West Bank Townhouses Tenant Handbook

Eligibility

All West Bank Townhouse leaseholders are required to be registered for fall and spring semesters during an academic year. Enrollment in the summer session is not required. Leaseholders are required to fulfill the eligibility requirements as either undergraduate or graduate students.

• Undergraduate students must register for a minimum of 9 credits per semester or present a statement from their department certifying satisfactory academic progress.
• Graduate students must register for a minimum of 3 credits per semester or present a statement from their department certifying satisfactory academic progress.

Occupancy Limit

A maximum of two tenants may live in each townhouse. All individuals living in the townhouse must be included on the lease. It is the responsibility of leaseholders to inform Housing & Residential Life of all individuals living in a townhouse with the leaseholder and any changes in resident status that may occur during the leaseholder’s tenancy.

Requests for exceptions to eligibility requirements must be made in writing before the beginning of an academic semester. If leaseholders do not fulfill these eligibility requirements, they will no longer be allowed to live at West Bank Townhouses.

Compliance with the eligibility requirements will be checked on a semester basis. Please contact Housing & Residential Life with any questions.

Paying Rent

Monthly rent is due on the first day of each month.

Leaseholders are responsible for sending their monthly rent payments to:

Housing & Residential Life
Attention: Billing Department
Comstock Hall - East
210 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0307

Write checks out to "University of Minnesota" and include the tenant’s name and address on the check or money order.

The University reserves the right to adjust the rental rate during the term of a lease upon 60 days prior written notice to the tenant.

Late Payment

If a tenant fails to pay rent or any money owed for damages to the unit, a hold will be placed on all leaseholders' University of Minnesota student accounts.

Unit Layout & Map

The townhouse has 800 square feet of living space and includes an unfinished basement. A kitchen, dining area, and living room are located on the second floor. Two bedrooms and a full bathroom are located on the first floor. In-unit laundry and a utility room is located on the basement level. The basement level contains no second means of egress; therefore, it may not be used as a sleeping area.

The townhouse is equipped with an all-electric kitchen, including an electric range with oven, a fourteen cubic foot refrigerator, range exhaust fan, and sufficient electrical outlets. Some floors are covered with vinyl tile; the living room and bedroom floors are carpeted. The living room and bedrooms are equipped with blinds. An electric washer and dryer, a gas hot water heater, central air conditioning unit, and gas-forced furnace are located in the basement utility room.

Procedure to Vacate

Either the tenant or University may end the Lease for any reason at the end of an academic semester on December 30, May 31 or August 15. Tenants must email [email protected] giving notice of their intent to vacate at least 60 days prior to their intended departure date. This requirement applies whether a tenant moves out before the lease expires or at the end of the lease term. Only written vacate notices will be accepted. An improper checkout fee of $50 will be charged to any unit that fails to comply with the vacating procedures.

A reasonable amount of wear and tear is expected in the townhouse and a damage fee will not be charged to the vacating tenant for reasonable wear and tear. The amount of acceptable wear and tear will vary depending on the length of time the townhome apartment is occupied. However, tenants will be responsible for any breakage, damage, or excessive cleaning needed.

Damage and breakage will be determined by comparing the existing condition to the condition stated in the original check-in sheet. Required repairs would include but not be limited to:

Departing tenants are expected to thoroughly clean all walls, floors, woodwork, and appliances. There will be a cleaning charge of $46 per hour, one hour minimum, if this work is not done by the tenants prior to vacating the townhouse. Do not wax the floors or shampoo the carpets; the University will perform this task after the tenants move out at no additional charge.

The tenant must terminate all utility agreements with the electric, gas, and telecommunications companies. Gas and electric service should be transferred to U of M Housing & Residential Life.

On the tenant’s final day, the tenant should ensure all tasks on the vacate procedures list are complete. Ensure all doors and windows are locked. Leave all townhouse and mailbox keys on the kitchen counter. Depart the townhouse by 4 p.m. Make sure to close the front door completely. If departing during a winter month, make sure to leave the heat on at 60°F or higher.

If the tenant has any questions about proper vacating procedures, contact the property coordinator. 

Bicycles/Mopeds

There are no bicycle racks located on the Campus Rentals properties. Residents are encouraged to store their bicycles inside their townhouse units for reasons of security.

Motorized vehicles (e.g. mopeds, motorcycles, etc.) may not be brought through or stored within the townhouse units.

Insurance

The University does not assume any liability for loss, damage, or theft of any personal property. Tenants are encouraged to protect themselves from such losses by obtaining the appropriate insurance coverage.

Lockouts

During the academic year (September to May), residents may receive a lockout key from Middlebrook Hall, located down the street from West Bank Townhouses. There is no fee for this service.

Outside of the academic year and while the University is closed, call emergency maintenance at (612) 624-2900 to assist with a lockout. If a tenant contacts an on-call staff member to assist them with accessing their unit at any time, they will be charged a $200 lockout fee.

Parking

A small parking lot monitored and maintained by University of Minnesota Parking & Transportation Services is located directly north of the townhouses. Depending on availability, tenants may rent parking spaces in this lot.

For information about obtaining a parking permit for parking lot C85 or if the tenant has other questions, concerns, or problems related to parking in this lot, contact Parking & Transportation Services at (612) 626-7275.

Review the parking and transit contract terms regarding snow plow operations. 

Electric Vehicle Charging

The West Bank Townhouses parking lot does not include electric vehicle charging stations. Residents may not charge an electric vehicle using residential electrical outlets from their townhouse. Refer to the University’s Electric Vehicle Charging website for charger locations and rates. 

Repairs & Maintenance

Maintenance Emergency

Call (612) 624-2900 for a maintenance emergency in the townhouse, such as a plumbing failure, plumbing backup, appliance failure, loss of heat, or a lock out. 

Maintenance Request for Regular Service

To request regular maintenance service, submit a Fix It request. Please do not submit Fix It requests for personal decorations or modifications to the townhouse, like hanging shelving or photos. Fix It requests are reserved for repairs to appliances or the townhouse.

Once every six months, maintenance staff will deliver a new furnace filter to each townhouse door in the property. The tenant is responsible for installing the new furnace filter and properly discarding the old filter in the trash. Tenants will receive instructions via email regarding this task.

Heating and Cooling

Each townhouse has one thermostat in the living room that controls all heating and cooling needs. If the bedrooms are too cold or hot, the vents can be closed on the main level. Closing the vents on the main level will allow the heating or cooling to reach upstairs. A tenant should try different combinations of open/closed vents before submitting a Fix It request for hot or cold bedrooms.

Utilities

Electricity

Xcel Energy is the electricity provider for the townhouse. Electricity is included in rent for residents who moved in after July 1, 2024. 

Gas

Natural gas is used to heat the townhouse. The gas provider is CenterPoint Energy. Gas is included in rent for residents who moved in after July 1, 2024. During the winter, tenants must keep their heat on at 60°F or higher. Failure to do so may cause the plumbing to freeze, which can cause substantial damage. At move-out, tenants must transfer their CenterPoint service to U of M Housing & Residential Life.

Internet

University internet is provided via wired ethernet connection and wireless eduroam service in each townhouse. Visit the Housing Tech Services website for more details. 

Hanging Pictures/Shelves

Small finishing nails or push pins must be used when hanging pictures on walls. Plastic adhesive hooks may be used on all wall types. Installing wall shelves is prohibited. Tenants may not paint or hang wallpaper in any part of the townhouse.

Holiday Decorations

Live Christmas trees, swags, and wreaths are prohibited in all townhouses due to fire hazard.

Outdoor Spaces

In any multiple-household housing complex, all tenants must exercise consideration for their neighbors. We hope to keep the appearance of West Bank Townhouses in a condition we will be proud of and all tenants will enjoy.

We encourage everyone to help keep the area as presentable as possible. University Landcare mows the lawn and trims weeds when necessary. Tenants are encouraged to remove weeds on their unit's property. 

Open fires are not permitted on the site except for gas/charcoal cooking in a grill. Outdoor patio furniture and gas/charcoal grills are allowed, as long as their placement does not obstruct the exit path from a unit.

Upholstered furniture should not be placed outside of townhouses. This type of furniture creates a fire hazard and also serves as a nesting place for mice and other rodents.

Personal Security Cameras

The University allows the use of personal security cameras at West Bank Townhouses, within the following parameters: 

• During installation, the tenant must not damage or alter the unit (including the door) in any way. Screws are not allowed.
• Audio recording is not allowed, because it violates state law.
• Cameras must not record the personal spaces of other tenants, for example: cameras can not be pointed into other residence windows or into their patio spaces.

Pets

No dogs, cats, or other animals may be kept in the townhouses, except for the following:

• Service animals
• Medically required support animals that are registered with University’s Office of Disabilities Services
• Fish in aquariums of ten (10) gallons or less

Tenants must comply with University policies and procedures that apply to animals in the townhouses. The tenant is responsible for the cost of repairs for any damage to the townhouse caused by the tenant’s animals.

Prohibited Items

Weapons

Tenants may not possess guns, ammunition, or any other weapons (including, but not limited to knives, darts, BB/pellet guns, paintball guns, and swords or any blade longer than four (4) inches) anywhere on University Housing premises. Guns may be stored at the University Police Department. Because of their potential to cause damage, paint guns are also prohibited.

Explosives

Explosive devices are not allowed in University housing or surrounding grounds. Possessing or using fireworks (firecrackers, smoke bombs, sparklers, etc.) or any explosive material will constitute a safety or fire hazard. 

Tenants may store and use at the townhouse routine household agents only, and shall not store or use at the townhouse any article or object of a dangerous, flammable, or explosive character.

Waterbeds

Waterbeds are not permitted inside the townhouse.

Rental Verification

Housing & Residential Life is unable to provide detailed account information on current or past tenants to third party organizations. The following information is the only information that will be provided to a third party with a written release from the tenant:

• Dates the tenant lived at Pillsbury Court
• The current rental rate

Subleasing

There is no subleasing of any kind allowed at West Bank Townhouses. This includes temporary stays and short-term stay websites like HomeAway or Airbnb.

Tenant Cleaning and Upkeep

Cookstove

Some stoves may have a glass top. Unlike ordinary glassware, it is subjected to greater heat. Food spilled and spattered on it results in extremely hard-to-remove stains and build-up.

Reasonable care will keep the glass looking new. Once the luster has been dulled, it cannot be restored. Be sure to wash the burner trays and drip pans under the burners regularly. It is advisable to wipe off the enamel on the range with a soft damp cloth when the stove is still warm, but not hot. 

If further cleaning is necessary, wait until the stove is cool. Wash with a mild soap and rinse with clean water. Never use abrasive cleaners on enamel. The broiler pan should be removed from the oven and cleaned after each use.

Absorb any cooking fat with a paper towel, and put the broiling pan to soak in warm soapy water. The broiler pan will then wash easily.

To clean under or behind the stove, please submit a Fix It and ask to have the stove disconnected. 

Countertops

Clean all countertops with a damp cloth and mild soap and water. Be sure to dry thoroughly. Do not use strong soaps, detergents, or abrasives such as scouring powders or pads. Promptly wipe off fruit juices, jam, and other spilled acids and alkalis. Hot dishes, pots, and irons will damage countertops, so tenants must use a hot pad under the pan so the countertop is protected. Any repairs necessary due to this type of carelessness will be charged to the tenant.

Light Bulbs

Replacing light bulbs is the responsibility of the tenant. The tenant should use energy efficient LED light bulbs. Some light fixtures require specialized bulbs and fixtures. If the tenant needs assistance with this process, please submit a standard work order through the online Fix It repair system.

Refrigerators

The refrigerators are self-defrosting and should need very little maintenance. If an ice build-up occurs, do not chip at the accumulated ice with a pick, sharp knives, etc. Submit a Fix It for assistance with ice build up. 

Sink, Tub, and Toilet

The sinks, tub, and toilet should be cleaned regularly. Mild detergents or high quality, non-gritty powders are the only cleansing agents which should be used on the sinks and tub. Toilet brand cleaners should be used only in the toilet. Follow the directions on the label. Gritty powders or acids should never be used on any bathroom surface.

Walls, Doors, and Woodwork

Painting of walls or wallpapering is prohibited. Walls, doors, woodwork, and metal trim should be spot-cleaned frequently to avoid dirt build-up.

Garbage, and Recycling, and Compost Program

Containers for garbage and recycling are located at the edge of the parking area.

All garbage should be placed in the designated appropriate container using plastic or paper bags.

Recycled items should be sorted and placed into the designated appropriate container. Do not place these items in plastic bags.

Household organic waste may be composted using the designated appropriate container using compostable or paper bags. 

Follow these instructions to properly dispose, recycle, or compost your waste. 

Tenants may contact the property coordinator to dispose of large furniture or appliances. The property coordinator will discuss fees for disposal, and most items incur little or no cost. Do not leave furniture or appliances by the dumpsters.

Refer to the vacating procedures provided in the check-in folder for information on where to donate or discard used furniture. A furniture removal charge of $75 per piece of furniture will be assessed to any unit that improperly disposes of furniture.