Family and Graduate Apartment
Rental Agreement
2008 - 2009
Agreement Between Residents and Housing Services
All residents of University-owned housing are required to sign leases called rental agreements. In signing this rental agreement, you the resident, have agreed to be responsible for any damage or breakage occurring in your apartment due to accident or negligence, and to maintain your apartment in a clean and orderly condition. The resident will care for the property and leave the property in the same condition and state of repair as when the resident first inhabited the premises, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
The assignment and lease of premises from Housing Services does not include the right to use such premises for any business or professional purposes, for storage of commodities for sale, or for any purpose other than personal residence.
Rental charges begin on the date the keys are issued. Failure
to vacate by the ending date of the contract, or the termination
date agreed upon by the resident in case of cancellation of the
contract, will result in the apartment overnight rate of $25.00
per night being charged through or until eviction, and denial
of further housing assignments. Residents leaving the campus
for an extended period are responsible for paying their rent
throughout the period of absence.
Damage/Security Deposit
The $150.00 deposit required with each application for housing is a damage/security deposit and is not applicable as part of the rent. Housing Services agrees to refund the $150.00 damage/security deposit to the resident at the completion of the agreement, provided no damage or cleaning charges are assessed, and no other amounts are due to the University. The damage/security deposit will be forfeited if this rental agreement is cancelled or terminated prior to occupancy.
Debt Collection
Unpaid rent and charges for cleaning, damage to property, equipment and furnishings are an obligation by the resident to Housing Services. Washington State University’s Registrar will not issue transcripts until full settlement has been made. If the account is assigned for collection, the resident agrees to pay reasonable attorney fees, collection costs, and interest at 12% per annum. Requests for future housing will be considered only if payments are current.
Eligibility for University Housing
Any qualified graduate student of Washington State University or any full-time undergraduate student of Washington State University with legal dependents and/or a spouse, or domestic partner as noted below, in residence is eligible for Family/Graduate Housing. Undergraduate students must be enrolled for ten or more hours. Graduate students not on appointment as a teaching, research, or staff assistant must comply with the Graduate School minimum enrollment policy as outlined in the Graduate Bulletin.
First priority for Family/Graduate Housing is given to all qualified student applicants. Second priority will be given on a space available basis to newly appointed faculty and staff. Military personnel on duty at Washington State University will be considered eligible either as faculty or staff. Faculty and staff renewals will be considered only if student demand is met. The Director of Housing Services may grant exceptions to these policies.
Occupancy of the family and single graduate apartment is limited to the resident, legal spouse or domestic partner as defined in the Washington State University Business Policies and Procedures Manual 60.15, or legal dependent(s), or in the case of a single parent/guardian with legal dependents, one additional unrelated adult. Occupancy of a shared graduate apartment is limited to two graduate students of the same gender. Guests staying longer than five days are defined as being in residence. Residents are required to request approval from Housing Services for any guest who will stay longer than five days. Housing Services also reserves the right to terminate the rental agreement of any resident who willfully houses an unapproved guest in residence and/or charge the resident a penalty equal to one month's rent.
The rental agreement must be renewed each spring in order for the resident to occupy any Family/Graduate Housing unit during the coming fall semester. Faculty and staff renewals may be denied due to student demand. If the resident wishes to renew his/her rental agreement, he/she must sign renew online before March 31, 2009. No response from the resident by the March 31, 2009, deadline will indicate to Housing Services that the resident will not need that apartment for the fall semester. The resident also agrees to vacate his/her apartment by June 30, 2009. Failure to vacate by June 30, 2009 will result in the overnight rate being charged until the resident vacates the apartment.
Housing Services reserves the right to deny future housing assignments to residents with a history of more than one delinquency letter, or more than one notice to vacate, or cleaning and damage charges in excess of $200, or other factors that are indicative of poor credit history. Housing Services reserves the right to deny future housing assignments to residents with a history of violating the policies within this contract and/or violating the Washington Administrative Code.
Keys
Apartment keys are the property of Housing Services and may not be duplicated. All keys must be returned to the Reservation Office by the date stated on the online termination or on the date that the rental agreement is cancelled or the date of the end of the rental agreement period. Failure to return the keys will result in the following nonrefundable key charges: $40 for door, $10 for mail, and $5 for laundry room.
Residents may not put their own locks on any door in their apartment. If locks are found they will be removed and the resident charged.
Lead-Based Paint
The federal government has enacted legislation regarding the abatement and disclosure of lead-based paint in certain non-exempt housing. Pursuant to federal law (24 C.F.R. Part 35 and 40 C.F.R. Part 7450), beginning September 1996, Washington State University must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards upon the lease of non-exempt residential property built prior to 1978. Housing Services is in compliance and aware of its responsibilities under 42 U.S.C. 4852(d).
Lead Warning Statement
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not taken care of properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and distribute a pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention. Housing Services is in compliance and aware of its responsibilities 42 U.S.C. 4852d.
LESSOR'S DISCLOSURE
- Presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards:
- Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are
present in Terrace Apartments (explain).
Terrace - The sample that was above EPA limits was an exterior paint sample, which was taken before the new siding was installed.. - Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are NOT present in Columbia, Kamiak, Nez Perce, Steptoe, and Valley Crest Apartments.
- Yakama Village is post-1978 housing; lead-based disclosure is not required.
- Lessor has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in Lessee's apartment.
- Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are
present in Terrace Apartments (explain).
- Records and reports available to the lessor:
- Lessor has provided the lessee with all available records, reports, and the pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in Lessee's apartment.
- Lessor has no report or records pertaining to lead-based and/or lead based paint hazards in Lessee's apartment.
Noise Policy
No boisterous noises or belligerent conduct will be permitted on or about the premises. Residents and/or their guests who repeatedly violate policies will be required to vacate their unit and pay all appropriate charges.
Parking
All vehicles parked in Housing Services facilities are required to display a Housing services parking decal. All vehicles--including automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, boat trailers, utility trailers, campers, and motor homes--parked on the premises must be operable and have valid current license plates. "Operable" means the vehicle must have air in the tires, have all major components intact, including windows and windshield. Vehicles may not be used to store items on a permanent basis, which are not allowed in university apartments. Any violation of the foregoing will subject the vehicle to being towed at the expense of the vehicle owner or operator.
All vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, must be parked in designated parking areas only. All vehicles are prohibited from lawns, walkways, stairwells, and balconies. Vehicles parked in the non-parking areas will be ticketed. Housing Services reserves the right to impound (immobilize) any illegally parked vehicle at the owner’s expense. Housing Services assumes no responsibility in the event of damage resulting from the impounding or storage of any illegally parked vehicle.
No gasoline-powered vehicle or other combustible items can be parked or stored inside any University-operated apartment or storage area. Vehicles found stored in such living areas will be impounded and stored at the owner’s expense.
Pets
No animal, bird, or reptile will be kept, fed or harbored on or about the premises. Fish are the only exception to this policy. The maximum size of container that will be allowed is a 30-gallon aquarium tank. Housing Services will assess a $50.00 fee for the first violation, which will be charged to your account. In addition, residents found to have a pet in their apartments will be given notice to remove the pet and provide evidence of removal within a specified time, or vacate the premises in accordance with the rental agreement. Second violations of this policy will result in cancellation of the rental agreement.
Property/Liability
Apartments must be kept neat and clean at all times and the sidewalks and stairwells kept free of obstacles. Residents may use the premises as a dwelling only. No alterations or physical modifications may be made to the premises or furnishings. Residents may not install any air conditioner or antenna, including satellite dishes or mini-satellite dishes, upon either the interior or exterior of the building including windows and balconies. Housing & Dining Maintenance may install them, for a fee, upon request. No destruction to the premises or furnishings is allowed. No condition that creates a fire hazard may be kept or permitted. No additional locks may be added to exterior or interior doors. Charcoal burners and other open flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Washers and dryers will not be used or stored within a residence.
The resident must pay for costs of opening and repairing plumbing and other repairs that arise due to clogging or stoppage by any material, substance or object placed in the plumbing, or freezing of pipes due to resident negligence. Housing Services reserves the right to adjust the temperature setting in individual apartments when weather conditions warrant. Housing Services will dispose of any personal property left on the premises by the resident after he and/or she vacates according to University Policy and the law.
Housing Services does not assume any liability for the loss, damage, or theft of any personal property; or for damage or injury resulting from explosion, fire, mechanical failure of water, steam, or gas lines, or from any defective wiring, or the negligence of any other occupants of the building; the resident agrees to hold Housing Services harmless for any such damage to himself/herself or to any personal property on the premises. Residents wishing to protect themselves from the possibility of such losses should obtain appropriate insurance.
Housing Services agrees to keep the roof, floor, walls, and windows in a good state of repair.
If the University’s performance of obligations under this Agreement is materially hampered, interrupted, or interfered with by reason of any fire, casualty, lockout, strike, labor conditions, unavoidable accident, riot, war, imminent risk of serious harm to community health and welfare or other acts of God, or by the enactment, issuance, or operation of any municipal, county, State, or federal law, ordinance or executive, administrative, or judicial regulation, order or decree, or by any local or national emergency, the affected party shall be excused from performance of this Agreement.
Regulations
While on the premises, resident(s) and guests will abide by all local, state and federal laws and WSU rules and regulations. An agent of WSU may enter the premises at any reasonable hour for purpose of inspection or to make repairs. To protect a resident’s privacy, a notice of entry will be given whenever possible. However, Housing Services reserves the rights to enter without notice for purpose of inspection or to make repairs when conditions warrant. Housing Services will give advance notice when pest control procedures are to take place. Residents agree to allow pest control personnel to spray their apartment when it is deemed necessary by Housing Services. Residents will also prepare their apartment for spraying before pest control personnel arrive. The premises rented to the resident(s) is part of the housing operated by Housing Services and the resident(s) agrees that he/she will comply with all current and future rules or regulations adopted by WSU that apply to said housing. Residents who are assigned to a non-smoking apartment will not smoke or allow any guest, friend, or family member to smoke in their apartment or on the balcony or porch.
Rental Rate/Payment Schedule
The monthly rental rate, as stated in the Family/Graduate Apartments 2008 - 2009 Rental Rates schedule will be charged on the 1st of each month. The monthly rental rate in shared graduate apartments is split between the residents. Rent is payable on or before the tenth of each month during the term of this agreement. Charges for partial periods will be prorated on a daily basis. Rent must be paid by the 10th of each month. If it is not, the resident agrees to pay a late fee. Returned checks will be charged a non-sufficient funds fee in addition to the late fee.
Housing Services has the right to increase the monthly rent during the term of this rental agreement. The resident will be given a 60-day written notice of any such increase. The resident may terminate the rental agreement with 30-days notice should the rental increase be unacceptable. Notice of rent increase will be sent via MyWSU to each affected resident.
This rental agreement will remain in force even though the rental rate for the apartment may change during the resident’s occupancy.
Subletting
This agreement is not assignable, nor is the premises or any part to be sublet without the written consent of the Director of Housing Services. Residents found to be in violation are subject to cancellations of their rental agreement and eviction from Family/Graduate Housing.
Termination
By the Resident - An online 30-day minimum notice of termination of the rental agreement is required. Residents who fail to provide notice 30-days in advance of their departure will be charged a cancellation fee of $300.
Residents who complete their academic work or who terminate their association with the University are to vacate their apartment within 30-days after the end of classes in Spring semester, and within seven days after the end of classes in Fall semester or Summer session. A 30-day notice is also required in this instance.
Each resident must inform the Housing Reservations Office by
March 31, 2008, if he/she is planning to continue renting an apartment
in Family/Graduate Housing for the 2008 Fall semester by completing
the online renewal. If a resident is not returning for Fall semester,
an online termination must be submitted to the Housing Reservations
Office stating the exact date of departure.
By Housing Services - Housing Services may terminate and evict by giving advance notice in writing, under the following circumstances:
- Failure to maintain eligibility.
- Failure to pay rent.
- Failure to abide by, and adhere to, rules and regulations written herein or added hereafter, or to abide by other pertinent University regulations and policies.
- Repeatedly disturbing other residents and/or violating WSU policies.
- 5. The loss of “marital status eligibility” (i.e., divorce, failure to maintain the domestic partner requirements as defined in the Washington State University Business Policies and Procedures Manual 60.15 etc.). The policy permits the remaining ineligible spouse/domestic partner to stay in family housing for up to 60-days from the date of loss of eligibility. If the remaining spouse does not have an ID number, one will be established for that short period of time. A 30-day notice will still be required if the remaining spouse should choose to move out prior to the end of the 60-day.
Housing Services will send a written notification of eviction via an agent of Washington State University a minimum of 5 days prior to the eviction date for any breach of this agreement. By signing this agreement, the resident agrees the resident is granting a Housing Services representative the authority to enter the apartment on or after the eviction date to remove anything of resident's that is still in the apartment including the resident. Any property the University removes shall be placed in a Housing Services warehouse for storage. The resident may reclaim such property at the discretion of the Director of Housing Services after the resident has paid all charges due Washington State University under this agreement.
Utilities
Housing Services provides stove, refrigerator, Cable TV, water, sewer and trash collection to all units. Heat, hot water heating and electrical usage is provided in Valley Crest. Heat and hot water heating is provided in Steptoe. Heat is included in Kamiak and Terrace – residents are required to pay for electric hot water heating. Residents of Columbia pay electric baseboard heat and hot water heating. Yakama residents pay for natural gas heat & hot water heating – residents of 1 bedroom flats and studios pay for electric heat and hot water heating. Residents of all complexes are required to pay for their own electrical usage (except Valley Crest) and phone service. Cable TV is provided by the University and included in the rent. The University reserves the right to bill individual student accounts for any portion of unpaid utility services or delinquencies that have reverted to the University due to resident non-payment. Failure to maintain utility service to the unit may result in eviction. A $25 handling fee will be charged for each utility billing handled by Housing Services. Hot water units must be maintained at 120-degree temperature; changing the temperature setting is a violation of the policies of Housing Services.
Weapons/Explosives
For reasons of safety and noise control, no explosives including primers, powder, dynamite caps, firecrackers and pyrotechnics are allowed. The possession of small arms ammunition, when properly stored in apartments without firearms present is not considered a violation of this policy. Weapons of any kind including pistols, rifles, air guns, knives, slingshots, crossbows or martial arts tools may not be stored or used in apartments. Toy guns and activities such as “Assassin” are prohibited. Authorized storage facilities for firearms are located in the Public Safety Building.
View the Washington State University Non-discrimination Statement