University of Hawaii
Guide to Living Off Campus
Updated July 2005

VACANT LISTINGS:

Apartments - In Honolulu, there are numerous old homes and fairly new apartment buildings which have been converted to duplexes, triplexes, or apartments having four or more units. Most apartments are usually self-contained, that is, they have their own entrance, bathroom and kitchen. The size is usually defined by the number of bedrooms. Some apartment complexes and high rise buildings offer more elaborate accommodations. These may have hundreds of units and offer amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse, and on-site resident managers. The managers almost always require a lease for one-year, though it is possible to find leases for at least six months. Rental applications are screened carefully, and a sizable deposit of a maximum of one month's rent is normally required.

One bedroom - These apartments have a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Some are large enough to accommodate two tenants.

Two+ bedroom - Typically has the same features as a one bedroom with an additional bedroom(s) and sometimes an additional bathroom(s) or half bath.

Condo - A privately owned unit within a multiunit condominium-complex available for rent. These units are generally more stylish and are located in secured buildings, offering amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, clubhouse, and on-site resident managers. The owner/manager almost always require a lease. The length of the lease could range from three months up to one-year. Rental applications are screened carefully, and a sizable deposit of a maximum of one month's rent is normally required.

Duplex - A house divided into two living units, usually having separate entrances; or an apartment with rooms on two floors that are connected by a staircase.

Guest House - A housing unit located in the premises of another person's home; generally a detached one bedroom / one bath unit. These listing may also be referred to as a cottage. Amenities will vary.

Houses - Like the apartment complexes and high rises, rental homes are usually more suited for families, although many homeowners will rent to groups of students. You will usually be asked to sign at least a six-month lease, and deposit of a maximum of one month's rent.

Studio - These usually have no separate bedroom. There is only one room for living and sleeping, a bathroom, and a small kitchen. The kitchen may have a hot plate rather than a full stove.

Room in a Private Home -These are usually located in a private home, condominium or apartment. These rooms are normally furnished and usually include use of the kitchen. You might find that some units have a private bath and private entrance, or share one with the homeowner. You will need to ask what is included in your rent and what rules you may have to follow. It is recommended that you do not rent a room unless you are able to live by the house rules. A private homeowner is required by law to have a written lease with the renter.

Room for Service -These types of accommodations are made by owners who are looking for some live-in help. You may be required to help in some of the various household duties like housekeeping, companionship, or babysitting in exchange for reduced rent, or rent-free in some cases. Usually, these types of accommodations are quite helpful for students who live on very limited budgets, but are willing to work in exchange for living arrangements that are more advantageous than what they would be able to afford.

Town House - This type of accommodation is similar to apartment, condo, or house. Typically two or sometimes three stories that is usually connected to a similar house by a common sidewall.

ROOMATE NEEDED:

Students who already have a house or an apartment sometimes need a roommate in order to share expenses. A private room or shared room can be found in this type of housing situation. These types of accommodations usually have landlords who rent various bedrooms in a house to various students. The student is responsible only for his room's rent, but has use of common areas within the house such as bathroom, kitchen and living room. These rooms may be unfurnished, fully, or partly furnished. The utilities may or may not be included at the discretion of the owner/landlord.

SUBLET:

This type of accommodation is essentially the same as a Roommate Needed, but the current tenant(s) rent the unit under a lease and you will be required to sub-lease or be added to the current lease.

Shared: A person is needed to take over another's lease or is needed to occupy part of a rental unit on a short-term basis (typically 1 to 3 months) in an apartment with one or more roommate(s). A private room or shared room can be found in this type of housing situation.

Vacant: Person(s) needed to take over another's lease or is needed to occupy a rental unit on a short-term basis (typically 1 to 3 months). The entire rental unit offered must be completely vacant with no previous tenants on the premises. This is ideal for person(s) seeking private apartments.

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