Prospective Tenants FAQ
- When is the best time to turn in my application?
- Once my application is complete, am I guaranteed housing?
- If I apply and I’m not assigned housing, what happens to the deposit?
- Do I have to move out during summer or winter break?
- I am no longer a student, but another household member is, can we continue to stay in Family & Graduate Housing?
- Can I view units in person?
- If I am checking in on the weekend, can I still get a key?
- Are Pets allowed?
- Are utilities paid?
- Can I rent furniture from Family & Graduate Housing?
- Is internet provided?
- May I have a personal router?
- What can I have on my walls?
When is the best time to turn in my application?
Answer: We encourage applicants to apply as early as 8 months in advance of your preferred move in date; however, this is not a guarantee of housing. You do not have to meet eligibility to apply for housing, but you do have to meet eligibility to be assigned and to pick up keys.
Question: Once my application is complete, am I guaranteed housing?
Answer: No, we have a waitlist for all applications. Applicants are prioritized based upon their application complete date. Applicants are notified of a housing assignment once their name is reached on the waitlist and a unit is available.
Question: If I apply and I’m not assigned housing, what happens to the deposit?
Answer: If you are not assigned housing you can keep your application on the waitlist and change your expected arrival date for a future semester. Otherwise, you can fill out an application cancellation form to get your deposit sent back to you. If you cancel your application before we offer housing, you will receive $100 refund. If you decline a housing assignment, you will receive a $50 refund.
Question: Do I have to move out during summer or winter break?
Answer: No - as long as you are pre-registered as a full-time student, or continue to be employed with Montana State University, you can stay through the breaks.
Question: I am no longer a student, but another household member is, can we continue to stay in Family & Graduate Housing?
Answer: Yes! You will need to fill out a Transfer of Account form to start the process. Please visit our office to do so.
Question: Can I view units in person?
Answer: Viewing units can be done Monday through Friday before 4:00pm, but please call ahead of time to make sure units are available. Prospective tenants and applicants can come to the office and check out a key to unoccupied units. Please bring your Photo ID for us to keep until you return the key(s). Not all styles of units are available at all times.
Question: If I am checking in on the weekend, can I still get a key?
Answer: Of course! We have on call staff that can assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact them call 406-994-3730 or come to the office at 1502 W. Garfield and use the black phone attached to the wall to the left of the front door.
Answer: Only fish or preapproved service/assistive animals are allowed. Please contact our office at 406-994-3730 for information regarding the process.
Answer: Utilities are included in all units except the Westside Houses, Paisley Court, and McIntosh Court. To set up utilities, call NorthWestern Energy at 1-888-467-2669.
Question: Can I rent furniture from Family & Graduate Housing?
Answer: For an additional fee and in most cases, yes! With the exception of McIntosh units, all units can be furnished based on availability. We can provide one bed and dresser per bedroom, and couch and occasional chair for the living room. Rent for furnishings is an extra cost per month, regardless of how many pieces of furniture you may be renting from Family & Graduate Housing.
Question: Is internet provided?
Answer: Internet is provided by University ResNet services in all neighborhoods except the Westside Houses. Just use your NetID and password to log in! Westside house tenants can contact Charter, Spectrum, Dish, etc. to install internet services.
Question: May I have a personal router?
Answer: The use of personal routers in any unit, except the Westside Houses, is a violation of ResNet’s Acceptable Use Policy. Personal routers bog down the system and cause interference with the Wi-Fi that is in place. If you have internet or Wi-Fi trouble please contact the ResNet Office 406-994-1929.
Question: What can I have on my walls?
Answer: We do not allow any large screws to be inserted into the walls. Please refrain from hanging any large items. You may use thumb tacks, small nails, and command strips. A maximum of 6 holes are allowed per wall.