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How to Rent

1. Assess your needs and budget

  • Set a budget: Ideally, housing should not exceed 30% of your monthly income.

  • Identify priorities:

    • Distance to work/school (hospital, university, clinic)

    • Safety of the neighborhood

    • Parking or public transport access

    • In-unit laundry, furnished/unfurnished, pet policies, etc.

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2. Research Neighborhoods

  • Start with work/study location: Search for safe, commutable areas near your hospital/clinic.

  • Use online tools:

    • Google Maps for commute times

    • Crime data (CityProtect, SpotCrime)

    • Reddit/medical forums (e.g., medical school, nursing) for local tips

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3. Search for Apartments

  • Use platforms like:

    • Zillow, Apartments.com, or Facebook Marketplace

    • University-affiliated housing boards or medical center bulletins

  • Tip: Filter by lease duration (short-term vs. 12-month), furnished vs. unfurnished, and proximity to hospital.

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4. Prepare Application Materials

  • Most landlords/property managers will require:

    • Government-issued ID

    • Proof of income or offer letter (residency/fellowship contracts often work)

    • Credit report or Social Security Number

    • References (personal, professional, or prior landlord)

    • Sometimes: Co-signer info (especially if you have limited credit)

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5. Schedule Virtual or In-Person Tours

  • Don’t rely on photos alone—schedule tours to assess condition, noise levels, and surroundings.

  • Ask:

    • Who handles maintenance?

    • Are utilities included?

    • How secure is the building?

    • When done with tour, stick around and ask a current resident to get the real opinions of the apartment complex.

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6. Understand the Lease Terms

  • Read the lease carefully:

    • Length of lease, re-newel process, and especially the lease break terms!

    • Pet policy

    • Utility responsibilities

    • Subletting policy (helpful for rotations/electives away)

  • Clarify any medical-specific needs (night shifts, storage, etc.)

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7. Pay Fees & Sign the Lease

  • Be ready to pay:

    • Application fee

    • Security deposit (usually 1 month’s rent)

    • First month’s rent (sometimes last month as well)

Pro Tip: Residents and students may be eligible for discounts or deferred payments—ask!

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8. Move In & Set Up Essentials

  • Schedule move-in date with landlord

  • Take pictures of EVERYTHING prior to moving in furniture. Tremendously helps with any disputes when it comes time to getting your full deposit back fairly. 

  • Set up:

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9. Get to Know Your Area

  • Map out:

    • Closest grocery store, pharmacy, urgent care

    • Public transport routes

    • Favorite coffee/study spots

  • Introduce yourself to neighbors (they may help in emergencies!)

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10. Bonus Tips for Medical Professionals

  • Ask peers in your program for housing leads—they may be leaving and looking to sublet.

  • Look for apartments with quiet hours or good soundproofing (essential after night shifts).

  • Consider proximity to multiple hospitals if rotating.

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