General
How does the individual lease work? If one person's rent is late, does it affect the other residents if their rent is paid on time?
By signing an individual lease, each resident is only responsible for his or her rent payment. Should your roommate(s) not pay their rent in a timely manner, you are not responsible or penalized.
Do we have to be assigned a roommate or can I move in with my friends?
If you know who you want to live with, then you can specify which roommates occupy the apartment with you.
May I meet, whether face-to-face or on the telephone, prospective roommates before deciding to sign a lease? How does the roommate matching service work?
Once you have completed an application and started the leasing process, whenever possible, a District representative may help you meet other residents whose lifestyle, interests, and personality are a close match to yours.
If one resident moves out, does it affect the other roommates' situations?
No, each roommate signs a lease for only his/her own bedroom, so if one roommate leaves, the others are not affected. Your rent doesn't change, even if one bedroom is empty. You can suggest a new roommate to occupy the empty bedroom, or leave it to our manager to find someone, but we will fill it as soon as we can.
Do you allow apartment roommates to be of the opposite sex? Can males and females live together in an apartment? Are there male or female only buildings?
Within an apartment, all roommates must be of the same sex unless you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, you must have parental approval. Also, all your roommates must approve having an opposite sex roommate. Apartments within one building can be of either sex; there are no male or female only buildings.
Do I have to be moved in by the start date of my lease?
Due to the number or residents who want to move in at the same time, the District assigns specific lease start dates. Without this system, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for us to provide the level of service we aspire to for the number of new residents upon move-in.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes. We have tried to make your move-in as convenient as possible. All District apartments are fully-furnished, but you will need to bring certain items that we cannot reasonably provide. Most notable among these are a mattress cover (available at most department stores or the District office), an Internet patch cable (available at most electronics stores or the District office), dishes, a shower curtain, and any table or desk top lighting and personal effects. For a complete list of what's provided, click here.
Will I need to connect any utilities such as gas or electric?
No. The District provides for all utilities except telephone service. This is just one of the conveniences that really separates the District from other communities. No more waiting for hours on hold as you try to reach a utility company representative, no more figuring out who is going to guarantee the payments or put down a deposit. No more living in the dark as you wait for the electric company to connect you and everyone else who is coming back to school. As soon as you move in, all utilities are completely active.
Do I need to bring a computer?
The District provides a computer laboratory that is available for resident use 24/7. The lab has 6 computers with Internet connections, Microsoft Office, and a networked printer. However, if you wish to have a computer in your bedroom or unit, you need to furnish it.
If you are purchasing a computer, please refer to the operating systems/computer requirements to ensure access to the Internet/Ethernet. A laptop with wireless network card is needed if you wish to be able to take advantage of the wireless network area in the District café and around the clubhouse.
Do I need to bring a TV?
The District provides customized DirecTV service in the living rooms and bedrooms of all apartments. You will need to bring a TV to take advantage of this amenity.
Are small pets allowed?
Yes. Dogs and Cats are accepted as long as they meet our 30lbs weight limit. Fish are also acceptable; the aquarium size is limited to a 20 gallon tank. No reptiles will be permitted on the property.
Are there any employment opportunities available?
Our residents are sometimes employed part time to help with the operation of the property. This could involve working in our clubhouse sales office or helping clean our grounds. Contact your property manager for information.
Application Process
Can I reserve a room now for next semester or year?
You can complete your application and mail it to the address listed on the application along with your check or money order for your application fee and reservation fee. When we receive your completed application and check or money order, we will contact you to make an appointment to sign your lease agreement. Once your lease agreement is signed and your fees and deposit are paid, your apartment space is guaranteed.
Can I rent an apartment for only spring semester since I'm transferring schools?
You can rent starting in the spring semester provided we have an apartment bedroom available. You should get on the waiting list now, so if a bedroom becomes available, you are first to get it.
Do I have to be a college student to live at the District?
Since The District is designed specifically for students, almost all of our residents are students. However, you do not have to be presently enrolled in school to live here.
Can one resident live alone in an apartment before finding a roommate?
One resident can move into an apartment, even if you have no roommates. If we are not filled to capacity, it's possible the other bedrooms in your apartment may not be occupied when you move in. However, as we fill up, include you in our roommate matching program unless you find roommates of your own choosing within one week of signing.
If we stay and renew the lease after one year, do we have to pay another application fee?
If you renew, you do not have to pay another application fee.
Can I pay my application fee or deposit by credit card?
Yes, you can pay your application fee and deposit by credit card. However, due to the expense involved in providing you with this convenience, a processing fee of $15 will be charged.
Will I know what apartment I will live in before I arrive to move in?
You will be assigned a specific apartment unit in advance of moving in. Your assigned unit will appear on your District lease agreement but you can call your property manager to check on it also. All residents are notified in advance of moving in what their new mailing address will be.
Payments
Can I pay my rent by credit card?
Yes. You can make rent payments automatically each month by credit card by completing the credit card authorization form. You may pick this form up from the leasing office. Please be aware that due to the expense involved in providing you with this convenience, a processing fee of $15 will be charged in addition to your rent.
Is it possible to pay rent in advance?
Yes, you can prepay your rent with a check, money order, or credit card.
Rent is due on the first of each month. Is there a grace period? How are late fees figured?
Rent must be paid by the 5th of the month. On the morning of the 6th day, if your rent isn't at our office when it opens, you will be charged a $50 late fee. Additionally, you will be charged $5 per day until your rent is paid.
Bedrooms and Apartments
Is there a dishwasher in the kitchen?
Yes. There is a dishwasher in the kitchen.
Does the kitchen come with dishes?
Residents of the District are responsible for furnishing their own dishes, pots, pans, glassware, and silverware.
Is the cable TV line just in the living room or in each bedroom also?
TV jacks are provided in the living room, and in each bedroom near the computer desk. The TV service provided to one room is the same service provided to all rooms, so any resident can have a TV in the bedroom as well as one in the living room.
Can anyone have a private phone line?
Yes. Every bedroom is wired for multiple phone lines which gives District residents complete flexibility to set up private phone lines.
Can we lock our separate bedroom doors?
Yes. All District bedrooms have individually keyed deadbolt locks for added peace of mind.
Is there a heating or air conditioning control pad or thermostat in each bedroom?
There is one central thermostat in the apartment's main living area (living room/kitchen). Individual bedrooms do not have individual controls.
Internet & TV
What kind of Internet is provided?
High speed Internet access to the site will be delivered via seven (7) T1 circuits capable of delivering 10.5 Mbps. Internet is delivered to the apartments and bedrooms via traditional wall jacks and is delivered both wirelessly and via traditional wall jacks over the entire clubhouse area.
How fast is the network connection speed?
Speed for the site's network and up to the router can be as high as 1000 Mb/s.
Actual speeds experienced by residents going out to the Internet will depend on factors such as:
- The bandwidth provided by the site (10.5 Mb/s)
- The number of residents on line at any given time
- Type of traffic the network is experiencing
- The path taken by the traffic from and to the website
Is the Internet connection cost extra?
Internet service is provided to District residents as an amenity free of charge.
What's included with my Internet service?
- "Always-on" Ethernet data port in each bedroom and the living area
- "Quick connect" registration system for user registration and activation
- Minimum of 10.5 Mbps bandwidth (with defined user connections)
- CAT 5e wiring or better in each building, with fiber optic cable linking buildings
- Customer Call Center for technical support of users
- Network status and security monitoring
- Gigabit switches at each building 10 times the speed of Fast Ethernet
- Bandwidth management system to provide fair and equal access to all users
Who provides Video and Internet Services at the District?
At the District, we understand how important the Internet is to our community. That's why we have contracted with the industry's recognized leader in broadband solutions, Fusion Broadband. By contracting with Fusion Broadband, we are able to provide our residents with extremely fast, secure, and reliable Internet service and unparalleled service and support via Fusion's dedicated technical support department. (866) 236-6688
Is my computer protected from viruses while I'm on the network?
Fusion Broadband takes extraordinary steps to protect the integrity of your resident network. Fusion Broadband recommends all users to use the latest virus protection software to maximize their Internet surfing experience. Fusion Broadband does monitor networks for abnormal activity and reacts with appropriate measures to preserve the integrity of the network. Your computer may be placed in "quarantine" if it is detected to have a virus. You will be directed on what needs to be done to clean your machine of the virus and then how to get back on the network.
What support is offered residents who use the Internet?
Fusion Broadband offers a knowledgeable support staff. Fusion Broadband is a CompTIA A+ Certified Service Center. All technicians are trained in troubleshooting network hardware.
If residents experience a problem they may call a toll free number and receive assistance. Technicians staff the Support Desk from 9am to 11pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, and 11am to 8pm on Saturday. Technicians are on-call 24 hours for emergency situations.
Will my connection speed slow down at peak times?
Fusion Broadband uses bandwidth management to assure residents a "fair and equal" share of bandwidth. Most residents are never limited in their bandwidth usage. However, if a resident uses more than the "allowed amount" in a 24-hour period, the bandwidth management software will restrict the abusers' bandwidth until they return to a more reasonable volume of use. Typically less than 5% of users ever experience any bandwidth limiting.
How do I sign up for Internet service?
Internet service is provided to all residents living at the District. Residents will be provided Ethernet Setup and Registration instructions upon move-in.
What equipment will I need to connect to the Internet?
The minimum requirements are:
- Operating system: Windows 95 or later
- Ethernet adapter (also known as a Network Interface Card or NIC) installed and functioning properly.
- Category 5 (CAT 5) patch cable from computer to wall jack. Modem cable will not work.
Do I need to activate a phone line to use the Internet services?
You do not need an extra phone line, since no phone line is involved. You are connected through an Ethernet network in your building with a fiber optic connection to a T1 line.
Will other operating systems/computers work?
Yes. Macintosh, Windows XP, or any version of Linux. Internet instruction sheets will be provided upon move-in to assist with registering your computer. For assistance in registering, you may call the Fusion Broadband Network Operations center at (866) 236-6688.
Where do I get the equipment needed to connect to the Internet?
Computers, network cards, patch cables, and software can be purchased at major electronic stores and at leading computer manufacturers' online shopping sites. Patch cables may also be available in the leasing office for purchase.
What kind of TV service is provided?
DirecTV service is provided through Fusion Broadband. The channel lineup has been customized for the District to reflect a nationwide study of the "most watched" channels by college students. The upgraded package lineup incorporates all the news, music, sports, local and movie channels (including 5 HBO channels).
Can I upgrade the TV service that is provided as an amenity by the District? Will that cost more money?
Yes, further DirecTV upgrades are available. Upgrades require the provisioning of a set top box through Fusion Broadband and costs vary according to the desired upgrades. Please call Fusion Broadband at (866) 236-6688 for more specific information. Upgrades can be obtained for both living room connections and bedroom connections.
Is the TV line in the living room, the bedrooms, or both?
Both. All District apartments are wired with connections conveniently located in all living rooms and every bedroom.
Do I have to watch the same channel in my bedroom as my roommates are watching in the living room?
No. You can, for example, watch MTV in your bedroom while your roommate is watching ESPN in the living room. The lines are completely independent of one another.
