Housing
Locating Housing
Students and scholars are only permitted to enter the United States 30 days prior to the start date listed on their visa documents (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019). Therefore, searching for housing is likely to be challenging since it takes time to locate housing. The various housing options are described below:
Rooms: available in private homes in Cambridge and the surrounding suburbs. The cost varies according to location, size, bathroom facilities, kitchen privileges, etc. Rates are usually around $800 per month.
Apartments: available furnished or unfurnished (usually including stove and refrigerator). Prices for unfurnished apartments vary greatly depending on location, condition, and size. In Cambridge and Brookline, the range is approximately $1,000-$1,100 for a one-room apartment (studio apartment), $1,500-1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment, $1,800-$2,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, and higher for larger units. Somerville and Watertown rents are usually $200-$300 less per month than Cambridge and Brookline.
Houses: available furnished or unfurnished, may be rented by families or groups. Such rentals also vary greatly in price, location, and furnishings. Renting a house may be less expensive than an apartment if you are able to share the costs with a number of people. Most rental leases begin on the first of the month, with the largest number starting on September 1. Rental leases are usually for one year. An advance payment of two or three months' rent is often required. If you obtain your apartment through a realtor, it may be necessary to pay the equivalent of one month's rent as a fee. When one considers the high price of rent in the Boston/Cambridge area, the cost of simply moving into an apartment is considerable. Also, bear in mind that rental prices usually do not include costs for heat, electricity, hot water, gas for cooking, telephone charges, or furniture. Heating is usually the highest cost and may range from $150-$300 per month.
Finding suitable housing in the Cambridge and Boston area can be difficult, time-consuming, and frustrating because of the limited supply and the high demand. Rental prices in the Boston area are among the highest in North America. Reasonably priced housing is scarce; however, a number of alternatives do exist. One may rent a room in a house, which means sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities. Sharing an apartment with others is also a possibility. Most apartments that are available are unfurnished (no furniture, no linens or dishes).
Working or studying in Cambridge
Apartments in Cambridge, Somerville, Allston, Brighton, Watertown, Belmont, and Arlington are conveniently located.
Working or studying in the Medical Area
Apartments in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Allston and Brighton neighborhoods of Boston, as well as the cities of Brookline and Newton, are good choices.
Other factors to consider
- Location of public transportation, grocery stores, laundromats
- Safety of the neighborhood
- Quality of the Public schools (schools are open only to residents of that town and sometimes by neighborhood), charter schools (if you are accompanied by school-age children)
- Cleanliness and condition of the building
Website for Housing Information by School
Most schools within Harvard have their own websites with housing information. Some may offer specific listings of apartments and/or rooms available whereas others may have bulletin boards where students can make postings.
Realtors
Some people prefer to utilize the services of a real estate agent or realtor. A realtor is someone who handles the rental or sale of apartments and houses. A person who wants to rent or sell an apartment or house lists the property with a realtor who then finds a person or persons interested in renting or buying the property. It is best to have someone familiar with the area recommend a reputable realtor. Paying the one-time fee (often at least 50% of one month's rent) for a realtor may save one time and energy. The realtor is paid his or her fee only if a lease is signed.
Internet Resources
Below are a few useful websites. Please note that Harvard University does not authorize these websites. These apartments may have already been taken. We suggest that people call them anyway and leave a message with the number where they can be reached. That way, even if the apartment is no longer available, the realtor might be able to provide other options.
Apartment Gods - Werman Real estate
Hammond Residential
MyCityApartment
Roommates USA
It is wise to familiarize oneself with Massachusetts tenants rights. If you do not understand your lease, or feel that you are being taken advantage of by a realtor or a landlord, please contact the HIO.