Franciscan University of Steubenville requires that all full-time students who are candidates for an undergraduate degree must live in University housing while enrolled at Franciscan University of Steubenville unless they meet one or more of the following conditions:

1. They reside with a parent or guardian in the immediate area
2. They are at least age 21 prior to September 15 of a given academic year and have more than 88 credits
3. They have reached age 22 prior to September 15 of a given academic year

Note: Franciscan University of Steubenville does not investigate, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing, referral, the quality of facility listed, or the listed individuals, companies, or firms. Franciscan University of Steubenville does not investigate, endorse or guarantee suitability of those users responding to the listings. Users of this service communicate and contract with each other individually and at their own risk. The Board, officers, agents and employees of Franciscan University of Steubenville shall not be liable for any actions occurring as a result of any arrangements made between users of this service, or for any errors or omissions made in compilation or print of the listings.

Off-campus housing rental listings are managed by

Students enter here

Landlords enter here

The Renters Guide is intended to give you information and help you plan for your off campus living needs. Please refer to the following sections for specific information about living off campus:

Planning to live off campus

• Define your basic needs and preferences. Do you want to rent your own place? Live with a family? Share an apartment with a friend?
• How much rent can you afford?
  Be sure to include the following when figuring out your rental budget:
  • Housing: rent, renters insurance, furniture, utilities
  • Food: cooking your own meals at home, eating out
  • Transportation: car loan, bus fares, gas, insurance
  • Personal needs: toiletries, clothing, laundry
  • Entertainment: movies, events, magazine subscriptions
  • Travel: visiting family and friends
• Do you have specific needs for housing features? Pets? Handicap access? Walking distance?
• Prepare information that a prospective landlord might request on your rental application
  • Rental history: Current and past landlords
  • Employment history: Current and past employers
  • Credit information: Loans and credit cards
  • Financial information: Checking and savings accounts
• Many utility companies will require deposits in order to begin utility service if you do not have a credit history. You may want to consult with a responsible friend or a parent on how to develop a strong credit rating.

Finding a place to rent

You can look for available apartments from the following sources:

• Online at www.Places4Students.com
• The Herald Star (local Steubenville newspaper) can be found on the web at www.hsconnect.com
• Word of mouth

I’ve found a place, now what?

• Questions to Ask a Potential Landlord when talking to a Landlord about a potential property you might want to rent.
• View the property or have someone you trust view it inside and out for you. We recommend that you never sign a lease without previously viewing the property.
• Take a thorough inventory of the property’s condition using the Inventory Inspection Form with the landlord. This document may help you avoid unnecessary charges and may be crucial in retrieving your security deposit upon checkout. Note: the document is only binding if it is signed and dated by both the tenant and the landlord.
• Set up the utilities :
  • American Electric Power
    800-672-2231
  • AT&T
    Visit the AT&T website for services available
    800-288-2020
  • Comcast
    800-222-0300
  • City of Steubenville Water and Sewer
    740-283-6155
  • Columbia Gas
    800-344-4077

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

Occasionally, circumstances will come up between a landlord and tenant. It is important that you know and understand what your rights and responsibilities are as a tenant. A booklet entitled “A Guide to Living Off Campus” is available to you in the Student Life Office. This booklet contains information from the Ohio State Legal Services Association about tenant rights. You may also contact the Ohio State Legal Services Association directly at:

Ohio State Legal Services Association
406 Adam Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
740-283-4781

800-672-2231

The Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority provides housing to low income individuals on a first-come, first-served basis. Completion of an application is required to be considered for housing through the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority. In addition, current campus residents who are applying to live in JMHA housing must fill out the appropriate paperwork with the Student Life Office in order to receive permission to live off campus.

Applications

All applicants must apply at the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority Leasing Office. You can expect the following:

• ALL Household members need to be present at the time the preliminary application is being completed.
• All status paperwork from Franciscan University must be provided to JMHA at this time.
• After the preliminary application is completed, processing will begin which involves collecting background information. You will be notified when this process is complete.
• Once the process is complete, ALL Household members will need to return to the Leasing Office with Social Security cards, Birth Certificates, and verification of any income received. At this time, any remaining paperwork will be completed. You will be contacted when an appropriate size unit is available.

Changes in Household Composition

• Any member moving out must submit a written notice to management, accompanied by the Head of household.

Adding on a Household Member

To add on a household member, the following steps must be followed or you will be in violation of your lease:

• Head of household must notify JMHA Management in writing of their desire to add a new member to their household.
• Head of household must make an appointment with JMHA Management in order to complete the required paperwork. The Head of household MUST accompany the applicant at this appointment. The applicant must bring their Social Security card, Birth Certificate, and verification of any income to the appointment.
• Applicant will be notified when eligibility is determined.

The JMHA Office is located at the following address:

Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority
815 North Sixth Ave.
Steubenville, OH 43952
740-282-0994 Ext. 42 or 43

Mission

Respecting and affirming life from the moment of conception, Franciscan University has established Guadalupe House near campus to provide a safe haven and source of hope for pregnant students and their children. Invoking a Christ-centered approach inspired by the examples of Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph, Guadalupe House helps single moms move toward a new life of hopeful, independent, and healthy living and educates the broader Franciscan University community on the importance of fostering a culture of life.

What We Offer

Pregnant mothers attending or planning to attend Franciscan are welcome to stay at the Guadalupe House for up to two semesters at the current on-campus housing rate while they pursue their academic and personal goals. This support gives them the stability they need to further their education while we provide a temporary home for them to care for their child.

What We Provide

• Private room
• Limited material assistance (diapers, baby clothing and supplies, nursery furniture, etc.)
• Kitchen access
• Washing machine and dryer
• Pastoral care and support from an on-site Residence Coordinator

What We Do Not Provide

• Transportation to appointments
• Babysitting
• Financial assistance for groceries, medical bills, etc.

How to Apply

The Guadalupe House provides a positive, supportive, and empowering environment so pregnant students can thrive in their pregnancy and continue their education at Franciscan University. Applications will be considered on an individual basis for those who meet the eligibility requirements. Email GuadalupeHouse@franciscan.edu to start the process.

Who Is Eligible?

All current and potential Franciscan University students who are pregnant. Guadalupe House may be a perfect fit for those navigating their pregnancy while continuing their education. We are here to help them and their baby!

Eligibility Criteria for the Program

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be enrolled in a higher education program at Franciscan University
• Must be pregnant
• No history of drug abuse
• Clear criminal background check
• Must successfully complete application and interview process