Off-Campus Living & Commuter Services
Off-Campus Housing List
The Off-Campus Housing List shows rental units based on the following criteria:
- All units meet the minimum requirements of the Williamsport Bureau of Codes, which follows standards established by the International Code Council (ICC). The codes inspection encompasses, but is not limited to, building soundness, and electrical and safety conditions.
- Properties on the list have been inspected within the last year.
- Units are available for rent exclusively by students at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
- Units are within the Penn College Police active patrol zone .
Firehall Live-in Programs
Loyalsock
Montoursville
Muncy
Old Lycoming
Apartment Shopping
Advice when looking for an off-campus apartment
- Only look at properties listed on the Off-Campus Housing List.
- Make copies off all your paperwork and photos when apartment searching. Use the Apartment Inspection Checklist to keep track of your searches
- Do not sign a lease until you have met with the landlord face-to-face.
- Do not sign a lease until you have toured your specific apartment.
- Do not sign a lease unless you are absolutely sure that will be attending Penn College and you are sure that is where you want to live.
Looking for a roommate? Check out our New Student Community: Off Campus Housing . Log in with your PCT email and password to connect with other incoming students planning to live off campus and looking for roommates.
Leases
Your lease is a legal document which will define every aspect of your relationship with your new landlord, so read it thoroughly before signing. Understand everything that is expected of you and what your legal rights are.
- List the names of all adults who will be living in the apartment.
- Clearly identify the property which is being leased.
- Indicate both the length of the lease (in days, weeks, or months) and the dates.
- Indicate the amount of rent to be paid, when it is to be paid, whether or not you will be billed, and any grace period for paying.
- Indicate any late charge if rent is not paid on time.
- Indicate responsibility for utilities.
- Indicate the amount of any security or other deposit you have made and terms for its return (with interest).
- Indicate circumstances under which the landlord can enter the property and any notification requirements before entering.
- Indicate your liability for rent, etc., in case you leave before the end of the lease.
A Note about Leases
A lease is a legally binding document, and you can be held accountable if the terms are not met.
Reasons for which you cannot break your lease:
- Transferring schools
- Dropping out
- Studying abroad
- Don't like the apartment; found a better or cheaper place
- Roommate conflicts
- Minor repair problems
- High utility bills
- Marriage
- Buying a house
Renter's insurance
Like homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance protects your personal possessions from loss and protects you from huge legal and medical bills should someone be injured in your apartment.
My landlord's insurance covers me. Not true!
Your landlord carries insurance to cover his or her loss if the building is destroyed or damaged in some way. Your landlord is also covered in case someone (including a tenant) is injured on the property, though not in your apartment.
Renter's insurance is expensive. Not true!
The average renter can get complete coverage for a few hundred dollars, or less, per year. Check with your parent or guardian to see what, if anything, their insurance may cover.
My roommate has insurance; I don't need it. Not true!
Your roommate's insurance will cover his/her possessions, but it will not cover yours unless you are listed on your roommate's policy.
How do I get renter's insurance? It's easy!
Rent
Rent is the main thing your landlord wants from you. The roommates must agree upon who is responsible for which share of the rent, and whether they will pay it to one roommate who pays the landlord or if they will pay it individually.
Check your lease to determine...
- When rent is due
- Where it is due
- How it should be paid:
- check (if you have roommates, see if you can write multiple checks)
- money order
- by mail
- in person
- When is it considered late?
Security Deposit
The condition you leave your apartment in is important and will often determine how much of your security deposit is returned. Being organized and taking your time can make all the difference.
- A security deposit is usually equivalent to one month's rent.
- A security deposit DOES NOT serve as your last month's rent.
- Your landlord has 30 business days to return your security deposit after you move out. If he has taken deductions, he must supply you with an itemized list.
- Ask your landlord about refunds if only part of the group moves out at the end of the lease term.
Helpful tips for getting your security deposit back
Make sure the security deposit refund procedures are spelled out in your lease or rental agreement. To protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security deposits, including allowable deductions.
Roommate/Subletting Issues
Talk with roommate(s) about how bills will be paid.
Talk with roommate(s) about apartment expectations.
Talk with your landlord about their subletting policy.
Move-In Checklist
Prior to Move-In
- Change your address
- Get renter's insurance
- Ask landlord where to pick up apartment key
- If applicable, call utility companies to have bills placed in your name
Move-In Day
- Conduct inventory of apartment condition with roommate(s)
- Test smoke detector(s)
- Ask landlord the following items:
- Location of trash & recycling facilities
- Location of laundry facilities
- Mailbox location
- Maintenance call numbers for regular business hours and after hours
- A copy of the lease you signed
Commuter Friendly Services
The Patio
Conveniently located outside CC Commons dining area, grab a seat outside on the patio. Also a great place to study outside or enjoy relaxing around the firepit.
The Lounge
The Lounge is the perfect place to kick back, watch your favorite game or TV show, study, or meet up with friends. Comfy furniture and multiple TVs make this space ideal for student gatherings. The Lounge is located on the first floor of the Campus Center and is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Parking
Parking is available throughout campus for commuter. View the campus map for student parking locations.
Microwave
Warm up your meals in our dining units across campus. Microwaves can be found in the Keystone Dining Room, Wildcat Express, Fresh, Fuel and Bookmarks.
Programs & Events
Student Engagement offers a variety of events and program during the day! Check out the Student Engagement page for details!