Information for Parents
Thank you for visiting the Office of Student Housing website. It's important that parents and students get as much information as possible about the apartment search and leasing process as possible in order to successfully live in the Boston area. The Office of Student Housing (OSH) is committed to supporting students through the off-campus housing search and during their living experience.
Parents play an important role in partnering with our office to make sure that students are getting important information about housing options. While parents are encouraged to help students in the search process, students must understand the responsibilities of being a tenant.
Parents should also become familiar with what OSH can do for their students. OSH helps prepare students for the roommate and apartment search process by providing a number of resources online and in our office. Although UMass Boston does not own or operate any residence halls or apartments, OSH works to help students make informed decisions regarding their housing options to ensure that all of our students are able to find housing that is affordable, safe, and suited to our students’ needs.
Additionally, OSH helps students understand the leasing process and the obligations associated with being a tenant. OSH does not negotiate with individual landlords on behalf of students, nor do we inspect the properties listed on our website. We encourage students to utilize all of the information (including checklists) on our website under the Planning Your Housing Search, Searching for Housing, and Lease Information & Moving In sections of our website.
OSH does not have the power to remove a roommate, force a roommate to pay rent, or get someone evicted from an apartment. We do, however, offer roommate mediation services to help roommates work together to address any problems that may arise in the apartment. For more information on roommate mediation, click here.
Finally, OSH is here for you as a UMass Boston parent. We are always willing to answer any questions you may have as you help your student find a roommate, answer questions about what you should be looking for in an apartment, and help interpret lease agreements. Feel free to reach out and send us an email at osh@umb.edu.
Additional Information For Parents
Boston Area Rental Cost Comparison
