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Newly expanded academic eligibility to live at CTC! Call our office at 651-646-7526 to learn more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions for prospective and current residents of Commonwealth Terrace cooperative. You will find information on these topics:

  • About CTC Membership and Cooperative living
  • About Apartments
  • Rental Information
  • Applying to live at CTC
  • What does CTC provide and what amenities does CTC have?
  • Lease and Policies

If you do not find the answers you are looking for, please call 651-646-7526.

About CTC Membership and Cooperative living

How can I become a member?

Simply submit the applicable one-time membership fee to the CTC Management Office.

What does it mean to live in a cooperative?

Living cooperatively at CTC means that all residents are responsible for annual and seasonal tasks such as the fire extinguisher exchange, snow shoveling, and maintaining cleanliness (internal/external) for annual inspections; as well as volunteering on committees and fulfilling laundry duty responsibilities and electing its annual Board of Directors.

What is the structure of the cooperative?

A member-elected volunteer Board of Directors hires a professional General Manager, who, in turn hires staff to manage the day-to-day operation of the cooperative. The Board of Directors, along with volunteer-based committees, and the Management Team work collaboratively to build upon the co-op’s foundation and maintain its mission, vision and values.

What are the benefits of being a member?

  • An investment in a strong community
  • Have a vote towards new and upcoming policy changes
  • Experience a monthly rental discount
  • Build and gain leadership, organizational, communication and problem solving skills
  • Experience cooperative operations
  • Build lasting friendships
  • Such volunteer experience can be influential in various aspects of your future endeavors long after living at CTC

What are the requirements of the member?

Annually every membership household must attend our Annual Meeting, Fall Clean up and Spring Clean-up. Most household choose Laundry cleaning as their main duty, but this can be supplemented with the service as a Ward Representative, Committee Member, or Board of Director.

About Apartments

What are the square footages of the apartments?

What do you mean by a “split level” apartment vs. a “Phase IV” apartment?

A “split level” is a townhouse style apartment that has two floors, with the bedrooms and bathroom on the second floor and a split style stair case and lower level living room area and kitchen. The “Phase IV” style is one level entry with one single stair case and bedrooms and bathroom upstairs.

Rental Information

When do the rental charges start?

Apartment rental charges are effective from move-in date given by CTC staff.

Does the rental fee increase during my lease term?

The monthly rental fee is subject to increase on an annual fiscal year basis

How much is rent?

When is rent due?

Rent is due on the 1st of each month and is payable up to the end of the business day on the 5th of the month without a late fee. When the 5th falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the rent may be paid on the next business day but will be late if not received by the end of business on that date. If the rent is not received by the deadline, a $50 late fee will be charged.

How do I pay rent?

You can pay rent by going to the CTC office during business hours and submitting a check, money order, cashier’s check or credit card. To pay rent after hours, you can use the silver drop box located right outside of the CTC office inside the community center building or the 24-hour drop box located on the northwest side of the community center building. All payments must include current CTC address.

Can I make a late rent payment?

Residents have the ability to receive three rent extensions in one fiscal year. To receive an extension, residents must either fill out a “Request for Rent Extension Form” at the CTC office or email the CTC office specifically requesting a rent extension. Either request must be received by the CTC office prior to the deadline for rent payment. To be eligible for an extension, the tenant cannot have an outstanding balance. The General Manager may reject a request for an extension if the request is not for “good cause”.

Nonpayment of Rent

If full rental payment is not paid at the close of business on the 10th of the month a hold will be placed on your University of MN account. Failure to pay rent, or any other fee or charge on time, Agent has the right to pursue all available legal remedies including termination of Lease and eviction.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. Visa, Master and Discover. Some service fees apply.

Applying to live at CTC

How does the application process work?

CTC maintains a waiting list. To apply, complete the application and submit the $40 application fee to activate placement on the waiting list. Upon receiving the completed application, it is dated and placed in chronological order on the appropriate list (you may apply for ONE APARTMENT SIZE ONLY). Specific time on the waiting list is dependent upon season and apartment size. Unfortunately, it is not possible to give specific predictions as to when a unit will be offered. CTC offers a 30-60 day notification of availability to applicants which vary at any time throughout the month.

What apartment size can I apply for?

  • 1-bedroom- Minimum 1; Maximum 2, (2 coupled adults or 1 adult with 1 child)
  • 2-bedroom- Minimum 2; Maximum 4 people (1 adult with child(ren) or 2 adults with or without children)
  • 3-bedroom- Minimum 3, Maximum 5 (must have two children)

How much is the security deposit?

A security deposit equal to one month’s rent is required.

What are the eligibility requirements to live at CTC?

  • Graduate level student and spouse/domestic partner; single with or without children.
  • Undergraduate students and spouse/domestic partner, single with or without children (single undergraduates must be at Junior or Senior Level).
  • Professionals in Training, please see full list of job code numbers HERE.

What are the academic eligibility requirements?

One member of a family must meet the academic eligibility requirement

  • Undergraduates must carry at least nine (9) credits per semester.
  • Graduate students must carry at least six (6) credits or be actively working on a thesis only project.
  • Professionals in Training, please see full list of job code numbers HERE.

What does CTC provide and what amenities does CTC have?

What utilities are included in rent?

All utilities (electricity, water, natural gas) and internet service are factored in the monthly rent.

Do you provide Cable TV and Internet access?

Basic internet service is factored into the monthly rental payment. Each apartment has one standard cable outlet. Cable service is not provided. Residents have to the option to select cable service through a service provider of choice.

Are pets allowed at CTC?

Common domestic pets (excluding dogs) are allowed under 30lbs with a limit of 2 pets total per apartment defined as:

  • Indoor only domesticated cats and indoor only pet rabbits
  • Caged animals defined as: birds (only species that are common household pets), hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pig
  • Aquarium animals such as fish, turtles, and salamanders are permitted providing they live in 50 gallons or less of water and they do not feed on living food (i.e. mice) except for feeder crickets.

Service Animals registered with the University Disabilities Services Office will not be subject to limitation on breed and animal type, providing a written letter from the Disabilities Services Office.

Is there a pet fee/deposit?

The resident shall pay a onetime non-refundable pet approval fee of seventy-five dollars ($75) per apartment for the first pet. This is a non-refundable fee. This is not a damage deposit and does not relieve or excuse any damage caused by the pet. Any damages/charges resulting from pet(s) will be additional expenses and will be the financial responsibility of the resident.

Where can I do laundry?

Laundry room facilities with card operated washers and dryers are located throughout CTC property. Private washing machines or dryers are not allowed in the apartments.

What type of storage is available?

Each apartment is provided with an individual storage container located outside the building. Each container is approximately 32 cubic feet (5'w x 2'8"d x 4'h) in size.

What if I have two cars?

There is a monthly second car parking charge for the additional parking space.

Do you have covered parking?

No covered parking is available.

Is there childcare available at CTC?

CTC shares the Community Center Building with the Community Child Care Center and gives priority to CTC families.

What school districts are in the area?

CTC property is split between two school districts. Most apartments are within the Roseville School district. A smaller number are located within the St. Paul School district.

How close is CTC to public transportation?

CTC is located two blocks from the University Transit-way and on the Metro Transit Bus line to connect you anywhere in the Metro area

Where do I get my Mailbox keys?

You will need to pick up your keys at the Roseville Post Office; 2000 County Road B2, Roseville, MN 55113. To confirm your keys are ready for pick up, you can call 651-631-0628. All keys require valid photo identification to pick up.

Lease and Policies

What are the lease terms?

The lease agreement is on a month-to-month term that can begin on any day of the month.

How much notice is required to give before moving out?

A 60-day notice of your intent to vacate the apartment is required. You must complete the official Intent to Vacate form and submit to the office. The notice date is considered from the date received by the CTC office. The 60-day notice can be any day of the month.

How does parking at CTC work?

Each apartment is allowed one vehicle at no charge with a valid parking permit. All vehicles must be registered with the CTC office.

Do you provide insurance to cover loss of personal property?

All residents are encouraged to retain renter’s insurance for their personal property or any damage they may cause to the apartment through negligence. CTC is not responsible in any way for a tenant’s personal belongings.

What is the visitor policy for extended family members/guests?

Visitors are welcome. Extended family members, considered guests, are allowed to stay with CTC residents with an additional monthly charge per person per month. Family members are required to register at the CTC office.