Whether you’re a first-timer or on your victory lap, the house hunting process never seems to get any easier, no matter how many times you’ve gone through it.  We’ve all heard landlord horror stories and have read those scary online reviews, and trust us we know how important finding a great place with an equally great landlords is.
Over at Rent College Pads, we’ve taken the time to sift through numerous reviews and have personally met with these folks so you don’t have to! Don’t just take our word for it though, keep on reading to check out our picks for the top ten landlords for off-campus housing in Gainesville that are tailored towards University of Florida student renters.
Check out more off-campus housing in Gainesville here!
Founded by Nathan Collier back in 1972, The Colliers Companies (TCC) has grown to be the largest privately owned student housing provider! Over the years TCC has made countless “best of lists” so you know these folks must be doing something right. With so many off-campus housing options your toughest choice is going to be picking which place you like the most. Collier residents can expect the royal treatment from their staff and countless apartment amenities like free parking (score!), pools and sundecks, laundry facilities, and 24-hour maintenance!
Our favorite review:
“I currently live at Arlington Square. I absolutely love it. The office staff is amazing and maintenance is always ready to go. Nettie their assistant manager is always willing to help. Amy their manager is always there for you and participating in all resident events. Eddie on their maintenance staff is also incredible. Look at Arlington Square it’s a great place.”
Spyglass (Contemporary Management Concepts)
Live life in luxury when you choose to spend your college years living at Spyglass! Spyglass is so much more than just your regular college apartment and more like an off-campus resort. Managed by leading company, Contemporary Management Concepts, you can be rest assured you’re in good hands. With furnished units, swimming pool, hot tub, multiple sports court, and even a car wash, you just might never want to leave this paradise.
Our favorite review:
“Exemplary staff, worked really well to make sure I was matched with preferred roommates. Living here so far has been such a nice experience. Kudos to management and staff for running a smooth business and a wonderful complex.”
The Standard offers Florida students anything but a typical off-campus living experience! Live in style in one of their studios to six-bedroom units to pick from. For privacy and convenience, each person will have their own private bedroom and bathroom. Residents of the Standard get full access to their sweet amenities like a VIP rooftop pool and lounge, golf simulator, Internet cafe, free tanning, and so much more! Don’t worry about a bunch of separate bills to keep track of and collecting money from roommates because the majority of utilities, cable, and internet are included and everyone gets their one lease agreement.
Our favorite review:
“Excellent Location, great amenities and furnishings, no street noise, classic modern interior décor. Construction was still going on at first, but now the Standard is a thriving small community with wonderful neighbors celebrating their freedom of expression throughout their college term. Any UF student would feel greatly welcome and comfortable here.”
Specifically designed with students in mind, the people over at University Commons know what the students want. Countless students have raved about the affordability so if you want to ball on budget University Commons is the place to be. Gather up your crew and opt for a two or four-bedroom unit, and if you’re new to the area they wonderful staff will help set you up with a roomie through their matching program. Best part? Each unit comes fully furnished so you can skip the hassle of moving and buying a ton of stuff.
Our favorite review:
“University Commons has been by far, my favorite student-Housing, since moving to Gainesville. Not only do I love all their amenities and resident events they hold, but their customer service is great! The front office is so nice, as well as the maintenance team! Would definitely recommend this community! I’ll miss this place when I leave, for sure!
Circa Properties has been in the student housing game for years now so you can bet they know what students are looking for when it comes to finding their new home away from home! A local company, Circa has sought out to give their tenants the best housing possible at an even better price. From a mixture of houses and apartments, anyone can find a rental won’t break the bank and fits their style. All of their locations are conveniently located close to the University of Florida so getting to class is a breeze!
Our favorite review:
“I’ve lived in multiple locations owned by Circa Properties and had a great experience. The leasing office and maintenance staff are some of best around and if you ever need anything, they have no problem helping you out. The property is well maintained and you can’t beat the location. I highly recommend renting with Circa if you’re looking for a place to live.”
The Niche brings a whole new meaning to off-campus housing like no other for students living in Gainesville. After recent renovations, The Niche now offers students a 24-hour Resident Lounge that students can take advantage of, which includes TV’s, gaming systems and a free coffee bar to get you going in the morning or fuel your late night studies. As if that wasn’t enough, other amenities included are a student study center, 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor pool with a jumbo big-screen TV,  the perfect spot for a pool party on gameday. Add in an exceptional staff and you can’t go wrong with The Niche!
Our favorite review:
“The rental office staff was fantastic.  China showed me around and was very entertaining and enthusiastic about the Niche. She informed me of the events that take place there and around town. The apartments are nice and as I’m on a budget the affordability makes it perfect for me. China’s professionalism, knowledge and fantastic personality has me hooked into renting.”
For nearly 20 years now, Campus Realty Group has risen to be one of the top management companies in Gainesville. The team at Campus Realty has extensive knowledge on the area and know more than a thing or two when it comes to what students are looking for. Groups big or small and choose between their large portfolio of houses and apartments each with their own unique characteristics but all with the great Campus Realty care, we give them a stamp of approval!
Our favorite review:
“Best realty company I’ve rented from in Gainesville. Staff is friendly and knows us. Very helpful.”
Priding themselves in providing A+ student living, The Nook meets the mark of being one of the best apartments in Gainesville. Offering a lighted basketball court, 24-hour computer lounge,  and a resort-sized swimming pool, it’s a no-brainer that students would choose living here. As if the place couldn’t get any better The Nook also recently went under some renovations and units now include brand new stainless steel appliance, new flooring, and with the memory foam mattresses, you might never want to get out of bed!
Our favorite review:
“I have really enjoyed my time here at the nook! The staff is very friendly! Whether I’m stopping in the office or see maintenance driving around the complex, always smiling and make sure to say hi! And the staff is always planning social events, like bbq’s and foodie events! I enjoyed my time at the nook and would definitely recommend the location as well as the experience!”.
Union Properties has been in the biz for over 35 years and throughout the years has become one of Gainesville’s top property management companies. Having so much experience they know what the students are looking for and they have numerous properties near campus ranging from apartment complexes, triplexes, and duplexes. Whatever your heart desires the attentive and welcoming staff at Union Properties can help you find exactly what you want!
Our favorite review:
“Amazing company. I renewed my lease! I love it here. They always respond quickly to questions/concerns and the location couldn’t be better! Assigned parking spaces are so convenient and easy, especially for the location because street parking is impossible to find. Would recommend to anyone!”
As if this list wasn’t enough, check out more off-campus housing in Gainesville here!
Ali Bartmer
Chips and salsa aficionado, Ali Bartmer joined the Rent College Pads team in the fall of 2016 as the Operations Assistant and has since become a Content crafter. Cat mom of one, Ali prides herself in being a Bloody Mary connoisseur and with her Masters from Hogwarts there’s nothing Ali can’t do.