Sansom Terms of Occupancy
Eligibility
Priority is given to full-time students. Part-time students, faculty, and staff may be accommodated as space allows, and at the discretion of the Director. Space in Sansom Place East and West is rented to individual graduate students. The University randomly assigns roommates unless a specific request is made to live with a particular student, in which case each roommate must submit an application requesting the other, in the appropriate section.
One-bedroom apartments in Sansom Place East and West may be rented by graduate students who wish to live with another adult (18 years of age or older). Students must designate the person living with them on their application and accept total financial responsibility for the entire occupancy period. Anyone living in an apartment for seven days or more must be registered and sign a waiver to be provided by the Department of Housing Services. The total number of occupants may not exceed the designated capacity of an apartment. Student residents will assume responsibility for anyone living in the unit and will ensure that they follow all Housing and University policies. The University may take disciplinary action against the student resident and/or terminate the Occupancy Agreement for failure by any person occupying the unit to comply with University or residential policies.
Children: Because of the size of the apartments, families with children cannot be accommodated in our student apartments.
Occupancy Period
The occupancy period for Sansom Place West is September 1, 2011-May 31, 2012. The occupancy period for Sansom Place East is September 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012. Students in Sansom Place East returning for the next academic year may remain in continuous residence over the summer and will be charged rent for the additional months. Residents of Sansom Place West needing summer housing can be accommodated in another on campus residence because the building closes May 31, 2012. Specific information will be available during the prior Spring Semester.
Early Occupancy
Some graduate schools at Penn begin classes prior to September 1. The Department of Housing Services tries to accommodate academic schedules by allowing students to move in before September 1 if their apartments are ready for occupancy.
If you require early move-in, you must request this when applying. Your request will be reviewed to determine if your apartment is available and if early occupancy is required because of your School’s calendar. Additional rent is charged for early occupancy based on the date you requested. If your room is not available, you may apply for summer housing in another residence.
You should be aware that even if you are granted early occupancy, you may experience some inconvenience as contractors and maintenance staff may need to continue to work in and around your apartment. Your patience is appreciated.
Rent
A schedule of rents due for each room type is available in the Room Assignments section of our website located under Rent Schedules. The rent for Sansom Place East and West is billed and payable monthly. The Office of Student Financial Services will bill you directly. New rates for the next occupancy period are typically available in March and are effective July 1 for all returning and new residents.
Cancellations
Once you have submitted your application, cancellation will be granted only under the following circumstances:
Prior to occupancy, you must notify the Assignments Office, via the Housing Portal at www.upenn.edu/housing or campusexpress.upenn.edu that you do not intend to occupy the assigned room. You may also do this by fax 215-573-2061 or email to living@upenn.edu. You will be subject to cancellation charges. These charges apply even if you do not attend the University.
For new students anticipating enrollment for Fall 2011 or after:
Fall Semester:
Prior to July 1 -- $250
July 1- August 31 -- $350
September 1-September 7* -- $100 + 1 month’s rent
*No shows cancelled on September 7 and chargedSpring Semester:
Prior to first day of classes -- $125
No shows cancelled on 1st day of class -- $350
Once you have picked up keys or taken occupancy, the Occupancy Agreement and financial obligation cannot be cancelled, except in the event of approved graduation, leave of absence, or withdrawal from the University. No refunds will be made after the tenth week of classes of each semester.
If a student has not moved in by September 7, 2011 we will assume s/he is not coming, cancel and charge the student as a “No Show,” and will reassign the space, unless we receive written notice by September 1 of the student’s late arrival.
For more specific information, please refer to the Occupancy Agreement and Residential Handbook.
Early Termination
If you are leaving the University during the academic year because of leave of absence, withdrawal, or December graduation, you may apply for early termination of your Occupancy Agreement. Please refer to the Agreement for details.
Because the term of occupancy for Sansom Place East extends through June 30, residents of may apply for Early Termination effective June 1 if they submit documentation from their school confirming that their academic year has ended. June rent will be credited if approved. Students may not request early termination for other dates.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose a health hazard if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavior problems and impaired memory. The landlord is required to disclose to the tenant the presence of known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. A comprehensive lead inspection or risk agreement for possible lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards is recommended prior to lease.
You have the right to have your unit checked for lead-based paint or lead hazards. You can do this within ten (10) days after you move in, by hiring an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified lead inspector at your cost. You can terminate your housing agreement within two (2) business days after you receive the results of the lead inspection and if you do so, you must agree to move out within ten (10) days after that. If you decide not to have the unit inspected within ten (10) days after moving in, you will be giving up your right to terminate the housing agreement afterwards based on the results of a lead inspection.
Disclosure: The University contracted with an EPA certified Risk Assessor/Lead Inspector to complete a lead based paint survey in Sansom Place East and West. Their results indicated that apartment interiors are considered to be free of lead-based paint. Additional information on the survey may be obtained by contacting the Department of Housing Services.