Have some questions about your housing with TCS? Check out our Q&A guide. Have a question that is not included below? Let us know and we will add it!
This policy outlines the basic information regarding housing provided by TCS.
Frequent Housing Questions:
What is included in the apartment?
The basic furnishing for the rental properties will consist of the following:
One double bed with mattress for each employee, plus a single bed for family members included in the job offer.
A mattress protector for each bed supplied.
One pillow for every family member included in the job offer.
One set of sheets for every bed supplied.
One towel for every family member included in the job offer.
A Night stand for every family member included in the job offer.
Curtains in the employee's bedroom and for the room of every family member included in the job offer.
One dining room set.
One sofa and coffee table for the living room area.
One desk with a chair.
Refrigerator.
Washing machine.
4-place dining plate set and silverware.
Pots and pans.
One trash can for a bathroom
One broom, mop and dust pan.
It may be possible for faculty to “shop” for additional furniture during the orientation. TCS will also have a display of the remaining furniture available for faculty that remains in the school’s stock. (ONLY IF THERE IS AVAILABILITY).
What size is the typical apartment?
Video of a typical apartment for one person: Torre Pravia
Can I find my own apartment?
Yes. You could look for your own apartment. There are pros and cons with this option. Some faculty do choose to find their own apartments. We don't recommend this option for your first year unless you are living in Colombia already.
What utilities are included?
Utilities are not a part of the housing package. Trash disposal is included within your building services and is therefore paid for by TCS. Other utility costs are covered by the employee.
Water/Electricity/Gas:
All faculty are responsible for paying their own utility bills. EPM is the provider in Medellín. The bill includes all three services. It can be easily paid with the Bancolombia app and/or online.
Municipal Security and Cohesion Levy:
All faculty are responsible for paying the Municipal Security and Cohesion Levy. It’s a fee established to improve security and community cohesion in the department. The amount is calculated based on your monthly electricity consumption. It can be easily paid with online.
Internet:
We will do our best in order to have this installed and ready for you to use at your apartment on the day that you arrive. Again, faculty pays for this bill on their own.
Can I have pets in my apartment?
In most apartments, yes. However, this depends on the landlord and not TCS. If you know that you are bringing a pet with you, please inform HR to make sure we match you with an apartment that allows pets.
Are we allowed to paint/hang things in our apartments?
Yes. However, it is your responsibility to return the walls to their original condition at the end of your contract. If not, the School will have to get it done with our own maintenance contact and you will be charged for the repairs.
What do I do if something goes wrong in the apartment?
Emergencies:
All of the apartment buildings have 24 hours porteria (surveillance/ 24 hr doorman) and this service is very useful for you since the porteros, as part of the buildings, can help you with certain issues like:
- Flooding (they would help you by stopping the water).
- If there are issues with the utilities services, when there's a general failure.
- Noisy neighbors.
- If you happen to see something or someone that does not seem normal to you.
Other emergencies:
- If you happen to have a problem with your keys, you can call from your cellphone: La Colmena: 604 448 81 23 (24/7).
- If it ́s critical and urgent and cannot wait, please call or write through whatsapp to Monica Echeverry at 3164417969 or Juliana Perez at 3146793615 , so we can get help as soon as possible.
If there's an unforeseen case and you're able to communicate in Spanish, you can call the Police to the following number: 123
Regular Maintenance:
If you have a common repair, please send an email to human.resources@columbus.edu.co with the problem you have in the apartment, pictures and video if possible, two or three dates and times that you can receive the repair person in your apartment.
Are our apartments safe?
Medellín is a city with social-economic disparity. However, there are very rare instances of a home robbery, particularly in the apartments/areas where TCS faculty live.
All apartments come with locking doors; should you keep this locked when you are not home, there shouldn't be any problems. Most apartments have 24 hour security, a guard who monitors the entrance. You should inform your security that you only want guests/workers to enter with your authorization.
Please avoid leaving your keys at the porteria (small office where the guard stays) if not strictly necessary.
Below are some sample apartments of current expat teachers for you to see.