FAQ | Housing Agreement and Renewals (Faculty, Staff & Postdocs)

Important updates include the following: 

• Identification of all apartment occupants and their relation to the leaseholder. 
• Introduction of a $50 late fee, in accordance with current legal standards. 
• Revised security deposit guidelines. 
• A requirement for 60 days notice before vacating the apartment. 
• Specific conditions for apartment entry by Columbia Residential personnel. 
• Restrictions on subletting the apartment for short terms. 
• Detailed provisions on legal fees related to disputes. 

Yes, we’ve added some common lease provisions that weren’t in the old agreement. These include rules about making alterations, what happens if the lease isn’t signed, how we handle packages, and more. 

All current residents will receive the new lease at their standard lease renewal cycle, sent 90 days before the end of their current lease agreement; or whenever they complete a transfer if before the end of their current lease. All incoming residents will receive our new lease as of April 2024. 

The new lease does not change any housing eligibilities you may have held by our previous lease. The new lease was updated to provide further clarity on existing provisions and include additional standard provisions typically included in residential leases. 

Having the names and relationships of eligible additional occupants living with you on a full-time basis (partner/spouse or dependent children) allows us to have accurate information related to residents in our buildings. While their names and relationship will not be listed on your new lease, they remain non-leaseholders. 

All residents who are eligible and intent to remain in housing beyond the end of their new lease are required to sign a renewal. If you fail to renew your lease and remain in possession of the apartment after your current lease expires, the rent payable will be increased to the level stated in your renewal lease for the period after the expiration date.  

Moving forward you will be required to provide a 60-day notice if you decide not to renew your lease. This notice is crucial for our planning and helps avoid unnecessary charges, including a $500 fee for failing to notify us in time. 

Rent remains due the first of each month, late fees will apply to any rent payments received after the 10th day.  

We recognize the importance of providing alternative payment methods that align with modern needs. As we worked on our new lease, we’ve also been actively exploring the implementation of an online rent payment system to offer you greater flexibility and convenience. We hope we can provide residents with more information this coming Summer 2024. 

Maintaining accurate records of who resides in each apartment is crucial for various reasons. Firstly, it ensures that our University community remains in compliance with safety regulations and occupancy limits, promoting a secure living environment for all residents. Also, it allows us to effectively manage resources and facilities to meet our community members' needs. Moreover, in case of emergencies or important communications, knowing who resides in each apartment enables us to provide timely assistance and support.  

We all need to do our part for the environment, as such the new lease includes a requirement to follow NYC’s recycling laws, helping us keep our community green and achieve Columbia’s sustainable goals. 

New details have been added to enhance your living experience, covering amenities such as laundry facilities, safety detectors, and regulations on pets and balcony use, among others. These updates are designed to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all residents. 

Yes, the updated lease now explicitly prohibits subletting for periods less than 30 days (i.e. Airbnb), to maintain the integrity and safety of our community. This helps ensure our Columbia Residential remains a secure and stable place to live. 

The updated lease outlines clearer consequences for breaches, including inaccuracies in your application or engaging in unauthorized activities within the apartment. It's essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a harmonious living environment. 

If there’s a legal dispute because of something that happened in your apartment, you might need to cover the legal fees. This is standard practice to ensure that everyone takes responsibility for their actions. 

While renters insurance has always been highly recommended, under the new lease residents are required to obtain renters insurance. Renters insurance provides essential protection for your personal belongings and offers you peace of mind knowing that your possessions are safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances.  

If a child under six resides or will reside in your apartment, it's imperative to inform us so we can comply with laws about lead paint. This helps us ensure the safety and well-being of our youngest residents and is applicable to certain buildings. 

We trust this overview helps clarify the recent updates to your lease agreement. Should you have further questions, please feel free to reach out at [email protected] for assistance.