Family Housing Terms & Conditions
A Lessee's signature on the Family Housing Lease signifies his/her agreement to and acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions (collectively the "Lease"). This Lease cannot be transferred or reassigned. Occupancy is limited to one family per apartment. The Terms and Conditions are supplemental to the Family Housing Lease.
- This Lease covers the use by the Lessee, his/her family and invited guests of the leased premises. The use of common areas in the apartment communities is limited to Lessees, their families and guests, in accordance with the following Terms and Conditions and regulations established by the University or Family Housing Association pertaining to such areas.
- ELIGIBILITY: Apartment must be occupied by at least one eligible resident. Eligibility must be maintained throughout residency (except during the summer) and will be periodically verified by the Housing Division. (Eligibility is defined in the Family Housing Information Booklet under Application and Assignment Process as a full-time student, post-doctoral fellow, medical resident, research assistant, or research associate.) A change or decrease in family size may mean the resident is no longer eligible for Family Housing or may no longer be eligible for the size apartment occupied.
- CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS / PROTECTIVE ORDERS: If you or any person who resides with you are convicted of any felony or any crime requiring registration on the Sex Offender or Crimes Against Minors Registry (SOR), or if you or any person who resides with you become subject to a protective order at any time during the term of your lease, you are required within 10 calendar days of the conviction or entry of the protective order, to notify in writing the Director of Accommodations, University of Virginia Housing Division, in accordance with the notice provisions. The Housing Division reserves the right to cancel any lease if, in the sole judgment of the University, a tenant or any person who resides with a tenant may pose a threat of substantial harm to others or to University property or if the University determines that the lease was granted on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete information in the application.
- SECURITY DEPOSIT: No security deposit will be collected from the resident. Upon termination of this Lease, any charges for cleaning, lost keys, or damages will be billed to the Lessee to be paid within thirty (30) days from date of bill.
- RENTAL PAYMENTS: Rent is due on or before the first day of
each month, and becomes delinquent after the tenth calendar day. A
lump sum payment for the semester will be accepted in September or
January. In the event that payment has not been made by the eleventh
day of the month, the account will be forwarded to Student Financial
Services. Rent may be paid by one of the following methods:
- by cash or check (payable to UVa with Lessee's name and Family Housing address) at the Cashier's Office (located on the ground floor of Emmet House; hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday),
- by mailing your payment via U.S. Mail or UVa Messenger Mail (to Housing Division Cashier, PO Box 400735, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4735),
- by dropping a check through the drop slot next to the Cashier's Office (located on the ground floor of Emmet House),
- by Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card (over the phone or at the Cashier's Office),
- by completing the Credit Card Authorization Form (the Cashier automatically charges the Visa, MasterCard or Discover card), or
- by payroll deduction (when applicable).
Student Financial Services will charge their current rate for any returned checks.
A late fee of $20.00 will be charged for delinquent accounts. If a month's rent will be late as a result of extreme or unusual circumstances, as determined by the University, Lessee must make arrangements within the first ten (10) days of the month for approval to delay rental payments. These arrangements can be made at the Family Housing Office in Page House. Lessee will then avoid being charged a late fee.
A student's grades and transcripts will be held by the University until all financial responsibilities are fulfilled. Students may also be subject to academic suspension, and customary collection and legal fees may be added to the amount owed.
Only the payment of the first and/or last month's rent will be pro-rated if the lease begins after the first day of a month and/or ends before the last day of the month in which the Lease is terminated.
- TERMS OF THE LEASE: The Lease will be in effect from the date the lease officially begins (as stated on the Lease) or from date of signing, whichever is earlier, and will be automatically renewed the first day of every month, unless terminated. The Housing Division retains the right to vary the date upon which a particular Lease will begin and/or end.
- CHANGES IN THIS LEASE: The University may unilaterally increase or decrease the rent or make any other change in this Lease deemed necessary. Such changes shall be effective no less than sixty (60) days after Lessee is given written notice of the proposed changes.
- TERMINATION OF OCCUPANCY
BY LESSEE: The Housing Division will periodically prepare a Vacating
Calendar indicating the dates by which written notice must be provided
to terminate the Lease in any given month. The Vacating Calendar is
printed monthly in the FHA Newsletter or may also be secured by
Lessee upon request at the Family Housing Office in Page House.
Notice will be considered given as of the date it is received by the
Housing Division in writing.
If an appropriate vacating notice is not provided, Lessee is obligated for the month's rent and must provide the necessary notice to terminate on or prior to the next month's termination date.
- TERMINATION OF OCCUPANCY DUE TO CHANGE
IN STATUS: When Lessee is aware of an approaching change of status
rendering the lessee ineligible for Family Housing (either UVa
affiliation or family status), he/she shall immediately notify the
Family Housing Office in writing, and submit written notice to
terminate the Lease at the earliest date on the Vacating Calendar that
fulfills the required Lease termination.
If the Lessee leaves the household and does not plan to return, written notification must be submitted to the Family Housing Office. If no remaining member of the household is eligible, he/she must vacate at the earliest date on the Vacating Calendar that fulfills the Lease termination requirement. However, if a remaining member of the household is eligible and has a full-time dependent(s) residing in the household, the remaining member of the household is qualified to reside in Family Housing and must execute a lease under his/her own name.
- TERMINATION OF OCCUPANCY
BY THE UNIVERSITY: The University retains the right to terminate
unilaterally the Lease upon determination by the Housing Division that
the Lessee has breached the Terms and Conditions of Occupancy and/or
this Lease. Additionally, the University retains the right to
terminate unilaterally the Lease when the rent becomes two months
overdue.
In the event of termination, the Lessee will be given seven (7) days written notice to vacate the premises.
The University also reserves the right to remove any dwelling from service and terminate the Lease. The Lessee will be given forty-five (45) days written notice of such termination, except in the case of emergency, requiring immediate evacuation of the premises.
- PETS/ANIMALS:
Lessee will not permit dog(s), cat(s) or any other pets to be on the
premises, even if temporarily. Aquariums (no larger than 20 gallons)
containing fish are permissible but Lessee assumes responsibility for
damage and/or loss caused by leakage or fluctuations in temperature.
Pets that may be permitted in nearby apartment communities and wild animals should not be encouraged to come near the apartment buildings by feeding or playing with them. Visitors must be informed to leave their animals and pets elsewhere. Bird feeders are not permitted to be attached to buildings.
Residents should report all prohibited animals seen or heard in the community to their Resident Manager.
- PROHIBITED POSSESSIONS: Possession of the following is prohibited in
Family Housing apartments: weapons*, ammunition, firecrackers or
similar explosive, BB or pellet guns, gas barbeque grills, candles,
ceiling fans, Torchiere or halogen lamps, exterior aerials and
satellite dishes, extension cords (only U.L. approved multiple-outlet
connections with a built-in circuit breaker are allowed),
individually owned stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers, freezers,
kerosene or space heaters. Also prohibited are any possessions which
the University, State or Federal Governments determines and declares
to be unsafe or illegal.
* Weapons, by University policy, are defined as: Any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air-pistol, paint-ball gun or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind; or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, butterfly knife, sword or other bladed weapon with a blade longer than four inches in length, razor slingshot, spring stick, metal or lexan knucks, blackjack; or any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; or any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as throwing star or oriental dart. - PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES: Lessee is required to comply
with all Federal, State, and City/County laws and ordinances, as well
as policies and regulations of the University (including Parking &
Transportation regulations and purchase of proper parking permits),
now in effect or hereafter enacted during the period of his/her
residence. Lessee is to comply with the Terms and Conditions set
forth, the Family Housing Lease, policies contained in distributed
newsletters, and/or other official publications, literature, or
communications.
The following rules apply in residence areas:
- Lessee agrees to keep the premises clean at all times; trash and garbage is to be removed at least twice a week; dirty dishes shall not be left out in order to prevent mice and roach problems. Carpets are to be vacuumed and cleaned regularly; floors are to be kept cleaned.
- Refuse, loose paper, cans, bottles, furniture, toys, etc. must not accumulate outside the apartment unit. Trash must be placed in the dumpsters in sealed bags.
- Dirt, trash, garbage, or waste must not be swept out of doorways, or thrown from windows, breezeways, or balconies.
- Bicycles and mopeds may not be parked or chained in walkways and exits.
- In accordance with State fire safety regulations, stairs, landings, and breezeways must be kept clear at all times for the purpose of providing completely clear exits. Children's toys are especially hazardous and must be kept in the apartments or away from these areas. The University reserves the right to remove and dispose of any obstructions which may create dangerous conditions and/or create an unsightly appearance, and any cost incurred in disposal will be passed on to the resident(s).
- Lessee's belongings will be stored in his/her individual rental unit or designated storage areas. Common balconies, stairways and hallways will not be used for storage of personal belongings.
- Residents are prohibited from barbecuing on any porches, balconies, patios or sidewalks proximate to any building in Family Housing. Grills (charcoal only, not gas) are permitted on the grassy areas away from the buildings.
- Heating, electrical wiring, fire safety or security systems may not be tampered with or altered. This includes, but is not limited to, misuses of smoke detectors, fire alarms, and door and window lock systems. Additional locking devices may not be added to apartment doors or windows without written approval from the Housing Division, nor existing locks be removed.
- Bathtubs are not to be used for doing laundry; use the laundry rooms provided or local laundromats.
- Residents may not install their own clotheslines; only University-provided clotheslines may be used. Residents may not install curtain rods or curtains at any window or sliding glass doors.
- For Copeley Hill apartments, air conditioners may only be installed in the designated location in the living room.
- Hazardous materials and flammable items "that constitute a clear fire hazard" (including motor oil and candles) are not to be collected or assembled within the residence areas.
- The premises may not be used for the sale or storage of merchandise or services, or as the location of a commercial enterprise.
- Placement of leaflets and announcements on areas other than bulletin boards is prohibited. Advertisements must not hang outside the borders of the bulletin boards or cover mailboxes. All announcements should be dated and removed when outdated. Postal delivery may be delayed if paper placed on the bulletin boards hangs over the mailboxes.
- Driving on the lawn areas is prohibited at all times. Residents will be charged for damages. All deliveries, loading and unloading must be made from parking lots.
- Lessee may not alter, remodel, and/or paint or wallpaper premises or equipment therein; this includes the use of aluminum foil or plastic wrap on walls or adhesive-backed coverings (such as Contact paper) on shelves or walls. University-supplied appliances, equipment, blinds, and furniture must remain in the apartment.
- Lessee may not install/attach additional equipment, or appliances, to interior or exterior surfaces without written approval from the Lessor. This includes the installation of air conditioners. Residents will not build structures on Housing Division property.
- Shower curtains must be used to prevent water damage to the building.
- Unauthorized duplication of keys is prohibited.
- Gardens and flower beds are only permitted in established garden areas (see Features section in the Family Housing Information Booklet). Flowers may be grown in free-standing pots and planters, and placed so they do not present a hazard to the safety of others.
- Wading pools (fiberglass or inflatable) are permitted, but an adult must be present at all times when they are in use. Pools must be emptied immediately after use and removed from the lawn area.
- Pictures may be hung on apartment walls by careful placement of nails and other hanging devices.
- Installation of towel racks, cup hooks, etc. is permitted only IN cabinets that have doors.
- Children should not be allowed to play in breezeways, stairs, streets, or in laundry and storage rooms for safety reasons.
- Such other activities as the University may, at its discretion, prohibit as reasonably necessary for the security, safety, health, privacy, education, or welfare of the resident and his/her family.
- Light bulbs in light fixtures and lamps in the apartment are provided when the lessee moves in, but the lessee is responsible for purchasing and replacing light bulbs when necessary. Maintenance will only supply and replace light bulbs in the refrigerator and florescent lights in the apartment when those are needed.
- When vacating unit, all personal belongings must be removed from the property, including any items in storage areas or bins that are leased as part of the property.
- NOISE AND DISTURBANCES: The University will not normally interfere with the social and daily activities of residents in the apartments unless such activities disturb others or create hazardous conditions. Lessee is responsible for the actions of his/her children and guests. Excessive noise or disruptive conduct is not permitted. The loud playing of television sets, radios, stereo systems and pianos, moving of furniture, bouncing balls, etc. can create a problem when others are trying to study or sleep.
- SUBLETS: No apartment may be exchanged or subleased without
permission from the Family Housing Office. An apartment may not be
listed for sublet until Lessee has signed the Lease and paid the
first month's rent.
Lessee is solely responsible for the acts of his/her sublessee and family, including any damage to the premises during the sublet period. Lessee will continue to be directly liable to the University for payment of rent of the premises, and the University will not establish a direct relationship with the sublessee. Lessee must assure that the sublessee complies with the Terms and Conditions of Occupancy, and Lessee will be responsible for any breach of Lease.
Sublessee is subject to all Terms and Conditions of residency set forth by the Housing Division and must be eligible for residence in Family Housing. Sublet Information and Sublessee Information Forms are available at the Family Housing Office in Page House.
- INSURANCE: The University does not assume liability for loss, damage, or theft of personal property or negligence of occupants of the buildings. Lessee is advised to obtain renter's insurance to protect his/her property and/or liability. In the event of theft, fire, or injury, report details to the University Police Department.
- FIRE SAFETY: Residents must take every precaution to prevent fires. Fire extinguishers are placed in every apartment. Do not hesitate to use an extinguisher if it is needed in case of fire. When one is used, notify Housing Operations immediately so it may be checked and refilled or replaced. In case of fire, immediately call "911."
- ANNUAL INSPECTIONS - The Housing Division will inspect all properties on an annual basis. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that all properties are kept safe and in good repair. The Housing Division will provide advance notice to the residents when inspections are scheduled to take place. The inspection will be conducted during normal working hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) and will include an inspection of both the interior and exterior of the property.
- RESIDENTS DISPUTES: Lessee should discuss with their neighbors any situation which may be disturbing. The Resident Managers will assist with disputes only after those involved have attempted to resolve the conflict. Should a solution not be found after the Resident Manager's interaction has taken place, the Family Housing Office will decide on a course of action to be taken.
- KEYS: Housing keys are the property of the University. Report lost keys to the Housing Division as soon as possible after the loss is discovered. The door locks will be changed and the resident billed for the cost of the new lock(s) and keys. No refunds will be made for keys which are later located. Lessee is not permitted to have non-University locksmiths make duplicate keys.
- PEST CONTROL: Housing Division Maintenance staff will provide pest control in all Family Housing apartments on a regular schedule. Exceptions to this policy will be granted only to individuals who present documented medical reasons requiring they not participate in this program.
- SOLICITATION: Door-to-door salespersons are not permitted in the Family Housing communities. Solicitation is prohibited. Notify the University Police if this occurs. Deliveries of items that have been specifically ordered or services requested by Lessee are permitted (i.e., newspapers, food delivery, floral delivery, diaper service, UPS, etc.).
- CONTRACTED WORK: The Housing Division reserves the right to have internal and external contractors perform services to the facilities during normal working hours, as needed. Contractors are not to enter apartments or to commence any services including, but not limited to, sidewalk repair or roof work, until 8:00 a.m. For safety reasons, Housing Division personnel and contractors are not allowed to remove their shoes when entering Family Housing residences.
- REMOVAL OF BELONGINGS: When vacating the apartment, remove all personal belongings from the apartment's storage bin, balcony/patio, and items left outside (i.e., bicycles, grills, toys, etc.). Abandoned property left in the apartment, storage room or on the premises will be disposed of in accordance with University policy.
- ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS: This Lease is subject to further regulations which are now in force or which may be put into force by the Housing Division or by decisions of the Family Housing Association as published in the Family Housing Association Newsletter.
- INTERPRETATION: Failure of either party to insist upon a strict performance of any of these Terms and Conditions herein shall not be deemed a waiver of any rights or remedies of either party, and shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach of default in any of the Terms and Conditions herein.