Great question, we’re glad you asked!
Do you have laundry on-site? Yes, each property has coin-operated laundry conveniently located in the building or on-site.
Is the property close to TCAT / other public transportation? Yes, most properties have TCAT pick-up locations either in front or very close to the property. In addition, some properties also have Ithaca Carshare (a local nonprofit which provides access to cars and transportation).
Do you have parking? There is free parking on the street (first come, first serve) and permitted parking in our parking lots at most properties. Sign up is required with a separate fee. Please ask for details. Single family and co-op houses include free parking.
Is the apartment or house furnished? Yes, all houses and apartments are fully furnish at no additional cost. Furnishings are based upon the size of the apartment or house, but typically include the following: all major kitchen appliances (refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher in some cases), kitchen table with chairs and/or bar stools, living room couch(s), coffee table, end table(s), night stand, double bed, dresser(s), desk with desk chair, and book shelves. We hope these furnishings will help your apartment feel like home.
What size beds do you provide? Our beds are full-size/double beds in most cases.
What utilities are included? Some apartments include all utilities while others only include some utilities. Each property is set up differently and the rent reflects the amenities included. Please refer to the details for the specific property and apartment. We are happy to provide you with specific apartment information if you have any questions.
When do your leases start? Typically our leases begin in either June or August.
How long are your leases? Most of our leases are 12 months. Contact our office for details.
What is due when I sign my lease? We require your first month’s rent and security deposit (equal to one month’s rent).
How do I make payments? Please use our secure online Tenant Portal. You may use an eCheck/ACH (Free Option) or Credit Card (Convenience Fee Applied).
When can I move in? You can move in on or after your lease start date detailed in your lease. We will provide each tenant with information via email, prior to the beginning of the lease, to ensure a smooth transition into your new apartment home.
When are payments for my lease due? Rent payment information is detailed in your lease. Rent is due on either the 1st or 15th of each month.
How will I know what to pay and when it’s due? Your lease will provide rent details in advance. In addition, the online Tenant Portal is available 24/7. Payments are due within 5 days of the due date. The online tenant portal allows one-time payments or monthly auto-payments for your convenience.
Do you allow subleasing? Yes, subleasing is allowed per the terms of our lease. Please submit completed sublease forms to the West Shore Office KarlaTerry@WestShoreApts.com
Rental Terms to Know
Application Fee: A fee to process your rental application. West Shore Apartments does not charge an application fee.
Amenities: The basic definition of amenity is something that is a useful or desirable feature of a facility. These can range from in-apartment and property amenities such as washers and dryers, microwaves, upgraded appliances, pools, and on-site parking.
Background Check/Credit Check Fee: A fee(s) to check the information provided regarding your background and your credit history.
Deposit/Security Deposit: The deposit is a payment required by the landlord to secure your apartment. The security deposit is kept is a secure account throughout your lease and is returned in NY State within 30 days of the end of your lease. The Security Deposit is used to cover any damages or cleaning required for your apartment at the end of the lease. The security deposit also serves to as some collateral for the landlord. For West Shore Apartment’s the Security Deposit is one month’s rent.
Lease Agreement: A legally binding contract that is made between a landlord and tenant. All of the terms and conditions related to your apartment are within the lease agreement.
Landlord/Owner: The owner of your apartment building and property.
Leasing Agent: Some companies hire leasing agents to work in their office as staff to answer your questions. At West Shore Apartments tenant work directly with the owners for every point of contact.
Sublease / Sublet: Subleasing or subletting an apartment is when a renter signs another renter under their name. The original tenant retains responsibility for the rent and condition of the apartment while the renter resides there. A sublease agreement should be used to make the sublease legal and binding. Information regarding subleasing and the sublease agreement is available using the button below.
Utilities: Some apartments include utilities (such as water/sewer, garbage, trash, gas, and electric) with the rent. When a lease indicates utilities are not included with the rent, the tenant is responsible for some or all utilities (i.e. electric and/or gas) and that utility must be put in the tenant’s name. Call NYSEG 800-572-1111 at least 2 weeks before the least start date to have utilities transferred into one tenant’s name.
Online Tenant Portal: A convenient, secure way to sign leases, make payments and maintenance requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any device with internet access. Online rent payments are free when using an eCheck/ACH. Credit Card Payments have a convenience fee applied. Click the Online Portal button below for direct access. (You will need a log-in and password from West Shore Apartments.)