Fall 2020 off-campus students should review the Academic Year COVID-19 Recommendations and the Eagles Care Pledge.
Off-campus students must follow MA COVID-19 Order #55 and Order #57 requiring that indoor gatherings end by 9:30 PM and be comprised of 10 or fewer individuals, and mandating students wear a face covering in all public spaces--as well as private backyards--regardless of their ability to physically distance. The Eagles Care Pledge also requires students wear a mask at all times when interacting with others outside their household.
COVID-19 Information Specific to Off-Campus Housing
- There are new features on the Off-Campus Housing Database that virtually allow you to see a space before signing onto a lease; listings may now have up to 100 photos and accompanying videos.
- HERE you can find screenshots illustrating these updated features.
- Coordinate with landlords and/or real estate agents to provide a live virtual viewing via FaceTime, Google Meets, Zoom, etc., or have them provide photos or pre-recorded video of a tour of each space.
Advocate for a "Worry-Free" clause to be included in your lease. There are two kinds of "Worry Free" clauses:
- Students and their co-signers would have the option of leaving the lease.
- Students and their co-signers would have their monthly rent reduced.
In addition to the resources listed in the “How can students who have already signed leases financially protect themselves?” section, the following resources may or may not apply to you:
- Utility Shut-Off Suspension: No utilities are to be shut off due to late payment for the duration of the state of emergency. All payments will be due after the emergency has ended, however. Students should work with their utility providers to arrange alternative payment plans, if necessary.
- RAFT Program: This program helps keep households in stable housing when facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income and/or increase in expenses.
- Food Resources During COVID-19: From the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Eviction Moratorium: The CDC has a national eviction moratorium in place until January 31, 2021. Please contact the City of Boston's Office of Housing Stability for assistance in initiating this eviction suspension for your personal circumstances.
- Rental Relief Fund: With the goal of stabilizing housing, this program helps income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston who do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or where, because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income.
Contact
Office: Maloney Hall 413
(Currently Working Remotely)
Phone: 617-552-3075
(Leave Voicemail for a Returned Call)
Email: offcampus@bc.edu
Facebook: fb.com/BCOffCampus/
Twitter: @BC_OffCampus
Instagram: @BC_OffCampus
Blogger: bcoffcampus.blogspot.com