Frequently Asked Questions about USC Grad House:

How far is USC Grad House from campus?

Exactly 10 blocks West of Jefferson campus.

How long has USC Grad House been in business?

Over 10 years.

Is USC Grad House affiliated with the University of Southern California?

USC Grad House is a privately owned and operated housing facility independent of the University of Southern California.

How long is my lease?

All roommates sign a 12-month lease or longer.

What FREE stuff do I get with my 12-month lease?

FREE utilities. FREE WiFi. FREE house cleaning. FREE no-coin required laundry.  FREE security camera monitoring.  FREE landscape care.  FREE on-street parking.

Who lives in the grad house?

Current enrolled USC graduate students.

How many roommates in the grad house?

Up to five graduate students, each in a separate private room.

What is a FREE Pizza Party?

Management will provide delivery of FREE pizzas and refreshments for all grad house members to enjoy during a once a month Meet & Mix social gathering.

Is the grad house in a safe area?

USC Grad House is on a quiet street.  We have never had any crime problems at the grad house but we like to maintain tight security to protect our graduate students.  The grad house has front & rear steel security doors and security cameras on the property.  LAPD has a 35-man patrol in our area.  USC DPS will respond to any USC student distress phone calls. Neighbors look-out for neighbors on our street.  USC students should always think defensively on and off-campus, wherever they travel to in California.

Where can I park my car?

On-street parking in front of the grad house is FREE.  Just be sure to park on the correct side of the street on Tuesday and Wednesday morning during street cleaning to avoid getting a ticket.  Be sure to lock your vehicle and do not leave valuable items in your vehicle or in plain sight within your vehicle.  

Can I bring my own bed instead of the supplied bed?

Yes, but you'll incur a $300 charge to pack, remove and store the existing bed, and then return it to the grad house when your lease expires.

Where is the USC shuttle?

About two blocks from the grad house, across Normandie Avenue

Will Uber or Lyft pick me up at the grad house and take me to and from campus?

Yes.  Many of our students only use Lyft or Uber to take them to and from campus for only $2-3 each way.

Can I ride my bike to campus and back to the grad house?

Yes.  Most students who own vehicles choose to bike ride to and from campus to save on USC parking fees.  It's about a 10-minute bike ride to USC Jefferson campus.  Please wear a helmet and have your bike equiped with hi-visibility night lights.  We recommend a U-shaped Kryptonite lock.  Be aware that cheap locks will be easy to cut and allow your bicycle to be quickly stolen.  Management recommends that all bike riders travel along the side streets instead of main streets such as Adams and Jefferson Blvd. that is filled with vehicle traffic.  Bicycle ride defensively.  

Where can I park my bike?

Carry it up to the grad house.  We have a designated area inside where your bike will be safe.

How long can my guest stay with me?

You can have one guest stay with you up to 14 days per calendar year.  No more than one guest per year for 14 days max.  Your guest must stay with you, in your room.

What do we do if there's an emergency at the grad house?

Stay calm.  Immediately phone 911.  Describe your emergency to the 911 operator.

Can I have a pet?

Pets are NOT allowed.  Bringing a pet into the grad house will void your lease, make you subject to eviction, and make you liable for all damages caused by your pet plus legal fees.

How much is the security deposit?

Generally $995 and up.

Is the security deposit refundable?

Yes, minus any damages or unpaid fees if any, incurred during your lease.

When will I receive my refundable deposit returned?

Within about 3 weeks or less after you vacate your room at the grad house.

Can my security deposit be used for rent?

No.  Security deposits can only be used for room repair and/or for legal fees.

Can I sublease my room during the summer?

Yes. You must, find your own sublease tenant. Your potential sublease tenant must apply to lease a room, obtain an Application To Lease and submit $35 with the same documents you submitted when you applied to lease a room.  An additional $150 sublease management fee will be due and payable before managment reviews any sublease applicants- total $185.  A sublease tenant must be a graduate student currently enrolled at USC.  You will be responsible to pay your lease payments according to your lease.  Your sublease tenant will pay you.  If your sublease tenant fails to pay, you are nevertheless responsible to make your lease payments.  Additional charges may apply if management is forced to evict your sublease tenant for non-payment, violation of the lease, and/or House Rules.

Can management market my room to find a sublease tenant?

Marketing your room takes a lot of time.  If you don't have the time, you may want management to market your room. Management will charge you $350 minimum or possibly more to market your room depending upon the season.  Room marketing for a sublease tenant must be paid upfront before management begins the marketing process.  Management does not guarantee it can find a suitable sublease tenant.

How long is my lease at the grad house?

12-months minimum. Leases begin August 15.  Many of our students have renewed their lease for up to four years because they were happy with their experience at USC Grad House.

Can my girlfriend or boyfriend move-in with me?

No.  Each room is for one graduate student only.

What are the House Rules?

Ask your property manager to email the House Rules to you.  The House Rules are an extension of your lease terms.  Violate the House Rules is considered to be a violation of your lease.  

What are the Kitchen Rules?

Immediately after you prepare your meal no kitchen items such as dishes, silverware, pots & pans, can be left in the sink.  You must immediately wash your dishes after you're done eating, and then place dishes and bowls, silverware, and cooking items in the kitchen drying rack or in your designated kitchen cabinet.  Fines range from $25 for the first offense to $100 for continual violation of the House/Kitchen Rules and/or eviction.

How often is house cleaning of the common areas?

Once a month.

Where do I send my monthly lease payments?

Make your checks payable to JUSTICE LEAGUE, not USC Grad House.  Follow the instructions you will receive by email to set up monthly lease payments.

When are my monthly lease payments due?

The First day of the month for the duration of your 12-month lease.

Can I bring a weapon to the grad house?

No firearms are allowed unless you are current or former law enforcement or have a current valid CA CCW

Can I play online games at night?

Your fellow roommates require undisturbed sleep.  No Late night online gaming after 10 PM during week days.  Use headphones.  If your roommate(s) is disturbed by your online gaming, you are required to respect the concentration and sleep needs of your fellow roommates or be subject to monetary fines and/or eviction.

Can I play my music loud?

No loud music.  You can rock-out as loud as you want while wearing headphones

Can I smoke in my room?  

SMOKING and VAPING is NOT allowed anywhere on grad house property--it is a violation of your lease.  Violators will be fined $100 per incident and/or evicted at management's discretion.  

My parents want me to room at the grad house because I have an uncontrollable smoking, drug and alcohol addiction.  They believe the grad house will help straighten me out.  Can I be a roommate there?

USC Grad House is not a rehab clinic, half-way house, or a day care for young adults.  Illegal narcotics users will be referred to law enforcement, our legal department, and may face eviction.  Get yourself clean under professional care so you can one day be educated to step into a successful future.  

How do I pay my security deposit and first month lease payment?

You can use PayPal.com or overnight a certified check or money order from a U.S. bank for the total amount.  Personal checks are not accepted for the initial security deposit and first month lease payment.