Secure Your Housing

Upon your arrival at your apartment, your landlord or caretaker will be present to greet you. Subsequently, they will conduct a walkthrough of the apartment, providing explanations on how appliances operate and pointing out the location of key items. Your landlord will also demonstrate the proper usage of specific appliances. Throughout this time, it is expected that the student verifies the full functionality of all appliances and amenities and signs a waiver to confirm this. Upon completion of the process, the student will receive the keys to their apartment. 

Please bring personal items including linen anything that may be critical to make your stay more comfortable at your new location. 

The standard lease agreements typically outline the terms of the lease, including the rental amount, lease duration, security deposit details, maintenance responsibilities, and any rules or regulations specific to the property. All approved units are fully furnished, with AC and back-up generator. The kitchen is equipped with a coffee maker, microwave, cooking utensils to include pots and pans. 

The first semester is always 6 months. After the first semester, The standard lease options range from 6 to 12 months, depending on your preference, availability, and your specific needs. 

Rental prices vary depending on factors such as location, size, amenities, and market demand. Safe Haven can provide you with current rental rates for available units upon request. Currently the approved apartment rentals range from US$600-840 with additional fees of US$100 which covers water and housekeeping monthly.

Safe Haven strives to ensure that the lease agreements are fair and transparent. However, it is always a good idea to review the terms carefully and raise any concerns you may have with the Safe Haven team before signing. 

Safe Haven will provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly clean and prepare the unit for checkout. Once you vacate the premises and return the keys, Safe Haven will conduct a final inspection and discuss any potential damage claims with ACSOM and the tenant (you). 

It is recommended that you thoroughly inspect the rental unit upon move-in and document any existing damage or issues. This will help ensure that you’re not held responsible for pre-existing conditions when you move out. Safe Haven has a checklist which is completed upon arrival and ensures that the students are thorough in the inspection of the unit. 

In such cases, please notify the Safe Haven Property Management team immediately, and they will work to resolve the issue promptly, whether it involves repairs, pest control, or other necessary measures. Please contact Kesha Gilbert at 767-612-1729. 

Housing Disclaimer:  Housing services are provided and managed by an independent third-party housing provider. ACSOM does not own, operate, or directly manage student housing. While ACSOM may assist students with housing coordination and payment processing, all housing arrangements, leases, policies, maintenance, and related services remain the responsibility of the housing provider. 

Student Support Services staff may communicate concerns with Safe Haven, or provide a student with direction on how to make a request to clarify the needs and issues clearly. ACSOM Student Support Services staff do not provide legal advice nor can they act as a student representative. ACSOM is copied on concerns submitted to Safe Haven through the form to track issues and complaints brought forward by students in order to identify trends or patterns of questionable or unethical business practices. ACSOM works with Safe Haven to improve the quality of housing services provided to students over time but are not able to intercede on immediate issues. An identified pattern, might result in a housing complex being removed from the Safe Haven housing list until adequate corrections are made. A student’s housing contract is with the landlord and early terminations are subject to the laws governing the Commonwealth of Dominica. Decisions to end a lease early may result in financial costs and hardships to the student. You are encouraged to consult legal representation if you would like to terminate a lease prematurely. In only rare circumstances should contracts be terminated early – gross negligence or severe health hazards that resulted in injury or illness. For advising purposes only, you may contact Student Support Services - Amanda Massicott at amanda@acsom.edu.dm  or studentservices@acsom.edu.dm.