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Living off-campus for the first time can be a daunting task. This
booklet has been specifically designed to assist you in finding
suitable housing, understanding your lease, inspecting your new
dwelling, making a budget and in becoming familiar with local
ordinances. The booklet was compiled from a variety of sources both
on and off the campus in order to make you a smarter consumer.
The local townships each have their own ordinances and regulations,
and expect students to comply just like other residents. Your
landlord should provide you with a safe and habitable dwelling and
must comply with certain township and county requirements. The
relationship between you and your landlord should not be adversarial,
rather it should be a business arrangement where both parties are
treated fairly and respectfully.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION I – HOW TO FIND HOUSING
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CHOOSING ROOMMATES
• Decide how much you are able to pay, what areas and setting
you want to live in and what transportation each of you will
have.
• Define what will happen if one party decides to move out be-
fore the term of the lease is up.
• Be honest about what you can and cannot live with in terms of
cleaning, cooking, noise, guests, etc.
• Call a Real Estate Agency (but beware, most realtors are pri-
marily interested in sales, not rentals).
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ZONING CONCERNS
It is important that you are aware of what township you are going
to live in because each local township has zoning ordinances that
control, among other things, the number of unrelated people who
can live together. Additionally, some townships restrict student
rental property to only those sites designated as a “student home”
by the Township (see Insert). Make sure that you ask your potential
landlord in what township the property is located, and verify
that this location is appropriate housing for students with the
township. If you elect to reside at a residence that is in violation
of zoning ordinance codes, you could be evicted.
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SECTION II – THE LEASE
• You should not pay your entire rent up front or in two large
sum payments. Withholding rent is your primary bargaining
power over your landlord.
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• DO NOT SIGN a lease with a clause labeled "Confession of Judgment."
If you do, you give your landlord the right to take you to court without
your knowledge or presence. Ask your landlord to cross out that para-
graph and initial it.
• Inspect the property before signing the lease. You should physically
visit the dwelling and discuss with the landlord those items that require
maintenance. Discuss with your landlord what constitutes normal wear
and tear. We recommend that you take pictures with dates for your re-
cords.
• Have the landlord put in writing, in the lease, any improvements the
landlord says he/she will make. Anything not repaired before you sign
the lease should be annotated in the lease.
• Keep a copy of all correspondence to and from your landlord with your
lease.
UTILITIES
• Discuss utilities with your landlord and review what the lease includes.
Utility costs may or may not be part of the monthly rent.
• Check with the landlord about specific companies you will have to deal
with and what services they provide.
• Check with the landlord or former tenants about average utility costs.
Be aware that heating bills can be expensive, budget accordingly.
•
• Decide whose name will appear on the bill. Discuss ahead of time how
the bill will be divided to prevent any disagreements
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SECURITY DEPOSIT
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
IMPORTANT
Make sure you notify the Registrar's Office of your new local
address. This is important because during the semester, the Uni-
versity may send pre-registration materials and other important
student related information from the University to your local ad-
dress. In order to update your local address, you can call the Reg-
istrar's Office (610 519-4032), fax in an update (610 519-4033) or
write to the Office of the Registrar, Villanova University, 800
Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085. To ensure the security of
your records, you are required to supply your student ID number.
If you are concerned about access to your local address, you may
ask the Registrar to tag the information as “confidential.”
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SECTION III – MOVING IN
THE INSPECTION
Address:
EX = Excellent
G = Good
P = Poor
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SECTION IV – ESTABLISHING A BUDGET
MONTHLY INCOME
MONTHLY EXPENSES
Household: Debt:
Rent $_________ Loans $_________
Utilities $_________ Credit Cards $_________
Telephone $_________ Other $_________
Food $_________
Non –Food Items $_________ Medical $_________
Educational: Tansportation:
Tuition $_________ Repairs $_________
Books $_________ Parking $_________
Train $_________
Leisure:
Entertainment $________ Clothing:
Travel $________ Laundry/Cleaning $________
Recreation/Hobbies $________ New Purchases $________
Subscriptions $________
Personal Care:
Insurance: Toiletries $_________
Medical $________ Haircare $_________
Renters $________
Auto $________ Miscellaneous $_________
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SECTION V – RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Tenants Rights:
♦ Live in a clean, safe place under the implied warranty of habitability
which is automatically part of every lease. This warranty includes:
• waterproof roofs, ceilings and walls
• adequate heat in winter
• hot and cold running water
• bathroom equipment and drains that work properly
• doors that lock properly
• windows that work and can be locked
• no infestation with roaches and/or rodents at move-in
• smoke detectors
♦ If the rented dwelling is not habitable, a tenant has recourse. Seek help
from the Office of Student Life (202 Dougherty Hall), the Dean of Stu-
dents Office (213 Dougherty Hall), your parents, an attorney, or the
township.
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Tenant Responsibilities:
♦ Limit the number of residents to the number of people permitted by lo-
cal zoning ordinances.
♦ Pay rent and utility bills on the dates due.
♦ Keep the unit clean and safe.
♦ Promptly notify the landlord of damages to the premise.
♦ Dispose of all trash and other waste in a clean and safe manner in accord
with the instructions provided by the landlord and in compliance with
local ordinances.
♦ Use electrical, plumbing and heating facilities safely.
♦ Do not destroy, deface, or damage the premises or remove any part of
the premises.
♦ Do not make any alteration to the premises without first obtaining the
landlord’s permission (in writing).
♦ Do not keep any animals in the unit, unless permitted by the lease and
the township code.
♦ Do not change locks to the premises without written permission from
the landlord.
♦ Tenants and guests should conduct themselves in a manner that will not
disturb the neighbors.
♦ Report all problems with the dwelling to the landlord; if a problem per-
sists, give the landlord notice of the problem in writing, keep a copy of
the letter for yourself, and provide notice to your township.
♦ Leave the dwelling clean and in a condition similar to the one they
moved into at the beginning of the lease.
♦ Provide proper written notice of intention to terminate or renew the
lease at the appropriate time.
♦ Provide written notification of forwarding address for the return of secu-
rity deposit.
♦ Comply with all provisions of the lease.
♦ Be familiar with local and state laws regarding noise, disorderly con-
duct, and underage drinking.
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SECTION VI – BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR
TIPS FOR GETTING ALONG IN YOUR NEW COMMUNITY
⇔ Introduce yourself and get to know your neighbors. They can be very
helpful, especially when you need someone to watch your house/
apartment over breaks.
⇔ Give them your phone number, so they can contact you rather than the
police if there is a problem. KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICA-
TION OPEN!
⇔ Consider helping your neighbors with raking leaves, shoveling side-
walks, etc., to improve relations with your neighbors.
⇔ Be courteous with respect to noise. Keep in mind that students often
keep later hours than families.
⇔ Be courteous with respect to parking. Parking tends to be a GREAT
concern of neighbors and leads them to call the Township when they
suspect more than the legal number of people live in a particular house/
apartment. When friends visit, ask them to park in nearby lots if possi-
ble.
⇔ Do not block sidewalks so that pedestrians cannot pass by.
⇔ Do not block driveways.
⇔ Maintain a respectable appearance of your property:
• Watch for lawn and shrub overgrowth if lawn care is your respons-
bility under the lease.
• Shovel sidewalks promptly if it is your responsibility under the
lease.
• Store and dispose of garbage appropriately and as required by local
ordinance (see Section VII).
• Avoid litter in the yard and on the street.
• Avoid unsightly porch furniture that may be an eyesore to your
neighbors.
While your house/apartment may be only a temporary place for you to live,
remember that it is your neighbors' permanent residence and that your ac-
tions correlate to their quality of life.
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SECTION VII—LOCAL ORDINANCES
SUMMARY OF LOCAL STUDENT HOUSING RELATED ORDINANCES
RADNOR LOWER CONSHOHOCKEN HAVERFORD UPPER
MERION MERION
Number living in No more than 2 No more than 3 unre- No more than 2 unre- No more than 3 unrelated No more than 2 unrelated
dwelling lated lated
Registered with town- Yes, by landlord Must be a “student N/A Must be a “student home” N/A
ship? home”
Covered Covered; max 32 gallon Max 20 gallon trash Max 5 cans on pick up date; Place in closed, watertight
Leak-proof containers, trash can; place at curb cans; max 50 lbs.; each must not exceed 40 containers; place at curb on
Trash stored in rear yard. only on pickup date; place at curb only on lbs.; must curbside on pick day of pickup; Recyclable
Rear door pickup. call for large items pickup date; up date. material must go in town-
Schedule bulk pickup. ship containers
Grass and weeds Not to exceed 12” Not to exceed 12” Not to exceed 6” Not to exceed 6” Not to exceed 6"
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Snow Remove within 24 hours Remove within 30 Within 24 hours Within 24 hours Remove within 24 hours
hours
Parking N/A Minimum of 3 on-site N/A Minimum of 3 on-site N/A
spaces spaces
Police Departments
Haverford Police……………610-853-2400
Radnor Police.……………..610-688-0500
VU Public Safety…………..610-519-6979
Emergency…………….610-519-4444
Utilities
Telephone
Verizon:in PA……………………….1-800-640-4155
if calling out of state………1-888-571-0571
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Townships
Haverford Township…………...610-446-1000
Radnor Township………………610-688-5600
Upper Merion…………………..610-265-2606
Conshohocken …………………610-828-1092
Cable TV
Comcast………………...610-667-8880
Health Care
Bryn Mawr Hospital……610-526-3000
Web Addresses
Radnor www.radnor.com
Lower Merion www.lowermerion.org
Upper Merion www.umtownship.org
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Villanova University makes no representation whatsoever
regarding the student housing listed in this publication. Students
are responsible to inspect the property and negotiate lease terms
with any landlord. Villanova University has not inspected or in-
vestigated these properties or landlords in any way and is not en-
dorsing any specific properties or landlords. Villanova
University disclaims any responsibility, among other things, for
the condition of any premises, terms of any leases, treatment by
any landlord, or compliance with any applicable local ordinances.
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Township Student Approved Housing 08-09
Go to www.villanova.edu/studentlife/dean/offcampus.htm for a complete
list including contact information for listed properties.
RADNOR
House # Street House # Street House # Street
218 Bailey Rd 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 127 810 Glenbrook Ave.
221 Brook St. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 129 851 Glenbrook Ave.
709 Brook St. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 132 853 Glenbrook Ave.
710 Brook St. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #406 855 Glenbrook Ave.
711 Brook St. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #414 883 Glenbrook Ave.
229 Bryn Mawr Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 510 885 Glenbrook Ave.
233 Bryn Mawr Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 513 887 Glenbrook Ave.
275 Bryn Mawr Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 605 889 Glenbrook Ave.
229 Callanan Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 608 893 Glenbrook Ave.
241 Callanan Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 627 895 Glenbrook Ave.
245 Callanan Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 629 951 Glenbrook Ave.
249 Callanan Ave. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 710 961 Glenbrook Ave.
106 Charles Dr. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 714 10 Good Shephard Ave.
104 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 802 700 Haverford Ave.
130 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 803 702 Haverford Ave.
751 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 805 746 Haverford Ave.
823 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 903 748 Haverford Ave.
829 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 909 750 Haverford Ave.
831 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 925 284 Iven Ave.
838 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 927 218 Landover Rd.
840 Conestoga Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 1001 236 Landover Rd.
1122 County Line Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #1002 51 Louella Ct.
1220 County Line Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #1015 19 Lowry's Lane
1520 County Line Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #1018 180 Meredith Ave.
852 County Line Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #1020 190 Meredith Ave.
854 County Line Rd. 1030 East Lancaster Ave. #1025 115 Pennsylania Ave.
856 County Line Rd. 401 Fairview Ave. 108 North Aberdeen Ave.
858 County Line Rd. 54 Garrett Ave. 249 North Aberdeen Ave.
874 County Line Rd. 58 Garrett Ave. 205 North Ithan Ave.
900 County Line Rd. 72 Garrett Ave. 207 North Ithan Ave.
313 Creek Dr 74 Garrett Ave. 119 North Wayne Ave.
200 David Dr 104 Garrett Ave. 306 North Wayne Ave.
132 Eachus Ave. 115 Garrett Ave. 406 North Wayne Ave.
150-166 East Lancaster Ave. 116 Garrett Ave. 109 Radnor Ave.
231 East Lancaster Ave. 138 Garrett Ave. 214 Rockingham Ave.
233 East Lancaster Ave. 140 Garrett Ave. 219 Sugartown Rd
430 East Lancaster Ave. 142 Garrett Ave. 113 Summit Terr.
1012 East Lancaster Ave. 144 Garrett Ave. 118 West Lancaster Ave.
1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 111 146 Garrett Ave. 120 West Lancaster Ave.
1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 115 151 Garrett Ave. 124 West Lancaster Ave.
1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 117 806 Glenbrook Ave. 116 Windermere Ave.
1030 East Lancaster Ave. # 125 808 Glenbrook Ave.
HAVERFORD
House # Street House # Street House # Street
825 Ardmore Ave. 636 Haverford Ave. 724 Railroad Ave.
850 Aubrey Avenue 602 Lancaster Ave. 724A Railroad Ave.
842 Cricket Avenue 658 Lancaster Ave. 61 West Hillcrest Ave.
2918 Haverford Ave. 722 Railroad Ave.
LOWER MERION
House # Street House # Street House # Street
115 Ardmore Ave. 25 Montrose Ave. 19 West County Line Rd.
221 Ardmore Ave. 1 Morris Ln. 21 West County Line Rd.
224 Ardmore Ave. 823 Morton Rd. 12 West Lancaster Ave.
226 Ardmore Ave. 840 Morton Rd. 718 West Lancaster Ave.
130 Arnold Rd. 842 Morton Rd. 829 West Lancaster Ave.
596 Barrett Ave. 18 North Highland Ave. 837 West Lancaster Ave.
757 County Line Rd. 16 North Roberts Rd. 841 West Lancaster Ave.
758 County Line Rd. 42 North Roberts Rd. 841 1/2 West Lancaster Ave.
759 County Line Rd. 46 North Roberts Rd. 844 West Lancaster Ave.
1015 County Line Rd. 52 North Roberts Rd. 855 West Lancaster Ave.
1017 County Line Rd. 1 North Warner Ave. 857 W. Lancaster Ave.
1019 County Line Rd. 3 North Warner Ave. 862-864 W. Lancaster Ave.
1023 County Line Rd. 731 Old Lancaster Rd. 874 West Lancaster Ave.
201 Cricket Ave. 1003 Old Lancaster Rd. 875 West Lancaster Ave.
240 East Montgomery Ave. 728 Old Railroad Ave. 876 West Lancaster Ave.
244 East Montgomery Ave. 762 Old Railroad Ave. 877 West Lancaster Ave.
20 Elliott Ave. 764 Old Railroad Ave. 878 West Lancaster Ave.
120 Elm Ave. 149 Roosevelt Terr. 879 West Lancaster Ave.
1058 Floyd Terr. 947 Sargent Ave. 880 West Lancaster Ave.
9 Franklin Ave. 25 School Ln. 907 West Lancaster Ave.
69 Greenfield Ave. 22 South Warner Ave. 916 West Lancaster Ave.
701 Haverford Rd. 37 South Warner Ave. 1023 West Lancaster Ave.
702 Haverford Rd. 56 South Warner Ave. 1024 West Lancaster Ave.
703 Haverford Rd. 60 South Warner Ave. 1025 West Lancaster Ave.
704 Haverford Rd. 847 Summit Grove Ave. 1026 West Lancaster Ave.
705 Haverford Rd. 848 Summit Grove Ave. 1040 West Lancaster Ave.
706 Haverford Rd. 849 Summit Grove Ave. 1050 West Lancaster Ave.
707 Haverford Rd. 8 Thomas Ave. 256 West Montgomery Ave.
46 Holland Ave. 21 Thomas Ave. 519 West Montgomery Ave.
51 Holland Ave. 27 Thomas Ave. 801 West Montgomery Ave.
67 Holland Ave. 33 Thomas Ave. 806 W. Montgomery Ave.
227 Linwood Ave. 35 Thomas Ave. 922 W. Montgomery Ave.
1055 Markee Terr. 47 Thomas Ave.