If you live on campus, you will have much fewer matters to worry about. Since contracts are typically already signed, you only need to confirm the condition of the furniture. Cornell’s on-campus housing includes utilities and a fixed internet allowance. If you are living off campus, there are a few extra points to consider:

  • Generally, rental properties are offered as an Apartment (a single-floor unit) or a Townhouse (an entire building). If there are many rooms, tenants renting an entire floor or building will often sublet the individual rooms.

Key Questions to Ask When Inquiring About Rental Housing

  • Is subletting allowed? (It usually is.)
  • Is the electricity bill included in the rent? If not, will the tenant need to set up or transfer the service themselves?
  • What type of heating system is in place and how are the pipes or ducts arranged? Some apartments may lack good heating systems, leaving certain corners much colder.
  • Is the internet bill included in the rent? If not, does the tenant need to set up their own service?
  • How does laundry work? (In many apartments, you must go to a communal laundry room.)
  • How is garbage disposal handled? In large apartment communities there will be a unified garbage collection point; in independent apartments, you may need to purchase stickers (for billing purposes) to affix to your garbage bags before taking them to the designated drop-off area.
  • If you want to negotiate a lower rent, ask if the landlord would consider a barter arrangement—perhaps offering services such as helping shovel the snow from the entrance in winter in exchange for a discount.
  • Does the rent include parking space or are there other parking considerations?
  • Confirm what furniture is provided and the amount of the deposit.
  • Check the condition of the water heating system.
  • Ask for basic information about the other tenants.

Setting Up Internet (or TV)

  • Spectrum is the largest provider in the area. There are two ways to subscribe:

    1. Order service via the Spectrum website. This requires scheduling a technician visit, which can take one to two weeks and may incur an installation fee.
    2. Visit your local Spectrum office in person (see here); here you can sign up and receive your modem the same day, though you must install it yourself. Remember to bring your passport and enrollment documentation. Depending on your credit history, you might need to pay a deposit.

  • If you are subscribing to internet service only, typical plans offer speeds adequate for normal use, costing roughly $45 per month (prices may increase from the second year onward).

Paying for Electricity

If electricity is not included in your rent:

  • NYSEG is the most common provider for electricity and natural gas. Ask your landlord for details. Setting up service requires filling out a form and submitting it either through your landlord or by mailing it yourself to the designated address. Without a credit history, you might be required to pay a deposit equivalent to two months’ electricity bill. Note: If your heating system is electric, your winter electricity bill may be substantial.
  • Electricity rates in New York are variable and are roughly $0.16–$0.20 per kWh.

For example: landlord refuses to return your deposit or make necessary repairs

Ithaca Tenant Resources Overview

Ithaca Tenant Resources is a platform supporting tenants in Upstate New York. It provides legal aid, tenants’ rights guides, community organizing support, and emergency assistance resources.

📘 Tenants’ Rights Guide

  • Tenants’ Rights Guide: Compiled by the Ithaca Eviction Defense and Displacement Project and the Ithaca Tenants Union, covering topics such as:

    • Repairs and maintenance
    • Security deposits
    • Lease violations and renewals
    • Eviction processes and illegal evictions
    • Discrimination
    • Landlord entry rights

  • Applicable region: City of Ithaca and Tompkins County

  • Download: Tenants’ Rights Guide

⚖️ Legal Aid & Hotlines

Tenants Advocacy Program (TAP) — Cornell Law School

  • Free legal consultations and court representation
  • Covers evictions, deposits, leases, repairs, discrimination, etc.
  • Service area: Upstate New York including Tompkins, Tioga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Monroe, Allegany counties

Contact:

  • Provides free civil legal services in areas like health, housing, employment, family, income, and more

Contact:

  • 📞 Phone: 607-273-3667
  • 🌐 Website: LAWNY.org

🏘️ Tenant Unions & Community Support

Ithaca Tenants Union (ITU)

  • Community union organized by tenants
  • Focuses on tenant solidarity and local organizing
  • Maintains a landlord reporting and review database

Contact:

211 Tompkins-Cortland Information & Referral Service

  • Operated by the Human Services Coalition
  • Helps find jobs, housing, healthcare, after-school programs, financial aid, and more

Contact:

  • 📞 Call 211 or 1-877-211-8667
  • 🌐 Website: hsctc.org

🚨 Emergency & Rental Assistance

  • Tompkins County Homeless Emergency Hotline: 📞 607-277-5500
  • Catholic Charities Housing Counseling Services: Housing consultation services
  • Tompkins Community Action Program: Rental assistance and housing vouchers
  • Second Wind Cottages: Supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness

🛠️ Other Resources

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Last updated 25 May 2025, 18:28 -0400 . history