Shopping for coverage: 
Decide how much renters insurance coverage you need before you buy. Purchase enough insurance to replace all of your belongings, plus consider the added options that allow you to get the above coverages. We require a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage with ourselves listed as an additional insured. We do offer an option to easily purchase this through your resident portal. Additional details will be found in your lease.

 
Q.           How can I pay my rent? 
A.            We have a quick and easy process online.  When you apply for an apartment with us, you automatically have a “Resident Portal”.  This portal is extremely helpful!  From here, you can pay rent, look at your lease agreement and request maintenance all at one time!   When you submit a payment online, there is a $1.95 processing fee for online payments made with a bank account. Credit card companies charge various fees as well.  

                We only accept online payments with a credit card, debit card, check, e-check (bank account number). 

Note: Based on company discretion or non-payment, we reserve the right to require payments via certified funds only
  
Q.           Can I pay the entire semester at once? 
A.            You absolutely can do this.  However, we like to try and lessen the burden and split the rent into 10 monthly installment payments.  
 
Q.           Can I use financial aid to pay for my housing? 
A.            Yes, you can use financial aid to assist in paying for housing.  HOWEVER, there are a few rules that we need to abide by because typically loan payments are not paid out until AFTER you are required to pay your rent.  You must clearly communicate to our office that you are waiting on your student loan and you MUST provide us with two things: 
 
1. A copy of your statement showing that you are waiting on the disbursement.  This statement must show that the refund you are receiving is greater than the amount that we are waiting to collect. 
 
2. Sign a Deferred Payment form 
Please know that if you are using aid, we need both of these items and cannot take one without the other. Additionally, we always need the security deposit and first month’s rent and utility fee to move forward, but future month’s rent installments (Ie.: Sept 1) can wait until the disbursement is made. 
Contact our office and we will walk you through this simple process! 
 
Q.           I have signed all of the forms for the Deferred Payment, why am I getting notices that rent is due and now I have late fees? 
A.            Our computer system automatically generates late notices if you have a balance on your account.  If you have followed all of the procedures for the deferred payment plan, understand that your account will continue to accrue late fees until the account is brought to a zero balance.  If all steps have been followed, once payment is received, we will then remove all late fees from the account.  
 
Q.           What happens if I don’t pay my rent, or I pay late? 
A.            We as the Landlord, have an obligation to the owner of the property to collect all rents and on time.  If you are not on a deferred payment plan your account will receive late fees that you will be responsible for.  (Please see above, When Is Rent Due)  If you have not paid your rent by the 14th of the month our office starts the procedures for filing a complaint with the local Magistrates office.  At the time we drop off paperwork to the Magistrates office for non-payment, we must pay a court fee to do so.  In exchange, we do charge YOU the court fees and you are responsible for the court fees once the paperwork has been filed.  You will then receive notification from the Magistrates office giving you a date and time for your court hearing.  It is highly recommended that you attend the hearing, so you fully understand what will potentially happen if you do not pay the rent. 
  
  
COMMUNITY 
Q.           Are there RA’s or Live-In staff? 
A. We have on-site staff who live here as well. Additionally, the office is open daily for phone calls and visits (by appointment) from 8AM - 4PM excluding weekends and holidays. 
 
Q.           What sort of events do you do for the residents? 
A.            We try to host approximately one event per month for our resident-guests. 
                Here are some examples of things that we have offered: 

Plus many more to come! We love when residents recommend events and always try to cater! 
 
Q.           How do I know what is going on at the Community?  How is this communicated to me? 
A.            In order to apply for our apartments, you must have an email address.  PLEASE UNDERSTAND that our computer system sends ALL communication via email.  It is imperative that you check your emails on a daily basis.  IT IS ALSO IMPERATIVE THAT WE HAVE THE RESIDENT'S / STUDENTS EMAIL ADDRESS LISTED AS THE PRIMARY EMAIL ADDRESS (not mom's or dad's!) Mom or dad should put their email address under the "guarantor" portion of the application. If you made a mistake, please go back and adjust this now. We reserve the right to adjust this as needed, and by not following this standard procedure, you understand that you are risking missing critical communications that are sent directly to students and guarantors specifically when needed.  

We often announce community events, specials and other exciting things also on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thecommonsofscranton and on instagram at @Thecommonsofscranton. SO don’t forget to like us so you can be kept up to date on all of the FUN STUFF!   Tell your friends to “Like Us” too, because not all giveaways are for resident guests only! 
  
Q.           Why do you recommend living at The Commons instead of commuting? 
A.            Being that the apartments are right on the edge of campus, it gives you easy access to all of the wonderful activities that PSU has to offer! Our residents always form a “community” bond and enjoy walking back and forth to class and events together. Our live-in interns will often go door-to-door to see if residents would like to attend events with them. It helps our residents to gain a solid core group of students to study with and rely on during collegiate times. 
 
Q.           Are there laundry facilities on site? 
A.            We provide laundry on-site. It is typically located in the building that the guest resides. The machines are coin operated. They cost $3.00 per load. 
 
Q.           What else do you have on site? 
A.            We generally have vending machines for drinks and beautiful outdoor gazebos. Sometimes with supply chain shortages, we cannot guarantee vending machines as these are provided by a third-party. 
 
Q.           Do you offer maintenance? 
A.            We have maintenance regularly at the property! You can submit a maintenance request anytime through the resident portal app on your phone, from your laptop or ipad, or even by calling the office! We also have a 24-hour maintenance emergency line! 
Maintenance Fees:  You pay for maintenance only if we make repairs due to your negligence.  Examples:  Holes in walls, holes in doors, damage to countertops, improperly disposing of trash (leaving it at your front door), lock out fees because you forgot your key, etc.  
                
Cleaning Fees:  This typically only applies at the end of your lease term.  If you do not follow our instructions on cleaning when you vacate, we do have contractors who will clean your room and the amount will be deducted from your deposit.  (Please refer to “Move Out Procedures”) 
  
THE APARTMENTS 
Q.           What size are the beds? 
A.            The beds are twin extra long.   
 
Q.           What furniture comes with the apartment? 
A.            Living Room:  Sofa, loveseat, end tables, Flat Screen TV, dining room table and chairs. The bedrooms have beds, wardrobes, desks and desk chairs.  
  
Q.           What appliances come with the apartment? 
A.            The kitchens are equipped with a stove, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator.  This does not include pots/pans, utensils, dishes, etc.   
 
Q.           What do I need to bring with me to my apartment? 

A.            All of the apartments are equipped with the basic furniture and basic appliances.  You are responsible for your own linens, area rugs, kitchen items (pots, pans, utensils, dishes, etc), small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc) and any other article you would need to comfortably reside in your apartment.  Blinds are provided for the windows.  We suggest that you not install any additional window coverings as it may damage the drywall around the windows and you will be charged.  
  
Please see the below list for suggestions on what to bring 

OTHER 
Q.           I have signed a lease and/or submitted my application but do not want to stay.  How do I get out of my lease? 
A.            Understand that by signing our application, you are legally bound to the terms and conditions of the lease agreement.  The only way to be released from responsibility of the lease term is to find a suitable replacement for your lease.  Please contact our office for complete details.  It is imperative that you understand we are not in business to release resident guests from responsibility and will file a Landlord/Tenant action against you for the full lease term.  
 
Q.           Do you offer co-ed housing? 
A.            If you do not have a roommate, we match you up with other Males or Females only.  The only exception would be if you found an entire group to live with and you came in all together to take an entire apartment.     
  
Q.           What if my roommate moves out, am I responsible for their lease? 
A.            No.  All leases are joint and several leases with individual rent responsibility.  What this means is that you are not responsible to pay your roommates rent if they decide not to.  
 
Q.           Are my roommates and I jointly responsible for anything? 
A.            You each have your own lease agreement, however any common space that is shared, you are jointly responsible for.  For instance, you all have access to the living room, kitchen and bathrooms.  Any damage and/or cleaning necessary in these spaces, you are ALL equally responsible for.  If you rent your own single bedroom, you are soley responsible for your bedroom.  If you share a bedroom, you and your roommate are jointly responsible for the bedroom.  
 
Q.           What do I do if my apartment is damaged when I move in? 
A.            Upon move in, you will receive a move in checklist.  This gives you the opportunity to go through the ENTIRE apartment being as detailed as possible on things that have happened prior to your arrival.  Keep in mind, this is not a brand new property and there will be some flaws.  You will have 5 days to return this to the office after taking occupancy.  We will review this list for any work order items and this list then remains on file throughout your stay with us.  It is then used as a tool when refunding your deposit that the office will check.  You will NOT be charged for damages/flaws which happened prior to your arrival if this checklist is returned to our office.   
 
Q.           Can I hang decorations on the walls? 
A.            You can hang items on the walls, but you must use adhesives that will not damage the walls when removed.  Small nail holes are permitted in small amounts, however no large screws or anything that can damage the walls.   Please remember, you will be charged for any damage above and beyond normal wear and tear. 
 
Q.           What do I do if I have a maintenance emergency? 
A.            If you are in need of emergency maintenance after hours, you can call (800) 724-6007.  Please note that this number is for emergency purposes only.   For non-emergency items you can log onto your portal and enter a work request, OR call our office and we can enter it for you! 
 
Q.           What do I do if I get locked out of our apartment? 
A.            If it is during office hours, please visit the office for access to your apartment. Otherwise, please call the maintenance emergency line at (800) 724-6007.   
  
Q.           I am MOVING IN, when can I? 
A.            In July, prior to move in, we will send out move in instructions which will include office hours, rent due and all of the other detailed information that you need!  Remember, KEEP CHECKING YOUR EMAIL, and LIKE US on Facebook as we often post announcements in these two areas! 
 
There are no exceptions to this date. You must get your keys on that day. If you cannot make it, keys can only be given during office hours and you waive many rights as a tenant of a shared apartment - such as the option to complete a damage checklist as your roommates have already taken possession of the apartment. 
 
Q.           I am moving out, what is the process? 
A.            Please refer to your resident handbook. As long as you follow these instructions on cleaning, have your rent paid in full and have not damaged the apartment, you will have NO problem getting your full deposit back!  If you have any concerns, we are here!  Stop by and we can talk! We also have a mandatory MOVE-OUT meeting each year that you are required to attend. 
 
You must turn in a "SURRENDER OF POSSESSION" form that includes your name, unit, forwarding address, and signature. With this form, you must also turn in all keys. We will not consider you "moved out" until both of these things happen.  
 
It is imperative to leave your apartment in a move-in ready, damage free, and clean condition for the next tenant.  

Please understand how charges are assessed at the end.  You are all equally responsible together for the common areas:  Living Room, Entry ways, Kitchen, Bathrooms.  If cleaning and or damages are noted in these areas, the bill that is received will be split equally amongst all residents who occupied the apartment.  As for your bedroom, if you are in a single room alone, you are fully responsible for all cleaning and/or damages in that room.  If you share a room, you and your roomie will be charged equally for the cleaning and/or damages to the room. We will not do ANY inspections of the apartment until ALL residents have vacated AND/OR the lease end date has passed so we can thoroughly inspect and video each apartment and are assured that there will be no more cleaning or repairs needed past what is found at this inspection.  

Refund / Inspection / Damage questions are only handled via email. Due to the legal deadlines and timeliness required by our staff to properly inspect, clean, repair, delegate, invoice, (etc) all of these items and charges, we cannot be on the phones all day during this post-move-out time. We generally spend about 10 hours per day in the apartments, running for parts, etc and then return all emails as fast as possible. This has been the most efficient way to make sure that nothing is missed and that everyone has their deposit mailed back to them within 30 days of the lease end date.  
  
Lastly, I have more questions, help! 
Of course! Over the summer we will host a mandatory move-in day meeting. This is often held virtually via zoom with an invite sent to all residents and guarantors. We also email all residents a handbook, as well as a copy of this video.  
 
Need an immediate answer? Shoot us an email to areese@thecommonsofscranton.com or give us a call at 570-207-0435. If we miss your call, as long as you leave a voice message we will get right back to you!