USC off-campus housing guide, 2027.
A plain-English guide to finding a place near USC: when to look, what things cost, how to avoid scams and what to ask before you sign. Written by Trojan Court, a small independent landlord near campus.
When to start looking
For fall: the most popular places north of campus start leasing in October and November and can be gone by December for the following fall. Start looking early in the fall semester.
For spring (January): November through early January is when spring sublets, lease transfers and spring-start leases come up. If you're arriving in January, start searching right after Thanksgiving.
What it costs near USC
Rough ranges students report: a bed in a shared room from about $800 a month, a private room from about $1,100 to $1,400 and up, and a 1-bedroom to yourself from about $2,000 to $3,000. Always ask whether utilities and internet are included; many listings add $100 to $200 a month on top of rent.
At Trojan Court, every price is all-in: rent plus a flat $85 for water, gas, electricity, trash and Wi-Fi. Beds start at $795, private rooms at $1,195, studios at $1,595, 1-bedrooms at $1,995 and 2-bedrooms at $2,695 (about $1,348 each with a roommate).
How to avoid housing scams
- Never send money before you've seen the place in person or on a live video call.
- Look for a real street address, a working website and an online application.
- Be careful with Facebook group listings that are priced far below the market or that ask for a deposit by Zelle, Venmo or gift card.
- USC DPS can help: USC's international student office recommends contacting DPS if you're unsure about a landlord.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is it furnished? What exactly is included?
- What's the total monthly cost with utilities and internet?
- Is it inside the USC DPS patrol zone? How long is the walk to class?
- How long is the lease? Is there a school-year option? What happens over summer?
- Can a parent co-sign? How much is the deposit, and when do I get it back?
- How are repairs handled, and how fast?
Furnished vs. unfurnished
Furnished places cost a little more but save you buying a bed, desk and kitchen basics for one or two years, and they make moving in January or for a single semester much easier. Unfurnished places can be cheaper over a long lease if you already own furniture.
Lease terms and your rights
Most apartments near USC are covered by the City of Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which limits rent increases and protects tenants from eviction without a legal reason. The LA Housing Department explains your rights. Leases near campus are usually 12 months or a school year ending in late July.
See Trojan Court
Trojan Court has newly renovated, fully furnished studios, 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms and private rooms in a shared house, about a 12-minute walk to campus. Book a tour or read our FAQ.
Trojan Court Apartments is independently owned and not affiliated with the University of Southern California. Price ranges above are general market observations, not quotes.