UT Private Dorms in Austin, TX

What is an individual lease?

An individual lease provides each resident with their own separate lease agreement and responsibility for his/her rental installments and applicable utility and parking charges. By signing an individual lease, you are only taking responsibility for your rental installments and lease terms and will not be held liable for any delinquent amounts owed by your roommate(s).

What is an installment?

The typical lease term is approximately 9.5 months of occupancy which coincides with the university's academic calendar. The resident is charged a total rent amount for the contracted occupancy period. The lease agreement will reflect the total rent amount typically divided into 10 equal installments due August 1 - May 1. These installments do not represent a monthly rent amount and are not prorated.

When are the installments due?

Installments are due on the 1st of every month per the payment schedule outlined in the lease agreement.

How can I make a payment?

We accept checks, money orders and cashier’s checks in our office made payable to the community name. As an alternative payment option we also accept credit card, debit cards and ACH payments online here for your convenience. We are unable to accept cash.

Do you send me a bill every month?

No, bills are not sent to residents each month, but you may see payment reminders posted around the property.

When is a guarantor required?

All residents require a guarantor to complete the guaranty agreement.

Can I be my own guarantor?

A resident can act as their own guarantor if they can show documentation as outlined in the lease agreement that they have income greater than three times the rental installment.

What paperwork is required with a guarantor?

The guarantor will need to sign the guaranty agreement. If the resident is not of legal age to execute a contract, the guarantor will be required to sign both the lease and guaranty agreement.

Can I fill out an application online?

You can access the online application by clicking the “Apply Online” link at the top of every page.

Do you have a roommate matching service?

Yes! Our roommate matching program is powered by RoomSync–a roommate matching app. You will have the opportunity to create a personal profile, search, filter, chat and match with other residents who will be living in the community. You decide what matters most when narrowing down your search. Want a roommate with the same major? You got it! Prefer to live with someone who goes to bed early? No problem! Looking for a roommate who enjoys college football? No sweat! You control your search and matching criteria to find the perfect roommate. 

Can I request specific roommates?

Yes! You can search for and match with specific roommates in the RoomSync app. Change your mind? No problem! You can modify your matches if your preferences change up until the matching period close date. 

Am I allowed to request a specific unit?

You can list your preferences on your housing application, and we will do our best to place you in the unit that fits those requests. All requests are served on a first-come, first-served basis and are taken in order based on the date your lease was received.

Is The Castilian considered on-campus housing?

The Castilian is an off-campus private dorm, located across the street from The University of Texas at Austin. It is not affiliated with the university.

Can freshmen and transfer students live at The Castilian?

Yes! The Castilian is a great choice for freshmen and transfer students. You can apply and sign a lease directly with The Castilian.
 

Why live in a dorm?

The dorm lifestyle at The Castilian is built around convenience for you, the student! Your all-inclusive price covers an unlimited meal plan for the full year, all utilities paid and an academic year lease. Academic success is our main focus, you’ll have 24-hour access to our Academic Success Center with iMacs, PCs and free printing, group and private study lounges and MediaScape collaboration tables. Plus, we’re just steps from the UT campus! Not only can you enjoy the state-of-the-art amenities at The Castilian, but you’ll have multiple opportunities to meet and connect with other students through residence life events, floor meetings or simply meeting your neighbors.
 

What is the cancellation policy?

Application:
If you would like to cancel your application at The Castilian please notify us in writing of your intent to cancel. If you paid a Security Deposit, this amount will be refunded to you via check within 30 days. All other fees paid during the application process are non-refundable.
 
Lease:
Your lease can be cancelled at The Castilian on or prior to May 1, 2021 ONLY if the applicant provides proof that they will not be attending an Austin Area College or University. All requests must be in writing or postmarked by May 1, 2021. You must include your denial letter or proof that you rejected your acceptance to an Austin Area College or University.
 
After May 1, 2021, cancellation will be allowed ONLY if the applicant is denied admission to an Austin Area College or university, and who send a certified denial letter of their non-admission within 5 business days of receiving it.
 
Application fee, administrative fee, and confirmation fee paid to date will be forfeited after May 1, 2021.

How have you updated the community in response to COVID-19?

We have created a Be safe. Be smart. Do your part.^TM disinfection and hygiene education program. This includes new policies, signage and daily wellness checklist for you to assess your health prior to leaving your home. You will also find disinfectant wipe stands and touchless hand sanitizing stations throughout the community to clean and disinfect touchpoints before and after use. We are continuing to evolve all our protocols, and they may vary and may also be adjusted in consideration of local practices, government requirements and guidance.  

What personal guidelines do residents need to follow?

As mandated by the City of Austin, we are requiring all residents and staff wear face coverings and practice physical distancing in public or common areas. Four people only are allowed on an elevator at the same, and there’s a 10 person maximum in the fitness center with equipment use six feet apart. 

What products are you using to keep the community sanitized?

The Be safe. Be smart. Do your part. program also includes a collaboration with RB, the makers of Lysol, to develop cleaning and disinfecting guidelines and procedures as well as training on the proper products, cleaning methods and healthy living practices. We are proud to partner with RB, as the US Environmental Protection Agency recently approved Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Lysol Disinfecting Wipes, and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist as the first to test effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, when used as directed on hard, non-porous surfaces. Our team will be disinfecting common areas twice a day with Lysol products, and you’ll find antimicrobial products on door handles, elevator buttons and café equipment.

How have Café operations changed?

We’ve updated our café operations to be in full accordance with state and city regulations for all restaurants, including:
– No self-service options
– Individually packaged grab-n-go options
– Physical distance signage
– Staff designated “Sanitization Captains” responsible for cleaning and disinfecting tables and chairs after each student finishes eating
– No guests will be allowed to enter the café: Residents and staff only
– Use of anti-microbial self-cleaning coverings for high touchpoint areas

What are resident self-quarantine protocols?

The CDC recommends if someone in a household (unit) has symptoms or come in contact with someone known to have symptoms, the household (unit) should self-quarantine for 14 days. We ask that the resident stay in their assigned unit during this period and we will deliver food from the café to those residents who are quarantining. The quarantined students can also coordinate with the staff for trash removal. If the students have something delivered, we can escort the delivery driver to drop off the items at their front door. 
 

Is insurance coverage for my belongings included as part of my Lease Agreement?

Coverage for your personal belongings is not included as part of your Lease Agreement. Renters insurance can provide coverage for loss or damage to your personal belongings (including fire, theft, or natural causes). Renters insurance is not required but highly recommended. Please click here for more information.