Question 1

Does the apartment provide furniture?

Accepted Answer

The apartment is furnished; bedrooms have beds, tables, and chairs. The living room is equipped with a sofa, dining table, chairs, and coffee table. The kitchen has a refrigerator, gas stove, built-in microwave, and dishwasher. While most basic furniture is complete, personal items like bedding, pots, pans, and toiletries need to be prepared by tenants. Note: There is no ceiling light in the bedroom.

Question 2

What is the internet speed in the apartment? Can I add other networks myself?

Accepted Answer

The apartment provides internet services.

Question 3

What do shared and private mean in XBXB?

Accepted Answer

The naming convention for American apartments is XBXB, where the first B represents the number of bedrooms, and the second B represents the number of bathrooms; for example, 3B3B indicates 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Rooms marked as [single] or [private] refer to private bedrooms, where each room can only accommodate one person; while those marked as [shared] or [double] refer to shared bedrooms suitable for two people.

Question 4

If I rent a private room, does that mean the opposite bedroom is also a private room?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If your contract is for a private bedroom, you can ensure that your bedroom is a private room, but the opposite bedroom may also be a private room or a shared room, depending on the lease of the opposite roommate.

Question 5

What is the size of the bed?

Accepted Answer

The shared room has two twin XL size beds (96.5cm × 203cm); the private room has one Cal king size bed (formed by two twin size beds). The apartment indicates that the mattress is specifically designed for joining and will not be uncomfortable, with dimensions of: 193cm * 203cm.

Question 6

Is there a washing machine and dryer inside?

Accepted Answer

The apartment does not have a washing machine and dryer but there will be a dedicated laundry room available for residents.

Question 7

Does each bedroom have a window?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each bedroom is equipped with operable windows.

Question 8

What is the size of each bedroom?

Accepted Answer

The apartment does not provide specific information about bedroom sizes. According to feedback from previous students, the area is approximately 11-15 square meters. Please refer to actual conditions upon check-in.

Question 9

Does the apartment have air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

The apartment is equipped with central air conditioning.

Question 10

Does the apartment have an elevator?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the apartment has elevators.

Question 11

Do the bedroom doors have locks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each bedroom is equipped with a door lock.

Question 12

Is it safe to live in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

The apartment has a 24-hour access control system.

Question 13

Does the apartment provide bedding?

Accepted Answer

The apartment does not provide personal items like sheets and quilts. The bedrooms are equipped with beds and mattresses, and tenants need to bring their own sheets, quilts, pillows, and towels, or they can choose to purchase them at a local supermarket.

Question 14

Does the apartment provide a shuttle to school?

Accepted Answer

The apartment does not provide a shuttle, but it is very close to the school and can be reached by walking.

Question 15

In which year was the apartment built? How many floors does it have? How many beds are available?

Accepted Answer

The apartment was built in 2010, has 8 floors, and provides 421 beds.

Question 16

Is there a supermarket around the apartment?

Accepted Answer

CVS supermarket is located downstairs from the apartment and it takes 5 minutes to walk to the USC living area.

Question 17

What public facilities are available in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

24-hour security service; 24-hour coffee bar; 24-hour self-service business center with free printing; advanced 24-hour fitness center; laundry facilities on each floor; convenient retail stores; study rooms; garden-view courtyard with seating; outdoor theater; rooftop terrace

Question 18

Can you shoot a video of my room?

Accepted Answer

Generally, it is not possible to shoot a video of the actual room because there are current occupants, but the apartment can provide a video of a sample room as a reference. The entire decoration style is consistent with the sample room. The actual room does not have soft furnishings; if you are local, the apartment will take you to visit the sample room.

Question 19

What is the difference between a studio and a 1B1B?

Accepted Answer

The studio and 1B1B are very similar, with the main difference being the living room; studios are generally priced lower. A studio includes a bathroom and kitchen, but there is no partition between the kitchen, living room, and bedroom; whereas a 1B1B typically consists of a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Question 20

How is the soundproofing effect of the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Compared to domestic properties, sound insulation in American housing is generally poorer. Typically, off-campus apartments have better soundproofing than on-campus dormitories. If you rent a studio or 1B1B, the soundproofing is often better. Rooms on higher floors are generally quieter than those on lower floors. If noise from neighbors or roommates disrupts your rest, you can report it to the apartment's front desk for assistance.

Question 21

Why is there no fee for renting through Jiji Home?

Accepted Answer

Renting through Jiji Home incurs the same rent as finding an apartment directly. Most apartments are willing to cooperate with rental platforms and specify that the apartment pays the commission, ensuring that the rent remains the same regardless of the rental channel. Thus, partner apartments of Jiji Home do not charge tenants, and we provide full assistance for free to students throughout the booking process, preventing and solving any issues that may arise, saving time and offering necessary reminders. Moreover, rent and deposit fees are paid directly to the apartment under the contract with the apartment. Additionally, Jiji Home returns a portion of the commission to students.

Question 22

Is there a fee for booking an apartment through Jiji Home?

Accepted Answer

There are no fees when booking an apartment through Jiji Home, as the contract is signed directly with the apartment, and all fees are paid directly to the apartment. Jiji Home advisors will assist you with the booking process and provide exclusive cashback on promotions offered by the apartment.

Question 23

How often is rent due?

Accepted Answer

Rent for the apartment is paid monthly, and tenants need to pay the next month's rent before the 1st of each month.

Question 24

How do I make rent payments?

Accepted Answer

You can use the APP to pay rent; the operation is simple and can be credited within a day or two, without requiring a full deposit fee or using foreign exchange quota.

Question 25

Can I pay rent in cash or by transfer?

Accepted Answer

Hello, U.S. apartments do not accept cash payments, and wire transfers are also not supported. There are two methods to pay rent: Method 1, through the APP for rent payment, which is simple, usually arrives within 1-2 business days, and does not incur a deposit fee; Method 2, payment via checks, such as cashier's check and money order, handed to the office or mailed to the apartment. Please indicate the tenant's name and room number on the check. Cashier checks must be applied for at a U.S. bank counter, with a fee of about $5-10. Money orders can be obtained at Walmart, Western Union, gas stations/convenience stores, with typical limits of $500-1000, and over $2000 requires ID or Social Security number.

Question 26

Does the rent include utilities such as water, electricity, and internet?

Accepted Answer

Hello, please check the 'Miscellaneous Fees' section in the apartment's fee details or consult the advisor.

Question 27

What is renters insurance? Why do I need to purchase it?

Accepted Answer

In the U.S., many apartments require tenants to purchase renters insurance. This is to cover damages the tenant may cause while living there, such as water damage to floors or carpets from leaks or accidents while moving furniture. The requirement varies by apartment. Most insurance can be paid monthly or annually, and the cost is relatively low, averaging $10-20 per month; the amount insured may vary based on coverage, location, and selected options.

Question 28

Does the apartment have parking? Is it indoor or outdoor? What are the fees?

Accepted Answer

The apartment has parking; please refer to the fee details section for specific pricing.

Question 29

What fees do I need to pay when applying for an apartment?

Accepted Answer

Hello, please check the detailed fee section on the apartment details page for specific fee information.

Question 30

If my lease is less than a year, why do I have to pay rent 12 times if I rent for 11.5 months?

Accepted Answer

For ease of calculation and management, student apartments spread the annual rent into 12 installments, noted as 12 payments in the contract. The first month's rent is typically paid before moving in, with subsequent payments due on the 1st of each month until the lease ends, totaling 12 payments. Therefore, no matter when your lease starts, you must pay a full month's rent for the first month.

Question 31

Does the apartment allow pets? What are the fees?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not allowed in the apartment.

Question 32

What is the apartment application fee?

Accepted Answer

The apartment application fee is charged by the apartment for reviewing application materials, and this fee is mandatory for each applicant. Please note that this fee is non-refundable regardless of application success. The apartment will only officially process the application after the application fee is submitted.

Question 33

What's the difference between the application fee and the holding fee?

Accepted Answer

The application fee is charged by U.S. apartments to review your materials and conduct background checks. After payment, the apartment will process your application, and the fee is non-refundable regardless of application success. The holding fee, on the other hand, is charged to reserve a property for the applicant, valid during the review period, typically paid alongside the application fee, and later transferred to part of the deposit, also non-refundable.

Question 34

How is the deposit refunded?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is generally refunded after the lease ends, and the apartment must check the condition of the tenant's room. If there are no issues, the deposit is usually refunded to the tenant by check.

Question 35

Can the deposit be used to offset rent?

Accepted Answer

Hello, the deposit cannot be used to offset rent. The rental deposit is inspected by the apartment at the end of the lease term, and if there is no damage, some cleaning fees may be deducted, with the remaining balance returned to the tenant. Therefore, be aware that breaching the contract not only results in the loss of the deposit but also gives the apartment the right to claim all remaining rent. Additionally, your credit record may be affected, and some apartments may notify the immigration office, with non-payment possibly leading to legal action.

Question 36

Does the rent start counting from the day I move in?

Accepted Answer

For management and calculation purposes, the apartment divides the annual rent into 12 payments, indicated in the contract as a 12-payment schedule. The first month's rent is paid before moving in, and thereafter, rent is due on the 1st of each month until the lease ends, totaling 12 payments. Therefore, regardless of your move-in date, you must pay the full month's rent for the first month.

Question 37

What is the convenience fee I see when I pay rent with a credit card?

Accepted Answer

The convenience fee is the service charge incurred when paying with a credit card. International card organizations like Visa or MasterCard charge issuing banks an international transaction fee, usually between 1% to 1.5% per transaction. While it is collected by the banks, this fee is ultimately borne by the cardholder. Additionally, banks may charge handling or conversion fees, ranging from 1% to 2%, varying by bank. It is recommended to use a U.S. debit card as it incurs lower fees.

Question 38

What should I do if the payment for rent shows payment failure?

Accepted Answer

If the online rent payment fails, it is usually due to bank limit settings. It is recommended to make payments multiple times, change to another bank card, or contact the bank to inquire about the reason.

Question 39

Can the parking fee be paid after check-in?

Accepted Answer

If you need a parking space, you can go to the apartment front desk after check-in to handle the procedure and pay the parking fee; if you do not need a parking space, no parking fee is required.

Question 40

Can I live with a specified roommate?

Accepted Answer

This is a student apartment, rented by bed spaces or individual rooms, and all contracts are individual leases where each tenant is only responsible for their own rental agreement. Rooms are randomly assigned, and you can choose the room type you want; the apartment will arrange rooms for each resident before check-in. If you have roommate requests, you can inform the advisor at the time of booking, and the apartment will try to help you arrange for the same room, but cannot guarantee it; if there are no cohabitants, the apartment will match you with a roommate, usually based on lifestyle habits and gender. The apartment will try to avoid asking about nationality and race to prevent discrimination issues.

Question 41

Can I choose my room? When can I know the room number?

Accepted Answer

Rooms in this apartment are randomly assigned. When booking, you can choose the suitable room type, and the apartment will arrange the room before check-in. Generally, many students receive their specific room numbers when checking in.

Question 42

Can I choose my floor and direction?

Accepted Answer

Although the apartment will randomly assign rooms, you can note your preferences (such as floor, sunlight, etc.) when applying, and the apartment will consider them first when rooms are available, but no guarantee is made.

Question 43

Can boys and girls live together?

Accepted Answer

If renting an entire apartment, they can live together. If renting individual beds or rooms, the apartment usually arranges same-gender residents.

Question 44

Is the rent shown on my submitted application form my final rent?

Accepted Answer

Hello, the rent should be based on the rent at the time of signing the contract. After submitting the application form, the apartment will review the tenant's background, and then issue the contract; therefore, the rent is subject to the amount stated in the contract. It is advisable for students to sign as soon as the contract is reached to avoid the impact of rent increases.

Question 45

What is the booking process?

Accepted Answer

The booking process is as follows (note: all fees are paid directly to the apartment, with contracts signed directly with the apartment, Jihome does not charge any fees)【Step 1】Find the desired apartment type in the Jihome APP, click [Apply Now], and fill out the application form; an advisor will contact you to assist with processing;【Step 2】Pay the apartment application fee (used for reviewing background materials), some apartments may require a reservation fee, please refer to the fee details; the application will only be processed after the application fee is paid;【Step 3】The apartment reviews the materials, and after approval, a contract will be sent;【Step 4】Sign the contract;【Step 5】Pay the rental deposit to the apartment;【Step 6】Before checking in, purchase rental insurance and pay the first month's rent (if international students do not have a social security number, they usually need to pay two months' rent as a deposit, which will be refunded if the apartment checks the room and finds no issues after the rental period ends).

Question 46

What is the difference between booking an apartment through your platform and booking it myself?

Accepted Answer

Renting an apartment through Jihome is exactly the same as finding an apartment yourself. Most American apartments are willing to cooperate with rental platforms and require the apartment to bear the commission, ensuring that rent is the same regardless of the rental channel. Therefore, Jihome does not charge any fees to tenants, providing a completely free service to assist students in handling booking procedures, avoiding and resolving various potential issues, thus saving time and providing necessary reminders. Your rent, deposit, and other fees are paid directly to the apartment, and a rental contract is signed directly with the apartment. Additionally, Jihome will also refund a portion of the commission to students.

Question 47

Are the start date and rental period of the apartment fixed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this building is a student apartment with fixed start dates and rental periods.

Question 48

What is an individual lease?

Accepted Answer

Student apartments are rented based on bed spaces or individual rooms, and residents sign individual rental contracts, where each tenant is only responsible for their rented portion. If your roommate no longer lives there later, you are not responsible for their costs.

Question 49

What materials are required to apply for an apartment?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the "Application Material" section of the apartment for specific materials required (application materials are required for the apartment to review tenant backgrounds, and a contract can only be signed after approval).

Question 50

Can someone under 18 apply for an apartment?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, according to U.S. regulations, all students must be at least 18 years old when moving into U.S. apartments. If you are 17 years old at the time and will turn 18 when checking in, you can make a reservation.

Question 51

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

Generally, American apartments do not allow early check-in because the previous tenant has not yet moved out, or the apartment needs to be cleaned after the previous tenant leaves.

Question 52

What should I bring to my new apartment?

Accepted Answer

Although the apartment provides basic furniture and appliances, the following items are not included: tenants can prepare the following items: Common areas: electronic products and corresponding cables/chargers, trash cans, garbage bags, pots and pans, plates, cups, cutlery, coffee pot, cleaning and disinfecting supplies, dish detergent, laundry detergent, etc.; Bedroom: sheets, quilts, pillows, towels, toiletries, shower curtains, trash cans, and other items that make you feel at home.

Question 53

When can I check in after I arrive locally? How do I check in?

Accepted Answer

Generally, check-in can only be done during the apartment's office hours. Early or late check-in requires prior contact with the apartment. Normally, you cannot check in before the start date of the rental in American apartments. Required documents for check-in include: passport, electronic version of the rental contract, and electronic version of rental insurance.

Question 54

When can I check in?

Accepted Answer

You can check in on the day the rental period begins. If you arrive after the apartment's working hours, it is best to inform the apartment in advance for arrangements. The apartment management office has specific office hours (e.g., RESIDENT SERVICE HOURS M-F: 9AM-6PM), and if you arrive after office hours, you will need to wait until the next day to check in. Some apartments do not operate on weekends, so please arrange your schedule accordingly. Remember, the apartment is not a hotel; if you arrive outside of office hours, you need to consider temporary accommodation.

Question 55

If I cannot arrive at the apartment at the contracted start time, can I check in later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can check in later, but it is recommended that you communicate with the apartment in advance about the reason for not checking in on time and your expected check-in time. Rent still needs to be paid according to the time specified in the contract.

Question 56

Can I use an open flame for cooking in the apartment?

Accepted Answer

Hello, open flames are generally not allowed in American apartments for safety reasons, but normal cooking can still be done.

Question 57

Do I need to clean my room myself after checking in?

Accepted Answer

Hello, after checking in, tenants need to clean their own rooms.

Question 58

Can I change rooms after moving in?

Accepted Answer

If there are vacant rooms confirmed by the apartment, it is usually possible to negotiate a room change; the apartment will charge a certain room change fee, and whether a change can be made needs to be negotiated with the apartment.

Question 59

What are the consequences of moving out early?

Accepted Answer

You can move out before the lease expires, but you still need to pay the remaining rent or choose to sublease to someone else; if not, it will be considered a breach of contract. Please note that breach of contract not only means losing the deposit, but the apartment has the right to pursue all remaining rent and may also affect personal credit records or report to the immigration bureau. Refusing to pay rent may lead to legal action.

Question 60

What should I do if I signed a lease but regret it?

Accepted Answer

In the U.S., the content of contracts and signatures is very important. Once a lease is signed, you must adhere to all terms. If you cannot move in, it is advisable to sublease the room; if you do not sublease, it will be considered a breach of contract. Please note that breach of contract not only means losing the deposit, but the apartment has the right to collect the remaining rent from you. Additionally, your credit record may be affected, as some apartments report to the immigration bureau. Refusing to pay rent could lead to legal issues.

Question 61

Does the apartment allow friends to stay overnight?

Accepted Answer

Overnight stays are permitted temporarily.

Question 62

What should I do if I want to terminate the lease early?

Accepted Answer

If you have already moved in but want to return to your home country early, you need to sublease the contract. You can publish subleasing information on the Jihome app to find a tenant. Before finding a tenant, the contract remains in your name, and you still need to pay the rent on time, but after finding a tenant and completing the subletting procedures, you will no longer bear any financial responsibility for the property, and the subsequent rent will be paid by the tenant to the apartment.

Question 63

What procedures do I need to complete for lease termination if my lease is about to expire?

Accepted Answer

If you do not want to renew the lease when it expires, you must notify the apartment 60-90 days in advance, otherwise it may be assumed that you wish to renew. The specific lease termination time is generally based on the contract and the apartment's arrangement.

Question 64

If I signed a 12-month lease, can I sublease?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most apartments have formal subletting terms. After completing the formal subletting procedures, you will no longer have any financial responsibility for that unit. The specific subletting process is: Step 1: Publish subleasing information on the app to find a tenant; Step 2: Notify the Jihome advisor who you want to sublet to, and they will help you with the procedures; Step 3: The apartment will charge a sublease fee; Step 4: Once the tenant completes the rental process and signs the contract, the room is successfully subleased.

University Gateway

Basic Info

Amenities & Services

Price Trend

Floor Plan

Los Angeles University Gateway All Room Types

1 Bedroom

1 Bed 1 Bath

2 Bedrooms

2 Bed 2 Bath

Cost Breakdown

Rent Includes

Apartment Regulations

How to refund a deposit

How to renew the lease

How to cancel a lease

How to sublet

FAQ

Guest Reviews

Map

Submit Enquiry

Top Universities