Prepare for Housing

To assist you in securing a place to live while studying in Pasadena, we have provided a few housing options and resources. Students are responsible for security their living accommodations in preparation for arrival. These resources are for informational purposes and PCC assumes no liability or affiliation. 

Private Apartments

This housing option is popular for students who are independent and seek a space of their own. Most students choose this option after they have established connections in the area and have made friends during their first year. Most students rent an apartment for six-month to one-year periods of time.

When selecting your apartment, make sure it is in a desirable location and close to bus lines, shopping and social activities. Most students who choose this option will live with one or more roommates, but living alone is also an option for those who would like more personal space. Since choosing an apartment is such a personal decision, with so many options and possibilities to choose from, it is the students' responsibility to make their own living arrangements. 

Apartment Types

  • Studio: one open living area with a bathroom and kitchen
  • 1 Bed: one bedroom with a bathroom (or more) and a kitchen
  • 2 Beds or more: two bedrooms (or more) with a bathroom (or more) and a kitchen

Students can rent a studio or a one-bedroom apartment, share an apartment with another person, or rent a room in a house. The selection of apartments and rentals is extensive, and the price the price range varies. For planning purposes, the average price of a room in Pasadena is $1,100 per month. 

Location Recommendations

If you want to live within walking/biking distance from PCC, look for apartments in the city of Pasadena and with the boundaries of East Colorado Boulevard, South Allen, East Del Mar Avenue, or South Hill Street areas.

If you are looking for other neighborhoods near PCC and that require public transportation or a car, you can search for apartments in the following cities: Altadena, San Gabriel, Arcadia, San Marino, Alhambra, Eagle Rock, Monrovia, Sierra Madre, Rosemead, Duarte.

Resources

Cadence Student Housing
https://lacm.edu/housing
Contact: Rachel Baldwin
housing@lacm.edu
(626) 568-8850

Acapella Pasadena Apartments
https://www.equityapartments.com/los-angeles/pasadena
(818) 864-4686 

Old Pasadena Collection Apartments
https://www.oldpasadenacollection.com
Contact: Patrick Chang
patrick@inveserve.com
(626) 458-3435 Extension: 118

Beven & Brock Property Management
https://rentbandb.com/apply/
Click on "Browse Vacancies" for rental listings
Contact: Rosa Olivarez
(626) 243-4143

Pasadena Green Plaza Apartments
https://www.pgpapartments.com
Contact: Amy Yu
PGPapartments@gmail.com
(626) 808-1624

InveServe
https://www.inveserve.com/for-rent
Contact: Patrick Chang
patrick@inveserve.com
(626) 458-3435 Extension: 118

Zumper
https://www.zumper.com/apartments-for-rent/pasadena-ca

For Rent University
https://www.forrentuniversity.com/ca/pasadena-student-housing

Circles of Trust
https://www.cirtru.com/rooms-for-rent/pasadena-ca

Look Carefully at the Rental Property

  • Check if everything is working properly (air conditioner/heater, faucets, toilet, hot water etc.)
  • Check to see if your room is clean and ready for you to move in
  • Point out to the landlord any cracks/damages already there and take photos of them for your own records for evidence

Confirm Rental Terms

This list of questions will clarify some of the information all renters and lessees need when they enter into a new rental or lease agreement:

  • How much is the rent? Are the utilities (gas/electricity/wifi/trash) included?
  • How much is the deposit? Is it refundable?
  • How long is the lease? What if I need to move out earlier?
  • When can I move in? When is the rent due each month?
  • What is the penalty on late rent payment?
  • Who do I call for a repair? Who pays for repairs? How long will it take for a repair?
  • Can I use the living room/kitchen/laundry room?

What documents you need to apply? 

Most apartment owners require applicants (also called the renter or tenant) to provide copy of their bank statements, proof of a credit score or credit history, and/or a social security number. Most new international students do not have all these items. If you find an apartment that you are interested in renting, communicate with the rental agency or landlord that you are an international student and can provide other documents to verify your credibility.

In such cases, you may need to show proof of a U.S. bank account with at least 5 times ore more the amount of the monthly rent. In some situations, you may also be asked to put in 3 times or more of the minimum deposit amount in order to secure the apartment.

Other documents that may be needed to rent or lease:

  • Copy of your passport and/or visa
  • Copy of your I-20
  • Proof of good credit history or 5 times the monthly rent in your U.S. bank account
  • Social Security Number (if you have one; may be waived)
  • A co-signer who is an U.S. citizen or permanent resident (may be waived)

If you are satisfied with the arrangement, you can sign the lease or rental agreement. You should receive your key as soon as you sign the lease and pay the deposit and/or first month’s rent. Be sure to put everything in writing, and request a copy of the written leasing agreement.

Beware of Scams

Bad actors exist no matter what country you are. Beware of fake listings and scammers. If the listing is too good to be true, be careful.

Read the Pasadena Housing Authority's Tips to Spot Rental Scammers. If you suspect you have been scammed, report it here immediately!

Home Stay or Home Share

This option offers the international student the opportunity to live with an American family. The student can learn firsthand what family life in the United States is like. Homestay is a great way to make friends and improve English skills. Some homestays are within walking distance of the campus; others are within an easy public bus ride of PCC.

Every homestay is different -- some families have children and others do not, some families provide the student with a room and home-cooked meals, and others provide the room only.

Resources

Global Bridge Associates
https://www.gba-us.com
Contact: Connie Aguilar
connie.gba@gmail.com
(626) 476-0531

Universal Student Housing
http://www.ushstudent.com
Contact: Emerson Torres
emerson@homestaymatch.com
(310) 824-4908

Student International Housing
http://www.studentinternationalhousing.com
Contact: Yona Tada
SIHousing3@gmail.com
(310) 320-4700 
Provides Under 18 Year Old Guardianship

ISP Homestays
https://www.isphomestays.com
Contact: Janaki Padia
admin@isphomestays.com
Provides Under 18 Year Old Guardianship 

IHPS Homestays
https://ihpshomestays.com
Contact: Cyndi Fox
cyndi@ihpshomestays.com
Provides Under 18 Year Old Guardianship

Homestay Match
https://homestaymatch.com
Contact: Emerson Torres
emerson@homestaymatch.com
(310) 824-4908

International Housing Placement Service
http://www.IHPSHomestays.com
(626) 795-5198

Living with Roommates

This option is for students interested in finding a roommate on their own and renting a room. SpareRoom allows you to search for your preferences and share a space with at least one other person. You can read biographical information and policies before you make an agreement.

Meet other fellow PCC students who are searching for roommates through PCC International Student Community. You will receive an invitation to join once you are admitted as a new student. 

Hotels Near PCC

Hotels provide a temporary option for when you arrive at PCC until you are able to secure more permanent housing. 

Pasadena Hotel & Pool
https://pasadenahotel.com
928 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 884-4150

Super 8 by Windham Pasadena/LA Area
http://super8pasadena.com
2863 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 449-3020 

The Hilton Hotel
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pasphhf-hilton-pasadena
168 S. Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 577-1000 

The Saga Motor Hotel
https://thesagamotorhotel.com
1633 East Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 795-0431

Hotel Dena
https://www.hoteldena.com
303 Cordova Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 469-8100

Courtyard by Marriott Old Pasadena
https://www.marriott.com
180 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 403-7600

Disclaimer: PCC does not endorse any resource, person, entity or listing. PCC does not make any representations or warranties concerning housing, nor it bears any liability. Resources are for informational purposes. Beware of scams.