Pitt Preferred Property Program
What is the Pitt Preferred Property Program?
The Pitt Preferred Property Program is a voluntary initiative from the University of Pittsburgh’s Off-Campus Student Services designed to recognize rental properties that meet basic standards for safety, habitability, and tenant support. By participating in this program, landlords or property managers commit to meeting these standards and to working with the University.
While the University does not guarantee the quality of any individual rental experience, properties enrolled in the program are recommended to students based on their demonstrated willingness to uphold these expectations. Participating properties must reapply each year, verifying compliance with our standards.
How Can I Find Preferred Properties?
You can view the full list of Pitt Preferred Properties on our official Pitt Preferred Property List.
To filter for Pitt Preferred Properties on College Pads, follow these steps:
What Properties Are Eligible?
Properties must:
- Be listed on Pitt’s official off-campus housing platform, College Pads
- Be available for rent to University of Pittsburgh students
As a Landlord or Property Manager, how can I apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the program year. A separate application must be submitted for each property address.
The 2025-2026 Pitt Preferred Properties Application is linked here.
Before applying, please make sure of the following:
- The Fees section of your College Pads listing is complete and accurate
- You have read the Pledge Agreement and program requirements
- You have all required documents ready to upload
Required Documents and Photos
- Occupancy Permit for the property
- Rental Registration documentation
- Copy of the current lease template for the property
- Proof of building insurance
- Photo of the property exterior
- Photos of exterior lighting
- Photos of locking mechanisms between the interior living space and the exterior
- Photos of the garbage and recycling bins (or dumpsters)
- Photo clearly showing the street address number on the exterior of the property
We aim to review most applications within 5 business days. If your application is incomplete or if any clarification is needed, our office will contact you directly.
Program Requirements
Properties will self-certify meeting the following standards:
- Be registered and compliant with the City of Pittsburgh’s Residential Housing Rental Permit Program.
- Hold a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
- Maintain active building insurance coverage.
- Adhere to the legal occupancy limit of no more than three unrelated individuals per unit, per City of Pittsburgh ordinance.
- Include a written maintenance policy in the lease that outlines how tenants can report issues and make a commitment to address all requests in good faith.
- For issues that pose potential health or safety risks and cannot be resolved within 24 hours (e.g., loss of heat, major leaks, pests, mold, broken locks), provide interim safety measures to protect tenant safety.
- Provide tenants with a 24/7 emergency contact number for urgent issues.
- Ensure each unit has at least two secure locking mechanisms between the interior and exterior.
- Maintain functional exterior lighting at all front and rear entryways to ensure safe nighttime access.
- A clearly visible street address number on the exterior of the building (e.g., door, wall, or signage), viewable from the street.
- Provide at least one 35-gallon trash can and recycling bin with fitted lids per unit
- For buildings with more than six units, provide access to a well-maintained dumpster emptied at least weekly.
- Include the City of Pittsburgh Quality-of-Life Ordinance (Section 619.08) in the lease.
- Clearly outline move-in/move-out procedures, including walkthrough expectations and deposit refund policies.
- Provide a 24-hour notice clause for non-emergency entry by landlords or staff.
- Provide a lead-based paint disclosure form for any property build before 1978, as required by federal law, and attach it to the lease.
- Disclose a holding deposit policy, if applicable (amount, timeline, and refund conditions).
- Provide tenants with a full cost breakdown on College Pads, including:
- Rent and security deposit
- Fees (application, admin, parking, upgrades, etc.)
- Utility responsibilities
- Rent adjustment clauses (e.g., due to taxes)
- Notify Off-Campus Student Services of any changes in property management and update contact information as needed.
- Participate in at least one quarterly landlord meeting hosted by Off-Campus Student Services.
- Share information about the Pitt Preferred Property Program with incoming tenants, using materials provided by Off-Campus Student Services.
Enforcement Policy
Off-Campus Student Services regularly monitors compliance with Pitt Preferred Property Program standards.
Current tenants who believe their property no longer meets program requirements should contact us at preferredproperties@pitt.edu.
Landlords who violate program requirements may receive a formal notice and a 30-day period to correct the issue. If the issue is not resolved within that timeframe, the property may be suspended from the program for one year. Certain violations, such as submitting falsified documentation, may result in immediate suspension.
Disclaimer
The University of Pittsburgh does not own, manage, endorse, or guarantee any rental property listed in the Pitt Preferred Properties program. Participation in the program indicates only that a landlord or property manager has voluntarily committed to meeting the standards outlined in the program’s qualifications, as detailed in this document. This designation is not a guarantee or warranty regarding the condition, safety, legality, or suitability of any specific rental unit. The University of Pittsburgh is not responsible for the accuracy of information submitted by landlords or for any outcomes related to rental agreements. Students and families are strongly encouraged to exercise independent judgment and conduct their own evaluations before entering into any lease or rental arrangement.
Questions? Contact us at preferredproperties@pitt.edu.