Apartment Search & Signing a Lease

A listing of available rental property can be accessed​ via JumpOff​Campus. JumpOffCampus can be utilized by undergraduate and graduate students as well as staff, faculty and parents for apartment listings, sublets, and finding roommates.​​​​​​​

​Providence College makes no endorsement of rental property or landlords. This list is comprised of properties whose landlords have taken initiative to list information with JumpOffCampus. Providence College does not inspect or endorse any specific properties or landlords within this listing.  No information provided here creates a legal relationship between students, parents, the College, or any third party regarding off campus living. Providence College is not responsible for any lease or its terms that students negotiate and enter into with any landlord. Students should only reside in housing that is compliant with local and state housing codes.

​Providence Zoning Ordinance

The Zoning Ordinance controls the number of dwelling units that are allowed in a building. Generally, if you are occupying a basement unit, an attic with steep sloping ceilings and low headroom, or a unit on a floor that has access to only one stairway, there is a good chance your unit may be illegal.

If you are occupying an illegal unit, and the owner is taken to court, yo​​u could be evicted before the end of the school year. Never rent a unit that appears to be illegal without checking. If you have a concern about the legality of a unit or any question regarding zoning violations, you may contact the Structures and Zoning Division at 401-680-536​5​.

​The Providence Zoning Ordinance limits the number of unrelated occupants living in a single dwelling unit to a maximum of three occupants. This ordinance is designed specifically to address the problem of the overcrowding of apartment buildings. Violation of this ordinance can result in court action against the landlord and/or the occupants.​​​

Parking Availability

There is a six-hour parking ban in Providence between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Hence, provisions should be made for obtaining a parking space. If parking is available from the landlord, it must be written into the lease.

Rental Insurance

It’s important to determine whether or not students are insured in their apartments. If they are not, a renter’s insurance policy should be considered. It is not uncommon for a parent/guardian’s homeowners policy to include coverage on personal property away from home. Usually a percentage of the total coverage would apply to a student’s belongings at school. Call your insurance company to check on what would be covered away from home in case of flood, fire, or theft, before moving into the apartment.

Signing a Lease

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The following information is taken from The Landlord-Tenant Handbook prepared by the R.I. Department of Administration, Division of Planning. The handbook is a general reference on landlord-tenant relationships based on Rhode Island General Law, Chapter 34-18, entitled the “Residential Landlord and Tenant Act,” effective since January 1, 1987.

Nature of the Lease

A lease is a contract in which one party permits the other to occupy and use certain premises in exchange for payment of rent. The terms of a lease are openly agreed upon at the beginning of tenancy. The lease need not be technically formal, but must include for the tenant a use, occupation, or possession clause. A lease involves the transfer of interest in real estate and must be in writing to protect all parties. If it is not in writing, the lease is to be considered to be a “Tenancy-at-Will” and may be canceled by either party by sending prior written notice. “Tenancy-at-Will” is useful in obtaining a nine-month lease to coincide with the academic year, but for obvious reasons, may be less secure. Since agreement is oral, unanticipated problems must also be resolved by oral agreement as they arise and might well result in the loss of the apartment. Tenants without a written lease may be evicted for any reason with few exceptions. Tenants without a written lease may be evicted for any reason with few exceptions. Rents under written leases cannot be increased unless there are provisions for it in the lease. One month’s notice automatically increases the rent for a “Tenant-at-Will.”

Prior to signing a lease, make a careful inspection of the apartment, preferably with the landlord or his agent present. If the landlord does not agree, in writing, to make repairs by a certain date, it would be wise to reconsider renting the apartment. The City of Providence has a Building Inspectors Department and a Division of Code Enforcement, which orders corrections of defects and sets a time limit in which defects must be rectified. But remember, the apartment is being rented “as is” with all existing faults and the rule of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) holds true.

Generally, unless there is a written agreement or promise (covenant) obligating the landlord to repair the premises, he is not bound to do so.

Any part of the agreement which is illegal is not binding. Study a lease before signing it. Make sure you get a copy of the lease at the time of signing or a reasonable time thereafter.

​​The landlord and the tenant both have certain rights and responsibilities which are defined by law. Both parties should realize that a failure to fulfill any or all responsibilities may lead to a liability to the other party. If you are one of a group of tenants occupying the same unit, check the wording of your lease carefully to determine whether or not you alone can be held responsible for the actions of one or more of your house mates.

City of Providence Contact Information

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Abandoned Buildings
Building Inspection & Standards
401-421-7740 x 350

Abandoned Vehicles
Providence Police Department
401-272-3121 x 6420

​Animal Control
Animal Control
401-243-6040 / 272-3121

Bad Housing Conditions
Code Enforcement
401-421-7740 x 353  or 401-680-5201

​City Council Meetings
City Clerk
401-421-7740 x 248

City Ordinances
City Clerk
401-421-7740 x 248

Damaged Street Lights
National Grid
1-800-322-3223

​Garbage, Debris or Junk
Public Works
401-467-7950

​Graffiti Vandalism
Anti-Graffiti Patrol
401-421-7740 x 300

Housing Violations
Code Enforcement
401-421-7740 x 350

​Licenses (Special Events/Dog)
Board of Licenses
401-421-7740 x 205

​Potholes
Public Works
401-467-7950

​Snow Removal on Streets
Public Works
401-467-7950

​Unsafe Structures
Building Inspection
401-421-7740 x 350

​​​For additional help, you can call the Citizens Assistance Office at 401-421-2489.

Utilities, Trash & Recycling

ELECTRICITY

National Grid
1-800-322-3223
Power outages:
1-800-465-1212​
National Grid website

NATURAL GAS

National Grid
1-800-870-1664
Gas Emergencies:
1-800-640-1595​
National Grid

COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Cox Cable Company (TV, Telephone, Internet)
401-383-2000
Cox Cable Co.

Verizon (TV, Telephone, Internet)
1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966)
Verizon’s website

​DirectTV (Satellite TV)
1-855-463-7359 DirectTV

Hughes Net (Satellite Internet, VOIP)
1-866-347-3292
Hughes Net website

DSL Internet Providers (TV, Telephone, Internet)
1-888-275-6807
DSL website ​

TRASH & RECYCLING COLLECTION

• ​Recycling is required in the city of Providence.  For information about what can and can’t go in the recycling bin, please visit The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation​.​
• ​Recycling bins and trash are collected on same day, though by separate trucks.  To look up your trash and recycling collection day, see the City of Providence website.
• Bulky items (including appliances, mattresses, couches and other common household furniture) must be scheduled for trash pick-up.  Learn more at the City of Providence City of Providence website .​
• For more information about trash and recycling collection, please visit the Providence Department of Public Works website​.

Neighborhood Safety Information​​

The link below lists the types of crimes being reported in specific areas.

1. Go to SpotCrime​​
2. Create an account by entering your email address
3. Enter your off-campus address
4. Once your account is set up, go to “my profile” and change radius from 5 miles to 2 miles (this covers area where most students live).
5. A list of recent crime within a 2 mile radius from your address will show up on the map. You are able to click on the crime icons to see the exact location, time, and type of crime that was committed. ​

Fire Safety

The Providence Fire Department asks every college student and their family members to check the following life safety items:​

Smoke Detectors:

• ​Ensure that there are smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of the building.  In most fatal fires, the smoke alarms are missing, disabled or have a dead battery. Smoke detectors are the first line of defense. It is important that you test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are working properly. It is recommended that you replace all batteries at least once a year.​

​Exits:

• Ensure there are two ways out of every bedroom and keep in mind that the second way out may be a window. If a window is the second way out, does it open? Is it blocked by an air conditioner? Can you climb out of it? Are there security bars on the window? If the bedroom is on a second or third floor, do you have an escape ladder? These can be purchased online or in a home improvement store. Is there a second way out of the house or unit? Every apartment must have two ways out. Is the second way out blocked by storage in the stairs such as bicycles or trash cans? You should create a fire escape plan and keep stairwells and hallways clutter free to ensure a safe and quick escape route.​

Fire Causes:

• The leading cause of all home fires is cooking. Inspect the condition of the stove and do not leave cooking equipment unattended. What about the electrical service? Can the electrical service handle the load or demand of the outlets? Having multiple extension cords or strip cords can create a hazardous condition. Another leading cause of all fatal house fires is cigarette smoking. A contributing factor in college related fires starts with upholstered furniture on porches, decks, bedrooms and living rooms.

Please click here for Fire Safety Tips from the Providence Fire Department

Please contact the Providence Fire Marshal’s office with questions or concerns at 401-243-6050. The Providence Fire Department can provide smoke detectors to anyone who cannot afford one.​

Personal Safety

ON THE STREET

• Do not go out walking or jogging alone after dark. Ask a friend or a group of friends to accompany you.
• Make arrangements to get a ride from a friend, take the PC shuttle bus, or use public transportation. Wait for the ride with a friend.
• Take main streets. Avoid shortcuts and dark or isolated spots.
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk to avoid accessibility of cars pulling up or people hiding in parked cars, doorways, or bushes.
• Ignore strangers who may call out to you, whether they are on foot or in a car.
• Look alert while walking ready to exit if trouble develops. Be aware of your body language. Look strong and aggressive. Walk confidently and briskly.
• Don’t ever hitchhike no matter what time of day.
• If you must walk in an unfamiliar neighborhood, try to plan your route in advance.
• If you feel as though you’re in danger of being followed by someone on foot, cross the street, change direction, vary your pace.
• Don’t be afraid to knock on a door or enter a lighted store and call police.
• If someone in a car follows you, turn around and walk the other way, or go up a one-way street. If he persists, record the license number and call the police.

IN YOUR APARTMENT

• Always keep exterior as well as interior doors locked.
• Never leave apartment doors propped open for friends.
• Always keep apartment/basement doors and windows locked, even when taking a short nap or if alone.
• Never leave keys for roommates outside of apartment.
• Leave a radio and light on when you go out, so that people will think that someone is home.
• During vacation, remove stereos, televisions, computers, and all valuables from residence.
• Use an electrical timer for a lamp to be lit when the apartment is vacant.
• Never let anyone into the apartment before finding out who it is.
• Use the PC shuttle bus when leaving the library/campus at night
• At night, have your keys ready before you get to your door.
• Get to know the students and neighbors in your building and become acquainted with their schedule of being home.
• Encourage your landlord to provide lighting in the entrance to your apartment/stairway/driveway.
• If you receive obscene phone calls, hang up and call the police.
• Notify the police if any unfamiliar person is hanging around your building.
• Pull down window shades at night.