Scope
This policy applies to all faculty and staff who occupy College-owned housing under any of the following arrangements:
A. Live-In Staff Housing provided as a condition of employment;
B. Employee Housing provided under a housing license agreement; and
C. Relocation Housing programs offered to eligible faculty and staff.
This policy governs the standards, eligibility, and responsibilities associated with occupying College-owned housing.
Policy Statement
Ithaca College provides limited employee housing for the convenience of the College to support institutional operations, student support, safety, and continuity of services. Employee housing is not an entitlement or guaranteed benefit of employment. Occupancy is governed by this policy and applicable license agreements and may be modified or terminated consistent with institutional need, employment status, or policy compliance.
Definitions
A. Live-In Staff Housing: Housing required as a condition of employment and as stipulated in the job description and meets the requirements of the IRS guidelines.
B. Employee Housing: College-owned residential space provided under a fixed or renewable license, occupied by benefits-eligible faculty or staff under a license agreement, and not a condition of employment.
C. Relocation Housing: Temporary housing provided by lease and offered to faculty and staff who meet certain requirements as stated in the policy.
D. Professional Staff Live-In Policy: Rules governing occupancy of an on-campus living space required as a condition of employment.
E. License Agreement: A written agreement granting limited, revocable permission to occupy College housing without creating a tenancy.
F. Lease Agreement: A written agreement granting limited, revocable permission to occupy College housing creating a tenancy.
Housing Types (Summary)
Housing Type Primary Purpose Eligibility Typical Term Cost Key Characteristics Live-In Staff Housing Operational necessity
Required as a condition of
employment
Employment-linked
Not separately charged
On-campus location; professional conduct expectations;
parking space
Employee Housing
Local housing support
Benefit-eligible employees Renewable license
As stated in license (market rate) Furnished; utilities included; may include shared
facilities
Relocation
Housing
Temporary use
Approved faculty and staff with short-term housing
need
6-month lease (with possibility of 6- month extension)
Varies (market rate)
Unfurnished; basic utilities included
This summary is informational only; enforceable terms are governed by this policy and license/lease agreements.
Eligibility and Occupancy Requirements
A. Live-in Housing: Occupancy is limited to the employee licensee, their partner, and dependent children. Exceptions may be granted with prior written approval.
B. Employee Housing: Eligibility is limited to benefit-eligible employees. Active employment status is required at application and to maintain occupancy.
C. Relocation Housing: Eligibility is limited to benefit-eligible Group I employees who demonstrate short-term housing need at time of hire. Exceptions may be made based on availability and approval by the College.
D. Occupancy limits are based on unit size, safety, and institutional purpose. At no time may occupancy limits be exceeded.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees occupying College housing must:
A. Comply with all applicable College policies and laws;
B. Maintain the assigned unit in safe, clean, and sanitary condition;
C. Ensure occupants and guests comply with College policies;
D. Maintain appropriate professional conduct.
Financial Obligations
A. Governed by the terms of the individual license/lease agreements.
B. Employees are financially responsible for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Utilities, Maintenance, and Access
The College provides standard utilities. Employees must submit maintenance requests through designated systems. The College may access units without notice in emergencies and with reasonable notice for inspections or repairs.
Accommodations
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities to keep service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs), regardless of "no pet" policies or breed/weight restrictions. Such animals are not pets, and no fees or deposits can be charged for them. Employees must complete the Accommodation Request Form. If any other accommodation is required to support the employee’s living or work environment, the process may be accessed here: Workplace Accommodations. All housing related accommodations must be approved PRIOR to signing a lease or moving into housing.
Prohibited Items and Activities
Employees must not engage in activities or possess items that violate safety, fire, health, or conduct standards, including but not limited to prohibited appliances, weapons, open flames, smoking indoors, unauthorized alterations, or disruptive behavior. Employees must refer to their individual agreement/lease/license for additional details.
Vacating Housing
Employees must provide at least thirty (30) days’ written notice prior to vacating housing, unless otherwise stated in the license agreement. Housing typically terminates upon separation from employment unless an extension is approved. The college reserves the right to remove an employee from housing if circumstances require.
Compliance and Violations
Failure to comply with this policy or applicable license agreements may result in termination of housing privileges, license revocation, eviction, financial charges, and/or employment-related corrective action, up to and including termination of employment. Violation of College policies may result in license revocation.
Review and Administration
This policy is administered by Human Resources in coordination with Residential Life and Student Conduct and Community Standards, Auxiliary Services, and Facilities. The policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws and institutional needs.
UPDATED: 9/10/26