COVID-19 FAQ’s
What are my options for spring quarter housing?
There have been a lot of unanticipated changes to our daily lives and routines that we are all having to adjust to very quickly. We know this is hard to manage and can be very stressful due to all the uncertainty ahead of us. We know that some of you have been wondering about your options to move home for the spring quarter in light of Seattle University taking all of its classes to online instruction.
To allow you to make the best decision for yourself and to simplify the decision-making for most of you, we are offering the following spring quarter options:
Option 1: Continue to live at the Douglas for the remainder of your lease term. Your monthly rent and any other applicable monthly fees will be charged as normal. The Douglas will continue to operate for the benefit of our student residents. We will be following policies and cleaning guidelines consistent with those provided by the CDC, the King County Public Health Department and the governor of the State of Washington to minimize the risks of residents contracting/transmitting the COVID 19 virus.
Option 2: Move out for spring quarter while retaining your lease through August 31, 2020. We will waive your rent from April 1st through June 15th with normal rent charges resuming on June 16th through August 31st. To take advantage of this option, you will need to vacate your apartment by April 4, 2020 and return your keys to the Leasing Office to hold onto until you return in the summer. You will not need to remove your belongings from your apartment since you will still have a lease with the Douglas. If you have already left for spring break and do not plan on returning for the spring quarter, please notify the Leasing Office and mail your keys back to the office no later than April 15th. Please note that even if you do not return to campus following Spring Quarter, you are still responsible for the rent during the period of June 16th – August 31st and will need to remove belongings in accordance with the terms in the lease. If you are renewing your lease in the same unit, no action is necessary regarding move-out.
What do I do if I have a unique situation not outlined above?
We understand that you may have a unique circumstance that will not neatly fit with the options we have presented. Please contact us at info@thedouglasatseattleu.com so that we can set up a time to discuss your particular situation.
Where can I store my belongings if I can’t return to move them?
Since you are still in a lease through August 31st, you will not need to move your belongings in the near term and can keep them in your apartment at the Douglas - your unit will be secured and your belongings won’t be disturbed. If you prefer to remove all of your belongings while you are away for spring quarter and have already left for spring break, please reach out to the Leasing Office and we can help put you in touch with some local moving vendors. From there, you will be able to coordinate with the movers to get your items packed and sent to you, or stored at a local storage facility. Please note that the Douglas is currently operating under adjusted office hours to follow the guidelines listed by the CDC and will not be able to directly supervise moving contractors until guidelines are adjusted accordingly.
I plan on leaving for spring quarter and need to drop my keys off by April 4th, what is the protocol?
The Leasing Office will have key envelopes available for your use. Please place your key fob, apartment/bedroom key and mail key in this envelope, write your apartment number and bedroom letter on the envelope and drop it into our Rent Drop Box. In keeping with social distancing guidelines, we want to streamline this process and minimize direct contact as much as possible. We thank you in advance for your consideration and cooperation on this new process.
I’ve already left, how can I return my keys?
Please email the Leasing Office at info@thedouglasatseattleu.com to let us know that you have left and will not be returning for spring quarter. You will need to mail your key fob, apartment/bedroom key and mail key to the office by April 15th. We recommend mailing your keys in a certified mail envelope so that you may track the progress and confirm receipt.
What if I choose Option 2 but want to come back before June 15th?
We will welcome students back at any time! Please email the Leasing Office to organize your return date and to schedule a time for you to pick up your keys. We will work with you to pro-rate your rent based on your return date if it is earlier than June 15th.
I won’t be returning for spring quarter and have been looking for a sublet for the summer, what should I do?
To maximize your ability to find a sublet for the summer, we recommend that you take the time to remove all of your belongings from your apartment by April 4th and to ensure that it is cleaned and left in the best possible condition so that it is ready for any identified sublet to move in.
What is the returning resident status for next academic year?
As a renewing resident, your apartment for the 2020-21 academic year is squared away! We’ve got you covered but as always, if you have any questions, please reach out to us.
Will I be refunded my deposit?
Since you are only leaving for spring quarter and are still in a lease through August 31st, we will not be treating this as a move out. Therefore, we will not be completing any final deposit accounting. You should expect to receive your deposit at the end of your lease once you have officially moved out of your apartment.
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
During this time, we are operating under adjusted office hours, and in some cases, office closures but our team will remain available via Active Building, email and by phone. These are unprecedented times, and we are committed to serving you, our residents. Please reach out to us with any questions. Thank you for your patience. Together, we will get through this.