Off-Campus Living

Off-campus housing in Bloomington

Bloomington is a college town with many different types of rental properties. Whether you choose to live in a downtown studio apartment or a bungalow with four roommates, you should make it a priority to understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter.

Schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services for help understanding your lease, resolving disputes with your landlord, or any other tenant issues. We have experience with local landlords and the leases they use. This service is free to IU Bloomington students and can save you money, headaches, and frustration.

Tips for living off-campus

What is a lease?

A lease is an agreement made between a tenant and a landlord. One of the most important things to remember about leases is that they are binding contracts. Once you sign a lease, you are bound to it with very few exceptions. Even if you change your mind, the landlord can still collect on rent that you have agreed to pay.

Understand your lease

City ordinances

In addition to following the terms outlined in the lease, renters are also responsible for following city ordinances that deal with things like:

The City of Bloomington prohibits excessive noise, meaning any noise likely to annoy or disturb someone outside of your immediate vicinity, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Loud music, yelling and general party noise are often reported to the police in Bloomington, and party hosts face a $50 fine for violation of the noise ordinance. Fines increase up to $500 for repeat offenders.

It is a violation of Bloomington ordinance to throw, place, or scatter garbage in your yard, as well as on sidewalks and streets. If you leave trash lying around, even if it’s in your own yard, you can be fined $50 by the city.

A zoning ordinance in Bloomington limits the number of unrelated adults who can live together in a single-family residence. Violating this ordinance can result in fines. Make sure you check with your landlord, and Housing and Neighborhood Development, to confirm you won’t have more than the allowed number of people living in your rental unit. Come to Student Legal Services if you have questions.

Choosing roommates

A roommate should be someone you trust. In most leases, each tenant is responsible for everything in the lease. If one tenant doesn’t pay rent on time, the others are still responsible to pay the full rent. If one of your roommates punches a hole in the wall, the landlord could charge you for the damages. The landlord can go after everyone, or just the ones who are most likely to pay.

Living resources

City of Bloomington
City of Bloomington Student Welcome Information
Helping Bloomington Monroe – An online searchable dashboard for assistance of all kinds.
Bloomington Housing & Neighborhood Development – Rental housing complaints, inspections.
Essential Information for Renters – Information for all tenants.
Bloomington Animal Control
Bloomington Utilities – Sign up online for water and sewer service (tutorial).
Duke Energy – Sign up online.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation
Parking Citations – How to pay parking citations.

IU Office of Student Life
IU Student Health Center
IU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
IU Student Legal Services
IU Sorority and Fraternity Life
Student Central
Accessible Educational Services
Care Referral – If you or someone you know needs help on or off campus.

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

IUPD (non-emergencies)
812-855-4111
City of Bloomington Police (non-emergencies)
812-339-4477
Monroe County Sheriff
812-349-2534

Find housing

IU Housing

Off-Campus Living

Off-campus housing in Bloomington

What is a lease?

City ordinances

Noise violations

Littering and trash

Occupancy limits

Choosing roommates

Living resources

Bloomington resources

Indiana University resources

Police

Getting around

Find housing

Campus housing

Off-campus housing

Office of Student Life resources and social media channels