Washington Square Housing FAQs
Who should complete the application?
The inviting NYU faculty member should complete the application, however an NYU administrator can also complete the form on their behalf.
I have a visitor I wish to host for a few days. May I apply?
No. These apartments are designed for stays of moderate length, with a minimum of one month. New York housing law does not allow the program to accommodate visits of less than one month.
I have a visitor I wish to host for just a few weeks. May I apply?
Yes, but be advised that the apartment must be reserved and paid for the entire calendar month in compliance with NYC housing laws. For example, a department hosting a guest staying from Feb. 2 – Feb 20, would still be required to pay the entire month’s rent.
I am collaborating with a researcher at a different university within the United States. May I apply?
No. These apartments are designated for international visitors only.
I have a visitor whose stay would overlap several calendar months. Must I pay for each month?
Yes. Although we will, in the rare cases where scheduling permits, make an exception. In cases where this presents a budgetary issue, it is best to work with the visitor to adjust the stay to fit within calendar month/s or look into alternative accommodations.
Can you prorate a stay that is shorter than one month?
No. This is in compliance with NYC housing laws.
How can the hosting department pay for these apartments?
Our office accepts rent in the form of a JEMS departmental transfer. An NYU chartfield is required in order to complete payment.
I may host a visitor who will be paying for the apartment. Do you accept checks, cash or money orders from the visitor directly? Will you accept a wire transfer from a bank account?
The preferred method of payment is an inter-departmental transfer via JEMS. However, when necessary, we are able to accept personal checks, hand-delivered to our office. In exceptional cases when checks are not available, we can accept money orders. We cannot accept credit cards, cash, or wire transfers.
When is payment for the apartment expected?
The apartment should be paid for in full, 1-2 weeks prior to the guest’s arrival. In the case of semester-long stays where this presents a budgetary issue, arrangements can be made to pay for the apartment in monthly installments with payment due prior to the first of the month.
Are there any fees in addition to rent?
Yes. While the rental fees for these below market rate apartments include furnishings, electricity, gas, a landline, internet, and cable, there is a charge to have the apartment cleaned upon departure. In the case of long-term stays, the GRI office reserves the right to require additional cleaning at the tenant or department’s own expense at any time during the semester in the interest of keeping the apartment in good condition.
What are the apartments like?
These are fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, located near Washington Square Park that are occupant-ready. All units have a landline, cable, and internet access (WiFi included).
Are the apartments furnished? Are there linens, towels, and dishware in the apartments?
Yes, all of the apartments are fully furnished and include linens and towels, as well as cookware, dishware, utensils, and basic cleaning supplies.
May I view the apartment?
No. Apartments are generally filled to capacity. Photos are available upon request.
Can visiting scholars come with their families?
Visitors are welcome to stay with a partner or spouse. It is best to inform us of this in advance so that we can prepare two sets of keys (when available).
Do you have apartments appropriate for visitors with children?
No. We cannot host families with children in our apartments. This is for reasons of liability and because the apartments are not appropriately sized or furnished.
Are pets allowed in the apartments?
No. Visitors are not allowed to keep pets in the apartments.
The visitor we are hosting wishes to receive mail at the apartment, can we have a mailbox key?
No. Due to the high turnover in these apartments, the visitors may not receive mail as we cannot expect them to be responsible for mail of past tenants. The GRI office has no mailbox keys for the apartments and visitors should use the mailing address of the hosting department. Visitors may, however, receive one-time shipments and deliveries at the apartment if they will not be placed in the mailbox.
Will GRI provide administrative support or an office for my visitor?
No. We provide only the apartment itself. Any further support must be provided by the hosting department or faculty member.
I have a visitor I would like to invite but am concerned about visa issues. Can you help me with this?
No. GRI provides housing only. Visas and other day to day administrative matters are the responsibility of the hosting department.
Will your office get an ID/library access/gym access, etc. for our visitor?
No. Our office provides an apartment only. The hosting department must handle any other details related to the stay including, visa, ID, office space, library or gym access, etc.
My visitor is having a problem with the apartment. How can we handle this?
Visitors are provided with the phone number for the NYU Client Services Center (212-998-1001) that can be used 24 hours a day for maintenance issues. If there are problems with furnishings, cable or internet, the hosting department or faculty member should contact the GRI office.
I am a professor or professional based abroad with plans to collaborate with an NYU faculty member or department. May I apply for this housing myself?
No. An NYU faculty member must complete the application on your behalf. Alternatively, an NYU departmental administrator may do so if a faculty member is unavailable.
I am a Master's student, PhD student or postdoctoral researcher. Am I eligible for this program?
No. This program is intended to house visiting faculty collaborating with a hosting NYU department.
Is there someone I can contact with questions?
Yes. If you have read through the program description and FAQs and still have questions, please send an email to global.research@nyu.edu.