Your rental kitchen probably has salt and pepper shakers.  Unless you are really picky about your salt, what you find in the kitchen is probably just fine to use.  But the pepper?  Not so much.  It has probably lost all its taste long ago.  And pre-ground pepper is not as good as freshly ground, even on the day you buy it.

This grinder is easy to use, sturdy, and mess-free.  The ceramic grinder blades will last a long time and will not absorb flavors or odors.