What to Expect Before You Sign for Furnished Apartments Near UCLA

Arriving at Westwood with your suitcase, gathering keys, and sleeping in an actual bed that night — that is the entire concept behind furnished rentals near UCLA. But knowing exactly what your money gets you is key, and knowing what's included and determining an affordable lease length. Here is an in-depth local guide detailing exactly how the UCLA market functions, which is also invaluable.

What you will likely pay, and what's included

Prices depend on several variables such as building age, distance from campus, and lease term length. According to recent listings in Westwood Village, West LA, and Sawtelle as of the past leasing cycle:

• Furnished Studios: Between $2,300 and $3,100 per month
• Furnished 1-bedroom: Between $2,900 and $4,000 per month (Source)
• Short-term leases typically cost more than a standard 12-month term, and new luxury buildings or apartments near campus may cost more

Furniture typically costs five to fifteen percent more than an equivalent unfurnished apartment. Typical furnished arrangements consist of:

• A nightstand, lamp, and bed frame and mattress—typically a queen
• A coffee table, a sofa, and occasionally a TV
• A counter with stools or a dining table with seats
• Basic kitchen equipment, including pots, pans, utensils, plates, and glasses
• Starter items like trash cans and a shower curtain
• A desk and chair, which are a big plus for students and remote workers
• Ask to confirm whether linens are included

There is on-site laundry in many buildings close to UCLA. In more recent buildings, in-unit laundry is typical. In older Westwood buildings, central air is not guaranteed, so inquire about ceiling fans and the type of AC.

Parking, Wi-Fi, and utilities

Listings may appear similar at first glance, but their final prices may differ significantly.

• Utilities: Water and trash are usually included. You might get a bill for your electricity and gas, or they might be included in a flat utility package. Utility packages for furnished or coliving leases will cost about $75 to $200 per person per month, and sometimes there will be a limit on how much you can use. Always ask if there is a limit and what happens if you go over it.
• Wi-Fi: Many furnished options come with Wi-Fi. Check the provider and speed, and confirm whether the price is included or charged as a separate monthly fee.
• Parking: It's hard to find parking in Westwood. Most of the time, garages charge extra. A reserved spot usually costs between $150 and $250 a month, and sometimes more in new buildings. You can park on the street with a neighborhood permit, but finding a spot near campus can be very hard.

Short-term leases, deposits, and fees near UCLA

In this submarket, especially for student-focused businesses and corporate housing providers, terms of 3 to 6 months are common.

• Expect to pay more than the 12-month price, usually between 5% and 20%
• A higher cleaning or turnover fee when you move out for a short stay

Things to remember about deposits and fees in California

• Security deposit: Because of AB 12, California will generally limit residential security deposits to one month's rent for most rentals starting in July 2024. Some small landlords can get a limited exemption. Find out which rule applies to your unit.
• Application screening fee: California sets a limit on this fee and raises it every year. It usually costs between $40 and $60. You should get a receipt with a list of items.
• Other common costs: Cleaning or turnover fees that can't be refunded, usually between $150 and $300. Fees for keys or fobs can range from $25 to $75. Pet deposit and, if necessary, pet rent. Most landlords will also want you to have renter's insurance, which is usually cheap and worth it.

Best neighborhoods near UCLA for furnished options

• Westwood Village and North Westwood: You can walk to campus, and there are many purpose-built student housing units, as well as some corporate units.
• Sawtelle Japantown: There are many modern, furnished options and a lively dining scene.
• West LA and Brentwood: Streets are quieter, with both older rent-controlled buildings and newer mid-rises.
• Palms and Mar Vista: Often better value, but it takes longer to get to campus by bus or bike.

Reaching the campus without a vehicle

You can get reliable service from Sawtelle and West LA into Westwood via BruinBus shuttles, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus routes, and Metro lines. Bicycling is popular, and having safe bike storage within the building is a great benefit.

Where to locate trustworthy furnished listings

Compare apples to apples and cast a wide net.

• Tripalink: Offers furnished apartments and co-living near UCLA, with amenities such as utilities and Wi-Fi, roommate matching, and flexible terms. An ideal choice if you're looking for a turnkey setup near campus.
• Corporate housing platforms such as Blueground and Landing: More expensive, offer a wide range of furniture and housewares, and offer flexible terms.
• Large listing platforms like Apartments.com and Zillow: Excellent for a wide scan of Sawtelle, Westwood, and West LA
• Platforms and groups specific to students: Sublets can be found on UCLA off-campus housing boards and verified Facebook groups, but be cautious of scams and never send money before visiting or confirming.

Five minutes to compare two furnished apartments

1. The total cost of the month, including base rent, utilities, package fees, parking, and pet rent
2. What furniture and household items are included, and what is not
3. The speed of the internet, the provider, and whether or not there is a router in the unit
4. The length of the lease, the rules for ending it early, and the policy for subletting
5. The costs of moving in on the first day, including the deposit, the first month, and the fees
6. The type of heating and cooling, the amount of noise, and the amount of sun that comes into the unit
7. The location of the laundry, the type of machine, and how quickly maintenance responds
8. For coliving, ask about how they match up, how they clean the common areas, and what the rules are for guests.

A quick plan you can use this week

• Choose two neighborhoods to focus on, like Westwood Village and Sawtelle
• Figure out how long you need to lease and your parking needs
• Make a budget that includes utilities and parking
• Visit three furnished options, either in person or virtually. One should be an operator model like Tripalink, and the other should be a traditional apartment. Then compare the total cost and what it includes.

If you can find a place to live that is ready to move into, costs less than your budget, and is less than 20 minutes from UCLA, you've found your sweet spot.

FAQs

How much does it usually cost to rent a furnished studio or one-bedroom apartment near UCLA, and what furniture comes with it?

Depending on the building and the time of year, studios usually cost between $2,300 and $3,100, and one-bedroom apartments cost between $2,900 and $4,000. Expect to find a bed and mattress, a sofa and coffee table, a dining set, a desk and chair, basic kitchenware, and sometimes a TV. The linens and utilities vary by listing.

Are utilities, Wi-Fi, and parking included in furnished rentals near UCLA, or are they extra?

Wi-Fi, water, and trash are a few. Gas and electricity are often extra or included in a utility package with a cap. Garage parking typically costs an additional $150 to $250 per month.

Can I find a short-term lease near UCLA that lasts three to six months? What fees or deposits can I anticipate?

Indeed, many operators offer terms of 3 to 6 months at a premium over 12-month rates. A security deposit, typically limited by California law to one month's rent; an application screening fee that falls within the state cap; and common move-in or cleaning costs should all be budgeted. It's common to need renters' insurance.