Frequently Asked Questions

In This Section: For Future Residents

Prepare for campus living with clear guidance on applying for housing, exploring roommate options, and understanding your contract so you’re ready for move-in.

• Eligibility and Waitlist Information
• Housing/Roommates/Campus Life Access
• Furnishing & Utilities
• Cost & Payment

Eligibility and Waitlist Information

• Who is eligible to live in Phase One, Two, or Three?
  • Phases One and Two: The primary resident must be a full-time student, faculty or staff at UTHealth Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, or MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Phase Three: The primary resident and roommate must be a full-time UTHealth Houston learner (student, post-doc, resident, or fellow), faculty or staff.
• When does the University Housing waitlist open?

  The waitlist opens for two weeks each March. Check back soon for 2026 Dates!

• What should I expect when the University Housing waitlist open?

  The waitlist application is completed online and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. 

  You’ll be asked to:

  • Provide your affiliation and housing preferences 
  • Select your desired floor plan(s) and move-in timeframe 
  • Pay the non-refundable $50 waitlist fee per housing phase using a valid credit card (no other forms of payment accepted)

  Please note: Each housing phase (Phase One, Two, and Three) has its own separate waitlist. If you wish to apply to more than one phase, you must complete a separate application and pay the $50 waitlist fee for each.

• What if I miss the waitlist window in March?

  If you miss the March waitlist period, you may still apply for housing from October through April, depending on availability. Keep an eye on the “Available Units” page and reach out to the Housing Office if you see something that fits your needs. 

  View Available Units

Housing Options, Roommates and Campus Life Access

• What are the differences between Phase One, Two, and Three?
  • Phase One (7900 Cambridge, 1982) (Link to Our Community 2.1): Garden-style apartments (1–3 bedrooms),  ideal for individuals, families, or small groups seeking more space.
  • Phase Two (1885 El Paseo, 2005) (Link to Our Community 2.2):  Modern apartments with in-unit washers/dryers and direct garage access.
  • Phase Three (1885 El Paseo, 2014) (Link to Our Community 2.3):  The most recently built community, exclusively for full-time UTHealth Houston students, staff, and faculty. Offers modern, efficient spaces with upgraded finishes and amenities, including in-unit washers/dryers and direct garage access.
• What is the max occupancy per unit type?
  • 1BR/1BA – Two Occupants
  • 2BR/2BA – Four Occupants
  • 3BR/2BA – Six Occupants
• Can I choose my roommate? Do you provide roommate matching?

  You are allowed to find a roommate but we do not match roommates. If you are applying for a two bedroom and do not have a roommate you are responsible for the full cost of the apartment. 

  Roommates must be affiliated (UTHealth Houston, Baylor, MD Anderson) with the exception of related individuals. For this purpose, “related” is limited to spouses/significant others, siblings, parents and/or children of the primary occupant.

• Are families or partners allowed to live with me?

  Yes - spouses, significant others, siblings, parents, or children are allowed provided the primary resident meets eligibility.

• Can I tour the housing before I apply?

  Yes – both in-person (based on unit availability) and virtual tours are available.

  Please contact the University Housing Office to schedule a tour. 

• Do residents get access to the UTHealth Shuttle Services and Recreation Center?

  UTHealth Houston students: you can access both UTHealth Houston Shuttle Services and Recreation Center.

  All other residents (including those affiliated with BCM or MDA):

  • Recreation Center access can be purchased for $300 per 6-month membership. To sign up, email the Housing Office at [email protected] to request the required form. Complete the form and return it to the Recreation Center front desk, where you can pay the membership fee by check or cash during business hours.
  • UTHealth Houston Shuttle Services access may be available. Please contact the Housing Office for more details and to confirm eligibility.

Furnishing & Utilities

• Are the apartments furnished?

  Units are not fully furnished, but include essential appliances 

• What appliances are included?
  • Refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher: all units
  • Washer and Dryer
    • Phase I: Shared, community laundry on site. Credit card/app based payment is accepted.
    • Phase II and III: In-Unit
• Which utilities are included in the rent?

  Rent includes water . Residents must pay for electricity, internet and cable.

• What utility providers are allowed?

  Comcast is the approved provider for both internet and cable.

Cost & Payment

• What is the difference between student pricing and standard pricing?

  Student pricing is marked as an asterisk (*) and includes UTHealth and MD Anderson affiliated students, post-docs, residents, and fellows. Rent for all others is marked ** and includes BCM learners and UTH/ MDA/BCM affiliated faculty and staff (Check Rates).

• How do I pay rent?

  Rent must be paid monthly via the Rent Café online portal. Payments are due on the 1st of each month, with a grace period through the 15th. Late fees will be applied to any unpaid balances after the 15th.

• Can I pay rent in advance?

  Yes, Rent Café allows advance payments any time before the due date.

In This Section: For Current Residents

Stay informed with practical details on amenities, mail, safety, parking, and other resources that help make daily life in campus housing comfortable and supported.

• Living Policies
• Amenities and Facilities
• Lease Terms

Living Policies

• What is the pet policy?

  No pets are allowed. Only approved service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) with proper documentation are permitted to reside on site.

• Are emotional support animals allowed?

  Yes, but documentation and approval are required through the Housing Office and relevant university offices.

• Can I sublease my unit?

  No. Subletting is not permitted under any circumstances.

• What is the trash disposal policy?

  Use designated dumpster areas. Fines may be imposed for improper disposal.

• How do I submit a maintenance request?

  Submit maintenance requests through Rent café.

  • AC filters are available for purchase at the Housing Office.
  • Residents are responsible for replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries.

  For after-hours maintenance emergencies, call 713-500-8444. 

• How quickly are maintenance issues resolved?

  Non-emergency requests: typically addressed within 3–4 business days.

  Pest control: Service is provided every Wednesday. Sumit pest control requests through the Rent Café portal.

Amenities and Facilities

• Is there on-site laundry?
  • Phase Two and Three: in-unit washer and dryer
  • Phase One: shared, community coin/card laundry on site ($1.50/load to wash; $1.50/load to dry)
• How do I access Wi-Fi or cable?

  Set up services with Comcast, the approved provider.

• Can I reserve the clubhouse or community spaces?

  Yes, reservations can be made by contacting the Housing Office. A usage fee and security deposit are required. (Phase One Club Room: $250 per use, plus a $500 security deposit.)

• Is parking included or available on-site?

  Parking is included with your rent.

  • Phase One: Surface lots nearby; permits are required.
  • Phases Two & Three: Multilevel parking garages available; one space is assigned per leased unit.
• How do I replace a lost key or parking tag?

  Contact the Housing Office. Replacement fees apply.

Lease Terms

• What is the move-out notice policy?

  A 60-day written notice is required via email. Changes in affiliation due to graduation or other reasons are an exception to this policy Move-outs must include a clean unit and key returns.

• Can I renew my lease?

  Yes. Renewal notifications are typically sent 60 days before lease expiration. Renewals are subject to availability and potential rate adjustments.