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Looking for something specific? Please take some time to look through the items listed below. Maintenance Routine maintenance service is provided to University Apartments residents without charge, provided that the repairs and damages are not the direct result of resident negligence or irresponsible behavior. Residents are encouraged to notify the University Apartments Office of any maintenance problems as soon as they arise. Maintenance requests can be made in person or by calling the University Apartments Office (355-9557) between 8:00 am and midnight daily. If emergency maintenance problems arise between midnight and 8:00 am, the campus operator should be notified (355-1855). Please be advised that repairs may not be completed the same day requests are submitted. Apartment Care Residents are responsible for maintaining the interior and exterior appearance of their apartments in a clean, sanitary manner. Normal apartment “wear and tear” is expected, but residents will be held responsible for damages due to negligence. Apartment Care TipsMaintaining a regular cleaning schedule makes things easier. Please use the right cleaning product for the job and follow the product instructions accurately. Non-abrasive, low-acidic products are recommended. If you have questions, please call us at 355-9557 first!
Appliances Range/Stove/Oven
Refrigerators
Bathroom
Cabinets
Floors
Walls
Windows
Exterior DoorsMake sure exterior doors are securely closed, especially on windy days, to prevent damage to both the metal door and the glass panel. Exterior storm doors have both glass and screen insert panels, which are the resident's responsibility to seasonally change, clean and store. Residents should also be careful not to damage window or door screens. Keys/Lockouts If residents lose their apartment keys or become accidentally locked out of their apartments, loaner keys are available from the University Apartments Maintenance Office, located at the side entrance of the University Housing Assignments Office - 100 University Housing Building, daily from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Mold & Mildew Mold and mildew grow in areas that are dark, cool and moist. Excessive moisture in the air will lead to mold and mildew forming on the walls and possibly on your belongings. Problem areas frequently include closet interiors, bathrooms and surfaces adjacent to windows and doors. Excessive apartment moisture from the use of humidifiers, frequent steamy shower use and cooking contribute to mold and mildew growth. Ventilation is important in preventing mold and mildew growth, and residents are strongly encouraged to utilize the ventilation sources provided in their apartments. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us; we’d be happy to advise you. PlumbingThe plumbing is not designed to handle the disposal of tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, grease, garbage or other such materials. Each apartment is equipped with a plunger to help unclog drains. Please contact the University Apartments Maintenance Office to obtain assistance in handling the most severe clogs. Service calls to remove foreign objects from drains and toilets may result in service charges being assessed to the resident. Snow Removal Snow and ice on the streets and parking areas are removed by the Michigan State University Grounds Department. We appreciate your efforts in keeping our apartments safe by clearing your sidewalk or porch. We appreciate your attention to safety. Residents taking responsibility for clearing snow helps us keep your costs down. RESIDENT'S RIGHTSThese rights and responsibilities are established to govern the conduct of all residents and visitors in University Apartments. The student/resident may be held responsible for the actions of his/her spouse, children or visitors through the Michigan State University judicial system. The Community, through its representative body, the University Apartments Committee of Residents (UACOR), established this document.
Over 17,000 people live on campus, and nearly 55,000 visit each day. You play a key role in keeping our campus as safe as possible by reporting illegal or suspicious activity and broken safety equipment, and by keeping your own apartment locked. Apartment Security Residents are encouraged to keep their doors locked at all times to restrict unwanted visitors and to permit entrance of invited guests only. Residents should always lock their apartment doors and secure their windows whenever leaving their apartments. Fire Safety Equipment For your safety, all apartments contain a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector. Please do not tamper with the smoke detector or disconnect it. Residents should report malfunctioning smoke detectors to the University Apartments Office (355-9550) immediately. Residents should also check their fire extinguishers to assure they are properly charged. Inadequately charged fire extinguishers may be exchanged at the University Apartments Maintenance Service Center. Domestic kitchen fires are the most common type of fire at University Apartments. Residents are encouraged to help protect the community's safety and the well being of their personal property by checking their stoves and ovens to assure they are turned off after each use. In case of fire, summon the MSU Campus Fire Department by dialing 9-1-1. Tornado Safety/Disaster Evacuation Residents are encouraged to review this information and practice their evacuation plan before a tornado or other disaster emergency develops. For further information, contact your Community Development Advisor, UARL Office or University Apartments. When the Weather Bureau issues a tornado warning, meaning a tornado has been sighted, announcements will be made over local radio and television stations. In addition, campus warning sirens will sound a steady tone, which will rise and fall in intensity as the sirens rotate. If you decide to remain in your apartment, or if a tornado strikes without warning, take shelter next to an inside wall away from any windows. If you decide to leave your apartment and go to a "designated shelter,” do the following:
The "designated shelter" for your apartment is listed in the following table:
POLICIES AND PROCEDURESThe following information is provided as a reference for your convenience. Information is correct at the time of posting. Refer to your lease or contact the appropriate office for complete details as indicated. Other student guidelines can be found at www.vps.msu.edu/SpLife. Full-time staff can find information at www.hr.msu.edu. Abandoned Apartment If a resident is physically absent from the apartment, owes unpaid rent and University Apartments has reason to believe that the resident has vacated the apartment with no future intent to continue residence, University Apartments may deem the apartment and any remaining personal property on the premises abandoned. Abandoned apartments may be entered by University Apartments to perform repairs, maintenance and cleaning and to remove any personal property left by the resident. The resident will be charged for all costs associated with damage repairs and replacement as well as cleaning and removal of abandoned personal property. Abandoned PropertyAny personal property left in or immediately outside the apartment will be removed by University Apartments at the expense of the resident. University Apartments is not responsible for the value or safekeeping of any property left in the apartment or on the premises by the resident. After thirty (30) days, University Apartments will dispose of any such unclaimed property. Residents must notify University Apartments of their forwarding address in writing within four (4) days of vacating their apartments. If no forwarding address is provided, University Apartments will not be required to send residents an itemized list of any damage charges. Vacating residents who disagree with assessed damage or cleaning charges must respond in writing within seven (7) days of receiving the "Termination of Residence" notice. Failure to respond will forfeit all rights to have the charges reviewed. Air Conditioner Policy To have an air conditioner installed, you must contact the University Apartments Office for an "Air Conditioner Agreement.” A seasonal surcharge and installation fee will be assessed to all residents requesting an air conditioner. University Apartments does not provide, lease or sell air conditioners; therefore, residents must provide their own air conditioner units. However, University Apartments maintenance personnel must be the ones to install all air conditioners. The maintenance of the air conditioner unit is the sole responsibility of the resident. All air conditioners must meet the following specifications. (It is also advised that residents measure their window size before purchasing an air conditioner.)
Alcoholic Beverages Residents and visitors must abide by state laws and University ordinances referring to the use and possession of alcoholic beverages. The use of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in public areas of campus buildings such as laundry facilities, study rooms, Community Centers, etc. Irresponsible behavior while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance may result in disciplinary action or legal proceedings. Antennas, Clotheslines and Satellite Dishes In order to provide a safe environment for all residents, the following items are not permitted to be attached to the outside any building or structure:
University Apartments will remove any such items, and the resident will be billed for any damage resulting from their installation and/or removal. Anti-Discrimination and Inclusive Community Our community is your community. Please treat others with respect and dignity. University Apartments is a place where diversity is celebrated and discrimination intolerable. No one in University Apartments has the right to discriminate against an individual on the basis of age, physical disability, national origin, race, gender, religious affiliation or sexual orientation. Abuse of this nature will not be tolerated for any reason. Apartment Alterations Residents may not make alterations, installations or repairs to the premises or to the furnishings or appliances within the apartment or on the balcony. Residents are specifically prohibited from installing any of the following:
Apartment Right of Entry/Inspections University Apartments reserves the right to enter apartments during reasonable hours and in a reasonable manner—after providing appropriate notice—for the purposes of performing health and safety inspections, pest control, furniture/appliance replacement, maintenance and repairs. The University also reserves the right to enter apartments at other times without notice, as deemed necessary by the University, to handle emergency or health/safety situations. A resident's request for apartment repairs also constitutes his/her consent for University Apartments personnel to enter his/her apartment to perform such requested repairs. If entry occurs for this reason and no occupant is present, a written notice of entry will be left by University Apartments. Appliances Major appliances were selected for safety, convenience and durability and are the only major appliances permitted. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a $50.00 administrative enforcement fee. The resident will then have seven (7) days to remove the major appliance(s) and provide University Apartments with verification of compliance. A second violation of the policy by a resident will constitute a material breach of the lease and will be grounds for eviction. If you are going to be away for an extended time period or are vacating the apartment, do not turn the refrigerator off or unplug it, as mildew damage will result. Commercial Activity University Apartment facilities may be leased in a lawful manner for residential purposes only. Residents may not conduct a business or other commercial activity in or from their apartments or other campus property. Damage Charges In order to keep all resident apartment rates low, individual charges will be assessed at the time of apartment inspection for any cleaning, repair or replacement of damaged areas or surfaces. Cleaning charges will be assessed for dirty items such as ranges, refrigerators, floors, carpeting and furniture. Residents will not be charged for normal wear of apartment finishes; however, misuse or negligent care of such items will result in damage charges. This includes, but is not limited to, burns or stains on tables, carpet or countertops, cuts or burns on furniture, broken furniture, holes in walls, doors or ceilings, broken or damaged screens or storm doors and missing furniture. Delinquency/Eviction Residents whose accounts become twenty-one (21) days delinquent will be sent a warning notice requesting payment within seven (7) days. If payment is not received within this interval, a "Demand for Possession" for non-payment of rent will be issued. Failure to comply with the "Demand For Possession" within the following seven (7) days will result in University Apartments initiating legal proceedings against delinquent residents in local district court. Such action may ultimately result in the eviction of the resident and his/her family and possessions from the apartment. In the event that filing fees, service fees or court costs are incurred by the University as a result of initiating formal legal proceedings, these expenses will be charged to the account of the resident. The resident will be responsible for reimbursing the University for these expenses, regardless of whether the case proceeds to trial or the University must make a court appearance. Firearms/Fireworks/Explosive Materials The possession, use or discharge of firearms or other dangerous weapons, including air rifles, BB guns and chemical weapons, is prohibited on MSU property. The use or possession of fireworks, explosive materials or similar dangerous substances or compounds is prohibited by Michigan State University. Possession of such material or execution of such acts will result in termination of the violator's lease following twenty-four (24) hours written notification. Illegal Drugs The possession, use, distribution or sale of controlled substances is illegal as defined by State law and is prohibited on MSU property. Possession of such material or execution of such acts will result in termination of the violator's lease following twenty-four (24) hours written notification. Lease Extensions Residents wishing a short-term extension of their lease’s expiration date due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., children’s public school schedule) must apply in writing to the University Apartments Office for such an extension before the expiration date of their current lease. Residents will be notified in writing if their extension request is granted or denied. Lease Renewal Lease Renewal Agreements will be mailed to residents approximately sixty (60) days prior to their leases’ expiration date. Residents wishing to renew their leases must inform the University Apartments Office by returning the properly signed Lease Renewal Agreement at least forty-five (45) days prior to expiration of their current leases. Failure to return the signed Lease Renewal Agreement within this time frame may result in the final termination of a lease upon its expiration, and the resident’s apartment will subsequently be assigned to a new occupant. All residents who have not signed a lease renewal will be required to vacate their apartment by midnight on May 15. Lease Termination There is a four-month minimum stay. Residents of Family, Faculty/Staff or Single-Student Housing may terminate their leases for any reason at any time by submitting a 45-day written "Notice of Intent to Vacate.” Rent will be charged for a minimum of 45 days from the date the University Apartments Office receives notice. Vacate notices are available at the University Apartments Office. Residents planning to vacate their apartments are encouraged to obtain copies of the brochure entitled "Moving Out of Your Apartment" from the University Apartments Office. This brochure provides valuable information regarding the preparation and cleaning of the resident's apartment before vacating and outlines the procedures required to properly vacate the apartment. Noise Noise can be a serious concern. Residents are requested to observe the academic purpose of University Apartments housing and be aware of the close physical proximity of their neighbors within the community. Some noise is expected from daily living activities of residents and their families. However, all residents are asked to be considerate of the noise levels emanating from their apartments, particularly when your neighbors have asked for consideration. Residents should refrain from playing radios, televisions, stereos musical instruments, etc. at volume levels that might disturb neighbors and/or the community. Residents are responsible for the actions of their visitors and guests. Loud or noisy parties that disturb the community will not be permitted. If you are experiencing problems, please contact the MSU Police and Public Safety Office at 355-2222. Michigan State University has established a Zero Tolerance Policy in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If any resident or one of his/her visitors engages in any unreasonable noise, he/she could be in violation of Michigan State University ordinances regarding noise (15.10), and may be subject to citation, University Judicial Affairs proceedings and possible eviction. Occupancy Requirements and Limits Occupancy of family-student housing and faculty/staff housing is limited to members of your immediate family. Extended family members (e.g., parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, etc.) may not reside in apartments for longer than the established visitor's time limitation of fourteen (14) days. Residents of family-student housing and faculty/staff housing are not permitted to share an apartment with someone who is not a member of their immediate family, nor may they sublease space in their apartment to any other individual. The maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a one-bedroom apartment is two (2) persons. Maximum occupancy of a two-bedroom apartment is limited to five (5) persons. Residents in family-student housing are required to have dependents residing with them on a full-time basis to qualify for occupancy of a two-bedroom apartment unless granted special permission by the University Apartments Office. Prospective residents with families comprised of more than five members should be aware that University Apartments does not have facilities available to house families of this size. These individuals should seek housing from off-campus sources. Visitors are limited to a maximum stay of 14 days. All residents are responsible for the actions of their visitors or guests while on University Apartments property. Persons other than those eligible or authorized by the University Apartments office may not occupy the premises on a permanent basis. Violators face possible eviction. Painting Residents may not paint their apartments without the approval of University Apartments and must use University-provided paint in circumstances under which approval is granted. Parking Regulations (Motor Vehicles and Bicycles) University ordinances require all apartment residents with motor vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles and bicycles to register them with the Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) for the duration of their residency in University Housing facilities. The cost of these registration permits is not included in the monthly apartment rental rate. New residents will be issued a temporary parking permit upon check-in at the University Apartments Office, which expires after 21 days. Each resident is responsible for purchasing a permanent parking permit from DPPS. Campers, trailers, semi trucks, RVs, boats, tractors and other fifth-wheeled vehicles are prohibited from being parked or stored in the apartment parking areas. Contact DPPS for available sites for these vehicles. Pest Control University Apartments provides professional pest control services to eliminate any pests that may be present in and around apartments. University Pest Control services utilizes a three-part approach to pest control:
Residents desiring pest control services should contact University Apartments Office for assistance and advice. Our pest control technicians are certified by the State of Michigan and use only chemicals approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to provide safe pest control application in residential environments. Residents are encouraged to demonstrate good housekeeping and sanitation to help prevent insect and rodent pest control problems. Pets For health and safety reasons, neither residents nor guests may have animals or pets of any kind, for any reason, either temporary or non-temporary, in University Apartments, with the exception of non-carnivorous fish in aquariums no larger than thirty (30) gallons. Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats, mice, reptiles or any other animals are strictly prohibited. Before applying for University-owned and operated housing, please be aware of this policy. Applicants who feel it important to keep pets are encouraged to seek housing from off-campus landlords who permit pets in their facilities. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a fifty-dollar ($50.00) administrative enforcement fee being assessed against the resident's account. The resident will then have seven (7) days to remove the pet and provide University Apartments with verification of compliance. A second violation of the policy by a resident will constitute a material breach of the lease and will be grounds for eviction. Animals trained and certified to assist the visually or hearing impaired may be exempted from this regulation upon written approval from the University Apartments Office. Renovation/Maintenance Relocation University Apartments reserves the right to reassign a resident to a similar apartment with thirty (30) days notice when extensive repairs or renovations are needed in the resident's current apartment. Such relocations may also be deemed necessary by University Apartments for health or safety reasons. Residents relocating under such circumstances will not be subject to a transfer fee. Resident ResponsibilitiesUniversity Apartments residents must use their apartments in compliance with all federal, state and University laws, regulations and city ordinances. Residents will be held responsible for any behavior that interferes with the rights of other residents. Michigan State University has established a Zero Tolerance Policy in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If any resident (or his/her visitors) engages in any activity that upsets the community (including unreasonable noise) and/or creates situations that infringe upon other residents’ health, safety or security, or that of those around them, the offending resident will immediately have eviction proceedings initiated against them. Signs/Decorations Michigan State University ordinances state it is not permissible to inscribe or affix any signs, notices or advertisements to either the inside or outside of the apartment buildings, excluding designated bulletin boards. Notices posted on designated bulletin boards must adhere to the approved posting policies. (Contact the University Apartments Office for policy details.) University Apartments realizes that seasonal decorations, especially around holidays, are an important addition to the lives of many residents and their families. Decorations should be safely and securely displayed, and residents should acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of community members and insure that decorations are not offensive to others. Such decorations should be promptly removed at the end of the seasonal period. University Apartments reserves the right to remove any unsafe or offensive decorations and will charge residents for damages resulting from improperly displayed decorations. Single-Student Apartment Rent Liability Residents in single-student housing are jointly and severally (individually and collectively) responsible for the payment of the total monthly rental charge. If one of the residents vacates the apartment for any reason during the term of the lease, the remaining resident will be responsible for the total monthly rental charge. While it is not the responsibility of University Apartments to do so, a courtesy copy of the Vacate Notice will be sent to the remaining resident. Please be advised that it is the sole responsibility of each roommate to communicate with the other regarding all move-out arrangements (i.e. vacate notices, move-out dates, etc.). The remaining resident will continue shouldering responsibility for the total rent until another eligible single student signs a lease to occupy the apartment. For example: Residents A & B live together. Resident A notifies resident B that he/she is going to move out in about two months. On January 10, resident A goes to the University Apartments Office and files a "Vacate Notice" effective for February 25, which complies with the "45-day Notice Clause" in his/her lease. A copy of the Vacate Notice is sent to resident B to notify him/her that his/her roommate is leaving. Resident B now has until February 25 to secure a new roommate. If resident B does not secure a new roommate by February 25, he/she will be responsible for the total rent effective February 26. If resident A should vacate any time prior to February 25, resident B will still have until February 26 before he/she is charged the full rent. University Apartments may have a list of students wanting roommates that you may contact. However, it is the responsibility of the remaining resident to secure a new roommate or make other arrangements if he/she so chooses. University Apartments assumes no responsibility for the procurement of roommates. The University Apartments Management will review all special circumstances independently. Contact the University Apartments Office if you have any questions or feel that your case needs to be reviewed. Solicitation University ordinances prohibit any person, firm or corporation from selling, hawking or peddling any goods, wares, merchandise or services (or taking orders or making purchase agreements for such goods or services) within the boundaries of Michigan State University. The distribution of handbills and election materials and the posting of advertisements are prohibited. Residents should report any violations of these ordinances to the MSU Police (355-2221). Subletting Residents may not sublet their apartment or any part of their apartment or assign their apartment lease. Violation of this provision will be cause for eviction. Residents may not have permanent or long-term guests living in their apartments. All residents must abide by the policy governing the length of occupancy for guests/visitors (14 days maximum). Summer Storage Michigan State University apartment residents in good standing have the option to convert their apartments to “Storage Status” during the summer semester only at a greatly reduced rental rate. This option is intended to provide a convenient option to residents who wish to be away from campus during one or both of the summer semester sessions and desire to leave their personal belongings in their apartments. For further information, please refer to the housing contract available at the . Transfer Policy If you would like to move to another apartment village, please contact the University Apartments Office to complete an apartment transfer form.
Vacancy/Move-Out Process(Also see Moving Out section under Current Residents heading)
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