Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome Home to The Heights at State College conveniently located near campus, stores, restaurants and more! We are happy you’ve decided to live with us. Our student community will provide you with the quiet surroundings you have been seeking combined with tons of space for you and friends to gather and enjoy. From our game room, resident computer & copy center, fitness room and more you’ll find so many great amenities to help you feel right at home.

How can we help?

Leasing

How to Lease:

How does my student go about leasing an apartment?

1. Contact us

Feel free to ask any questions by filling out our online form or utilizing our convenient online text messaging capabilities. Of course, you can always call us too at 814-861-7100.

2. Take a tour

Be sure to walk through our virtual tour on this site or call us to set up an appointment that’s convenient to you so we can show you around.

3. How to Apply

Click on the apply tab at the top of our website to submit an online application within minutes. The application must be completed by the primary resident. There will be a space to enter a guarantor’s information (co-signor, parent or guardian- somebody over the age of 25 that can guarantee rent will be paid). A link will automatically be sent to the guarantor once the primary application is complete.

4. Sign

After both the primary applicant and guarantor have completed the application, we will contact you to finalize location and bedroom assignments. Our leases are generated electronically, making it fast and easy for you and your student to review and sign.

Lease Apartment Info:

How does the lease work?

1. Our leases offer the convenience of individual rent responsibility.

You will only be responsible for your (or your student’s) rent, meaning that you will never have to worry whether a roommate is paying their rent as it will not reflect on your account. Keep in mind that all roommates will be equally responsible for maintaining the common areas of the house and any damages in those areas will be billed equally to all. Residents are also responsible for their share of the electricity bill.

2. Renters insurance

We require all tenants to carry a renter’s insurance policy throughout their residency to protect from the unforeseen events that sometimes occur. While not required, it is also advised that you purchase insurance to cover personal belongings. You are free to utilize the insurance carrier of your choosing provided your insurance meets the minimum requirements of the property which will be provided prior to your move-in date.

3. Lease terms

Leases run from August through July. Residents will be responsible for an annual rental rate, which is then billed in 12 equal, monthly installments.

4. Who signs

Each resident signs their own lease. If applicable, a guarantor may also be required to sign on the resident’s behalf.

5. In the event that roommate changes are desired for any reason, please contact us immediately. Note that charges may apply to reassign a lease to someone else.

6. Screening criteria

All applicants are subject to a routine, criminal background check.

7. Lease Termination

Residents are expected to fulfill the lease in its entirety. In the event that a resident must vacate prior to lease expiration, they may be granted the opportunity to seek out a replacement resident to assume the remainder of the lease. Note that sublets are not permitted at any time. Please contact the rental office to discuss our re-rental process if the need arises. ** Please note that a break lease fee will apply for any re-rentals.

Cost

What are the associated costs with this process?

Who pays for what?

Each roommate is responsible for their own rent and an equal share of the unit electricity throughout the entirety of the lease.

Rent includes?

Water, Sewer, Trash, and High-Speed Internet from Xfinity are all included. Based on availability, resident may secure ONE parking spot at $25.00 (vehicle registration required). Unlimited CATA bus passes are provided as a part of residency. The pass is good for the N, NE, NV, W, WE & VN routes making traveling to and from campus a breeze. Optional Cable TV Service from Xfinity may be added if desired at resident cost.

Upfront fees?

To complete an application for The Heights, we require an initial payment of $499. This includes a $50 application fee, a $150 redecorating fee and a $299 activity fee.

When is rent due?

Rent is due on or before the first of every month. ** Note no bill is sent. Residents are expected to make payment without being asked to do so.

Security deposit

We do not collect a security deposit at any time. The redecorating fee paid at the time of application is applied to cover minimal cleaning and/or painting touch-ups in the apartment upon move-out. Residents are still expected to thoroughly clean and empty the apartment when vacating. Excessive damages, heavy painting or extensive cleaning may result in extra charges. A detailed move-out checklist will be provided prior to lease expiration detailing steps you should take to return the apartment to us in proper condition.

How to pay?

Payment can be made online via the web site using an e-check, credit or debit card *Processing fees apply for credit card transactions. Alternatively, check or money order can be brought into the leasing office. For your convenience, autopayment options are also available via the resident’s online portal if desired.

Move In & Move Out

How do the move-in and move-out processes work?

Generally, in late May/early June we will send all new residents a move-in guide including their mailing address, how to set up an account with West Penn Power, suggestions on items they may wish to bring along for move-in day, and more. Keys will be available on the dates and times indicated in the move-in packet and can be collected at our clubhouse located at 201 Northwick Blvd.

E-Z Check-in

Incoming residents will be given the opportunity to participate in our E-Z check-in process which allows you to skip the long lines and get in and out quickly to collect your keys on move-in day. To be eligible for E-Z Check-in, you will be asked to pre-pay your first month rent as well as provide us proof of a valid renter’s insurance policy, your electric account information and ensure all leasing paperwork is completed no later than July 1st. More information concerning the E-Z Check-in process will be provided in the move-in packet.

Keys:

On move-in day, your student will be issued an electronic key FOB to open your front door as well as a bedroom and mailbox key. Residents should test all keys to verify proper functionality upon their arrival and notify us immediately of any key issues. Residents should take care to always carry their keys to avoid any lockout charges. A reissue fee will apply in any instance whereby a resident loses or misplaces keys.

Items to bring with you:

While furnishings are included, remember the apartment does not come with pots, pans, silverware, shower curtains, or other household gadgets. Coordinate with roommates and plan ahead concerning who’ll bring TV’s, stereos and other electronics, general decorations, trash cans, cookware, dishes, utensils, cleaning supplies, bed sheets, pillows, bath towels, shower hooks and shower curtain, toiletries, and anything else needed to make the apartment feel like home.

Important dates

Check-In days for August 2023 will be Thursday August 17th, 12:00 to 4:00PM and August 18th, 11:00AM to 4:00PM. Please bring valid photo ID with you upon check in. To permit our team ample time to prepare your home, early move-in requests cannot be honored.

Renewal

It is important to start thinking about next year's housing plans shortly after move-in. Each resident will receive their renewal offer sometime in late September or early October. There will be a specified renewal deadline and spaces are not automatically guaranteed as secure until the resident accepts their renewal offer and completes the renewal lease. We encourage you to consider your options carefully and be prepared to act promptly when asked to do so. More than likely, the longer you wait, the more likely prices may change or your apartment space may be given away. Be sure to contact the leasing office with any questions or to discuss your options when it is time.

Early Move-Ins

To ensure that our team and hired contractors have adequate opportunity to fully prepare for your arrival, we are unable to honor requests for early move-ins. We also ask that you are mindful of our announced check-in hours as you will not be able to pick up keys outside of these times. We thank you for your understanding.

Services

What services are provided/available to my student?

Lockouts

Residents are advised to carry their keys at all times and to lock their doors when they aren't home. In the event that someone is locked out of their house or bedroom due to lost or missing keys, they should to come to the office with a photo ID and we will unlock the door. If they are locked out after office hours, they will need to call 814-861-7100 and follow the prompts to request assistance so a team member can be dispatched to unlock the door. A $75 lock out fee will apply to any after hour lock outs. The resident must be present when the staff member arrives for lock-out services to be performed. In the event that a resident has lost their keys, a charge will be apply to change the locks and/or make new keys.

Work orders/maintenance

For non-emergency issues, work orders can be submitted through the Resident Portal or your student can call our office. For any emergency issues, we ask that the request is called in at (814)-861-7100 and the emergency prompts are followed to have a technician dispatched.

Building access

Residents have 24/7 access to most areas of the clubhouse, although our pool area is seasonal and has separate hours of operation. Outside of normal business hours, residents can access the clubhouse using the same electronic fob that opens the front door.

Important #s

Heights at State College Office (814)-861-7100
West Penn Power, 800-686-0021
Comcast / Xfinity Please only contact The Bulk Support Department at 855-638-2855 or visit the store at 1801 N Atherton Street, State College
Ferguson Township Police (non emergency) 800-479-0050
Police, Fire or Medical Emergency call 911
CATA Bus 814-238-2282
Walk’s Towing 814-238-2886

Laundry

A washer and dryer are included in every apartment and townhome. Please remember to clean out the lint trap in your dryer between every load to ensure proper performance.

Courtesy patrol times

On-site courtesy officers patrol the premises Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights to encourage safe, responsible interactions. Remember that any parties must always be pre-registered with the rental office at least 24 hours in-advance. To report a noise disturbance, or alert the courtesy officers of a safety violation or concern, please call the office at 814-861-7100 and ask the after hours service to place you in contact with them.

What other relevant facts do I need to know as a parent/guardian?

Utilities

All utilities (water, sewer, trash, cable, high-speed internet) are included in monthly rent. Prior to move-in, each household will need to designate a a roommate to set up an account with West Penn Power. To begin electric service, one tenant per house will need to set up an account with West Penn Power. This can be done by calling West Penn Power at 800-686-0021 or those people with a valid social security number can apply at https://www.firstenergycorp.com/service_requests/Start_Service/new_account_holder.html

Internet and Cable TV

Cable and internet services are included and provided by Xfinity. We love being able to provide our residents with some of the fastest internet speeds available. *** While the costs associated with your TV and Internet Services are paid for by The Heights, you will need to pre-order the service to ensure it is set up for move in. Instructions as to how to set up and start service will be sent to each resident shortly after move-in. Optional cable TV service may be ordered at the same time if desired. Resident will be responsible for any costs assocaited with TV services they choose to order.

Furniture

Furnishings we provide includes: table and chairs, bar stools, couch, love seat, end table, coffee table, entertainment stand, and in each bedroom a bedframe, box spring, mattress, desk, chair, dresser, and nightstand.

Bed size

All our residents are provided with a full-size bed frame, box spring and mattress, as well as a mattress protector.

Housewares

No housewares are provided. Make sure to bring any kitchen items, décor, bedding and bathroom essentials used daily and make sure to pack any chargers or cables needed for computers, TVs, or cell phones.

Appliances

Our included appliances are: refrigerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer.

Transportation

Each resident will receive unlimited rides on 6 different CATA routes that service the community. There are two bus stops on our property, insuring your student gets to campus and other areas around town on time.

Parking info

While parking is free for residents in our community, you will pay $25.00 for the parking pass- each tenant is eligible for one parking space. The vehicle must be registered with the office and receive a resident parking sticker before parking in any lots.

Pets

Many of our locations are pet friendly permitting one cat OR dog per home. Please be sure to contact the office before bringing a furry friend to ensure that the floorplan qualifies to have a pet. Any resident who wishes to have a pet will also need to complete the proper pet registrations and pay the required fees.

Amenities

We offer our residents several amenities designed to provide them with the ultimate living experience. These include a 24-hour fitness center, tanning rooms, game room, free coffee, computer stations and a printer, heated resort-style pool with sun deck, ping pong, two outdoor fireplaces, multiple grilling stations, and an outdoor basketball court.

Packages

Depending on the carrier, packages may be delivered to the mailbox or doorstep. The office does not accept any resident packages. Only an apartment’s mailing address should be used for deliveries. Items addressed to the clubhouse may be refused or returned.