Whether you are relocating from across the country or just across town, these resources will help you secure housing ahead of service.
Find housing before you start service
You are required live in Los Angeles by the time service begins to allow you to focus on building relationships with your teammates, immerse yourself in training and adjust to your new neighborhood before the school year begins.
When to start looking
Locations typically list availability up to one month in advance, sometimes two months. Begin your housing search this spring so you鈥檙e prepared when June/July move-in dates are advertised.
Deciding where to live
Most AmeriCorps members choose to live within or central to the communities we serve. Our partner schools are located in Watts, South LA, Koreatown/Pico Union, and Boyle Heights.
Finding roommates
Join our private to meet your fellow AmeriCorps members and look for roommates. Members who are moving to Los Angeles to serve typically live together in 1-2 bedroom apartments/houses and share rooms.
When looking for a potential roommate, consider the following:
- What are your practices for staying safe during the current pandemic?
- Do you have any pets/pet allergies?
- How do you like to spend your free time?
- What expenses are you open to sharing? (ex. utility bill, start-up living costs, Netflix, food, etc.)
Budgeting for housing
Members find housing through online posting sites (Craigslist, Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.), word of mouth and sometimes on the 黄色视频 Facebook group (current members advertising their apartments). Postings should outline who to contact to learn more about the property, costs and lease terms.
When renting an apartment, ask about the following fees as they frequently apply:
- Application fee
- Security deposit 鈥 typically one month鈥檚 rent, returned at the end of the lease (minus repair costs)
- First month鈥檚 rent 鈥 typically due upon signing of the lease agreement
- Pet deposit & pet rent
- Parking fees (if you鈥檙e bringing a car)
- Renter鈥檚 insurance
Ask your landlord which utilities (if any) are included in the price of rent. Some units and buildings include laundry, for free or a cost, while others are located near laundromats. It is common for landlords to complete a credit check and require a guarantor or co-signer to sign the lease with you. Beware of rental fraud! Check out the housing chapter from last year鈥檚 orientation guide for more info on all of the above.
Learn more about your bi-weekly stipend and the various benefits 鈥 both during and after service.
Whether you鈥檙e new to our city or have lived in Los Angeles for several years, there are always new and exciting things to experience here.
Looking for more resources and information? We鈥檝e got you covered.
