Off Campus & Commuter Association (OCCA)

Tenant Rights:

• Establish a checklist with the landlord regarding the condition of the property they are going to rent.
• Obtain a receipt for any money given to the landlord.
• Pay rent at the times and in the amount provided for in the rental agreement.
• Enjoy living facilities that are clean, dry, warm, and up to Borough Housing Code Standards.
• To expect privacy from unwarranted landlord intrusion.
• To legal protection from unfair eviction.
• To receive full refund of their security deposit within 30 days of vacating the property provide that the premises is left in satisfactory condition as determined by the landlord
   

Tenant Responsibilities:

• Keep the dwelling in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Keep supplied equipment and fixtures clean and exercise reasonable care in their use.
• Dispose of all garbage and rubbish in the containers provided by the landlord without allowing accumulation.
• Assume the costs of extermination and fumigation for infestation caused by the tenant.
• Properly use and maintain all electrical, gas, hearing, plumbing, and other fixtures and appliances supplied by the landlord.
• Don't intentionally destroy, deface, damage or "'fold, spindle or mutilate" your place or allow any of your guests to do so.
• When you move out be sure to clean everything including refrigerator, stove. and oven.
• Don't allow a nuisance to continue (loud partying, stereo playing, etc.).
• Follow obligations and restrictions contained in the rental agreement concerning the use and maintenance of your dwelling unit. (Know the procedures for subletting, if permitted)
• If You Don’t Fulfill Your Obligations as A Tenant the Landlord Can:
  • Sue you
  • Submit the situation to arbitration
  • Evict you (with proper notice)
     

Top 10 Commuter Tips:

1. Join OCCA! It's an excellent way to meet new people, and they're here to make your WCU experience easier! Meetings are Wednesdays at Noon in Sykes. Click on "Contact Us" on the left for assistance.
2. Communicate. This probably the most important element in a good home life. If you are feeling pressured, resentful, or angry, don't let it build up -- talk it out.
3. Relax. Sykes Student Union has a lounge, computer lab, and food court for commuter students looking to kill some time in between classes.
4. Leave a little early for class. Allow plenty of time for traffic, parking, weather conditions, etc.
5. Utilize the shuttle bus. During peak hours the Q-Lot bus travels between Q-Lot/South Campus Housing and North Campus, departing in 10 minute intervals.
6. Utilize the Campus Lawyer. Free legal aid, sponsored by OCCA and RHA, can be scheduled at the Sykes Student Union Information Desk.
7. Know where to find help. If you ever have a problem on campus, don't hestitate to call Public Safety at 610-436-3311. They are here to help you!
8. Act responsibly everywhere you go. Remember: crimes committed off-campus can be punishable by WCU.
9. Utilize emergency notification systems. Register for the WCU Alert System as well as the WC Borough Alert System. Notifications will only be sent during emergency situations.
10. Let people know when you can't come in. Call your professors if you should be stranded or snowbound and are unable to make it to class. If they are not in, leave a message with the department Secretary.