Update

Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities will be administered in compliance with the law as of June 27, 2025.

Office of Student Life

Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter
Student Engagement

Property Owners/Property Managers

How do I join the Ohio State Off-Campus Housing Network?  

To register for The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network, visit Registration for Property Owners on the OCCSE website (offcampus.osu.edu). You will be able to create a vendor account, agree to fulfill the commitments of The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network, and share additional required information. After this is all completed, you will receive an invoice within 24-48 hours and can submit your payment.  

Please note: All new property owners or returning members must also complete an introductory meeting with an OCCSE representative. This meeting helps ensure a shared understanding of program expectations, benefits, and compliance requirements before the membership becomes active.  

How do I continue to have my properties shown in the OCCSE housing search?  

All property owners that register with OCCSE will agree to the commitments of The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network and provide the additional required information. Once this process is completed and the invoice is paid, you will be able to add your properties to your dashboard. We will review these edits or additions, and afterwards the properties will be listed in the OCCSE housing search function.  

  

How do I get to participate in the Off-Campus Living Expo?  

All property owners that participate in the Off-Campus Living Expo are required to be in-network with The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network. In-network property owners will have the opportunity to purchase a table or sponsorship for the event.  

  

Is there a cost to the program?  

A registration fee is required for all program participants. This fee helps cover the cost of administering the network and related programming. If you require accommodations for payment, please contact our team directly at offcampushousingnetwork@osu.edu.

  

What are the criteria for the program?  

All property owners that register with OCCSE will agree to the commitments of The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network and provide information about their business model. 

  

What does the safety inspection entail?  

City of Columbus Code Enforcement officers, accompanied by staff from the Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement (OCCSE) office, conduct random safety inspections of a portion of in-network properties located within the City of Columbus. Property owners will receive ample advance notice before any scheduled inspection.

For properties outside the City of Columbus' jurisdiction, property owners or managers are responsible for arranging their own annual safety inspection. These inspections must be conducted by the local municipality having jurisdiction (e.g., fire department or housing inspector) and must be completed within the network year. If no municipal inspection is available, a third-party inspection may be accepted with prior coordination through OCCSE. Documentation is required, and OCCSE reserves the right to request additional information or clarification.

  

What are the benefits of the Ohio State Off-Campus Housing Network?  

OCCSE will commit to providing the following benefits to property owners in-network within The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network.    

  • Property owner resource center (with continued enhancement to content and delivery methods)  
  • Scheduled safety device distribution events at various in-network properties/offices   
  • Access to marketing opportunities on OCCSE's website, in the Digital Living Guides, and attendance and sponsorship at the Off-Campus Living Expos      
  • Variety of marketing insights   
  • Monthly Community Roundtables   
  • More intentional opportunities for in-network entities to provide feedback, ask questions, etc. 
  • Enhanced communication and information sharing with a minimum of two individual meetings with OCCSE annually  
  • Exclusive meetings with Student Life to receive relevant and timely information for in-network entities.   
  • Direct email messaging throughout the year with timely and relevant information   
  • Clear public acknowledgment on offcampus.osu.edu of who is in-network and what that means.   
  • City of Columbus Code Enforcement officers accompanied by staff from OCCSE will conduct random safety inspections  
  • Educational materials for tenants (develop videos, online modules, social media posts including reels for Instagram, etc.)  
  • Opportunity for property owners to provide feedback on education topic areas   
  • Educational and engagement opportunities for students prior to living off campus will include information about the Ohio State Housing network
  • Off-Campus Student Resource Hub (with continued enhancement to content and delivery methods)   

  

When can I join the Off-Campus Housing Network?

The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network year runs August 1-July 31. The deadline for companies to join The Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network for the upcoming network year is August 1. Membership for the network year will have a fixed term ending on July 31 for this network year.

For those seeking to join after the August 1st deadline, please note that the cost and enrollment requirements remain unchanged. However, your participation will commence on July 31 , aligning with the network's annual term.

We encourage interested companies to ensure timely enrollment to maximize their benefits within the Ohio State University Off-Campus Housing Network.

 

What are the Community Roundtables?  

Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement hosts Community Roundtables, providing property owners/managers the opportunity to network with colleagues while also engaging in important discussions around timely topic areas. Invitations are sent via email.  

 

What happens if a student does not feel like their property owner is fulfilling the commitments they agreed to as a part of the Ohio State Off-Campus Housing Network?  

City of Columbus Code Enforcement officers accompanied by staff from OCCSE will conduct random safety inspections of a portion of in-network properties. In addition, there is a process for students to report issues or concerns about specific in-network properties. Failure to meet the program’s criteria or to remedy problems may result in the property being removed from the network. When OCCSE receives a report, they will reach out to the property owner/manager to notify them and work with them to resolve the reported concern.  

 

What happens if I do not meet the agreed upon commitments?

If a property owner does not meet commitments during the Network cycle, a Network Removal Notice will be issued and owners will not be eligible for refund of remaining Network dues.

 

What happens if my registration has expired?

If your registration has been expired for more than 90 days, you will be required to meet with an OCCSE representative to review the benefits and commitments of the Off-Campus Housing Network. If your registration has been expired for more than 2 years, in addition to meeting with an OCCSE representative, you will also need to upload a new blank copy of your lease and fill out a new Property Owner Survey through your Vendor Dashboard.