Student Housing Guidelines and Agreement

Last updated June 2024

Please read carefully before signing and make sure you understand clearly the clauses and implications of this agreement. By signing the Institute’s Participation Agreement, you are accepting the terms and conditions of this document.

I understand the Institute is committed to my success and satisfaction in the program and will make every reasonable effort, without guarantee, to meet my lodging requests, roommate requests, and personal preferences to the best of its ability. All roommate requests must be reciprocal in order to be considered.
I understand I have the right to living accommodations that include but are not limited to, a single bed in a shared bedroom, a night table, dresser or wardrobe, shared bathroom with shower or tub, kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave/toaster oven combo, or microwave and oven, dining area or kitchen table, dishes, basic kitchen utensils, and common living area in my apartment or accessible outside the apartment as part of the shared student complex, utilities (heat, hot water, electric) and WiFi Internet access.
I understand that I am not going to be living on-campus but rather in the equivalent to off-campus housing in private residential apartments that will vary greatly in look, age, size, number of rooms, location, distance from the Institute, amenities, furnishings, views, and other differences.
I understand that certain amenities including an elevator, air conditioner, dishwasher, clothes dryer, television and other items that are not required listed above may be present in my apartment. These extras may or may not be functional, nor is it required that they be repaired by the landlord.
I understand that WiFi Internet will be provided in all apartments, but is not guaranteed to reach all rooms of the premises with equal signal strength due to wiring restrictions and thick stone walls.
I understand that I will be living in a European city that dates back more than two millennia and that many of the buildings, particularly those in the historic center, may have been constructed decades or even centuries ago. As such, apartments, by American standards, may be viewed as aged, with antique doors, decor, dated kitchens and appliances, and may contain wall frescos, paintings, and antique furnishings.
I understand that the external facade of my apartment will vary in appearance. It may feature street art, large antique wooden doors, weathered or patina facade, or other aged features.
I understand that apartments will be located within a 35-minute or less walk (via Google Maps) to at least one of the Institute’s main buildings which is considered an acceptable distance and for which public transport or bikes will not be required for a timely commute.
I understand that apartments may be located in buildings where the exterior or neighboring apartments may be under various stages of restoration and include external scaffolding, noise expected of a work site during hours deemed appropriate by Italian laws and standards, alternative entrances, and other minor inconveniences temporarily imposed by restoration or other works.
I understand that pets or animals of any kind (including service animals) are not allowed in ISI Florence apartments, facilities, or Institute-sponsored activities or events (this includes all activities including but not limited to day trips or overnight field trips and extracurriculars).

Cleaning & Maintenance

I understand that I am responsible for keeping the apartment clean and tidy as per the Institute’s basic cleaning standards and for the cleanliness of my bedroom and bathroom and all other communal areas within the residence.
I understand I should participate in the division of tasks with my roommates including cleaning, tidying up, and other necessary tasks to keep the apartment livable. I understand that this may involve adapting my personal habits.
I understand I am expected to take adequate care of equipment and furnishings, and that I will be held responsible for any loss or repairs to the structure, household items, decor, furnishings, and equipment.
I understand that the Institute staff, rental agency representatives, repair persons, and cleaning crews may enter the apartment at any reasonable time to inspect and/or carry out cleaning or work for any purpose in the furtherance of their responsibilities or duties. I understand that I will be given prior notification of maintenance visits but this may not always be possible. Furthermore, I understand that the Institute will attempt to accommodate any request that I and/or my roommate(s) be present during such visits but that students’ presence is not required and cannot always be guaranteed in accordance with the availability of scheduled maintenance and class obligations and I will not be excused from class to be at the apartment during maintenance visits or inspections.
I understand that I must report any maintenance issues to the Institute Housing Office as soon as they are identified (leaky faucets, clogged drains, no hot water, broken appliances, etc.).
I understand that, like in any living accommodation, maintenance requirements (heat, hot water, electricity, drains, appliances) may arise and may not have been possible to predict.
I understand that maintenance requests must be made by using the Institute App or by email and should include a detailed description of the issue and photos and/or video.
I understand the Housing staff is not on call 24/7 and are only available during Institute hours and unavailable on weekends unless there is an emergency.
I understand that maintenance requests will be responded to by email within one business day, although it may take some days before repairs can be made depending on the severity of the problem and availability of local maintenance staff and materials.
I understand that if my roommate(s) and I are unable to clean and maintain the apartment in accordance with Institute standards, a cleaning service will be employed to do so. In this case, I understand that all occupants of the apartment will be charged an equal portion for this professional cleaning service (150€+ per apartment).

Roommate Etiquette

I understand I will be housed with other students in shared accommodations and must treat my roommates and nearby residents with respect and concern for their privacy, quiet times, and sleep hours, and I have the right to the same level of respect from others.
I will put in my best effort to live well together with the other students involved and cooperate when any problems/issues amongst us have to be solved.
I understand that if roommate issues cannot be resolved, the Institute will assist upon request.
I understand that alcohol abuse, drunkenness, and use of illicit substances and drugs are not allowed and may be grounds for sanctions or dismissal.
I agree to refrain from making excessive noise, playing loud music, and creating any other form of noise disturbance after 10 p.m. and before 8 a.m. and will help ensure my roommates do the same.
I understand Italian homes are not well-insulated for noise and even seemingly harmless actions – such as wearing hard- or high-heeled shoes indoors – can cause excessive noise for my downstairs neighbors. Therefore, I will not wear shoes such as these between 10 pm – 8 am.
I understand there is no smoking or vaping permitted in the apartment.
I understand that out of respect for my roommates and their personal privacy, I will not bring guests into the apartment without permission and will never have any overnight visitors including family and friends.
I understand that I am responsible for purchasing or sharing the purchase of all consumable household items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, kitchen spices, etc.

Health, Safety and Security

I understand that I must ensure that the apartment address or any other identifiable marks are removed from the apartment key chain in case it is lost or stolen.
I understand that I am responsible for the keys to my apartment and that I must immediately report any lost or stolen keys to my roommates and the Housing Office. I will be responsible for paying for replacement keys, as well as the cost for changing the locks on the door to the apartment, and if deemed necessary, the communal lock on the building’s main door.
I agree to not disclose my apartment’s location or specific address to any individuals who are not participating in the Institute’s academic program or employed by the Institute.
I understand the possession or use of illegal substances is strictly forbidden and is cause for immediate expulsion.
I understand that for security reasons, and in consideration of others, overnight guests are strictly forbidden including family and friends.
I understand it is my sole responsibility to follow all reasonable security measures to keep myself and my belongings safe – this includes locking the front door (with deadbolt) when leaving the house and when all roommates are home for the night, closing windows and shutters when I’m not home and during the night, and being aware of my surroundings when entering and exiting my building.
I understand that areas of my housing complex may be monitored by video cameras for security reasons and may include entrances, hallways, courtyards, gardens, and other common areas for residents and that video surveillance is not necessarily managed by the Institute but can be managed by owners, landlords, agencies or condominium administrators. Therefore, the viewing or extraction of images is in these cases managed by third parties.
I understand unauthorized or unregistered guests (non-Institute students) must never be present in the apartments at any time.
I understand that all apartments have been cleaned, sanitized, and inspected for pests and bedbugs prior to arrival.
I understand that traveling means potential exposure to bedbugs. If bedbugs or other pests are discovered before the second week of the program (14 days after arrival) the Institute will promptly intervene and take care of all costs associated. After 14 days of arrival, my roommates and I will be responsible for all costs associated with the intervention including treatment, cleaning of linens and clothing, and temporary lodging.
I understand that the discovery of bedbugs is not considered an emergency and will be addressed during Institute working hours.

Humidity and Mildew

I understand that mildew (called “muffa” in Italian) is a common occurrence in Italy and the result of condensation on the walls of my apartment caused by humidity and lack of fresh dry air circulation.
I understand that in order to prevent the appearance of spotted mildew, the windows of the apartment must be opened to allow air to circulate in order to remove humidity, especially after taking showers and cooking or when hanging clothing to dry.
I understand it is my responsibility to immediately report the appearance of mildew and the Institute will perform or assist with appropriate remediation.
I understand that this mildew is not “black mold”, nor would the sudden appearance of limited areas of spotted mildew be cause for alarm nor grounds for changing apartments, but will be promptly addressed by the Institute.
I understand mild cases of mildew and mold can be treated quickly and easily controlled by me and my roommates with household products and as instructed by Institute staff.

Changing Apartments

I understand that the Institute will not facilitate any changes in living accommodations during arrivals and orientation week and that requests for apartment changes will be addressed ten days after the start of the semester program and five days after the start of the summer program. All such requests must be submitted in writing and cannot be guaranteed.
I understand that I am not permitted to change my housing assignment or move in with students of other apartments without prior approval from the Institute.
I understand that apartments in older European cities such as Florence and Perugia will vary greatly from what I may be used to in my home country and that it may take some time for me to adjust and appreciate my new environment.
I understand that if I request to move and alternative accommodations are available, it may require that my roommates and I are placed in separate locations, and my original housing requests (single bedroom, ground floor, etc.) may not be honored.
I understand the Institute does not maintain open/free apartments on hand and may not have alternative accommodations available immediately if I am to be relocated.
I understand that should the Institute be able to accommodate my request to change apartments, additional housing costs may be applicable and I will be expected to pay them in full within 30 days of receipt.

Communications

I understand that I must personally communicate directly with the Institute, and the Institute will communicate exclusively with me for any questions, concerns, or issues regarding my accommodations.
I understand that the Institute will not communicate with non-approved third parties. This includes parents, guardians, friends, family members or other individuals.

Rights of the Institute and Landlords

I understand that I will be living in a private dwelling and the Institute staff and landlords may enter the dwelling without advance notice, although every effort will be made by the Institute to inform me and my roommates in advance and will only enter when there is no answer at the door.
I understand that the landlord and the Institute reserve full license to evict any student for inappropriate behavior, (see student conduct code agreement), including but not limited to egregious violations or repeat offenses after behavioral warnings.
I understand that if I am evicted I will be immediately responsible for finding my own accommodations at my own expense, and there shall be no refund.

I understand that it may be necessary, for reasons beyond the Institute’s control, to change housing arrangements throughout the term. This includes but is not limited to adding or removing students from apartments or changing apartments on short notice.

Damages

I understand my roommates and I are responsible for damages to the apartment.
I understand that upon arrival, I must inspect the apartment and report any damages to the Housing Office during the first week of the program. I understand that failure to do so may result in damage fees being levied on me and my roommates at the end of program inspections.
I understand that any charges incurred for damages or other expenses incurred will be distributed equally among all the occupants unless the individual(s) that caused the damages takes responsibility.
I understand that I will not personalize the appearance of the apartments including rearranging furniture, beds, wall art, and other items without permission from the Institute nor will I hang posters, pictures, or other items or forms of personalization that may damage the walls or damage any other surfaces in the apartment.
I understand that my transcript will be placed on hold until payment for damages is received in full.

Energy Use and Conservation

I understand that utility expenses are included in the program fee and students are expected to respect the privilege of this by carefully monitoring the usage of the utilities.
I understand that all lights, heating (if applicable), appliances, fans, and all electronic devices must be turned off when not in use and when leaving the apartment.
I understand that excessive use of utilities (electricity, gas, heat, water) such as leaving lights and heating on when traveling will incur bills in excess of the allotted amount and will result in additional charges which will be distributed equally among the occupants.
I understand that heat in some apartment buildings is not controlled by the Institute and use is determined by Italian law under Zone D regulations and may be set to operate for limited hours per day as part of the conservation laws.

Hold Harmless and Release of Liability

I understand that my participation in the program is voluntary and I agree to hold harmless the Institute for theft or personal injury associated with the apartment, residence, homestay or other housing I have been assigned.
I understand that the Institute does not carry theft or damage insurance for personal items or property and that my roommates and I are solely responsible for any such losses including theft.
I understand that the Institute advises students to secure a travel insurance policy prior to their arrival that will cover the loss, theft, or damage of personal items while traveling. I understand that I must carefully review this policy to ensure it covers items in my apartment throughout the length of the program and to be familiar with any policy exceptions or exemptions.

Vacating the Premises

I understand that I must vacate the premises at the end of the term on or before the date communicated to me by the Institute, return the keys, and leave the premises in the condition in which it was given to me, or I may be responsible for cleaning and/or other incurred expenses.
I understand all personal items must be removed by the move-out day. The Housing Office reserves the right to charge a removal fee for any unwanted items that are left behind.
I understand that if I do not utilize the lodging assigned to me for any reason or decide to find lodging on my own at any time before the end of the program, I will not receive any compensation or refund.

I hereby affirm that I have voluntarily enrolled in the Institute’s study abroad program, and have read fully, understand, and agree to the clauses in this document which are understandable and agreeable, and acknowledge that in accepting and signing the Institute Participation Agreement, I agree to its content as a legal and binding obligation/contract.