Your Rights and Responsibilities
Tenant
As a tenant, you have rights in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There is a term called which means “You are entitled to a safe and a habitable living environment throughout your entire tenancy. The State Sanitary Code protects the health, safety, and well being of tenants and the general public. Your local Board of Health in the city or town where you are renting enforces the Code.” The minimum standards for fitness for human habitation can be found .
Your landlord has rights as well. They may only enter your apartment for inspections, repairs, showing the apartment/house to prospective buyers, renters, etc., a court order, to inspect for damage after lease. Your landlord should make reasonable attempts to find a mutually convenient time to enter the living space.
If you are looking for specific information regarding your rights and responsibilities, you can obtain the following document: .
Student at Western New England University
The Student Handbook applies to any matriculating undergraduate and graduate students residing on or off-campus. Should the University become aware of significant behavioral concerns prior to or during a student’s tenure (during class time or otherwise), the University may address the conduct. All students are responsible for the conduct of their guests while they are on campus.
The Student Handbook and conduct process is administered under the general direction of the Vice President for Student Affairs and day to day responsibilities are managed by the Director of Community Standards and Education.
All students should read the Student Handbook as it has detailed information pertaining to your rights as a student. There are many nuances that are similar to residing on campus. Therefore, you may be held accountable through your local town/city government and law enforcement, as well as the University conduct process.
Living Off-campus
Being proactive is important and vital in all aspects of living off-campus. Knowing your neighbors, your landlord, and your rights are vital. Another important factor is the responsibility you have as a tenant regarding damages and repairs. Ensure that you are communicating in a timely manner regarding repairs and/or damages. Upon moving into your residence, complete a full inspection and write down any and all damage, not just to the inside, but the outside of the house. It is important to keep written, detailed descriptions of your observations. If there is a hole, how big is the hole? Where specifically is trim missing in the kitchen? Does the oven work? The more information you have compiled at the beginning, the more you will reclaim on your damage deposit.
Resources on Campus
Simply because you reside in a location not on the Western New England University grounds, you are still afforded the same resources on campus. Here are a few that you might find helpful:
- University Advising: 413-796-2027
- Campus Mail Services: 413-782-1509
- Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center: 413-782-1518
- D’Amour Library: 413-782-1635
- Diversity Programs and Services: 413-796-2369
- Center for Health and Well-Being: 413-782-1211
- Kevin S. and Sandra E. Delbridge Career Center: 413-782-1217
- Math Center: 413-782-1399
- Public Safety: 413-782-1207
- Student Involvement: 413-782-1203
- Tutoring: 413-782-1312
- Writing Center: 413-782-1263
- Vice President of Student Affairs: 413-782-1282
Stay involved and connected on campus. All clubs and organizations are open to all students. As a commuter student, you will be afforded the same opportunities to participate in and attend events.
Living with Roommates
You may be living by yourself, but in most instances, you will have one, two, or three roommates. Discuss with your roommates what living in the apartment/house/townhouse will look like. Some topics to consider:
- What items will be shared/split? Cable? Electricity? Food?
- What is the date that bills are to be paid?
- How will roommate(s) be paid (Venmo, PayPal, cash)?
- Will guests be able to visit?
- Will the door be locked at all times or some of the time?
- How will you handle alcohol/drug use in the house?
- What things are you NOT comfortable with taking place in your living space?
- What if a guest/visitor damages property?
- All of these topics (and many more) should be discussed prior to moving in and reviewed several times throughout the rental period with all persons residing in the apartment/townhouse/house.
Tips to Stay Connected
- Join the Commuter Council, a programming and advocacy board just for commuters
- Obtain a commuter parking sticker
- Get a meal plan or buy Bear Bucks
- Get a locker
- Obtain Renter’s Insurance to cover personal belongings