FAQs - Future Tenants

Reviews on Google, Yelp, and ApartmentRatings.com consistently point to the same things: fast responses, hands-on maintenance, and a landlord who answers the phone. One tenant with 15 landlords over 25 years in Ithaca called the Terrys "by far amongst the best few if not the best.

West Shore Apartments is locally owned and personally managed by the same family, Bob, Linda, and Karla Terry, since 1967, with no property management company standing between you and the person who owns the building. Big corporate-managed buildings often have more amenities, a gym, a rooftop deck, but what they don't have is a family whose name is on the lease and whose maintenance team you can actually reach. With West Shore, the same person who shows you the apartment signs the lease, answers the phone, and meets you in person for move-in and move-out.

Yes, all of our houses and apartments are fully furnished at no additional cost. Furnishings typically include all major kitchen appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher in some units), kitchen table with chairs and/or bar stools, living room couch, coffee table, end tables, nightstand, full-size double bed, dresser, desk with chair, and bookshelves. We want your apartment to feel like home from day one.

You'll want to bring personal items that make a space feel like yours: such as pots, pans, plates, and silverware; small appliances such as a coffee maker or toaster; bedding including pillows, a mattress cover, sheets, and blankets; and bathroom items like towels and a bath/shower mat. Cleaning products and food can be purchased once you have arrived.

If you have a question about a specific item at a property you're considering, just ask.

Most units have full-size double beds.

Utilities vary by property, so check the specific listing to see exactly what's included in your unit. The most common inclusions are heat and hot water. City of Ithaca properties also include Wi-Fi, trash, and recycling through a monthly facilities and services fee: $50 per person for one- and two-bedroom units, $35 per person for three- and four-bedroom units. If anything's unclear, contact us and we'll walk you through exactly what's included and what you'd pay before you sign anything.

Yes. Each property has coin-operated laundry conveniently located in the building or on site. Some locations have free laundry inside the unit or house.

Free street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most properties also have permitted parking lots available for a separate fee. Ask us for details. Single-family and co-op houses include free parking.

Yes. Most properties have TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) pickup locations right in front of or very close to the property. Cornell students can ride TCAT free with their student ID. Some properties are also near Ithaca Carshare, a local nonprofit that provides access to shared vehicles.

Most of our Ithaca properties are within walking distance of Cornell University and Collegetown — typically 5 to 15 minutes on foot. Our 921 Taughannock Boulevard property is on Cayuga Lake's west shore and is a 5 to 8 minute drive to Cornell or Ithaca College. Many graduate students and upperclassmen specifically choose that location for the quiet and the lake views.

Yes. We work with international students every year and make the remote process straightforward. We can do a video tour over Zoom or FaceTime, send all documents by email for your review before signing, and answer any questions in writing so you have a record. Many of our international tenants have never seen the unit in person before move-in day — and they've all been happy. Contact us and we'll walk you through every step.

Good question — it surprises a lot of students from warmer climates. Here's what you need to know. Heat is available starting in mid-September. In buildings where we provide heat, sensors monitor the outside temperature. When it stays cold enough long enough, the heat turns on automatically — you don't need to do anything. If your unit has its own thermostat, you can adjust it to your preference. A few important tips: keep your windows closed during the heating season (mid-September through May) so the system works properly, and never set your thermostat below 55 degrees — even when you're away for break — to prevent pipes from freezing. Remove any window air conditioning units at the start of heating season. If you ever think something is wrong with your heat, call us — don't assume it's fine or broken. We'd rather answer a question than have you uncomfortable.

Most leases begin in either June or August. Contact us for details on specific units.

Most leases are 12 months. Contact our office if you have specific timing needs and we'll do our best to work with you.

We require your first month's rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent.

We have every intention of returning your full deposit. We provide each tenant with a Security Deposit and Damage Charges Guide upfront so you know exactly what we look for at move-out — no surprises. If the apartment is clean and undamaged, you get your full deposit back. We also send reminders and tips one month before your lease ends to help you prepare. Security deposits are returned within 14 days of check-out by check mailed to the address you provide at move-out.

Yes, subleasing is allowed per the terms of your lease. Submit completed sublease forms to Karla Terry at KarlaTerry@WestShoreApts.com.

You can move in on or after your lease start date. Before your move-in date we'll send you everything you need by email — check-in instructions, what to bring, what to expect — to make sure the transition is smooth. Check-in appointments are scheduled at a time convenient for you.

Since all units are fully furnished, you really just need your personal belongings, bedding, towels, and kitchen supplies. We'll walk through the apartment together at check-in and document the condition with photos — you'll receive a copy. This protects both of us.

Online rent payments can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any device with internet access by eCheck/ACH or credit card; a transaction fee applies to both options and is displayed before you confirm. To avoid fees, you are welcome to pay by check or cash at our office at 107 Worth Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Click the Online Portal button below for direct access. (You will need a login and password from West Shore Apartments.)

Rent is due on either the 1st or 15th of the month as specified in your lease. Payments are accepted within 5 days of the due date. Note: our system posts rent charges on the 1st of the month even if your rent is due on the 15th — your lease is what determines your actual due date.

Your lease spells out your rent amount and due date. The online Tenant Portal also shows your balance and payment history at any time, day or night.