Undocumented and Immigrant Friendly Housing Toolkit

Last Updated: April 2026

Please note: The UC Davis Undocumented Student Resource Center does not endorse, and is not affiliated with, any of the off‑campus organizations or resources listed below. The information provided is shared solely for informational purposes.

Introduction

Welcome to the Undocumented Student Resource Center’s toolkit for navigating housing in Davis as an undocumented and immigrant student! We are honored to offer our support to you and acknowledge the challenges that can come with finding and securing supportive housing in Davis. Check out the following resources we have to offer, including a glossary of renting and other housing terms for those unfamiliar with the jargon at the end of this toolkit.

This toolkit was first developed by Ximena Hernandez Ayala, the Basic Needs Community Advocate at the Undocumented Student Resource Center (USRC) at UC Davis, for the 2022-2023 academic year. The toolkit was then updated in the Spring quarter of 2026 by Basic Needs Community Advocate Keren Lopez and the USRC Staff, including other community advocates and a graduate fellow for the academic year of 2025-2026, Aggie Compass, and ASUCD Housing Advising for Undergraduate Students (HAUS).

If you see anything here that you believe to be wrong or outdated, something that is missing, or to provide feedback, please reach out to us via email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Table of Contents

The following links will direct you to your desired section of the current webpage.

Factors to Consider

  • Ask about easy accessibility if you require the use of a wheelchair (ramps, elevators, etc.)
  • Ask about parking accessibility or parking cost. 
  • Safe areas for bikes or scooters. 

Identity-Based Considerations

Undocumented students have different identities and comfort levels; some prefer housemates who share their gender, culture, or language, while others don’t. Lifestyle fit—study habits, socializing, substance use, sleep schedules, values, and boundaries—is often just as important when choosing who to live with.

If you are planning to live in the Residence Halls, we invite you to learn more about Living-Learning and Shared-Interest Communities! 

If you are planning to live off-campus, the next section is about places you can look for housing, as well as some recommendations of apartment complexes where undocu-peers have had good experiences. 

Housemates/Roommates

We recommend that you start looking for roommates and/or housemates at least 6-3 months before moving into your new apartment and that you have important conversations about habits, boundaries, and expectations. This will help to ensure that everyone has a good housing experience! 

Here are some factors you may want to consider:

  • Do you need to live in a single bedroom, or are you willing to live in a shared bedroom? 
  • Consider what factors, such as privacy or sleeping schedules, are important for you. 
  • Do you have a minimum or maximum number of people with whom you are willing to live and/or share personal space with? 
  • Different people have different needs, so think about your own values and boundaries.
  • Consider having a written roommate agreement.
  • Other things to consider: HAUS Resource Guide - Google Docs 

Budget

Create a budget according to your necessities, consider rent amount and utilities (gas, electricity, water, transportation, wi-fi, furniture, etc.). Here is an easy-to-follow guide on how to budget as a beginner: Khan Academy: Budgeting and saving.

Location

Consider your transportation resources and distance from school, job place, library, groceries, bus stops, etc.

Rental Agreement Structure

There are different types of contracts and rental agreements in Davis. Leases can be month‑to‑month or year‑long; month‑to‑month offers flexibility but may come with rent increases, while yearly leases offer stability but require paying through the summer. Most Davis leases run Sept 1–Aug 31, but you can ask about flexibility, and if you leave early, you can usually find a replacement tenant—often through Facebook housing groups.

Month-to-Month Lease

  • Pros
  • Flexible timing — Easy to end at the close of any month, which works well for students who may leave for summer, study abroad, graduate mid‑year, or have shifting plans.
    Lower upfront commitment — You avoid paying for months you don’t need and reduce the risk of penalties if your financial situation changes.
  • Cons
  • Higher monthly rent — Landlords often charge more for the flexibility.
    Harder to find — Fewer landlords offer this option, especially near campus.
    Less predictable — Landlords can end the lease with proper notice (typically 3–9 months).
    Ongoing uncertainty — You may need to reassess your housing more frequently.

Long-Term Lease

  • Pros
  • Stable housing — Guarantees a place for the full academic year, helping you settle into a routine and community.
    Lower rent — Monthly costs are often cheaper, and landlords may offer incentives for longer commitments.
  • Cons
  • Limited flexibility — Harder to adjust if you get an internship, study abroad, or face unexpected changes.
    Financial risk — Breaking the lease can involve fees or finding a replacement tenant.
    Roommate lock‑in — Conflicts are harder to resolve because you’re all tied to the same lease.
    Less freedom to explore — You’re committed to one location even if your needs or preferences shift.

Where to Look for Off-Campus Housing

Facebook Groups 

There are several Davis Facebook groups where folks post openings. Facebook tends to be a safer choice compared to other websites, as you are usually able to see the person’s profile. 
Protect your safety by evaluating opportunities carefully: do not share contact information right away, and request full details of the rental agreement before proceeding. Your safety comes first! You might want to check out this article to learn more about how to avoid rental scams and how to spot “red flags”. 

Associated Students of UC Davis Community Housing Listing (CHL)

CHL is a valuable service available to UC Davis students and the Davis community. They offer an informative Renters' Guide, apartment listings, and helpful tips and contact information to support you as a tenant. Their resources include an active list of off-campus housing near UCD. Additionally, they assist in finding roommates and subleases, making it easier for you to navigate your housing needs.

Word of Mouth

Ask friends, classmates, or other students in organizations/clubs where they are living or finding rentals. This may help you find both a place and people with whom to live.

Apartment Complex List By Davis Area

The following are some of the apartment complexes that folks who have visited the Undocumented Student Resource Center said they would consider undocu-friendly and the information (if any) that they provided about it. Please note that apartment guidelines and policies may change over time, so it is important that you confirm with the leasing office any details you want clarification on before signing a lease.

West Davis Area

  • The Grove
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract (Sep-Aug)
    Credit history is not required
    Rent range: $1,895- $3,050/month
    Application fee: $49
    Deposit amount: $600-$3000
  • Arlington Farm
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract (Sep-Aug)
    Parking is included in the rent 
    Credit history is not required
    Rent range: $600-$2,300/month
    Application fee: $25
    Deposit amount: $600-$2300
    Tandem Properties have a similar application process. Can leave the Social Security portion blank. However, applicants may be required to submit a valid ID, such as a passport or other government-issued identification. Individual lease program available.
  • Sundance Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract (Sep-Aug)
    Parking is included in the rent 
    Credit history is not required
    Rent range: $900-$2,400/month
    Application fee none
    Deposit amount: $500-$600
    Tandem Properties have a similar application process. Can leave the Social Security portion blank. However, applicants may be required to submit a valid ID, such as a passport or other government-issued identification. Individual lease program available.
  • Adobe At Evergreen 
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract (Sep-Aug)
    Parking is included in the rent 
    Credit history is not required
    Rent range: $700-$1,600/month
    Application fee:$25
    Deposit: $400
    Tandem Properties have a similar application process. Can leave the Social Security portion blank. However, applicants may be required to submit a valid ID, such as a passport or other government-issued identification. Individual lease program available.
  • The Willows
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract (Sep-Aug)
    Parking is included in the rent 
    Credit history is not required
    Rent range: $500-$2,900/month
    No application fee
    Deposit: $500-$800
    Tandem Properties have a similar application process. Can leave the Social Security portion blank. However, applicants may be required to submit a valid ID, such as a passport or other government-issued identification. Individual lease program available.

North Davis Area

  • Chautauqua Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is included in the rent
    Credit history is not required
    The rent varies. Call for pricing
    No application fee
    Deposit varies
    An individual lease program may require an SSN and a $25 application fee to run a background check.
  • Fountain Circle Townhomes
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is included in the rent
    Credit history is not 
    required
    Rent varies; see floor plans 
    No application fee
    Deposit varies
    Income must be double the amount of rent.
  • Chaparral Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is a one-time fee of $50
    Credit history is not required
    Rent ranges $990-$3,510/month
    No application fee
    The deposit is one month's rent
    $25 Background check
  • Suntree Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract, may offer shorter lease
    Parking is included in the rent
    No credit history required
    Rent varies and fluctuates a lot. Call for pricing.
    No application fee
    The deposit is one month’s rent
    The individual lease program runs a background check. Willing to refer you to different apartment options that meet your needs.

Central Davis Area

  • La Casa de las Flores
  • Website
    It is ITIN # Friendly
    12-month contract, 1 contract per unit, no individual contract
    1 parking spot per unit, free
    No credit history required
    Fall 2026: $2299/month
    No application fee
    Deposit is $600
    The rent is for the whole apartment. 2 bedrooms+1.5 bath floor plan, completely furnished. 2 residents per bedroom limit. The rent is for the whole apartment, and can be split between residents.
  • University Court
  • Website
    It is ITIN # Friendly
    12-month contract, Sep
    Off-Street parking
    No credit history required
    Rent depends on floor plans
    Application fee $60
    Deposit $400
  • Univeristy Commons
  • Website
    It is ITIN # Friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking $300/year
    No credit history required
    Rent $2200/month
    No application fee
    Deposit $1200
  • 8th and Wake
  • It is ITIN # Friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is free, but requires permits
    Credit will be checked, but it will not affect the applicant
    Rent $880
    Application fee $25
    Deposit $880
    All the apartments are 4 bedrooms/ 2 bathrooms
  • Indentity
  • Website
    It is ITIN # Friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking, $150 single space and $100 shared space
    Credit is not required, but it will be check + there is a guarantor application/program.
    Rent depends on floor plans
    No application fee
    The deposit is two months' rent

Downtown Davis Area

  • The Lexington Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking, $20.00 utility fee/except for electricity
    Credit: On a case-by-case basis (students don't need to provide one).
    Rent range: $3,330- $4,635
    Application fee $25
    Deposit range: $1,200-$1,800
    Utilities are included except for electricity. Lots of Amenities
  • Ryder on Olive: Student Housing
  • Website
    It is not ITIN # friendly, but if there is no guarantor, there is a $64/monthly fee, and it requires twice the deposit amount
    12-month contract
    Parking is $90/private or 60/share
    Credit is required, but if there is no guarantor, $64/month and twice the deposit.
    Rent ranges from $599 to $1,850
    The application fee is $50, but is currently being waived. 
    Deposit $250
    Utilities are included except for electricity.
  • The Arbors
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly, or just enter nine zeros in the application to bypass it.
    12-month contract
    No parking fee
    Credit: Rental Verification if Available.
    Rent: 1 bed/$2,195 and 2 bed/ $2,595(Outside of Gate) and 1bed/$2,525 and 2bed/$2,625
    No application fee
    Deposit: 1bed/$500 and 2bed/$1000
    The lower-rent apartments are outside the gate. Utilities are included except for electricity.
  • Olvie Court Apartments (Low Income Housing) 
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    No parking fee
    Credit is not required, but a background check is required
    Rent: $1,241 (half) and $1524
    Application fee is $25
    A deposit is the same as rent
    Utilities are included except for electricity.

Colleges at La Rue Area

  • The Colleges at La Rue Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is included in the rent. Managed by TAPS
    Credit history not required
    Rent depends on floor plans
    No application fee
    Deposit: $600 for 1x1 Junior, $800 2x2 Flat, and $100 for the 3x2 and 4x2 floorplans
    "No hidden fees" promise. Additional costs, but if there are any, they claim to list them clearly. In the Individual Lease Program, the prices listed are for single occupancy, and the Share and Save program per occupant. Share and Save occupants are required to sign a Joint and Several lease agreement for their shared room.
  • Russell Park
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is included in the rent for one vehicle.
    No credit history required, but a background check is required
    Rent depends on floor plans
    No application fee
    The deposit is one month’s rent

East Davis

  • Sterling 5th Street
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract
    Parking is $50 for general and $100 for personal parking lot
    No credit history required
    Rent ranges $1389- $2979
    Application fee is $50
    The deposit is one month’s rent and refundable at the end of the contract.
    Lots of amenities
  • The Celeste
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    4-7 month contract, very flexible.
    Parking ranges: $91,$133,$318
    Credit history is required, but you can work on an agreement for an extra deposit.
    Rent ranges: $2325-$3190
    Application fee is $50
    No required deposit at the moment.
    Lots of Amenities, water, and electricity are not included
  • The U Davis
  • Website
    Not ITIN # friendly, but can use the SSN of a guarantor
    12-month contract
    Parking ranges from $50 to $85/month
    No credit history required
    Rent ranges: $799-1299
    Application fee $56
    Deposit is one month’s rent, or adding a guarantor
    Really fun amenities, 50-dollar monthly utility covering water, trash, gas, and electricity not included

South Davis Area

  • Cambridge Apartments
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contracts
    Parking is general and reserved for $55
    Credit history is required, and it’s part of the application package
    Rent range: $1,995 - $2,995
    Application fee is $55
    Deposit is $500-$800
    Laundry in unitt, lots of amenities.
  • Renaissance Park Apartments 
  • Website
    Call for ITIN # information
    11-12 month contracts
    No parking fee
    Call for credit history information
    Rent ranges: 1x1: Starting at: $1,785, 2x2: Starting at: $2,401
    Application fee is $50
    Holding a deposit of $300 and $600  to secure
  • Silverstone Apartments 
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    12-month contract only
    Free parking
    Needs a background and credit history check
    Rent is 1x1: $2085
    Application fee is $50
    Holding deposit of $300, first portion of security deposit! $800
    Close to nugget. Great customer service and fee transparency.
  • GreenHaus
  • Website
    It is ITIN # friendly
    Contracts from 11, 12, 15 months
    Parking is free but limited to 1 car per person
    Background and credit history check required
    Rent ranges: $2,300-3,300
    Application fee is $50
    Deposit is $700
    Knowledgeable of renter's right.
  • TangleWood
  • Website
    Call for ITIN # information
    12-month contract
    Free parking
    Needs a credit history and a background check
    Rent ranges: $2,250–$3,399+
    Application fee is $50-$63
    Credit screening for a $1,100+ deposit
  • Seville at Mace Ranch 
  • Website
    Call for ITIN # information
    12-month contracts
    Parking is $30
    Needs a credit history and a background check
    Rent range: $2,675-$3,821
    Application fee is $62
    Deposit is $600-$800+

Would you like to contribute to this list? 

Please email us at [email protected] or [email protected] with an undocumented and immigrant-friendly apartment complex you would like us to showcase to the community.

How to Apply

  1. Identify if a Social Security Number is or isn’t listed as a requirement. Usually, even if they list this, you do not need to provide it. SSNs are frequently used for credit/background checks, but you can often provide alternative forms of identification for background checks (e.g., government name + previous addresses of residence, date of birth, ITIN, etc.).
  2. Assess the pros and cons of the living situation based on the framework under the Housing Factors for Consideration section.
  3. Determine a start and end date for the rental agreement. Take into account the academic calendar and whether or not you plan to live in Davis during summer break. 
  4. Determine any housemates and/or roommates with whom you intend to live. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you have any resources for acquiring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?
  • Here is an ITIN guide from Immigrants Rising.
  •  Is there a standard Davis rental agreement that I can use with housemates and a landlord?
  • The Davis Model Lease is a standardized lease agreement that aims to bring predictability and simplicity into the leasing process by alleviating the stress prospective renters would otherwise face when visiting different properties and being overwhelmed by reviewing differing lease agreements. Here is a link to the Davis Model Lease.
  •   Does the Undocumented Student Resource Center offer any financial resources for paying for housing?
  • Check out our financial resources at undocumented.ucdavis.edu/grants. You can also check the Aggie Compass financial resources at Financial Support Resources.
  • Are there any legal services I can utilize pertaining to these topics?
  • Undergraduate students can utilize free ASUCD Legal Services for a variety of supports (e.g., landlord discrimination, housemate conflicts, etc.). You can also utilize the California Tenants - A Guide to Residential Tenants' and Landlords' Rights and Responsibilities to find out more about housing laws in California, as well as how to deal with legal issues that may arise (e.g., eviction, notices of termination, refund of security deposits, etc.). 

Glossary

  • Amenities: The desirable or useful features of a building or place (e.g., pool, laundry, gym, study lounge, etc.)
  • Common Area: Shared space within a housing unit (e.g., a living room, kitchen, etc.)
  • Co-Signing: Securing a separate party’s agreement to hold financial responsibility for a rental if the renting party does not make the necessary payments
  • Cooperative (Co-Op): Housing cooperatives are democratically controlled corporations established to provide housing for members. Housing Co-Ops are operated by consensus and collective action as independent entities as well as a community. You can find more information and options at schadavis.org/tri-coops
  • Double: A bedroom space with 2 beds, frequently occupied by 2 people
  • Eviction: The act of being expelled from a housing property, usually related to missing payments
  • Furnished: It means that the apartment includes furniture at no additional cost, unless noted
  • Grace Period: A set amount of time that tenants have after their rent is due to pay their rent before being charged a late fee 
  • Housemate: A person with whom you live in an apartment/house but do not share a bedroom
  • HAVC: It stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
  • In-Unit: Resources that are available within the apartment/house (e.g., in-unit washer and dryer); different from “on-site” (described below) 
  • ITIN: An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresidents, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Kitchenette: A smaller kitchen with a fridge and a stove top, but not necessarily a dishwasher, oven, etc.
  • Landlord: Corporation/entity/person who owns the building/land where someone may rent
  • Lease: A lease is a contractual agreement between a renter and an owner of private property. The Davis Model Lease is a renter-friendly lease commonly used by renters and property owners in Davis; you can find it in the FAQ section of this document.
  • Living-Learning Communities: Living-Learning Communities and Shared-Interest Communities are communities within the residence halls that provide an opportunity for students with similar interests to live in the same hall or on the same floor. The communities allow students to enjoy unique activities, as well as more traditional social and recreational opportunities. Check out the list of LLCs here. 
  • Off-Site: Resources that are not available within an apartment complex or property owned by the landlord
  • On-Site: Resources that are available within an apartment complex or property owned by the landlord (e.g., a laundry unit outside of your apartment/house)
  • Online Portal: An interactive web page that provides authenticated users with online access to housing management systems, including applications, assignments, forms, and other information
  • Pet Policy: Provisions within a lease that dictate the rules around pets for tenants 
  • Pet Deposit: A  fee for allowing pets to live in the facility in case of any animal-related damage that might be done to the property
  • Premise: An apartment or house upon which land is built; synonymous with “building” or “property.”
  • Property Management: The person or entity responsible for managing tenant relations and the property at large (e.g., maintenance requests, rent payments, answering questions, etc.). Sometimes this is the property owner themself, but - in Davis - this is often a company that is paid to perform this labor.
  • Prorated Rent: The amount an owner charges when a resident occupies a rental property for only a partial term (quarter, month, week, day, etc.)
  • Quiet Hours: Local or property-specific policy mandating maximum noise volumes within particular hours, typically during the nighttime
  • Rent: A regular payment to a landlord for use of a property, typically paid every month.
  • Renter’s/Tenant’s Insurance: It’s a type of insurance policy that helps cover unexpected events (known as covered perils)  such as a fire, theft, a break-in, or a visitor's injury.
  • Single: Refers to either a single bedroom occupied in an apartment/house or to a style of apartment designed with only 1 private bedroom.
  • Security Deposit: a returnable sum payable when a place is rented, to cover any possible damage
  • Studio: A small apartment with a bedroom located in a common living space. Usually contains a common living area, kitchenette, and bathroom in the entire unit.
  • Subletting: Transferring a portion of a lease to another renting party either formally (e.g., through a sublease agreement) or informally (e.g., giving someone the keys to your apartment and moving out without telling your landlord). Informal subletting is frequently discouraged, and formal subletting is not always an option, depending on your individual lease agreement.
  • Tenant: A tenant is someone who occupies property owned by a landlord
  • Townhouse: a tall, narrow, traditional row house, having two or more floors.
  • Utilities: Housing resources supporting your living in the space (e.g., internet, gas, electric, trash pick-up, water, etc.). Sometimes the costs associated with these resources are included in rent, and sometimes they’re not: it’s important to clarify this before signing a lease!