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Off-Campus Housing Information and Resources |
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Iona College 's Off-Campus Housing Office is located within the Office of Residential Life in the Robert V. LaPenta Student Union. We strongly encourage all students to participate in our residential life program, but the reality is that there is limited on-campus housing available for juniors and seniors. The purpose of this section is to assist Iona students in the process of looking for off-campus housing. The office acts only in an advisory capacity and does not make reservations, appointments, rental commitments or participate in any negotiations with individual landlords. Students must, on their own, meet with the landlords, inspect the apartments, check for conformity with local ordinances and make the necessary lease arrangements. Because of varying costs and the quality of accommodations, personal visits to available housing units are necessary before making final arrangements with the landlord. It is important to realize that most rental properties will require a 12-month lease. The best time to look for fall semester housing is June through the end of August and from November until mid-January for the spring semester. Some landlords and agents are prepared to show apartments much earlier as many apartments are occupied by students and tend to turn over year after year. To assist you in finding off-campus housing, we've provided the following information to better prepare you to make a sound decision in obtaining an off-campus residence.
Definitions: Under the provisions of the City of New Rochelle Zoning Code (Section 331-4 Specific Terms Defined) the City of New Rochelle defines several important terms related to renting a housing unit in the City.
Enforcement and What it Means to You: The City of New Rochelle Building and Fire Departments are responsible for investigating housing complaints involving zoning issues where more than three non-related people are living together in a dwelling. Based on the above definitions, it is important to realize that only three unrelated people are permitted to live together in a dwelling unit. More than three individuals living together would be a violation of the Zoning Code. A critically important fact when considering the legal number of occupant in a building, is the number of dwelling units in the building. In a one family home, regardless of the number of bedrooms, there can only be three unrelated persons living together. In a two family home, three unrelated persons are permitted to reside in each dwelling unit for a total of six persons in the house. If you are looking to rent a room in a private home in New Rochelle (Section 331.30) permits the accessory use of a dwelling unit to allow the renting of not more than one room to not more that two persons. Therefore, it would be legal for no more than two students to reside in a private home sharing a room. According to the City of New Rochelle Zoning Code, it shall be presumptive evidence that four or more persons living in a single dwelling unit who are not related by blood, marriage, legal adoption or legal foster relationship do not constitute the functional equivalent of a traditional family. The standard that is used in determining whether individuals are living together as the functional equivalent of a traditional family, the following criteria must be present:
What this ultimately means to you is that no more than three unrelated individuals may reside in a dwelling without creating an illegal occupancy condition that violates both the City's Zoning and the State's Building codes. Depending on how and why this illegal occupancy condition was created, you or your landlord (or property manager) may be found liable, cited, and possibly prosecuted in New Rochelle City Court. If you have questions regarding these regulations and need further information, please contact the City of New Rochelle Bureau of Building at (914) 654-2036 between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
Apartments/Houses Before signing a lease: do not give a "deposit" to a landlord or rental agent unless you are sure you want the apartment. It may not be refundable. If the accommodation you are seeking is in an apartment building, the heating cost will probably be included in the rent. Each group of tenants in a two or three-family house rental will usually pay their own fuel costs and sometimes their own hot water. These can often be very high during the cold winter months. Consider these unheated accommodations carefully since the rental price does not represent your total cost. Other utilities, such as gas and electricity, cable TV, Internet service and telephone may also be extra and are usually a substantial expense. Generally, apartments in buildings will be equipped with a stove and a refrigerator, but some house rentals may have only a stove. Almost all apartments will be unfurnished and those that are furnished tend to be very expensive. It is important that you check the quality of the apartment and the physical condition when you are evaluating your rental options. The quality of any rental unit within an area can vary greatly which should encourage you to carefully inspect the property as the overall condition should affect the rental price. Rooms in a Private Home Since Iona College is located in a predominantly residential area, many homeowners in the vicinity rent either private bedrooms or rooms to share for students. Room rentals average $450-$700/month, including utilities. The rooms are furnished and kitchen privileges are often available. Students living off campus may continue to purchase the College meal plan. Living in a private home often tends to be more restrictive. The homeowner has the right to set guidelines for the house which may restrict guests and visitors. It is important to discuss these issues and other mutual expectations prior making either a verbal or written agreement. It is very important that you agree upon these issues before moving in. You may also want to ask about the heating since the high cost of fuel has caused some homeowners to keep thermostats at lower settings. It is important to check the law! Although a lease is seldom required, some homeowners ask for a security deposit equal to one month's rent to be used as security against possible damage. It may be used as the last month's rent, if agreed upon by the landlord. If you leave before the end of the academic year, this deposit is usually forfeited. Should there be any question about your leaving before the end of the academic year, it is suggested that you make prior arrangements that are agreed upon with the homeowner in writing before you move in. Free Room and Board in Exchange for Services: At times, situations are available in which a student may perform certain household services such as baby-sitting, or companionship and light care for someone elderly, in exchange for free room and/or board. Families offering rooms in this category will not usually accept a student unless the student agrees to stay for the full academic year. Listings of this type are sometimes available in the Offices of Career Development and Residential Life.
Rental Cost Comparison for 2005-2006
Please check what utilities are included. In most cases if you rent an apartment in an apartment-style building the heat and hot water are included. If you rent an apartment in a private house, or rent a full house, all utilities may be extra and not included in the rental fees. On-Campus Housing Comparison 2005-2006 Room: $787/month (on-campus room per person, for 9 months)
One of the most important decisions you can make as you prepare to seek off-campus housing is whom you are going to live with. This decision causes a lot of stress for many students and it is normal to be concerned. There are four steps you need to take in choosing your roommate. They are:
In determining your living situation for next year, use the following questions to help you examine your values and beliefs: Room Type
General Responsibilities
Study Time
Visitors
Guests
Community Property
Some items to consider are: stereo, television, video games, appliances (microwave), food, books, clothes, CDs and tapes, computer, printer & paper. Making Your Decision Now that you have given some thought to these questions and know your own answers, plan on spending some time with your potential roommate(s) and discuss these issues. In the discussion, compare habits, preferences, and expectations. Don’t expect to agree in all areas. The fact that you and your roommate(s) are different people, each with his or her own positive qualities, means you have the potential to learn a lot from each other. Be honest about your expectations, ability, and desire to meet your roommate(s) expectations. Start discussing the easy areas where you both/all agree. Once those are done, start discussing the areas where you disagree. Start to compromise on those areas. REMEMBER - compromise means each person must consent. Each of you must be willing to stand behind what you truly believe is right or wrong, but you must also be willing to examine those values. Sometimes it is not possible to compromise. If this is a situation with a potential roommate, you need to consider the nature and severity of the conflicts that may develop next year in this area of disagreement. If these cannot be resolved, living together may not be the best solution for you. It does not mean you cannot be friends or you are any less of friends because you cannot live together. It just means you were wise in making a decision not to live together.
Iona College does not have an affiliation with any local real estate agents as a preferred vendor. The following is a list of local real estate agents who are willing to assist you in locating an apartment or room in the surrounding community.
Daniel T. Carello Realty
Iona College , as a service to our students and members of the surrounding community, will maintain and update all rental listings that have been provided to the College for available rental units in the area. These listings will be available in the Office of Residential Life. This will include all listings for rooms in private homes, apartments, houses and condos, and free room and board in exchange for services. It is important for the student to realize that this information is provided by individuals and the College does not verify the information provided. It is vital that students verify all information in the listings and ensure that the room or apartment is in compliance with all applicable local building and zoning codes. When considering any rental space, always check for safety equipment like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If there is any doubt in your mind, please check with the local building and/or fire departments. Members of the community are encouraged to place an announcement of your listing for off-campus housing with the Office of Residential Life at (914) 633-2336. You can request a form to list your property. Listings will not be taken by e-mail or over the telephone. To remove your property from the listings after it is rented, please call the office at (914) 633-2336 or e-mail offcampuslistings@iona.edu. Please note that Iona College posts these listings for the convenience of our students and the College does not verify the information provided. Students are advised that it is their responsibility to verify the information to ensure that the rental unit is safe and conforms with all local ordinances |
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