1. List Where Bruins Are Searching

Students do almost everything online — from signing up for classes to ordering food. That includes finding apartments.

While Craigslist and Zillow still get views, UCLA Universe is built specifically for students attending UCLA. It’s the best way to reach renters who are actively searching for housing near Westwood, Brentwood, Palms, and nearby neighborhoods.

Make your listing stand out by including:

• High-resolution photos

• Proximity to campus, bus lines, and groceries

• Rent, lease length, move-in date, and any amenities

• Clear pet, roommate, and parking policies

2. Use a Reliable Screening Process

Screening is essential, even in a high-turnover student rental market. A strong process should include:

• Credit report and score

• Income verification (if applicable)

• Rental history

• Background and eviction check

Some UCLA students may lack rental history — especially undergrads — so having a consistent screening process helps protect your property.

UCLA-area landlord Rachel Tolmachoff advises:

“I never outsource tenant screening. Even if you hire a property manager, screening should always be your responsibility — no one else will protect your property like you will.”

3. Require a Security Deposit or Move-In Fee

Student properties often see heavier use — from social gatherings to the general learning curve of adulthood. Requiring a security deposit or non-refundable move-in fee helps you recover costs if things go wrong.

Quick guidelines:

• Use security deposits for long-term or higher-end rentals

• Use move-in fees for short-term or more affordable leases

• In busy rental markets like LA, some landlords use both

Make sure your lease clearly outlines how deposits and fees are handled, and under what conditions they’re refundable.

4. Ask for a Co-Signer When Necessary

Not every student will meet your screening criteria — especially if they’re early in their academic journey. In these cases, require a co-signer (usually a parent or guardian) to back the lease financially.

“I require five years of rental history or a co-signer,” says Tolmachoff. “It protects me and makes expectations clear.”

Include a dedicated co-signer clause in your lease agreement and ensure it’s signed. But even with a co-signer, you should communicate directly with your student tenants about rent, behavior, and repairs.

5. Be Clear About House Rules and Responsibilities

UCLA students — especially first-timers — may not know what’s standard in a lease. Spell everything out clearly in your rental agreement, including:

• No smoking, candles, or loud parties

• Renter’s insurance requirement

• Responsibility for cleaning and minor maintenance

• Utility payment expectations

• Guest rules and noise limits (especially for shared units or multi-family properties)

• How to report maintenance issues promptly

It may feel basic, but laying out your expectations in writing avoids misunderstandings and builds a more respectful tenant-landlord relationship.

Connect with UCLA Renters via UCLA Universe

Renting to UCLA students can be smooth and profitable — especially with a solid system in place. With UCLA Universe, you get direct access to student renters who are actively looking for off-campus housing near campus.

Whether you manage one unit or multiple properties, our platform helps you attract the right tenants — fast.

Ready to fill your vacancy? List your rental on UCLA Universe and start connecting with UCLA students today.