Tufts University

Off-Campus Housing
Resource Center

Welcome to the Off-Campus Housing Resource Center website. We are a free service offered to the community at Tufts University. View our site to learn about:

   ● your rights as a tenant in Massachusetts
   ● state health codes and city ordinances
   ● landlord responsibilities
   ● leases, security deposits, or other contracts
   ● find apartment rentals, rooms for rent, houses for rent,
      or look for roommates
   ● talk with a knowledgeable professional about your
      housing needs

Safety First and Know Your Legal Rights
To assist you in assessing the safety of prospective apartments, Tufts provides A Safety and Housing Code Checklist and suggestions for inspecting the property. In addition, prospective landlords and tenants should educate themselves about their legal rights and responsibilities before entering a contract. Visit the following comprehensive web sites for more information: Massachusetts Landlord Rights & Responsibilities and Massachusetts Tenant Rights & Responsibilities.

*****MAKE SURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOU AS AN OWNER OR TENANT*****

Don't get SCAMMED, learn more: Be aware that this site is not password protected. If you sense a problem with a respondent, check out the scam alerts.  You can find information about scam alerts at this website. To get free information on consumer issues, visit the Federal Trade Commission website or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.  Be aware of PHISHING scams:   Phishing is an attempt to gain access to personal data by deceptively and illegally soliciting information, including passwords, user names, and financial information from those believing they are sending it to a legitimate organization. Some phishing schemes may look genuine, but are not.  If you believe you may have been the victim of a phishing scheme or other Internet crime, report it to the Internet Crime Compliant Center at http://www.ic3.gov and immediately reset any passwords which may have been compromised.

Students:  Do you have a responsive landlord?  Do you like your apartment? Recommend your landlord to participate in our annual off-campus housing fair happening in the month of December.  Send your recommendation along with your landlord's name and contact information to  och@tufts.edu.  All referrals will be contacted.

Landlords: For code requirements, fire and safety, building requirements contact your local health department and local fire department.  Be safe, be sure, be proactive.

Notice Against Housing Discrimination
Tufts supports Massachusetts law which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, military background or service, sex, sexual preference, marital status, blindness, deafness or the need of a guide dog, except in owner-occupied two family dwellings. (M. G. L. c. 151B §4) No landlord can refuse to rent you an apartment because you receive a rental subsidy, because the apartment contains lead, or, with some exceptions, because you have children.

Professional Staff and students monitor this website.