Skip to main content
Current & Incoming Member Guide

Members & New Members

Everything you need to know about living at College Houses and managing your co-op membership. Explore member resources like our organized Google Drive archives, Discord, and lease renewal guides on the left, and details about joining the co-op and moving in on the right.

Member Process & Central Office Support

Have a time-sensitive question about keys, check-in, or contracts? Our team is available at 1906 Pearl St #101, Monday–Friday from 12pm–6pm.

Member Directory and Move-In Guide

Quick Navigation
Current Members

Member Hub & Resources

Essential tools for active members: official shared drives, house chat servers, Homebody maintenance tickets, and contract renewals.

Google Drive

Archives

Official shared documentation, house meeting minutes, officer folders, budget spreadsheets, and cooperative policies. Access is automatically delegated through your member login.

Discord Community

Chat & Coordination

Connect with fellow co-op members to coordinate chores, plan events, join interest channels, and receive instant announcements.

House Discord Server

Channels for your specific house (Halstead, Pearl, 21st, Taos, Nueces, Opsis) to manage daily dinner shifts and chores.

Request House Server Link
Co-op Wide Server

Community-wide hub across all College Houses for shared interest clubs, multi-house parties, and announcements.

Request Co-op Wide Link

Rules of Operation

Policy Manual

The co-op's official policy manual maintained and democratically updated by our members for the entire organization. Covers house operations, member responsibilities, officer roles, and cooperative governance policies.

Lease FAQs

Lease Renewals & Room Moves FAQ

Guidance for current members planning ahead for upcoming terms. Click any topic to expand.

Renewals4 questions

QIf I know I want to renew my lease, do I need to apply?

No! Contact [email protected] and say which lease term and room you want, and you'll get a lease for review that week, often by the next day. Your original deposit and application documents will roll over.

QI am not sure if I can renew my lease yet, is there a way I can reserve my room temporarily until I learn about my plans next semester?

Yes! You can submit a room hold form, and your room will not be listed as available until the end of the fall semester. There is no cost for this, but we do ask you to add a refundable $50 to your deposit. If your plans change and you will be moving out there's no penalty.

QWhat happens if I can't commit to a lease before the end of the fall semester?

No problem! The specific room you live in would be listed as available after the end of the fall semester, but it might still be listed as available later in the year. You'll also be able to see all of the other kinds of open rooms in case a different room looks good.

QDo I have to move out between leases or between semesters?

No, if you have a lease before and after a break, you can stay in your room through the entire break.

Room Changes3 questions

QCan I change to a different room during my time at the co-op?

Yes! It's easy to change rooms, and there is no fee. Let the staff know your new room number and the date of the move, and you'll get a revised copy of your lease showing the new room. You can swap rooms with another member, or move into a room that's vacant.

QCan I switch rooms if all the rooms in my house are full?

Usually, yes. Most semesters members decide to open a big sign up list that anyone can be a part of, for anyone interested in changing rooms. You'll be able to look at the other options opening up and request one you like.

QIf I change rooms, will my monthly rent change?

It depends on the new room. If your old and new rooms have different monthly costs, we will prorate your charges to match the days you spent in each room.

House Changes1 questions

QCan I switch to a different College Houses property during my membership?

Yes! Members can apply to transfer between houses during open enrollment or mid-semester without having to pay a new deposit. See our full guide below or reach out to [email protected] to check openings at your preferred house.

Room Switches

Changing Rooms & House Transfers

How room changes work, seniority waitlists, and transferring between College Houses properties.

Request Room Change

In-House Room Switches

Interested in upgrading from a shared room to a single, switching suites, or moving to a different floor?

  • Mutual Room Swaps: Two members within the same house can mutually agree to swap rooms at any time, provided both consent and notify Sophia, Membership Process Coordinator.
  • Billing Adjustments: If switching between different room price tiers (e.g., Double vs. Single), Accounting Director Terrie adjusts your monthly installment automatically on a prorated basis.

Transferring to Another House

Each of our houses offers a distinct vibe—from the bustling social atmosphere of 21st Street and Pearl to the quiet, studious environment of Halstead and Opsis.

Members can apply to transfer between houses during the semester or for an upcoming term without paying a new deposit. Simply register your transfer preference with our staff.

Tip: Attend a dinner or event at your chosen new house before transferring to get to know future housemates!
Applicants & Move-Ins

Moving Logistics & Guidelines

Essential preparation for incoming and departing members: check-in dates, parking passes, contract adjustments, and accommodations.

Changing Move-In or Move-Out Dates

Check-In & Check-Out

Early move-in guidelines, scheduled turnover windows, and official checkout protocols.

Adjust Move Dates

Early Move-In Requests

Standard contract move-in dates coincide with the start of each semester (August for Fall/12-Month, January for Spring, late May for Summer). If you need to arrive earlier due to university orientation, athletics, or early flights:

  • Subject to Turnover: Early access depends strictly on whether the outgoing member has vacated and facilities staff have completed painting, sanitization, and room inspections.
  • Prorated Daily Rent: Approved early move-ins are billed at a simple prorated daily rate based on your room's monthly tier.
  • Advance Notice: Please submit early move-in requests at least 10 business days in advance so keycards and physical brass keys can be prepared.

Move-Out Procedures & Extensions

At the end of your contract period, rooms must be vacated by the contract termination date to allow turnover for incoming members:

1. Move-Out Walkthrough: Complete a checkout walkthrough with your house Maintenance Coordinator or house officer to verify room condition. You can find details about preparing your room for inspection in your Homebody (opens in new tab) account.
2. Clean & Empty Room: Remove all personal belongings, dispose of trash, and restore furniture to standard configuration.
3. Key Return: Turn in all room keys, house fobs, and mailbox keys to the Central Office drop box at 1906 Pearl St.
Late Arrival? If you will arrive several days or weeks after the official start date of your lease, your room will remain held for you! Just notify [email protected] so your room is ready for you on the day of your arrival.

Parking Passes & Vehicle Registration

Assigned On-Site Spots

Reserved parking options, permit stickers, and city permit alternatives for College Houses members.

Request Parking Pass

How Parking Works at College Houses

Parking in West Campus is at a premium, but several College Houses properties feature reserved on-site parking spaces available exclusively to active members on a first-come, first-served or lottery basis each semester.

  • Reserved Spaces: Available at Taos, 21st Street, Pearl Street, and Halstead / 1905 Nueces.
  • Billed with Installments: Parking fees are billed alongside your monthly housing installments for transparency.
  • Permit Tag Required: All parked vehicles must visibly display a current College Houses parking permit hanging from the rearview mirror or adhered to the windshield.

Vehicle Registration Requirements

To obtain an on-site permit tag, you must register your vehicle with the central office by providing:

Vehicle Make, Model, Color, and Year
License Plate Number and State of Registration
Proof of valid auto insurance in member's name
Driver's License copy on file

Parking Pass Rates

Member Passes$500 per year
Reduced Rate*$325
Non-member Passes**$750
** Pending availability
Towing Enforced 24/7 for Member Security

Unauthorized vehicles, blocked dumpsters, and cars parked without a visible permit are subject to immediate towing at the owner's expense. Never park in loading zones, or in a way that blocks another member's car from exiting.

Lease & Contract Changes

Membership Agreements

Agreement modifications, term extensions, subleasing, and contract replacement procedures.

Submit Contract Request

Binding Cooperative Contracts

When you sign a College Houses contract, you are entering into a legally binding cooperative agreement for the designated lease duration (12-Month, Fall+Spring, Semester, etc). Because our co-ops operate on a nonprofit, shared-cost model, revenues from every room are essential to maintaining affordable rent for all housemates.

Contracts are finalized upon submitting a $600 refundable deposit and a $60 membership fee. Contract extensions (e.g., adding a Summer term or transitioning from a Semester lease to a full Academic Year) are always welcomed and can be executed quickly through our staff without penalty.

The Contract Replacement Process

If your plans change and you need to vacate prior to the conclusion of your contract, you may utilize the Contract Replacement process:

  1. Find an Eligible Replacement: You may find an eligible student member or connect with applicants on our office waitlist.
  2. Complete Application: The incoming member submits an application, undergoes credit/member verification, and signs a contract.
  3. Deposit & Replacement Fee: Once the replacement submits their deposit and signs their lease, your financial obligation is released.
Need to extend or modify your term? Reach out early to our membership team at [email protected] so we can confirm room availability before general open enrollment begins.

Documenting an Accommodation & ESAs

Accessibility & Inclusion

Reasonable housing accommodations, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), and modified cooperative chores.

Submit Documentation

Our Cooperative Accessibility Commitment

College Houses is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access and an inclusive living environment for all students. We work collaboratively with members who have disabilities, medical conditions, or accessibility requirements to provide reasonable accommodations.

  • Physical Accessibility: The co-op has a limited number of first-floor room placements, elevator accessible units, ramp accessible units, and accessible bathroom accommodations. These units will be reserved for members with disabilities.
  • Modified Chore Shifts: While all members contribute weekly chores to sustain low rent, chores can be customized (e.g., seated pantry organizing, administrative tasks, digital gardening) to accommodate physical limitations.
  • Confidential Process: All medical documentation is handled confidentially.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) & Service Dogs

College Houses respects federal Fair Housing Act guidelines regarding Assistance Animals. While standard pets are subject to individual house rules, approved ESAs and Service Animals are warmly welcomed.

Required ESA Documentation:
1.Letter from a licensed healthcare provider (physician, psychiatrist, or therapist) recommending the assistance animal.
2.Up-to-date veterinary records and rabies vaccination certificate.
3.Signed College Houses Animal Agreement acknowledging community courtesy and noise standards.
How to Submit Accommodation Records Confidentially

Please email your documentation directly to Cooperative Experience Coordinator Prathima R. at [email protected] or drop off sealed records at the Central Office (1906 Pearl St #101). We will schedule a private consultation to establish your support plan.

Need Help With Questions?

Whether you are arriving for your first semester or planning a room switch, our central staff and student leaders are here to support you every step of the way.