Current students seeking housing for themselves and their spouse or domestic partner* for the 08-09 academic year participate in the Current Couples Assignment Process. Move-in begins on August 1. CUMC Residential Property-Access I.D. Request Form

Who is Eligible to Participate in the Current Couple Assignment Process?

You are eligible to participate if:

• You are a full-time matriculated student enrolled at the Medical Center and

• You are in good financial standing with the University and

• You will maintain full-time status throughout the upcoming academic year

Is there any Other Documentation that is Required?

Yes. The University requires submission of the following documentation at the time of application.

• Married couples are asked to provide a copy of their marriage license.

• Domestic partners are asked to provide:

- A copy of the New York City Affidavit of Domestic Partnership or

- The Columbia University Designation of Partner documentation which demonstrates that you and your partner are responsible for each other's common welfare and share financial obligations. You must provide copies of two of the following:

1. joint mortgage or lease,

2. designation of domestic partner as primary beneficiary for life insurance or retirement benefits

3. designation of domestic partner as primary beneficiary in student's will

4. assignment of durable property or health care power of attorney to domestic partner

5. ownership of a joint bank account, joint credit card account or joint

6. ownership of a motor vehicle.

*Domestic partners are defined as two individuals who live together in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration, have an exclusive commitment to each other's welfare and share fianancial obligations.

How Does this Process Work?
There are four parts to the Student Couples Assignment Process.

•THE APPLICATION
Applications are available from the Office of Housing Services beginning February 1. Filing instructions, unit description chart and rate sheet are included with the application. The application and required documentation should be submitted by the March 30th deadline.

Upon receipt a staff member will date stamp your application. You will receive a validated copy of your application for your record. Applications received after the deadline will be added to the end of the random order list.

•THE RANDOM ORDER LISTING
After the deadline, all applications are randomly ordered and a numbered list of applicants is created. Housing Office staff will then advise each applicant regarding the likelihood of receiving a housing assignment and the timing of that assignment.

•APARTMENT VIEWING AND OFFER OF AN ASSIGNMENT
Offers of assignment begin in July. You will have the opportunity to view the apartment offered before making a decision to accept or reject the offer.

•ACCEPTANCE OF HOUSING OFFER AND LEASE SIGNING
To accept a housing offer you will be required to sign a standard New York City lease with additional riders pertaining to Columbia University. Your student lease will expire on May 31 of the following year and is automatically extended June 1 provided you maintain full-time student status, maintain all terms and condition of your lease and are in good financial standing with the University. You are responsible for the rent throughout the term of your lease including the summer months. Rent payments are due the first of each month. Rent payments made by check can only be accepted from the tenant of record. Failure to make payments in accordance with the terms of your lease may result in legal action as provided by the law. Rental rates are subject to an annual increase each June 1.

Lease signing must occur in person at the Office of Housing Services with a University Leasing Agent. Appointments can be made by calling the Office of Housing Services at 212-304-7000. Appointments are available Monday-Friday only, 10AM-4PM, excluding University holidays. Lease signing takes approximately 45 min. Most students schedule their lease signing to coordinate with the day they plan to move into their apartment.

At lease signing you will be required to submit one payment for the first month's rent and another for your security deposit. The University accepts personal checks or money orders in your name only. Payments should be made to Columbia University.

Once you have signed your lease you can receive your keys and move in. Billing for your apartment begins as of this date.

How is the Number and Type of Apartments Offered in this Process Determined?
The Office of Housing Services creates a master list of all apartments it expects will turnover as a result of graduating student tenants leaving housing. From this potential pool, all of the 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are allocated for use in the Bard-Haven Towers Lottery and Apartment Selection. The pool of available 1-bedroom apartments is equally divided between three assignment pools: current student couples, incoming student couples and the Lottery. (click PDF for unit description and monthly rental rates).

Does it Matter Where I Currently Live?
No, it does not matter whether you live in Bard Hall, the Towers or off-campus. Assignments are made based on the random ordering of applications.

What if I Currently Live in a 2-Person Share in the Towers and my Roommate is Graduating? Can I Skip the Couple's Process and Take the Apartment for Myself and My Partner?
No. You live in a single student designated apartment and are required to select a new qualified roommate when your roommate leaves. See: Apartment Share. You must apply for Current Couples Housing.

What if I Do Not Receive an Assignment?
Please contact the Office of Housing Services at 212-304-7000 to receive information regarding Off-Campus Housing resources.

For the 08-09 academic year you will be given priority for an assignment. You should contact the Housing Office during next year's filing period so that your application can be re-activated.