[+]Security Advice
Information
Police & Security Patrols
Every night of the semester, the residential communities of the campus and their surrounding areas are being monitored by:
• University Police officers in marked and unmarked police cars (24 hours daily), motorcycles, bicycles and on foot patrols
• Surveillance cameras at more than 210 selected locations (outdoors, inside parking garages and libraries) across the campus (24 hours daily)
Escorts/N.I.T.E. Ride
Escorts by uniformed Police officers or Student Police Aides are available 24 hours any day by calling 301-405-3555.
For curb-to-curb service by N.I.T.E. Ride vans 5:30pm to 7:30am any day, just call 4-NITE (6483). Please use N.I.T.E. Ride when evening transit routes are not in service or if your pick-up location or destination is not on a evening transit route.
These services can be requested from any blue-light emergency phone; the Police dispatcher who answers your call will summon a Police escort for you or transfer you to N.I.T.E. Ride.
Program your cellular phone
From a cellular phone, University of Maryland Police can be reached at 301-405-3555. Take time now to pre-program this number into your cellular phone. If you call 911 from a cellular phone, you will reach Prince George’s County Police and you should ask to be transferred to University of Maryland Police.
After Dark, Never Walk Alone
Walk with friends or in a group or ride Shuttle-UM. Walk in well-lighted paths. Know the location of the nearest emergency phones.
Going to your car:
• Walk with a friend, then drop him/her at your apartment as you drive off
Coming back to your apartment alone:
• Call ahead to a friend who’ll meet you at his/her front door, then walk with you from the parking lot, or request an escort from Police (301-405-3555).
Evening Transit Route
Shuttle-UM fixed evening transit routes operate seven nights a wShuttle-UM fixed evening transit routes operate seven nights a week from 5:30pm to 3:00am, with buses stopping outside most residence halls, apartments, and along Fraternity Row every 15 to 35 minutes. This is your convenient and safe way to visit friends in other parts of campus and go to libraries, student union, College Park shopping district, College Park Metro station, etc.
Know what to do if approachedIt is not necessary, and may not be advisable, to confront someone who has a weapon or is angry enough to inflict harm on another person. If you should come upon a situation like this, as naturally as possible, move away to your room, a friend's room, a group of people, a well-lighted area, etc. Then, call Police at 911 or x5-3555.
[+]Health Info
"Nothing is slower than a sick turtle"
[+]Summer Re-Leasing Process
Summer Re-leasing will begin on April 19, 2010 at 9AM. The deadline to submit a Summer Re-leasing candidate online is June 8, 2010.
|
If you have already begun the re-leasing process, you can check the status of your re-leasing transaction here
|
The following information is designed to help you navigate the process if you wish to transfer your lease to another student and end your Courtyards lease early. Please review this information with any prospective re-lessor so that both parties fully understand the requirements of the process. You are responsible for finding an eligible student to take over your lease and you must complete all the steps in this process before you can be released from the financial obligations of your lease.
Step 1: Find a Re-Lessor
Find a re-leasing candidate interested in taking over your lease for the remainder of the lease period. Though it is your exclusive responsibility to find an eligible re-lessor, there are many resources available:
- Speak with friends and roommates about whether they know anyone living on- or off-campus looking for housing.
- Post your available space on the Online Re-Leasing Bulletin Board so potential re-lessors may see your information. (Male) (Female)
- Review the Re-Leasing Bulletin Board to find potential re-lessors looking for leases to take over. (Male) (Female)
- Post advertisements in designated areas on campus. Some bulletin boards/areas require University approval before posting. Contact the Department of Resident Life Assignments and Public Inquiry Office (301-314-2100) for more information about posting in the Residence Halls.
Step 2: Complete the online re-leasing process (at least 3 weeks in advance of your transfer date)
- Submit an online re-leasing form here. The online re-leasing request form is ONLY available to the current SCC/CTY resident.
- Information you will need to complete your request includes:
- Re-leasing candidate's information (you may want your re-leasing candidate to be present or on the phone when filling out the request).
- Date you wish to move out.*
- Date your re-lessor wants to move in.*
*The above dates must be at least two (2) business days apart.
Step 3: Determine your re-lessor's eligibility
Once you submit a candidate through the online re-leasing form, the University of Maryland's Department of Resident Life will determine his/her eligibility. It takes approximately 5 business days to determine a re-lessor's eligibility through the University.
During the ACADEMIC YEAR, the criteria that the Department of Resident Life uses to determine student eligibility for Courtyards residency are as follows:
1. Does the student currently live on-campus?
2. Has the student completed his/her first year of post-secondary education?
3. Is the student in good financial, judicial, academic, and registration standing?
For the SUMMER only, an applicant must be directly affiliated with the University of Maryland- College Park, and in good financial, judicial and academic standing to lease at CTY. The applicant does not need to live on-campus.
Step 4: Sign your re-leasing paperwork (at least 5 business days in advance of your transfer date)
You and your re-lessor will need to schedule an appointment with the Courtyards Leasing Agent to sign and submit your re-leasing paperwork and payments. This appointment must occur at least five (5) business days prior to your re-lessor’s check-in date to avoid any delays.
“As the current lease holder, you must have a zero ($0) balance on your account to transfer your lease. If you have an outstanding balance at the time of your appointment, you will not be able to complete the re-leasing process. If you pay-off a balance on the same day as your appointment, please retain a receipt or print the online confirmation and bring to your re-leasing appointment as proof of payment.”
You an your re-lessor must bring the following items to your appointment:
- Your re-lessor's $25 check/money order for the Application Fee*
(We do not accept cash, credit cards or debit cards for this payment.)
- Your re-lessor's $300 check/money order for the Lease Reservation Fee*
(We do not accept cash, credit cards or debit cards for this payment.)
- Your re-lessor's signed and notarized Guaranty of Lease
- Your Bank Certified Check or Money Order for the $100 Lease Transfer Fee* (We do not accept personal checks, cash, credit cards, or debit cards for this payment).
- When applicable, a $60 check or money order for cleaning. Payment should be made out to Educated Cleaners.
* Application Fees, Lease Reservation Fees, and Lease Transfer Fees should be made payable to The Courtyards and should contain the appropriate student 's name (current or new resident) and apartment number.
The following items will be provided by our Leasing Staff at your appointment:
- Re-lease Agreement to be signed by both parties
- Your re-lessor 's Lease Agreement
- Your re-lessor 's application and roommate matching form
|
*** IMPORTANT ***
I understand that when I re-lease my apartment for the Summer, I am relinquishing the remainder of my lease with The Courtyards to my re-lessor. My re-lessor will have no additional rights or priority to my assignment for the following lease year by virtue of completing a summer re-lease.
Furthermore, my re-lessor is not permitted to stay in my assignment beyond July 31st, 2010 unless they have already signed a lease of their own for the 2010-2011 lease term. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to the move-out date except in the case of legal lease holders who submit a direct transferapplication and are approved to directly transfer into their 2010-2011 unit. Appeals for lease extensions will not be granted under any circumstances.
By completing the re-leasing process, any direct transfer application submitted by the outgoing resident is rendered null and void.
|
[+]Mail & Packages
Mail service is provided to the Courtyards by the United States Postal Service. Each apartment is issued a communal mailbox located adjacent to the Clubhouse and each resident is issued a key at check-in to access the mailbox.
To receive mail without incident or delay, please make sure it is addressed as follows:
Resident Name
8000 Boteler Lane Apt# XXX
College Park, MD 20740
As a Courtyard’s lease holder you authorize the Courtyards to accept packages, parcels, and deliveries on your behalf. However, packages will not be accepted until a resident officially checks in. As a lease holder you agree to hold Courtyards free of liability or responsibility for packages, parcels, or deliveries should they be lost, damaged, or otherwise harmed. Furthermore, Residents understand that if packages, parcels or deliveries are not claimed within fourteen (14) days, they will either be returned to the sender or discarded as Landlord deems appropriate.
Packages are logged daily by the Courtyards staff. When a package is delivered for a resident, the resident will receive an e-mail notifying him/her of the package. Packages can be claimed Monday through Thursday 9AM-10PM, Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM, and Sunday 10AM-10PM. A valid University, state or local government I.D. is required to claim your packages.
Mail Forwarding
Upon move-out, please complete a Change of Address form in our office, in a local Post Office or online at
USPS website (There is a $1.00 service fee charged by USPS for completing the Online Change of Address process.)
The full lease rental rate is due and payable in 12 equal installments during the lease term. Each installment is due in full on the 1st of each month without reminder. After the 10th of each month, a 5% late fee is applied to the account.
Rent may be paid in-person using a check or money order. A check or money order may also be mailed to: The Courtyards 8000 Boteler Lane College Park, MD 20740. If paying with a check or money order, please include the resident’s name and apartment numbering the memo section.
One-time or recurring electronic payments may be made on the Resident Portal using a credit/debit card or a bank draft. There is an additional transaction fee for using a credit/debit cards, however, bank drafts are free of charge.
[+]Parking
Each Courtyards resident is eligible to park their car in the community for free. All vehicles must be registered to the resident or the resident’s parents/guardian. Residents must obtain a parking pass prior to parking in the Courtyards and must park legally following all posted parking regulations.
Be advised: The Department of Transportation will issue tickets and/or tow inappropriately parked vehicles 24-hours a day, 7 days a week using the same enforcement guidelines as all other campus lots. All complaints and appeals regarding parking enforcement are handled by the University Of Maryland Department Of Transportation Services. Information is available online at
www.dots.umd.edu or by calling x4-PARK.
Parking Permits
All residents parking a vehicle at The Courtyards are required to display a valid Lot 8 parking permit. Permits must be obtained at check-in. The resident will be required to provide a license plate number. After a resident’s initial check-in, the resident will be required to provide proof of vehicle registration in the resident’s name or their parent/guardian name and a license plate number to obtain a permit.
Each resident may only possess one (1) Lot 8 permit. A resident checking out of the Courtyards will be required to surrender his/her permit when keys are returned.
Replacement parking permits may be obtained by visiting the Courtyards Office. A replacement fee of $213 will be charged to the resident’s account.
Visitor Parking
Visitors are welcome to park in the spaces restricted for 15-minute usage during the hours of 7:00AM and 4:00PM. These spaces are provided directly in front of the Clubhouse, and marked as 15-minute spaces. Your visitors are welcome to freely park here before or after the hours of 7:00AM and 4:00PM.
Visitors may also park in the metered spaces provided in the outermost row of parking between buildings 100 and 600, nearest building 100. Between the hours of 7:00AM and 4:00PM these spaces are enforced. Visitors are welcome to freely park in these spaces before or after these hours.
[+]Recurring Payments
If you plan to pay rent electronically, we encourage you to consider setting up a recurring payment through the Resident Portal. The recurring payment option is very easy to set-up and manage, and allows you the benefit of knowing you do not have to remember to mail or drop off a payment or to log-in and make the one-time payments.
Like one-time electronic payments, you may use a debit/credit card (transaction fees apply) or a bank draft to pay. The recurring payment option allows you to choose the payment method, payment, amount, and payment frequency. You may also edit your payment settings at anytime to change your payments or to stop using the recurring option.
[+]Bicycle Registration
Our bicycle racks are reserved for The Courtyards at University of Maryland residents only. As a resident of Courtyards, you must register your bike with the Department of Transportation Services and then register with Courtyards. Bike registration is free and you may register at any time during the year at the leasing office. For information regarding the University of Maryland Bicycle Registration process please visit the Department of Transportation website at
Once you receive your permit, just snap the permit onto your bike as pictured below, and park it at your closes bike rack. Bicycles may not be parked at trees, railings, signs, or any area other than the bicycle racks provided. All illegally parked bikes or those not registered with the Courtyards will be removed and impounded at the resident’s expense and if left unclaimed for thirty days Courtyards has the right to discard.
[+]Moped/Scooter Parking
Mopeds/scooters are welcome at The Courtyards. The University requires that all mopeds/scooters be registered with the Department of Transportation Services. Once registered, they may be parked at any designated “Moped Parking Only” location within the community. Three convenient locations are located between buildings 300 and 400, within the horse shoe parking lot of 100/200 and in the rear of 700 parallel to the recycle station. Parking and/or storage of moped/scooters in hallways, apartments, on bike racks or on balconies is against the fire code and strictly prohibited.
[+]Move-in/Check-in
Check-in is available to you on the first day of your lease term. You will obtain your keys, parking pass, alarm information, etc. at that time and be permitted to begin moving in to your apartment. To check-in, we ask that you bring photo identification to the Clubhouse Office.
We know that moving in can be stressful, and we will do our best to make your check-in as quick and smooth as possible. A few ways that you can assist us in making your check-in a success and your move-in smooth are:
· Remember your photo identification.
· Memorize or write down your license plate number.
· Dress appropriately for the weather. The Courtyards is a garden-style community and does not have elevators.
· Consider bringing a hand truck but remember there are stairs to navigate if you do not live on the first floor!
· Leave your pets at home. Pets are prohibited on the Courtyards property and our furry friends are usually not very happy left in a vehicle.
[+]Promoting Responsible Action in Medical Emergencies
[+]Courtyards Area Council
The Courtyards Area Council is a student organization, affiliated with the University of Maryland’s Resident Hall Association that works to provide representation to all Courtyards residents at the community and the University level. The Courtyards Area Council strives to:
- Provide more effective and open lines of communication between Courtyards management and Courtyards residents.
- Organize and provide Courtyards residents with activities and programs.
- Address issues residents may have such as safety concerns, trash collection, parking, and roommate situations.
- Organize and allocate the money available in the budget for community improvement.
The Council consists of both elected officers and general members. Your level of involvement depends on your interests. Being an officer allows for a more specific role and responsibilities, while a general member has more flexibility and the same opportunities to greatly impact the Courtyards Community!
The 2009-2010 Officers are:
Bridget Gallagher
Courtney Buchanan
V.P. Communication cbuchana@umd.edu
Bei AchiriMofor
V.P. Programming bei2005@yahoo.com
Josh Griner
If you are interested in making a difference in your community, contact us at:
courtyards@marylandrha.com
[+]Online RCR
Upon move-in, you are encouraged to assess the condition of your room and apartment, and then to complete a Room Condition Report (RCR) online documenting the condition of your space at the time of move-in. Upon move-out an inspection of your apartment is completed comparing the condition at move-in with the condition at move-out to determine damage charges and work that must be completed prior to a new resident moving in. If you do not complete and submit an RCR, your room and apartment will be inspected with the assumption that all items and furniture were in satisfactory condition with no damage at your move-in.
Please log on to your Resident Portal via www.umdcourtyards.com to complete your RCR within two (2) business days of checking in. To complete the form:
- Assess the condition of your unit overall including walls, carpet, furniture, appliances and bathroom.
- Select the appropriate condition box and add descriptions of any damage that exist in your unit. Be as specific as possible using numbers, dimensions and descriptions. For example, if your kitchen counter has a The Courtyards written in the laminate, you might write 2 inch The Courtyards written near sink in the move-in column in the kitchen section next to “counter”.
- Submit the completed RCR and print or e-mail yourself a copy for your records.
If you have any questions about how to complete the form, please contact your Community Assistant or the Courtyards office for assistance.
[+]Study Abroad
STUDY ABROAD Information
The following information is intended only for PREVIOUS South Campus Commons or Courtyards residents interested in returning after participation in a Study Abroad Program.
Please refer to the
Study Abroad Information link with information that will be essential in preparation of the 2009-2010 leasing process.
If you have not lived in South Campus Commons or The Courtyards previously, you are required to meet all of the requirements of all first-time residents as outlined in "
Applying to SCC"
If I go abroad do I lose my priority to live in the Commons/Courtyards again next year?
No, as long as you meet all requirements you will be able to lease with The Commons for the following year. To be considered eligible for return, the University must verify your participation in a University-approved program for the Spring 2009 semester and that your University account is in proper standing. Additionally, your rental account with us may not have any outstanding dues. If you have a balance with us, it must be paid prior to your lease signing.
Please be advised that even though you are permitted to return as a 2009-2010 lease holder, only the person occupying a space DURING the Spring 2009 semester is granted "current resident" or "same bedroom renewal"� rights. While you are not permitted to lease as a "same bedroom renewal," you can lease as either a pull-in of a Spring 2009 resident or as a transfer resident.
What is required of me to lease with Commons/Courtyards while I am abroad?
Please review the following requirements carefully, as failure to complete each of the steps will jeopardize your 2009-2010 housing with us. As a study abroad student, you should be prepared to have the following items submitted to us on your behalf.
�
- Proxy Form: South Campus Commons allows students to have their lease signed by proxy with the use of this document. The proxy you assign will be able to make all necessary housing decisions and sign all required documentation on your behalf, so please make sure you discuss all information necessary for their completion of your housing selection. You must sign and complete this document then provide your proxy with the form so they can present it at your leasing appointment. Please do not send proxy forms directly to our offices.
- South Campus Commons Renewal Intent Form: This form is available for online submission and must be completed by 5pm on Thursday, February 12, 2009. It is required of all current SCC/Courtyards lease holders and all residents intending to return from Study Abroad. If you want to pull-in prospective roommates for next lease year, you must provide us with the requested information on the form (their name, UID, email address and current residence). Your proxy and all prospective pull-ins should discuss and then schedule a lease signing appointment appropriate for your group. SEE RENEWAL FAQ
- Online Application [Due by 11:59pm on February 19, 2009]: Your completion of the application allows a current resident to list you as a PULL-IN and allows the Department of Resident Life to assess your current eligibility status. As long as you are on a University-approved program or a sanctioned absence, you should be approved by Resident Life. The application is also necessary for us to obtain information for your file that your proxy will not easily be able to provide. The application is mandatory even if you have submitted one to us previously. All residents returning from a study abroad program must complete this application by 11:59pm on Thursday, February 19, 2009.
- Guaranty of Lease: When returning to South Campus Commons, you are required to submit a new notarized Guaranty of Lease form. Because of the large number of students who want to return from Study Abroad programs, we are not able to research our file archives for previously submitted paperwork!
- Lease Reservation Fee: Lease Reservation Fees are collected at the time of your lease signing and applied towards your first rental installment. Any deposit amount that is not applied towards your rent or possible damage charges will be refunded by our corporate offices. Your proxy is required to submit your $300 Lease Reservation Fee at the time of your lease signing. All payments are to be made by check or money order.
What happens if I sign a full lease and then go abroad for all or part of the year?
South Campus Commons allows students to release their space to an approved University of Maryland student. It is the responsibility of the current lessor to find an eligible student to take the lease. If you are unable to find an eligible student you will be obligated to the lease you signed.
Should I sign a full lease if I will be studying abroad for a semester or graduating in December 2009?
We do not recommend that you renew your lease in this case, as you could find yourself obligated to twelve monthly payments and yet not be able to live in your apartment for a significant portion of the term of your lease. Instead it would be best to release from someone else.
If you need further information on returning to South Campus Commons, please contact the South Campus Commons Leasing Office at Leasing@southcampuscommons.com
[+]UM Shuttle Service
The Courtyards is serviced by Shuttle UM and offers the Courtyards Express service Monday-Friday during the day and the Purple Line at night and during the weekends. Shuttle UM is free to ride. Both the Purple Line and the Courtyards Express follow the service schedule controlled by the Department of Transportation Services. You may view the route information for both lines and the schedules by visiting
http://www.transportation.umd.edu/routes/commuter.html
[+]Resident Newsletters
Each month, the Courtyards produces a newsletter full of community news, tips, and reminders. The newsletter is e-mailed to all residents in the community and posted here for your convenience.
August 2009
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
[+]Fall Re-Leasing
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR HOUSING –
To take over a 2010-2011 Courtyards lease, you will need to find someone that wants/needs to transfer his/her lease to another person, and then complete the Fall Re-leasing Process described below.
Things to remember:
Ways to connect with a current lease holder:
- Speak with friends, roommates, and future roommates about whether they know anyone looking for housing.
- Post your available space on the Online Re-Leasing Bulletin Board so potential re-lessors may see your information. (Male) (Female)
- Review the Re-Leasing Bulletin Board to find potential re-lessors looking for leases to take over. (Male) (Female)
- Post advertisements in designated areas on campus. Some bulletin boards/areas require University approval before posting. Contact the Department of Resident Life Assignments and Public Inquiry Office (301-314-2100) for more information about posting in the Residence Halls.
2010-2011 LEASE HOLDERS - PLEASE REVIEW THIS INFORMATION BECAUSE THIS PROCESS IS DIFFERENT THAN SPRING AND SUMMER RE-LEASING.
The following information is designed to help you navigate the process if you wish to transfer your 2010-2011 lease to another student. If you complete the Fall Re-leasing Process, you will no longer hold a lease at Courtyards for 2010-2011 unless you are approved and choose to sign a lease at a later time.
Please review this information with any prospective re-lessor so that both parties fully understand the requirements of the process. You are responsible for finding an eligible student to take over your lease and you must complete all the steps in this process before you can be released from the financial obligations of your lease.
Step 1: Find a Re-Lessor
Find a re-leasing candidate interested in taking over your lease for the remainder of the lease period. Though it is your exclusive responsibility to find an eligible re-lessor, there are many resources available:
- Speak with friends, roommates, and future roommates about whether they know anyone looking for housing.
- Post your available space on the Online Re-Leasing Bulletin Board so potential re-lessors may see your information. (Male) (Female)
- Review the Re-Leasing Bulletin Board to find potential re-lessors looking for leases to take over. (Male) (Female)
- Post advertisements in designated areas on campus. Some bulletin boards/areas require University approval before posting. Contact the Department of Resident Life Assignments and Public Inquiry Office (301-314-2100) for more information about posting in the Residence Halls.
- Contact Leasing Agent Darren Hoppert regarding use of the Courtyards Waitlist.
Step 2: Submit your re-leasing candidate’s information via e-mail
- Re-leasing candidate's full name & UID #
- Date you wish to move out.*
- Date your re-lessor wants to move in.*
*The above dates must be at least two (2) business days apart.
· The Leasing Agent will submit this information to the University of Maryland's Department of Resident Life for approval. This takes approximately 5 business days.
Step 3: Determine your re-lessor's eligibility
Once you submit a candidate via e-mail, the University of Maryland's Department of Resident Life will determine his/her eligibility. It takes approximately 5 business days to determine a re-lessor's eligibility through the University.
You will receive an e-mail, once the University has determined the candidate’s eligibility.
The criteria that the Department of Resident Life uses to determine student eligibility for Courtyards residency are as follows:
1. Does the student currently live on-campus?
2. Has the student completed his/her first year of post-secondary education?
3. Is the student in good financial, judicial, academic, and registration standing?
Step 4: Sign your re-leasing paperwork (at least 5 business days in advance of your transfer date)
You and your re-lessor will need to schedule an appointment with the Courtyards Leasing Agent to sign and submit your re-leasing paperwork and payments. This appointment must occur at least five (5) business days prior to your re-lessor’s check-in date to avoid any delays.
You and your re-lessor must bring the following items to your appointment:
- Your re-lessor's $25 check/money order for the Application Fee*
(We do not accept cash, credit cards or debit cards for this payment.)
- Your re-lessor's $300 check/money order for the Lease Reservation Fee*
(We do not accept cash, credit cards or debit cards for this payment.)
- Your re-lessor's signed and notarized Guaranty of Lease
- Your Bank Certified Check or Money Order for the $100 Lease Transfer Fee* (We do not accept personal checks, cash, credit cards, or debit cards for this payment).
- When applicable, a $60 check or money order for cleaning. Payment should be made out to Educated Cleaners.
* Application Fees, Lease Reservation Fees, and Lease Transfer Fees should be made payable to The Courtyards and should contain the appropriate student 's name (current or new resident) and apartment number.
The following items will be provided by our Leasing Staff at your appointment:
- Re-lease Agreement to be signed by both parties
- Your re-lessor 's Lease Agreement
- Your re-lessor 's application and roommate matching form
[+]Move-Out: How to Check-out Properly
Successful Move-Out Guide
Check-out is required at the end of your lease term. If you decide to check out of your room for any reason (end of lease or otherwise), you must follow these procedures to limit the chance of incurring additional charges and to ensure you have properly completed the move-out process.
All personal property must be removed from your unit and it must be returned to the condition it was in when you moved into the apartment. To complete your check-out, please visit the Courtyards Office during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday (9AM-6PM; Friday 9AM-5PM). You will need to complete a check-out form and submit your keys. Once you turn in your keys, you will not be permitted to re-enter your apartment or to access your mailbox. If the Courtyards Office is closed, you must check-out at the After Hours Desk or with the Community Assistant On-Duty. Failure to properly check-out will result in a $100 Improper Check-out Fee.
Once you check-out, Management Staff will enter the apartment to complete a Move-Out Inspection. The current condition of the apartment will be compared with your Room Condition Report to determine any work that must be completed prior to a new resident moving in and/or any damage fees that must be assessed to you. Do not forget to remove all unwanted items from your room and apartment, and take any large items to the dumpster areas. If you leave items or trash in your unit, they will be considered abandoned property and thrown away, and an additional charge for trash removal may be assessed to your account.
Please note that if any resident checks-out prior to the end of his/her lease or without releasing to another student, he/she remains financially responsible for the remainder of the lease. This financially responsibility is only relinquished if the lease term ends or the lease is officially transferred to another student.
Check-out Procedures:
1) Remove all personal belongings and trash from the unit.
2) Close and lock all windows and doors.
3) Turn in all keys and parking pass to the Courtyards Office.*
4) Complete a Check-out Agreement and Change of Address notice at the office.
*If the Courtyards Office is closed, you must check-out at the After Hours Desk or with the Community Assistant On-Duty. Failure to properly check-out will result in a $100 Improper Check-out Fee.
If you do not re-lease your apartment, you remain responsible for all aspects of your lease until it concludes on July 31, 2010 including June and July’s rent installments.
[+]Transfer Information
What is a transfer? If a resident is currently living in Courtyards (CTY) and moving to a new apartment or bedroom in CTY for the 2010-2011 lease year, they must completely move all belongings out of their current bedroom and apartment at the end of the lease period on July 31, 2010, and find a place to store them that is not on CTY property. Their new unit will then be cleaned and prepared for them and they can move in at the start of the new lease on August 22, 2010.
What is a direct transfer? If a resident absolutely cannot move out of the building for that period of time, they can apply to directly transfer into their new space. With this option, residents take the new space as the outgoing resident leaves it “as-is” (i.e. there will be no cleaning , painting, carpet cleaning, repairing of damages or other maintenance concerns addressed by CTY staff). Residents will have to be able to move during an assigned time on August 2, 2010.
Requirements of Direct Transfers (you must be able to meet all requirements):
- Be able to move into your new space during any assigned window of time on August 2, 2010. You will be given a four hour window of time to move all belongings from one space to another.
- Be willing to take the new apartment/space AS-IS. This means that our staff will not do ANY cleaning, painting or preparing of the new space. You will get the apartment EXACTLY as the departing resident left it. Allowing direct transfers does not give us any time to prepare the space for a new resident. Be sure you are willing to take the space exactly how the person before you left it, which may not be to your standards.
- Once moved into your new space, you will need to keep items stored in your bedroom or in cabinets so that staff will be able to work within your apartment if there is a new resident moving in.
Application: You will need to submit an application if you are interested in directly transferring into your new bedroom or apartment. Applications are available in the Courtyards Office and online at www.umdcourtyards.com under the Applications/Forms section. Applications must be submitted to the Courtyards Office. The deadline to submit an application is May 26, 2010. You will be notified by June 2 whether or not you will be able to directly transfer into your new space. Not all applications will be approved. Staff will examine individual needs and circumstances including classes, internships, permanent address and other extenuating circumstances.
Feel free to contact Leasing Agent, Darren Hoppert with any questions by visiting the Courtyards Office, e-mailing office@umdcourtyards.com , or calling 301-314-9141.
[+]Maintenance & Your Apartment
Work Orders
Maintenance work orders allow you to request that a maintenance technician repair a problem in your apartment. To submit a work order, go to www.umdcourtyards.com and log-in to your Resident Portal. By submitting a work order, you are giving Courtyards Maintenance staff and/or a Courtyards appointed contractor permission to enter your apartment and/or bedroom to completed the maintenance request.
When completing a maintenance ticket, please be as detailed as possible. For example, “Dryer is not heating” is much more informative than “Dryer broken”. This kind of specific information will help the maintenance technician to diagnose the problem and complete your repair in a timely fashion. If a repair is not complete within two business days, log on to the Resident Portal to see an update. There will be notes in the work order record showing additional information. If the information does not answer your questions, please call the management office to speak with the maintenance department. Please do not file multiple maintenance tickets for the same repair.
A maintenance emergency is one in which the safety of a resident is jeopardized, when damage is being caused to the building, or when basic life needs are not provided for.
In case of a maintenance emergency during regular business hours contact the Courtyards Office immediately by calling (301) 314-2466.
In case of a maintenance emergency outside of regular business hours, contact the Community Assistant (CA) On-Duty immediately by calling (301) 906-3623. The CA will activate the 24-hour on-call system and a staff member will address the problem.
Situations that would be considered emergencies are:
- All toilets in unit are clogged
- Heating does not work and temperature outside is under 45 degrees
- Air conditioning does not work and temperature outside is over 90 degrees
- Unit door will not lock
- No electricity in unit
- Flooding
- Broken window (both panes)
- Inoperable smoke detector
Situations that are not maintenance emergencies, but will be handled as soon as possible include:
- Clogged toilet in a unit where another toilet works.
- No hot water
- Clogged garbage disposal
- Stove does not work
- Heating does not work and temperature outside is over 45 degrees
- Air conditioning does not work and temperature outside is under 95 degrees
- Bedroom door will not lock
- Clogged shower
- Electricity out for one or two items
- Washer/Dryer does not work
- Smoke detector low battery indicator is sounding
- Situations that are not emergencies and would be dealt with in priority order include:
- Closet door is off track
- Dryer does not heat
- Blinds broken
- Water drains slowly
- Broken towel rack
- Light bulb needs to be changed
- Refrigerator/freezer is not cooling food to safe temperatures
The Courtyards provides Comcast cable service through the University of Maryland. Having cable issues? First, check that your cable cord is securely attached to your TV and the wall jack. If that does not correct the problem, call 888-889-5471 to request service.
The Comcast representative will ask you for your address. You will need to provide the 8000 Boteler Lane College Park, MD address. In addition, you will need to share that you live at Courtyards and your unit number.
The hours of operation for this service line are Monday through Saturday 8AM–9PM. If you experience a problem after 9PM or on a Sunday, please contact the Community Assistant On-Duty (301-906-3623) so that we can follow-up during the next business day.
The Courtyards offers both wired and wireless internet service in your unit. This service is provided by and part of the University of Maryland network. All rules and regulations for use of the network apply.
Having internet issues? The Department of Resident Life offers its 4-DATA services to support campus residents. Its Information Systems Unit provides network connection support for the more than 9,000 students living in residence halls as well as those living in University Courtyards, South Campus Commons, and Fraternity Row. Call 301.314.DATA for network support. The Information Systems Unit also provides on-site field technician support in resolving connectivity issues.
Reminder: If you’re having trouble with a university IT resource such as Testudo or the MyUM portal, the place to find out whether there is a system wide problem is the OIT Help Desk Web site: www.helpdesk.umd.edu. You can see a listing of known issues and scheduled outages there, and also use the IT Service Center to subscribe to updates on any listed issues.
That Maintenance Staff recommends these helpful tips for using your apartment’s appliances safely and efficiently.
Stove – Clean the drip pans on top regularly; clean inside the oven regularly.
Dryer – Empty the lint trap after every load.
Dishwasher – Dump leftover food in the garbage and rinse the crumbs off the dishes. After running the dishwasher if there is anything in the bottom of the dishwasher, remove it and wipe out the dishwasher with a damp cloth. Clean dried up soap out of soap holder.
Washer – Clean dried up or spilt washing detergent as noticed. Cleaning of laundry room on a constant basis will allow appliances to function at its best.
Microwave – Clean regularly.
Garbage Disposal – Do not throw any food or bones down the drain. Make sure there are no shot glasses or small utensils on that side of the sink or close to that side of the sink that can fall into the disposal.
Refrigerator – Clean refrigerator regularly. Do not leave old or molded food in the fridge.
Freezer – Do not overload freezer and do not let food fall into the ice maker. Keep plastic away from ice maker, it will damage the ice maker.
Your balcony is a great addition to your apartment space and is meant for your enjoyment. It can be a great place to relax after a long day of class and chat with your roommate. However, to keep you safe and to maintain the property, the following are prohibited on your balconies:
· Any apartment furniture issued by the Courtyards
· Furniture designed with the intended use to be indoors (e.g. couches, reclining chairs, futons, televisions etc.)
· Kegs, bars, or any similar public alcohol containers
· Trash including trash in bags and trash in receptacle containers
· Boxes, bags, or plastic containers intended for personal storage
· Grills (propane or charcoal), charcoal, and/or flammable liquid
· Bicycles and motorized scooters
· Animal, insect, and bird feeders.
Trash and recycling receptacles are available for resident use at the back of the Courtyards property near the rear entrance gate. Residents are expected to dispose of all household waste at this location. Discarding bags of trash and/or recycling in the small garbage cans throughout the property is prohibited. This causes the cans to fill quickly and overflow, and is more likely to attract animals and pests.
Any trash or recycling bags left outside of apartments or on balconies remain the responsibility of
residents. If trash or recycling is found outside of your apartment or on your balcony, it will not be removed by Courtyards staff. In addition, each resident of the apartment will be billed $15 per bag/item for each day that the bag/item remains.
Regular hours for the maintenance staff are Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM. Maintenance will only enter your unit outside of those hours if posted prior or due to an emergency.
How to ID CTY Maintenance Staff
All maintenance staff at Courtyards are required to wear a Courtyards Maintenance shirt and/or jacket. In addition, members of our after hours emergency response team from South Campus Commons are required to wear a South Campus Commons shirt and/or jacket if responding to an emergency.
If you are ever unsure of the identity of a maintenance staff member, please do the following:
- Look for the Courtyards (or South Campus Commons, if emergency) shirt or jacket.
- Ask the person’s name.
- Visit www.umdcourtyards.com/staff to view pictures of all Courtyards staff members.
- Call the office/desk (301-314-2466), ask questions, and describe the person to the staff during regular hours of operation.
- Call the Community Assistant On-Duty (301-906-3623), ask questions, and describe the person to the staff outside of regular hours of operation.
If you remain unsure of the person’s identity, do not allow them into your unit!
Preparing Your Space for Maintenance
If you enter a work order or you receive notice of scheduled maintenance in your unit, please assist the maintenance staff by preparing your space for their arrival. This will allow them to effectively complete the work required, will decrease the time to complete the work, will minimize the chance of the staff needing to move any of your personal property, and will minimize the chance of any damage to your property.
Mattress/Under Bed
· Remove all personal items from under the bed.
· Remove linens and blankets from mattress.
Garbage Disposal
· Remove personal items from under the sink.
· Remove dishes from the sink basin.
Toilet
· Remove personal items from around toilet and off of the tank.
· Clean the toilet on the inside, outside and the surrounding area.
· If there is a toilet “surround rack/shelf” it must be cleared of personal items.
Washer/Dryer
· Remove all clothing from washer and dryer.
· Remove detergent bottles and stored items surrounding the washer and dryer.
Dishwasher
· Remove all dishes from dishwasher.
· Remove all items from under kitchen sink.
Cabinet
· Remove all dishes and/or personal storage from the cabinet. (This includes all shelves, not just the shelf requiring repair.)
Microwave
· Remove any items from inside microwave.
· Remove all items from cabinet above microwave.
· Clear the counter under the microwave.
Plumbing
· Clear all personal items from the cabinet/ area where the plumbing repair is needed.
Closet Shelf
· Remove personal items from the closet shelf.
Closet Door
· Remove personal items on the floor to allow access to the tracks.
Drawers
· Remove all personal items from the drawer being worked on as well as the drawer below it.
[+]Bedbugs
What are bedbugs?
Cimex Lectularius, or the common bedbug, has existed for thousands of years. Mentioned in ancient writings all the way back to the time of Aristotle, this small, flattened insect feeds on the blood of humans and animals. Bedbugs usually travel in small groups. When immature, bedbugs are a pale yellow color. Adult bedbugs are a reddish brown color and typically around a quarter of an inch long, or about the size of an apple seed.
The bedbug is most active at night, preferring to hide close to where its hosts sleep. Its size and shape make it adept at hiding in crevices in bedding or furniture. They can hide behind electrical outlets, picture frames, door frames as well as a number of other areas.
Bedbugs are extremely hardy and can live up to 18 months without eating. Bedbugs can be found in vacant as well as occupied apartments.
What does a bedbug bite feel like?
Most bedbug bites are actually painless, but may later turn into large, itchy skin welts. These welts do not have a red spot in the center as do the bites from fleas.
Are bedbugs dangerous?
Bedbugs are a nuisance, but are not known to spread diseases to humans.
How does an apartment home become infested with bedbugs?
In most cases, people carry bedbugs into their homes unknowingly in infested luggage, furniture, bedding, or clothing. Used furniture, textiles, and clothing could be infested with bedbugs unbeknownst to the seller or buyer. Bedbugs may also travel between apartments through electric conduit, small crevices or cracks in walls and floors.
How can I keep bedbugs out of my apartment?
Wash clothing and inspect luggage immediately after returning from a trip. Inspect used items such as furniture, textiles or clothing for bedbugs before bringing it into your home. Never bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs or upholstered furniture into your apartment.
How do I know if my apartment home has bedbugs?
You may notice itchy skin welts. You may also see the bedbugs themselves, small bloodstains from crushed insects, or dark spots from their droppings. It is often hard to find them because they hide in or near beds, other furniture, and in cracks.
Do bedbugs only infect dirty homes?
Having bedbugs doesn’t mean that a person or their home is dirty. These pests have been found in the most exclusive and prominent of places, such as five star hotels and luxury cruise ships. They don’t discriminate between one star and five star; bedbugs can be found everywhere.
Maintaining a clutter-free environment, however, will make it easier to eliminate bedbugs if they should be found in your apartment home.
What should I do if I think my apartment has bedbugs?
Contact the Management office of South Campus Common/The Courtyards at once 301-314-2499 (SCC) 301-314-2466 (CTY), the CA on Duty after hours 301-906-3623(CTY) or your building service desk, so that we may conduct a thorough inspection. We will provide you with step-by-step instructions for preparing for an inspection and treatment, if necessary.
I had bedbugs. How can I keep my infested items from infesting someone else’s home?
Never resell or donate infested furniture, textiles or clothing. If you throw infested furniture away, make it undesirable to others by cutting or poking holes in the upholstery or making it unusable. Paint or tape a sign to it that says “Infested with Bedbugs”.
