Off-campus housing near the University of Redlands

Where students actually rent

The blocks around campus. The streets between Colton Avenue, University Street, and the campus edges hold the densest student rentals — older houses split into units, small apartment complexes, and rooms in owner-occupied homes. Walk-to-class distance is the premium feature, and landlords here understand student budgets and lease terms.

Downtown Redlands. About a mile from campus — a longer walk, a bike ride, or a quick trip on the Arrow rail line (University and Downtown stations are one stop apart). Downtown units put you near restaurants and events; they're popular with upperclassmen and grad students who want more separation from campus life.

North Redlands. The newer complexes on the Lugonia corridor attract students with cars who want modern amenities — pools, gyms, package lockers — and are splitting costs with roommates. Commute is 5–10 minutes by car; there's also an Arrow connection via the Esri or Downtown stations if you're near the line.

Shared houses in South Redlands. Groups of 3–5 students often rent whole houses in the residential streets south of campus. Per-person cost is frequently the lowest option in the city — often in the $700–$1,100 range per roommate depending on the house — but you're responsible for yard care expectations and coordinating everyone's share of utilities.

The academic calendar is the market

• March–May: The best window. Landlords around campus list for fall move-in, students post sublets for summer, and selection is widest.
• June–August: Competition peaks. The good-value listings disappear fast; have your documents and references ready before you start touring.
• September–February: Thin pickings near campus, but motivated landlords and available sublets — a decent time for mid-year arrivals and spring admits.

Leases, guarantors, and deposits

Most students can't meet the standard 2.5–3× income qualification alone. Landlords around U of R handle this predictably:

• Guarantors: Most student-focused landlords accept (or require) a parent or guardian co-signer. Have their documents ready — ID, proof of income, and a signed guarantor form.
• Lease length: Expect 12-month leases as the default; some landlords offer 9- or 10-month academic-year terms, sometimes at a slightly higher monthly rate. If you're leaving for summer, negotiate the term up front rather than subletting without permission.
• Deposits: California caps security deposits at one month's rent for most rentals — don't pay more than that plus first month's rent at signing. Details in the tenant rights guide.
• Joint leases: In a shared house, you're often "jointly and severally" liable — meaning you can be on the hook for a roommate's unpaid share. Choose roommates like it matters, because legally it does.

Getting around without a car

Redlands is more navigable car-free than most Inland Empire cities. The Arrow rail line stops at University station near campus and runs to Downtown Redlands and into San Bernardino's transit center, where Metrolink connects toward Los Angeles. Omnitrans buses serve the main corridors. Campus-adjacent streets are bikeable — just plan for heat in late summer and lock your bike well.

Budget reality check

• Room in a shared house near campus: roughly $700–$1,100/person
• Studio/1BR apartment: roughly $1,450–$2,100 (see rent prices)
• Splitting a 2BR: roughly $1,000–$1,400/person
• Add utilities (~$60–$120/person shared), internet, and renter's insurance

Last updated September 2026.