Finding a Place to Live

If you prefer to take some time to find accommodation after you arrive in Pasadena, you can stay in a hotel (or motel, usually cheaper than a hotel) near Caltech; some of them offer Caltech discount. There are many other hotels and motels around the Caltech campus but they do not necessary offer negotiated discounts; we encourage you to double-check.

Caltech Marketplace is a platform where Caltech and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) members post advertisements and receive information about rental accommodation and items for sale such as car, furniture, and household. To sign up, you need to have 'yourname@caltech.edu' email address. However, you can send an email to: marketplace-request@caltech.edu and write in the Subject: "Help: International Relocation". Expect about 1-2 weeks before the enrollment is finalized.

Caltech Postdoc Association has a Facebook page where departing scholars post ads about all kinds; mainly are about rentals, and selling furniture (at a very low price usually). CPA also has a weekly mailing list in which rooms and apartments for rent are advertised, as well as furniture, cars, and other items. (There are also many social, family and academic events offered to the Caltech and JPL Postdocs community). We encourage you to sign up to the CPA mailing list even before arriving at Caltech or JPL. It's a good way to get smoothly started. The link to subscribe is available from Caltech/JPL IP addresses. However, you can register to CPA mailing list before your official Caltech/JPL registration: please send a blank email to cpa-announcement-request@caltech.edu with the subject "subscribe".

Rentals for one year, one month or less

Sharing accommodation, living with roommates

Realtors

If you want to be put in touch with realtors, we will be happy to provide some names.

Furniture and Utilities

Visit our Home section.

Distance from Caltech Campus. If you want to live within walking/biking distance from Caltech (~ 1 mile), you should look for an apartment with the boundaries of North Walnut Avenue / East Sierra Madre Blvd / South California Avenue / West Los Robles Avenue.

Other nearby communities include Altadena (5 miles north Pasadena), La Canada (8 miles west Pasadena), Sierra Madre (north east border with Pasadena), South Pasadena (South East border with Pasadena) and San Marino (south border with Pasadena). If you are willing to commute, you might be able to find cheaper housing in communities farther away.

Distance from JPL. JPL is located in Altadena, 7 miles away west from Caltech. Many fellows live in La Canada, Altadena (east of JPL) or Pasadena.

Security Deposits. Many off-campus rentals may require you to pay a security deposit. Typically, the security deposit is equivalent of two-month's rent. Discuss the details with the property owner (known as the landlord or landlady) or the property manager. Some property managers may require that your monthly salary be up to two-and-a-half times the monthly rent. For example, if your monthly salary is $3,750, then you would qualify for an apartment that rents for $1,500 per month.

Insurance. Usually, home insurance is included in the rental price; however, we encourage you to check with your landlord. If you wish to insure your personal belongings, Caltech Housing may recommend Allianz College Students Insurance, as well as Allstate, American Automobile Association (pronounced Triple A), Esurance, Farmers, Geico, Mercury, State Farm and 21st Century.

Tenant and Landlord Rights.
Information on Landlord and Tenant Law gives comprehensive information about the rights of tenants and landlords.
The California Department of Consumer Affairs provides a comprehensive summary important considerations.
The Housing Rights Center gives specific services to residents and you can call a representative at 1 (800) 477-5977. You may also visit Pasadena Office located at the : Jackie Robinson Center - 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103. Phone: (626) 791-0211