Tenant Best Practices

Cornell Housing can offer guidance on good neighbor practices, conflict resolution, traveling safely, and subletting. Students should learn local expectations, communicate effectively, and plan for times when they will be away from their rental. 

Renters Insurance 

Cornell University’s preferred provider is GradGuard College Renters Insurance. Their coverage is designed for students living on and off campus, and protects physical items you bring to college from things like theft, fire, smoke, vandalism, and more. More information is available at http://GradGuard.com/cornell. 

Going Away  

Before leaving for breaks or extended travel, notify essential contacts, forward mail, pause subscriptions, secure your space, manage utilities, prepare travel documents, pack essentials, arrange financial backups, and ensure pet care. Clean and secure your apartment before leaving. 

Subletting 

Subletting occurs when the original tenant cannot fulfill lease terms and finds a subtenant. Most leases require landlord approval, and original tenants often retain responsibility. Subtenants should receive a written sublease outlining rights and obligations.

Hosting Parties 

It is your responsibility to manage your own behavior and that of your guests. Avoid overcrowding that could block exits, overload porches, or prevent emergency responders from accessing your location. 

If you think a guest may have had too much to drink, is having an adverse reaction to a drug, or if they have sustained a head injury while drinking or using other drugs, it is imperative you call 911. Under Cornell’s Good Samaritan Protocol (“Good Sam”), those who call for help – and those who receive help – in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency are protected from judicial consequences.