The Scion Group is a student housing company that owns and operates apartment complexes near college campuses

The Scion Group is a real estate company that builds and manages student housing communities. They own properties in multiple states, typically located within walking distance or a short bus ride from university campuses. If you are looking at student housing options, you may encounter a Scion property as one of the choices available near your school.

Scion operates as a private landlord, not a university-affiliated housing office. This means they set their own lease terms, pricing, and policies — separate from your school's on-campus housing system. Understanding how their leases work and what to expect from their properties will help you decide whether a Scion community fits your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scion Group owns student housing apartments near colleges but is not part of the university itself — they are a private company.
  • Scion leases are typically 12 months long and require a security deposit, and lease terms vary by property and location.
  • You can find Scion properties through their website, through your university's off-campus housing listings, or by searching for student apartments near your campus.
  • Scion communities often include amenities like furnished units, internet, utilities, or fitness facilities, but these vary by location and lease type.
  • If you have a dispute with Scion or need to break a lease, your state's tenant laws and the lease document itself will determine your rights and obligations.

How Scion leases work and what they typically include

A Scion lease is a binding contract between you and the company. Most Scion leases run for 12 months, though some properties may offer shorter or longer terms depending on the market and the specific community. Before you sign, you will need to review the lease document itself — the terms, rent amount, move-in costs, and house rules are all spelled out there.

Move-in costs usually include first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes a non-refundable process or administrative fee. The security deposit amount varies by property but is typically one month's rent. Some Scion properties bundle utilities (water, trash, internet) into the rent; others charge them separately. Read the lease carefully to see what is included and what you will pay extra for each month.

Many Scion communities advertise furnished units, package rooms, fitness centers, or other amenities. These are real benefits, but they are not may provide at every location. A property in one city may have very different amenities than one in another state. Always ask what is actually included at the specific address where you would be living.

Finding a Scion property and understanding the process process

You can find Scion properties by visiting their main website and searching by university name or city. You can also search "student housing near [your university]" on Google Maps or Apartments.com, and Scion communities will appear in the results. Many universities also maintain lists of off-campus housing options, which may include Scion properties.

Once you find a property you are interested in, you will contact the leasing office directly — usually by phone, email, or through their website. They will ask you to complete an process, which typically requires proof of income (yours or a parent's), a credit check authorization, and references. Some properties require a co-signer if your income does not meet their threshold (often 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent).

The leasing office will review your process and let you know whether you are approved. If approved, you will sign the lease and pay the move-in costs. The timeline from process to lease signing usually takes one to two weeks, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you respond and how busy the leasing office is.

What happens if you need to break a lease or have a complaint

Breaking a lease early — moving out before the 12 months are up — usually means you owe a penalty. The lease document will state what that penalty is. It might be a flat fee, a percentage of remaining rent, or you might be responsible for finding a replacement tenant. Some leases allow you to break early without penalty under specific circumstances (like a medical hardship), but you have to request this in writing and provide documentation.

If you have a maintenance issue (broken appliance, plumbing problem, heating failure), contact the leasing office or maintenance line. Most leases require the landlord to make repairs within a certain timeframe — usually 24 to 48 hours for urgent issues. Document the problem with photos and keep copies of your maintenance requests.

If Scion does not make repairs or if you have a dispute over charges, your state's tenant laws protect you. These laws vary by state and cover things like security deposit returns, required notice periods, and what repairs are the landlord's responsibility. Your state's attorney general office or a local legal aid organization can tell you what your rights are.

Comparing Scion to other student housing options

Student housing near a college campus comes in several forms: university-owned dorms, private companies like Scion, independent landlords renting single houses or small buildings, and co-living spaces. Each has different costs, lease terms, and amenities.

University dorms are usually cheaper than private student housing and include utilities and meal plans, but they have strict rules and limited privacy. Private companies like Scion offer more independence and often nicer amenities, but rent is higher and you sign a full 12-month lease even if you only need housing for the school year. Independent landlords may offer flexibility or lower prices, but you have less recourse if something goes wrong. Co-living spaces are newer and often the most expensive, but they emphasize community and social events.

The right choice depends on your budget, how much independence you want, and what amenities matter to you. Visit a few properties in person, compare the lease terms side by side, and ask current residents what they like and dislike about living there.

Understanding your rights as a tenant in a Scion property

When you sign a lease with Scion, you become a tenant, and your state's landlord-tenant laws explore. These laws cover your right to a safe, habitable living space; your right to privacy; the landlord's responsibility to make repairs; and the process for eviction. The lease cannot override these rights — if it tries to, the law takes precedence.

Your security deposit must be returned within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 45 days after you move out) minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Scion must provide an itemized list of any deductions. If they do not return your deposit on time or make unreasonable deductions, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or small claims court.

If you fall behind on rent, Scion can begin eviction proceedings, but they must follow your state's legal process — they cannot lock you out or remove your belongings without a court order. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. If you are struggling to pay rent, contact Scion's leasing office when ready to discuss your options; some properties work with tenants on payment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get out of a Scion lease if I need to leave early?

Most Scion leases include an early termination fee if you move out before the lease ends. The amount varies by property and is stated in your lease. Some properties allow you to break the lease without penalty if you have a documented hardship (medical, military deployment, etc.), but you must request this in writing with proof. Contact your leasing office to ask what options are available at your specific property.

Are utilities included in Scion rent?

It depends on the property. Some Scion communities include water, trash, and internet in the rent; others charge these separately. A few include all utilities; some include none. The lease will clearly state what is included. Always ask the leasing office to confirm before you sign, because utility costs can add $100 to $300 per month to your housing expense.

What if Scion does not return my security deposit?

Your state's tenant laws require Scion to return your deposit within a specific timeframe (usually 30 to 45 days) with an itemized list of any deductions. If they do not, send them a written demand for the deposit. If they still do not respond, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general or file a small claims court case. Keep all documentation: your lease, photos of the unit when you moved in and out, and copies of any written communication with Scion.

Do I need a co-signer to rent from Scion?

Many Scion properties require a co-signer if your income does not meet their threshold, which is often 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent. If you are a student without significant income, a parent or guardian can co-sign. The co-signer is legally responsible for the rent if you do not pay. Ask the leasing office what their income requirements are before you explore.

Can Scion evict me without going to court?

No. Your state's tenant laws require Scion to follow a legal eviction process, which includes serving you notice, filing with the court, and obtaining a court order before they can remove you from the property. They cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities without a court order. If you receive an eviction notice, contact a local legal aid organization or tenant rights group for help.