UC Youngstown - Resident Handbook

This document is intended to supplement your existing lease and inform you about important aspects of living at University Courtyard Apartments. One of your first responsibilities as a resident is to read and become familiar with the information. This will help ensure that your stay with us will be productive and happy for you.

Formerly managed by RISE Residential, LLC, as of October 1st, 2023, the University Courtyard Apartments is managed by Youngstown State University. As a member of this community, you are granted many rights and privileges. You will be expected to respect the rights and privileges of others. The YSU Housing & Residence Life team is here for the purpose of assisting you with problems related to your housing.

Resident Handbook menu

Visitor use of the Facilities:
Life Safety Equipment:
Doors:
Solicitation:
Candles/Incense:
Other prohibited items and activities:
Windows:
Trash:
Roommate Disputes:
Lease Takeover:
Termination of Lease:
Transfers:
Maintenance:

Other non-emergency Maintenance service requests:

Rent:
University courtyard disciplinary actions
Disciplinary actions include any of the following procedures:
Disciplinary actions disciplinary actions may include any of the following sanctions:
For additional information please refer to your lease or contact us at:

Administrative and Maintenance Staff:

Associate Director of Apartment Living: Marissa Liposchak
Assistant Director of Apartment Living: Liza Yavorsky
Coordinator of Apartment Living: April Buchanan
Maintenance Super: Scott Hogan
Maintenance Repair Worker: Ryan Helt

How do you reach us?

Office: (330) 941-1999
Email: courtyards@ysu.edu
Campus Police: (330) 941-3527

Communication:

Management may utilize different types of avenues to communicate with the residents, which may include a phone call, text, email, social media and written communication.
Residents can opt out of receiving texts; however, you will not be able to opt out of receiving text regarding emergencies within the community.
Mass notification system: Speaker system within the hallways which allow Management and the University Police to communicate potential safety issues.
- Residents are encouraged to listen and follow all announcements.

After hour emergency:

(330) 261-0735

Noise complaint:

Select the number for the CA, RLD or you can call campus police.

Key Deactivated/Lockout/Loss of key:

Select the number for the CA. Lockouts will be handled by the On- Call Staff Person.
Charges will apply.
- $30/lockout
- $55 key replacement

Maintenance emergency:

Select the number for emergency maintenance.

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What constitutes a maintenance emergency?

No electricity
No water in the entire unit
Refrigerator stops working
No air conditioning and the temperature outside is above 80 degrees
No heat and the temperature outside is below 60 degrees
Major flood or fire
Broken window, especially if unit is at ground level
Unit door is broken/busted/not opening or closing

What type of message should you leave?

Your name, unit number, telephone number, your location, and the issue.

When you receive a return call, what to do?

Staff will ask questions and we ask that you provide as much detail as possible.
If locked out, staff will ask you to meet them at a specific location, most likely the leasing office.
- You will need to provide a valid photo ID. If you do not have it on you, you may be required to produce it once taken to your room.
- Complete the lockout/fee assessment sheet.
- You will be assessed a $30 lockout fee if you do not have your key.
If you gain access before staff arrives, please call back to advise that you gained access and no longer need lockout service.
- If you gain access prior to the arrival of the staff and you fail to call or you are not available to meet the staff, you will be assessed a $30 service fee.
Charges will be assessed to your YSU Portal account.

Keys:

RFID Card or Key Fob replacement if lost/stolen/not returned: $55 key replacement
Mailbox, Bedroom and Laundry keys: $55 each to replace

Mail:

Office staff distributes mail to the mailboxes on regular operating business days.
Packages can be picked up on regular operating business days.
Packages are signed for by the office staff and stored in the leasing office.
Notification will be given to you via email or notification in your mailbox.
Bring a valid photo ID with you to retrieve packages.
Only the recipient can receive the package unless prior written notification is sent via email granting permission for someone else to pick up package.
You are required to sign for packages.
We hold packages for seven (7) days. After the 7th day, the package(s) is returned to the sender unless the resident notifies us in writing of their request to hold it for them up to a total of 14 days.

Entry into Unit/Bedrooms:

Staff may enter a unit/bedroom without notification if imminent danger is present, such as an engaged fire alarm, smoke, flood, life safety concern, wellness check, if there is a reasonable belief that a crime is being committed, or at any time that it is impracticable to give notice of intent to enter.
Unit inspections and filter change will be announced 24 hours prior to entry via text, email, or written notification.
If Resident is present, maintenance staff will enter units based upon the request of a resident, which will serve as immediate approval, to conduct repairs.
Turnover process, which consists of maintenance and vendors gaining access to paint, clean and perform maintenance within the applicable units, will typically occur during the winter break December – January and the summer months May - August. Only the rooms where residents are vacating will be serviced.

Parking:

Residents must register vehicle with YSU Parking Services, and obtain a valid parking permit per semester.
Hang tag must be properly displayed as required by YSU.
Park in designated parking spaces.
Visitor parking is for visitors only. Residents are not permitted.
Office parking is for office staff and office visitors. Residents are not permitted.
Avoid parking along the Oval, the lot behind President’s house, hash marked/fire lane areas, in front of dumpsters, courtyard areas, blocking other vehicles, blocking entry/exit to lots and on sidewalks.
Vehicles parked in handicap spaces must have valid decal as required by law.
Improperly parked vehicles or vehicles without a valid parking permit or visitor pass are subject to receiving a parking violation.

Smoking:

Smoking is prohibited inside the building, unit common areas, bedroom and bathrooms. This prohibition includes cigarettes, cigars, e-pens, vapor pens, wrapped cigarettes, hookah, illegal drugs and make shift smoking devices.

Violation:

1st violation - written warning
2nd violation - $50 fine and disciplinary action
3rd violation - $100 fine, notification to GOL, and University disciplinary action
4th violation - $200 fine and possible eviction from University Courtyard

Alcohol:

Underage drinking is PROHIBITED.

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor by providing access to alcohol is prohibited.
If a room has a mix of underage residents and residents of legal age, the residents that are of legal age must secure any alcohol within their individual room and secure the alcohol from
access by others. Alcohol should not be stored in any other areas including common areas (i.e. living room, bathrooms).

Violation:

Legal age residents contributing to the delinquency of a minor by providing access to the alcohol:
- First violation: written notice and must show proof alcohol is either removed or properly stored in individual bedroom and is locked at all times.
- Second violation: $25 fine and referral to the Conduct Board for further sanctioning.
- Further violation will result in eviction
Underage residents:
- Alcohol consumption and possession is prohibited.
- Immediate confiscation of alcohol by management team and or YSU PD, if needed. Failure to release alcohol or immediate disposal witnessed by management will result in immediate referral to the Conduct Board for further sanction.
- Possible citation by YSU PD
- First violation: written notice and disposal of alcohol, report to Office of Student Conduct
- Second violation: $50 fine, reported to the Office of Student Conduct
- Third violation: $100 fine, request for further sanctioning by the Office of Student Conduct
- Fourth violation: $200 and possible eviction and further academic sanctioning. Note that the Student Conduct Office may modify the fines, by either a reduction or increase, based upon the nature of the violation and or prior conduct review/sanction.

Drug and Drug Paraphernalia:

Zero Tolerance Policy: Residents and guest are not permitted to bring, store or use any form of drugs on the premises, which includes all community common areas, individual apartments, bedrooms, bathrooms or common areas within the apartment.

Violation:

Any violation will result in eviction. Drug use which involves smoking will generate smoking in the unit/apartment fines as well.

Noise complaints:

Residents should respect their fellow neighbors and maintain a level of activity/noise/ conversation/music that does not interfere with the peace and enjoyment of the property.
Minimize the bass on all electronic equipment.
There shall be no amplified or percussive equipment with the exception of a scheduled activity in the common areas organized by management or the University.
What will occur?
- Courtyard staff or YSU Police will address all noise complaints.
- Upon notification of a violation, resident(s) must comply with the request to reduce the noise/ activity level immediate and permanently. At no time should the level increase after staff members depart.
- Citations may be issued by YSU Police.
- First violation: verbal and or written warning.
- Second violation: $50 fine.
- Third violation $100 fine and referral to the Conduct Board for further sanctioning.
- Fourth violation $200 fine and possible eviction from University Courtyard.

Parties:

No more than 10 people total in the unit and this number includes the residents of the room.
Underage drinking is prohibited.
Smoking is prohibited.
Citations may be issued by YSU Police for violations of the rules in this handbook or University rules.
Guest loitering in the hallways or exterior of the building is prohibited.
Excessive noise, music, conversation, horseplay, improper or illegal activities is prohibited.
Failure to immediately comply with staff or YSU Police request will result in a $100 fine; otherwise,
First violation: verbal and written warning.
Second violation $50 fine.
Third violation $100 fine and referral to the Conduct Board for further review.

Visitors (overnight stay):

Guest can stay overnight up to 72 consecutive hours without permission from the community manager and up to (7) days with the permission of the community manager.
Subject to the foregoing, a resident can have guests no more than 12 nights during the lease term.
No Guest can impede the enjoyment and use of the apartment by the other roommates, if applicable.
Guest must maintain a comfortable level of conversation, music and activity.
Guest must not tamper with, take or use another resident’s belongings without permission.
A legal resident’s use of the apartment takes priority over a guest’s use.
Guest must use modesty when moving about the apartment and maintain proper covering over the body.
Guest disputes with other residents or improper use of others’ belongings in the room will result in immediate dismissal of stay and may affect future stays/visits by the guest.
First violation: written warning
Second violation: $50 fine and guest(s) banned from premises
Third violation: $100 fine, notification to GOL and Conduct Board
Fourth violation: $200 fine and possible eviction from University Courtyard.

Visitor use of the Facilities:

Resident shall not allow, enable, or assist in any way the use of the Apartment Community’s facilities by anyone other than residents, except for Resident’s guests who are accompanied by Resident at all times. This includes but is not limited to: Computer labs, study lounge, fitness center, activity center, green space, basketball court, volleyball court, etc.
Resident shall have no more than five (5) guests at the Apartment Community at any given time.

Life Safety Equipment:

Tampering with life safety equipment is prohibited.
Automatic $100 fine per occurrence (plus applicable replacement/repair costs)
Life Safety Equipment list:
- Smoke Detectors
  - Should not be removed or covered.
- Fire Extinguishers
  - Should only be used in the event of a fire.
  - Fire extinguishers should remain in place and not relocated.
- Fire Alarm pull stations
  - Should only be used in the event of a fire and immediate evacuation is required.
- Sprinkler heads
  - Avoid hanging items on the sprinkler heads.
  - Avoid touching, hitting or throwing things that could hit the sprinkler head.
Causing the fire alarm system to engage due to negligence by a resident will result in the following:
- First violation: $100 fine
- Second violation: Loss of deposit & $100 fine and referral to Conduct Board.
- Further violation could result in eviction.
- What is negligence?
  - Removing or disabling smoke detector or covering it.
  - Smoking in the unit which engages the alarm.
  - Cooking that engages the alarm.
  - Using the fire extinguisher improperly.
Engaging the water suppression system (fire sprinkler head) either by the resident and or their guest due to neglect or improper use can result in resident financial responsibility and the community will seek restitution.

Doors:

Residents have a responsibility to help ensure the security of the building and avoid causing a breach or ignoring a breach in security.
Building entry/exit doors should not be blocked or left in an open position.
Apartment doors should remain closed unless entering/exiting. You are encouraged to secure your apartment and aid in your safety by keeping the unit doors closed.
Blocking doors or leaving doors in the open position:
- First violation: written notification and a $100 fine
- Second violation: $100 fine and referral to the Conduct Board
- Further violation will result in eviction.

Solicitation:

Solicitation is not permitted unless approval is granted by the Community Manager.
There is a community board located on the second floor of building 100 close to the elevator.
All unauthorized notices will be removed and discarded.
Unauthorized notices are not permitted on vehicles or any other areas of the community.
Resident violation:
- First violation: written warning
- Second violation: $25 fine
- Further violation will result in referral to the Conduct Board for further sanctioning.
Non-resident violation: matter will be referred to the Conduct Board and YSU PD for trespassing.

Candles/Incense:

Use of candles or incense is prohibited as it presents a life safety matter and a fire hazard. It can also produce offensive odors.
All items that require a flame for use are prohibited.
Items will be confiscated and either donated or disposed.
- First violation: written warning
- Second violation: $100 fine and referral to the Conduct Board
- Further violation will result in eviction.

Other prohibited items and activities:

Firearms, fireworks, and dangerous weapons because of the potential danger to others. This includes, but not limited to, pistols, rifles, BB guns, paint pellet guns, billy clubs, num-chuks, switchblades and explosives and dangerous chemicals.
Gas or charcoal grills.
Dart boards and liquid furniture/water bed.
Dangerous substances and chemicals including, but not limited to, automobile batteries, gasoline and acids.
Aerials, masts and other short wave radio transmitting equipment because of FCC interference regulations and safety precautions.
Live-cut Christmas trees – fire hazard.
Drug paraphernalia or other illegal substances.
Space heaters – fire hazard.
Gambling.
Hazing.

Windows:

Should not be obstructed. The use of foil and other similar materials over windows is not permitted.
Blinds should be lowered.
Avoid placing any unauthorized materials in windows.
No offensive material should be placed in window.
Window screens must remain in the windows at all times unless removed by maintenance.
Neither Residents nor their guests are to extend their bodies out of the window unless there is a rescue attempt in process to save a life by the fire and rescue service.
No objects should be thrown out of the window.
No items should be thrown at the window to gain the attention of a resident.
Any violation will result in a written notification and a $10 per day fine.

Trash:

Household trash must remain inside the unit until residents are ready to dispose of trash in the dumpsters outside in the parking lots. Should the trash produce a foul odor, it must be removed immediately and disposed in the outside dumpster.
Avoid placing household trash in receptacles throughout the common areas (hallways, stairwells) in the buildings or at the entrances.
Dispose of all household trash in the dumpsters provided in the parking lots.
To prevent rodents, place all trash inside the dumpsters and never on the ground.
Trash must not be placed outside in the hallway due to the smell and unsightly appearance.
Any violation will result in a written notification and a $25 per bag and payment due immediately.

Roommate Disputes:

We recommend that you first have a calm non-accusatory and non-confrontational conversation with your roommate(s) about your concerns and listen to their concerns should they reveal any.
Develop an agreement, place it in writing and all parties sign so that all residents of the room accept the agreement, which may require compromises for the betterment of the room.
Allow enough time to allow the change to take place. You can determine this time frame together.
If someone fails to participate in the agreement, residents can request a roommate mediation with an office staff member, particularly your floor CA.
The CA will speak with each resident in the room in order to assess the situation.
- Each resident informing the office of a complaint must complete an incident report with detailed information and contact information.
- A suggestion may be provided by the staff member to help resolve the matter.
- The staff member may suggest to meet with all residents of the room.
- The staff member may escalate the matter to either the Resident Life Director or Community Manager for further consultation and resolution.
- Some situations may result in direct notification to the Office of Student Conduct for review and possible sanctioning.

Lease Takeover:

Resident acknowledges that the lease term is 12-months and all leases end July 31st each year.
Resident may not assign the lease or sublet the premises without the permission of the Landlord. Any person to whom a lease is assigned or the premises are sublet must be a matriculating YSU Student who has completed the application process, received approval from the appropriate departments, paid all applicable fees and signed a lease.
- Lease Takeover fee: $100
- Both parties (current resident/new prospect) must sign the community lease takeover agreement together in person to assure validity.
- New prospect application process for applicant must be completed.
- Resident must be current on rent payment for the lease takeover month.
  - New resident will receive rent assessment on student portal account for the next month.
  - Parties can negotiate and exchange monies for partial payment, if both agree. Neither Management nor the University will be involved in or facilitate this arrangement.
Resident request for a lease takeover must be submitted in writing to housing@ysu.edu
- Provide name, unit, contact information, banner ID.
- Reason for the lease takeover.
- Provide supporting documentation.
- All requests are subject to written approval or denial.

Termination of Lease:

Resident shall not be released from this lease due to school withdrawal or transfer, business transfer, loss of job, marriage, divorce, loss of co-residents, bad health or for any other reason, except for special early termination rights as are available for service members by law.
Under extreme cases and on a case by case basis, should permission be granted to be released from the lease, an early termination fee may be assessed. If applicable, the fee will be determined based upon how many months are left in the semester and the approved circumstance.

Transfers:

Resident acknowledges that they have the ability to transfer rooms, provided that a room is available.
Transfer fee is $150.
- Holdovers: If a resident desires to transfer at the start of a new lease term, resident will be permitted to remain in the current unit until the new room is ready in August. Up to 20 residents are permitted to exercise this option, which is on a first come, first served basis.
  - Resident holdovers will have 24 hours to relocate to the new room once informed.
  - Failure to comply may result in additional rent charges for both rooms.
- Move-out: Transferring at the start of a new lease term; however, not one of the allotted 20-holdovers, the resident will be required to move out on 7/31 and return on the scheduled move-in day in August.
- This fee is required for the additional services (administration and maintenance) needed to assure the transfer.
- The fee is due at the signing of the lease, if transferring to a new room for a new lease term.
- Roommate dispute and unsuccessful mediation by Management: no fee will be assessed.
- Declining mediation and request to transfer will result in a transfer fee.
- Management or University required transfer: a fee may or may not be assessed. It will be decided on a case by case basis.

Maintenance:

24-hour only - Emergency Maintenance
Call the after hour number: (330) 261-0735

Other non-emergency Maintenance service requests:

All other work orders will be completed during regular maintenance business hours.
Residents can generate a work order for a maintenance issue pertaining to the unit via
- Online at the Housing & Residence Life | Courtyard Apartments webpage
- Or email direct to resident@ucyoungstown.com
- Call the leasing office at 330-941-1999
- Stopping by the office and request the work order.
  - What you need to do?
    - Provide name, unit number, contact information.
    - Detail and location of maintenance issue
    - Emergencies: no heat, water (entire unit), major leak, no a/c, no electricity, refrigerator stopped working.
  - Clogged toilet: Residents should purchase a quality plunger to use on the toilet to clear the blockage. If maintenance is called, there is a service charge of $25.00 which will be assessed to your YSU Portal Account
  - Damages: Repairs made by maintenance for resident-generated damage, will require a $25 per hour service fee along with any material required to complete the repair.
  - Appliance malfunction (refrigerator, stove, microwave, garbage disposal and dishwasher) please report.
  - Heating and cooling unit:
    - Loud noise – please report.
    - Air conditioner: set no lower than 68 degrees in the hot months.
    - Heat: set no higher than 77 degrees in the cold months.
    - Emergency service if the temperature outside is higher than 80 degrees and the a/c does not work.
    - Emergency service if the temperature outside is lower than 60 degrees and the heater does not work.
  - Leaks:
    - Report all leaks whether at a window, sink, toilet, tub, ceiling, or at ground level.
    - What to report:
      - If carpet is wet by the a/c and heater closet, notify maintenance/management office and turn off the a/c unit immediately to prevent further problems.
      - If a faucet is dripping or will not shut off all the way.
      - Leak under the sink; please place a bowl or bucket to catch the dripping water to avoid damaging the cabinet and empty as needed.
      - If toilet constantly runs or randomly flushes on its own.
      - If the toilet is overflowing and the water is constantly running, please turn off the shut off valve at the base of the toilet and avoid further use.

Rent:

University Courtyard rental fees will be added to each resident’s YSU Student Account by semester via University Billing. Each student will be able to see the semester’s rental fees when they log in to the YSU Portal and view his/her student account. The student will be able to pay for the semester’s rental fees with financial aid, in full, or by participating in the University’s payment plan (which is four equal payments per fall/spring semester).

Billing Cycle for a 12-month lease.
- Fall semester – 6 months of rent
- Spring semester – 6 months of rent
- There are exceptions to the billing cycle depending on the scholarship distribution; however, residents must still pay rent for months of residence even if scholarship funds are not available for all months. We recommend that you plan in advance for the summer by utilizing additional refund monies to pay rent during the summer months, if needed.
You are able to take advantage of the University Payment Plan program; however, you will need to contact the University directly. Note there is a service fee for setting up the payment plan.

UNIVERSITY COURTYARD DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Students found in violation of YSU policies, the Lease Agreement or this Handbook will be subject to the Youngstown State University Student Conduct process.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS INCLUDE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:

Incident Report: When a violation of policy occurs at University Courtyard Apartments, the violation is documented, typically by a Community Assistant, in the form of an incident report. This report is given to the Associate Director and a copy to the Coordinator.
Email or Written Letter Notification: This is a written notice from University Courtyard Management or Resident Life Director that a report has been received indicating you may have violated a University regulation. You will be asked to schedule an appointment with the Resident Life Director to discuss the alleged violation.
Conduct Conference/Hearing: A meeting between the alleged violator(s) and either University Courtyard management/Resident Life Director or the YSU Office of Student Conduct.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS MAY INCLUDE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SANCTIONS:

Removal/Restriction of Property: You may be asked to remove objectionable property (or it may be taken from you) such as a stereo that has been repeatedly played too loudly, unsafe electrical appliances, alcohol, candles, incense, illegal drugs, fire hazards, etc.
Education/Community Service Assignment: You may be given a supervised community service/ educational assignment appropriate to the situation.
Room/House Transfer: You may be required to transfer apartments and/or rooms.
Restitution: You may be asked to make compensation for any loss, damage, or injury your violation causes. This may take the form of additional service as well as monetary or material replacement.
Warning: You may be given a written notification that you have violated institutional regulations. This written warning means that further problems may result in more serious sanctions being placed on you. You may be placed on disciplinary warning for a period not to exceed one academic year.
Disciplinary Probation: You may be placed on disciplinary probation which is notice in writing that any subsequent violation(s) of University regulation may result in suspension or expulsion and/or imposition of restrictions or conditions consistent with the offense committed and your rehabilitation.
Removal from all University Housing: You may be removed from University Courtyard and/or the Residence Halls for a specified period of time. You may not be allowed to visit University Courtyard the Resident Halls or Dining Facilities following your removal. You will not receive any refund of housing fees.
Disciplinary Suspension: You will be separated from the University for a specified period of time (not to exceed one academic year) after which time you are eligible to return. You will not receive any refund of housing fees.
Disciplinary Expulsion: You will be separated from the University under circumstances in which readmission would be rare. You will not receive any refund of housing fees.
Parental Notification: The University may notify the Lease Guarantor of students who are under 21 years old when they are found responsible for violating alcohol and/or drug policies.

Except as to fines specifically set forth in these rules and regulations, youngstown state university/landlord may impose a fine of not more than $100 for any violation of these rules and regulations.

Any violation of the lease, rules and regulations and YSU Code Of Conduct constitutes a default under the lease and shall entitle the landlord to pursue all remedies available to landlord pursuant to the lease. Landlord’s determination of a violation shall be final.

Resident acknowledges receipt of the above as well as the signed lease agreement and will read accordingly. Resident agrees to abide by these rules and regulations during the term of the lease. Resident also acknowledges that landlord expressly reserves the right to promulgate additional rules and regulations applicable to the apartment community to amend or modify any rule or regulation contained herein as landlord from time to time determines to be appropriate.

Please sign a copy of the form acknowledging that the information in this handbook is not all inclusive and subject to change with or without prior notification. If you were not given a signature form with this handbook please visit the leasing office to obtain a copy and turn in immediately.

For additional information please refer to your lease or contact us at:

University Courtyard Apartments
91 Wick Oval
Youngstown, OH 44502
(330) 941 1999