FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

RESERVING A ROOM

What Leases do you offer?

We offer the following types of leases:
– Full year – 9 or 12 months. Most common lease. Running from August or Sept to the following summer.
– Summer lease – 2 or 3 months. Starting in June or July and ending by Aug 1st. Based on availability.

What is required to secure a room?

We require an application, signed lease and payment of first months rent and security deposit to reserve a room.

Can I pay only security deposit to reserve a room?

We require an application, signed lease and payment of first months rent and security deposit to reserve a room. This is because the majority of our renters come in the fall and we cannot save a room unless you are sure that you want it.

How do you prioritize applications?

During our peak rental season (May-July), we continue accepting applications and processing reservations on a first-completed basis. A room is reserved only after the application is approved, the lease is signed, and the required payment has been received.

Can I rent as an International Student without a US Social Security number?

Yes. We provide housing for International students. When applying, you will need to provide a photocopy of a valid International ID such as your passport.

Is there a discount for referring someone?

Yes! We offer a one time, single month discount of $50 for each referral which leads to a signed lease. The referred person must confirm that you referred them to us. This discount may be repeated multiple times if you refer several people.

MOVING IN

What if don’t need to start my lease until later in the month?

We will pro-rate your first and last month of rent based on your actual move in/out dates.

What if I arrive just one or two days early or late?

If the room you reserved is empty before hand then we are somewhat flexible with your actual move-in date. Just let us know and we will help you plan accordingly. Otherwise you must plan to arrive on or after your lease start date.

How do I get my keys?

Keys will be provided either by the property manager in person when you arrive, or in an envelope that is pre-arranged to be left with another tenant. Let us know your move in date.

HOUSE RULES

Do you allow smoking?

This house is strictly non-smoking, including no cigarettes, cigars, vaping or marijuana.
We have some tenants that are especially sensitive to smoke.

Do you allow pets?

Pets are not permitted, with the exception of service and emotional support animals as required by law. Pets may briefly visit your unit if acceptable to other tenants.

Do you allow visitors & overnight guests?

Yes, occasional overnight guests are welcome. However, guests may not stay for extended periods or establish residency without our prior written approval (see next question on co-habiting).

Is co-habiting allowed (sharing a room)?

Co-habiting occurs when two occupants share a room and both have leases (non-guest). We do allow co-habiting where a partner shares a room with you. When co-habiting, one tenant is designated the primary tenant and the other is secondary. The primary tenant will have a lease at normal 100% rent (long term), while the secondary will have their own lease at +25% rent (month-to-month).

AMENITIES

Do you have off street parking?

We have two off-street parking spaces available.
Guaranteed parking is an additional $50/month, which ensure access to an off-street space.
Any remaining unreserved spaces are available to tenants on a first come first serve basis.
Street parking is also pretty good on Columbia St.

Do you have on-site laundry facilities?

Yes. Our washer and dryer are provided as a courtesy, for free, but are not considered part of your rent. Assuming that tenants use them properly, they will be maintained and kept available.

Do you provide air conditioning in summer?

Yes. Tenants may request an individual room air conditioner for summer months. During this time the tenant will pay $20/month separately from the unit electricity costs. The tenant may not install, remove, or relocate the A/C units, or bring in their own AC unit. A/C units are installed by the landlord.

What furniture is provided?

Rooms are semi-furnished.
We provide a Queen size mattress and box spring, and a dresser or table in every room.
Beds are covered with replaceable, cleanable mattress covers. We advise tenants to bring their own bedding (fitted sheets) and blankets.

Can I bring in my own furniture?

Yes. Tenants may generally bring their own small furniture items, such as chairs, lightweight tables, cloths racks and hampers. Tenants may not move in heavy or solid wood furniture items.

UTILITIES

What utilities are included?

Internet is included in your rent.
Tenants pay for electricity, heating and water, divided among the renters in your unit.
We will send out individual utility bills to each renter.

Here are the actual, seasonal individual average monthly utility costs at 416 South. (Data from 2018-2022)

These amounts are based on proper and efficient usage of the utilities.
Over the year, you can expect to pay an average of +$100/month each (rented room).

Why don’t you include utilities with rent?

Tenants save money by having a utility bill which can vary seasonally and based on usage.
We also find that tenants are more conscious and aware of their energy conservation when billed separately from rents.
To make this process most efficient, we maintain the utility accounts and send out split monthly bills.If you would like to avoid the additional utility bill, we can offer you a fixed increase in rent of $140/month, so you only have to pay one bill. Ask us.

How do the trash and recycling work?

Trash should be placed on the curb every Wednesday evening, for an early 5am Thursday pickup. Recycling is every other week on the same night. To determine the recycling nights, you can enter 416 S. Aurora on this website:
Ithaca, Find my Recycling Day
For details on how to package and put out the trash, please refer to:
– How Ithaca Trash Works
– How Ithaca Recycling Works

How do the smoke alarms work?

Our smoke alarms are battery operated, and interconnected.
Please see our guide: Smoke Alarms and Fire
which should be posted in each unit.

PAYMENT

When is rent due?

Rent is always due on the 1st of each month.
Late fees are $25 after a 5 day grace period.

When are utilities due?

We send out monthly utility bills split among tenants on your floor (unit).
Utilities are due after the bill arrives to you by e-mail.

What types of payment do you accept?

Tenants usually prefer to pay by Zelle, Venmo or Paypal.
Written checks can also be mailed (although this is less common, see your lease).
International students may use wire transfers.
Tenants are responsible for all transfer fees, wire and international fees.