Where to Look
Rental vacancies are advertised in a variety of places.
Off-Campus Housing Service
Campus Information Center, Iowa Memorial Union
Provides listings of current or soon-to-be available rental housing in the Iowa City area including efficiencies, apartments, condos, houses, and roommate housing arrangements. Many of the units advertised are in close proximity to the campus. The service also provides extensive housing related resources.
University Apartments
University Apartments offer low cost apartments to registered students. Eligibility and application information may be obtained by contacting University Housing at 319-335-9199 or visiting their website.
Local Newspapers
Free advertiser publications and bulletin boards
(downtown kiosks, laundromats, grocery stores)
Signs posted in yards
The University of Iowa does not inspect or offer any guarantee for the condition or quality of the rental units listed. The University does not endorse any of the listed properties. Arrangement and responsibility for rental contracts are solely between individual tenants and property managers. Additional consumer information relevant to renting private housing is available from the Tenant Landlord Association. Contact 335-3264 or visit their web site.
When to Look
Most area apartments and houses rent for one full year with leases beginning August 1. Nine month leases and no-lease situations are available but are not common.
Fall Semester
Fall vacancies begin advertising in January with the most selection during the months of January through May. Fall housing is still available in June and July but choices become limited as August approaches.
Spring Semester
Advertising for spring semester housing begins in November. Many of these listings are sub-leases offered by December graduates.
Summer Rentals
Sub leases for summer only are advertised as early as March. Summer sub-lets often offer reduced rental rates and flexible lease periods.
Leases
A lease is a binding legal document. Understand the terms of the lease.
The Tenant Landlord Association provides rental leasing information. Contact the rental experts by phone at 319-335-3264 or visit their website.
Rental Housing Costs
2006-07 Estimated Rental Rates (Iowa City & Coralville Area)
Rooming Houses |
$ 322 |
Efficiencies |
$ 530 |
One Bedroom |
$ 600 |
Two Bedrooms |
$ 695 |
Three Bedrooms |
$1024 |
Four Bedrooms |
$1606 |
Roommate-own room |
$ 350 |
Security/Damage Deposits are typically one month’s rent
Factors affecting monthly rental rates:
- Location and size of unit.
Rates are usually higher for units close to campus.
- Number of occupants.
Per person cost may vary by the number of occupants sharing the unit
- Utilities
These costs may or may not be included in the rent. Heating bills can add considerably to the monthly total. For prior year heating costs for specific addresses, contact Mid-America Energy at (1-800-427-5632).
- Amenities.
Off street parking and laundry on site may or may not be included in the rental rate. Telephone and cable costs are rarely included in the rent.
Glossary of Advertising Abbreviations
BR |
|
bedrooms |
Eff |
|
efficiency |
Pkg/o/s |
|
off-street parking |
A/C |
|
air conditioning |
C/A |
|
central air |
W |
|
water |
E or elect |
|
electricity |
G/E |
|
gas and electricity |
H |
|
heat |
Utils/incl |
|
utilities--water, electricity and gas—are included in rent |
+Utils |
|
utilities are not included in rent |
Bus |
|
the rental unit is on a bus line |
D/W |
|
dishwasher |
W/D |
|
washer dryer in the rental unit |
WDhook/ups |
|
connections only. provide own machines |
Lndry |
|
coin operated laundry facilities on site |
