Frequently Asked Questions

Apply For Housing

Floor Plans

Is Walker Ave Apts Owned by UMBC?

No.  Walker Avenue Apartments is a facility owned and controlled by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO).  Capstone On-Campus Management is agent to MEDCO in the operation of Walker Avenue Apartments.  Walker Avenue Apartments is considered university-affiliated housing, since it is located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and operates with the oversight of UMBC; however, Walker Avenue Apartments IS NOT owned by UMBC.

All questions and concerns regarding the Walker License should be directed to Capstone On-Campus Management at info@walkeravenueapts.com or 443-612-7541.

 

What are the key distinctions between MEDCO's Walker License and UMBC's Residential Life License?

 

 

 

Key Provisions

MEDCO’s

Walker Avenue Apartments:

 

Housing License

Provisions

UMBC’s

Residence Halls/Apartments:

 

Housing License

Provisions

 

Termination by student

Steps for a student licensee to cancel their license prior to taking occupancy are found in Section 17 of MEDCO’S license. Cancellation fees may apply as stated in Section 17.  Steps for a student licensee to petition for cancellation after the start date are found in Section 18 of MEDCO’s license, “License Release Granted by Agent After Start Date.” Applicable cancellation fees are also found in Section 18.

Cancellation information for the Residential Life Academic Year Housing License (the “License”) is found in the sections titled “License Cancellation by Resident” (Section 15 of the License), or “License Cancellation by Resident Entering for Spring Semester Only” (Section 16 of the License).

Termination by MEDCO or UMBC

 

 

 

Agent’s termination provisions in MEDCO’s license are found in Section 11 of MEDCO’s license titled “Failure to Occupy,” Section 12 of MEDCO’s license titled “Assignment of Space/Subletting/Relocation,” Section 13 of MEDCO’s license titled “Indebtedness,” Section 19 of MEDCO’s license titled “License Termination by Agent,” Section 28 of MEDCO’s license titled “Force Majeure,” Section 30 of MEDCO’s license titled “Termination Due to Health Emergency,” as well as in the License Fee Collection Policy, and the Licensee Obligations Relating to Covid-19 .

 

 

UMBC’s right to terminate the License is provided for in the sections titled “License Release Granted by UMBC” (Section 17 of the License), and “License Termination by UMBC” (Section 18 of the License).

Force Majeure – (Certain events which excuses a party’s performance under an agreement.)

MEDCO’s Force Majeure is found in the section titled “Force Majeure” (Section 28 of MEDCO’s license) “If the Owner/Agent and/or University’s performance hereunder is materially hampered, interrupted, rendered impossible, hazardous, or is otherwise prevented, impaired, or delayed due to sickness, inability to perform, accident, interruption or failure of means of transportation, Act(s) of God, riot, strike, labor difficulty, lockout, war (including civil war), embargo, epidemic, pandemic, evacuation, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, quarantine restriction, any act or order of any civil or military authority, acts of any government, acts of governing authority, administrative or judicial regulations, order or decree by any local or national emergency, and/or any other cause or event, similar or dissimilar, beyond the Agent’s control, then the Owner/Agent shall be excused from performance of this License and will not have any liability in connection therewith. The parties acknowledge and agree that, while the COVID-19 response and evolution of impact(s) is current and ongoing, COVID-19 is a Force Majeure event, as defined above, and, with the knowledge that COVID-19 will continue to be a Force Majeure event for purposes of this License, notwithstanding, the parties wish to enter into this License with full knowledge and agreement that this License may be canceled, terminated, or suspended  by the Agent under the Force Majeure paragraph above. Each party agrees that neither the Agent or its assigns, University, nor Owner shall be responsible for any damages sustained by the Licensee.”

UMBC’s Force Majeure is found in the section titled “Force Majeure” (Section 25 of the License) “If the University’s performance hereunder is rendered impossible, hazardous, or is otherwise prevented, hampered, interrupted, impaired, or delayed due to sickness, inability to perform, accident, interruption or failure of means of transportation, Act(s) of God, riot, strike, labor difficulty, war (including civil war), embargo, epidemic, pandemic, evacuation, fire, flood, explosion, earthquake, quarantine restriction, any act or order of any civil or military authority, acts of any government, acts of governing authority, and/or any other cause or event, similar or dissimilar, beyond the University’s control, then the University shall be excused from performance of this License and will not have any liability in connection therewith. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are entering into this License at a time when COVID-19 has already disrupted and caused the termination or cancellation of preceding housing licenses. The parties also acknowledge and agree that, while the COVID-19 response and evolution of impact(s) is current and ongoing, COVID-19 is a Force Majeure event, as defined above, and, with the knowledge that COVID-19 will continue to be a Force Majeure event for purposes of this License, notwithstanding, the parties wish to enter into this License with full knowledge and agreement that this License may be canceled, terminated, altered, or suspended under the Force Majeure paragraph above. Each party agrees that the University shall not be responsible for any damages sustained by the Resident.”

 

Parties

MEDCO as “Owner”

 

Eligible Student Applicant as “Licensee”

 

Although not a party to the License, Capstone On-Campus Management, L.L.C. is MEDCO’s property manager and referred to in the License as “Capstone” or “Agent.”

UMBC’s Residential Life department enacts and enforces the terms and conditions of the Residential Life Academic Year Housing License.

 

Students of UMBC become Residents after “Execution of the License” (Section 12 of the License).

Start and End Dates

MEDCO’s License start and end dates are based on the “Term” selected by the Licensee:

·         The Annual License Term begins June 1, 2023 and ends May 23, 2024.

·         The Academic Term begins August 28, 2023, and ends May 23, 2024.

 

License “Terms” can be found in Section 3 of MEDCO’s license, titled “Term.”

UMBC’s License “Term” (Section 3 of the License) is for the entire 2023-2024 Academic Year (“AY”) defined as beginning with the start of the Fall 2023 Semester (August 28, 2023), or upon Occupancy whichever occurs first, through the end of the Spring 2024 Semester (May 22, 2024). Exceptions to the length of the Term may be made for University approved December graduates and University approved Spring Semester study abroad participants.

 

What is Housing Selection?

Housing Selection is the process by which students select their apartment and roommates for the upcoming year. This process involves submitting an online application via the UMBC housing application, accepting an offer, paying a $200 reservation fee, and e-signing the licensing documents (including all financial paperwork, guarantor forms, and meningitis waivers) via DocuSign.  Please check out UMBC Residential Life’s application page for more information.

What are the eligibility requirements for living at Walker Avenue Apartments?

To qualify for residency at Walker Avenue Apartments, students need to be in good standing at University of Maryland, Baltimore County for the entire term of the license. Undergraduate students are required to have 39 credits recognized by UMBC prior to applying at Walker Avenue.  All residents must be enrolled full-time at UMBC. Undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 12 credits. Graduates must be enrolled in at least 9 credits.  Any outstanding balances with Walker Ave Apartments or UMBC must be below $250, or a financial hold will be placed on the student’s account and they will not be able to participate in the application process until the balance is resolved.  Fifth-year UMBC students and Graduate students may only choose Walker as their on-campus housing option, as they are not eligible to live in other halls on campus.

How do I apply?

Students must go to this housing application link then enter their UMBC log-in credentials to apply. The student will need to complete the Walker Avenue Housing Application, and form a group, or remain as an individual applicant. Students are also required to submit a $200 Reservation Fee to secure their space.  Once the application closes, applicants and their group members will select an apartment through the UMBC Housing Selection process at their assigned time. Once the room selection process is completed, the student will receive an online Term and Type Addendum and Guarantor form through our electronic signature service called DocuSign.  Once the Term and Type Addendum and Guarantor Form are submitted, the student will be eligible for move-in.  The Reservation Fee will then be applied towards the Resident’s first License Fee payment.

*Reservation fees are payable by check, money order, or credit card made out to “Walker Avenue Apartments.”  Electronic transactions will incur a 2.5% processing fee.

I have questions about the Housing Selection process.

Students with questions about the Housing Selection process should review the UMBC Residential Life Application Page.  You should also consider attending one of our joint information sessions with UMBC Residential Life, which will take place during the beginning of the spring semester, prior to the Housing Selection process taking place.  Details will be posted in January for the following spring.

For additional information regarding the application process and timeline at UMBC, please refer to Residential Life’s application information page.

If students need additional housing application support, they may stop by our Management Office to speak with a staff member during business hours (9am – 5pm, M-F), e-mail questions to the info account: info@walkeravenueapts.com, or give us a call 443-612-7541 during business hours and we would be happy to assist.

    Who has priority during the housing selection process?
    • Your group’s selection time will be sent to your UMBC email at least two days before the start of the selection period.

      Selection times are assigned based on your group’s average completed credits and the selection process in which you are participating, times are not prioritized by group size or class year. If students are part of a roommate group, their group’s average credits will be used to determine the time (ex. Student A has 70 credits and Student B has 40 credits, their Group Average is 55 credits and they will select with other groups/individuals that also have a 55 credit average).

      Some students/groups may not receive a selection time if demand for housing is higher than the amount of available spaces. Students who did not receive a selection time but met the other requirements are still guaranteed housing, and will be assigned to Walker by the Licensing Coordinator over the summer. Typically, groups with lower individual or group credit averages may not be issued a selection time.

      The group leader must log into the housing portal during the assigned selection time to pick a room from the available inventory. Students have until the conclusion of the selection period to log-in a pick an apartment space. After selection closes, students/groups that did not select will be assigned by the Licensing Coordinator during the summer.

    Can I live with my friends?

    Yes.  However, all intended roommate group members must complete the application, Housing License, and $200 Reservation Fee by the  deadline in order to be eligible to participate in the housing selection process.  During the regularly scheduled Housing Selection process during the spring semester, students have the opportunity to select an apartment with their desired roommates. 

    All students who are interested in forming a group should use the housing portal to select their desired roommates.

    Only one member of the group should fill out this application: the “group leader.” You will need to “pull in” the other students who wish to live together. After you have done that, each student will need to log into Walker Application and accept your invitation to the group. Please note that you cannot add someone that has not completed the Housing Application or who is not eligible to live in Walker Avenue Apartments.  If you plan to live with a current commuting resident, be sure to have them complete a commuter pass so they will be eligible to submit their application by the deadline.  Only the group leader will be able to submit room preferences on behalf of the group, so be sure that the group discusses this prior to completing the application.

    Due to the different housing selection cycles, current residents are not able to request transfer students as roommates during the Housing Selection process.  Please contact the Walker Licensing Coordinator with questions regarding roommate pairings for incoming students by e-mailing info@walkeravenueapts.com.

    What if I don’t have anyone specific I want to live with?

    As part of your Housing Application, you will complete a Preferences section that will help us match you with other residents.  You may also utilize the Roommate Search Function in the Roommate Module.  The Roommate Module in the housing portal allows you to search profiles of students with the same sex and same approved license type (Walker Avenue or Residential Life). You can filter based on sleep habits, room condition, allergies, and more to find a match.  You may choose to hide your profile by going to My Account > Matching Profile Visibility to “Hide”.

    If you do not select a roommate during the housing selection process, staff will utilize your application preferences to assign you with the best compatible match.  Then, you will have access to view your roommate’s contact information via the Walker Resident Portal 30 days prior to move-in.

    Why should I license with Walker Avenue Apartments?

    Walker Avenue Apartments offers amenities and convenience unmatched in any off-campus apartment. The all-inclusive utilities mean that you will never be surprised by a high electricity or water bill. The individual licenses mean that you will never be obligated to make a license fee payment for a roommate. The furnished apartments mean that you will not have to buy or move furniture.  Each resident will receive a private bedroom,semi-private bathroom, and laundry machines within each apartment for convenience. The clubhouse is equipped with a large flat-screen HDTV, and study tables for a quiet place to unwind. Beautiful green lawns surround the complex, and the outdoor sand volleyball pit and barbecue grills are just steps away in the courtyard.

    By what rules must Walker Avenue residents abide?

    Students living at Walker Avenue Apartments are bound to the same Residential Life Policies and Conduct standards as students living in other UMBC on-campus housing.  These include:

    Residential Life Rights and Responsibilities, and The UMBC Student Code of Conduct

     

    What kind of equipment is available to check-out?
    There are a few items available to check-out at the Walker Avenue Apartments Management Office – the same place where you pick up your packages. We have available to residents for short periods of time:

    • Vacuum Cleaner
    • Hand Truck
    • Snow Shovels

    Remember that these items are available to all Walker residents which means that the check-out period is short and that the items should be treated well.  If any item is not working properly, please notify the office staff right away.

     

    Can I have a car at Walker Avenue?

    Yes, all residents of Walker Avenue Apartments with a vehicle registered through UMBC Parking Services may park in the Walker Avenue parking lots (Zone B).  Parking is included in your tuition/fees payment with UMBC, so there is no additional cost to register your vehicle as an on-campus resident.  Walker residents who are issued parking permits by UMBC Parking Services are exclusive to the Walker community lots.  Walker residents have access to park in UMBC lots 20, and 21, which are immediately adjacent to the Walker community.  Living at Walker Avenue also affords you the ability to quickly and effectively utilize all UMBC public transit, as well as county and city buses.

    For more information about registering your vehicle and parking regulations, please contact UMBC Parking Services.

    For more information about the UMBC Shuttle Service, please visit UMBC Transit Services.

    Is there visitor parking?

    There is no visitor parking specific to Walker Aveneu Apartments.  Visitors must utilize “Pay to Park” lots on campus and use the Passport Parking App to pay for parking.  Reference the UMBC Parking Map here to find visitor parking areas.  Please reference the UMBC Parking Services website for specific details on visitor parking. All visitor parking is managed through UMBC Parking Services.

    How much does WAA cost?
    Please visit our Floor Plans & Rates page for more information regarding the license types and rates associated with each type.  Please note that rates for Walker Avenue Apartments must be approved by UMBC, and are not typically finalized until March of each year.  Any rates shown on the website until final approval is received are considered proposed rates only, and are subject to change.  Please check back during March to obtain the finalized rates.
    What is a Guaranty of License and why do I need one?
    A Guaranty of License establishes a Guarantor for your license who agrees to be financially responsible should you fail to fulfill the payment obligations of your license. This person must be at least 24 years old. Guarantors must be U.S. residents and have a U.S. bank account. Students often, but certainly not always, use a parent or guardian as their Guarantor. The Guarantor must submit a copy of their state issued identification when they sign the Guarantor Form online via DocuSign.  All prospective residents are required to have a Guarantor, and will be unable to move in without a completed Guarantor Form on-file.
    Can I use my financial aid to pay my license fees?

    Yes, but you should discuss this process with the UMBC Financial Aid office. When completing your financial aid paperwork, please note that for the purposes of most financial aid funding sources, Walker Avenue Apartments is considered off-campus housing (your aid will not be used to pay the University). If you plan to use financial aid/scholarships to pay for housing at Walker, you will need to complete a Financial Aid/Scholarship Payment Plan Addendum every semester that you plan on using your Financial Aid/Scholarship refund to pay for your license fees.  The Financial Aid/Scholarship Payment Plan Addendum is available on the Applications/Forms page and must be submitted to the Walker office by August 1st for the Fall semester, and December 1st for the Spring semester.  

    PLEASE NOTE:

    Your financial obligation to Walker is independent of your individual financial aid situation. By signing a license, you agree to pay the full amount, regardless of the circumstances.

    Annual Licensees: Please be advised that your financial aid award may NOT be used to cover the summer portion of your financial obligations under the license.  Financial aid may only be used to cover the fall and spring academic semester portion of your license installments.

    Are mixed gender apartments allowed?

    Yes. A limited number of apartments are designated as gender inclusive each term, based on demand for this arrangement.  All other apartments are designated male or female.  Those students who wish to live in a gender inclusive apartment arrangement should indicate this preference on their housing application.

    Due to system limitations, students seeking for form Gender Inclusive Groups have to wait until the profile searching function is disabled for students to request roommates of different sexes, gender identities, or gender expressions.

    Will I have to share a bedroom?

    No, all Walker Avenue bedrooms are private. You can choose from a two, three or four bedroom-style apartment. Within every apartment there is at least one bathroom for every two bedrooms.  At most, you will share a bathroom with one other roommate.

    What if I cannot access the Housing Selection page or am having technical difficulties?
    Contact Residential Life at reslife@umbc.edu or 410-455-2591.  If emailing them, be sure to include your name, student ID #, a clear description of the problem, and screenshots if possible.
    Can I live in Walker Avenue just during the summer while enrolled in summer classes?

    Walker Avenue Apartments does not offer summer-only licenses.  Students interested in living at Walker Avenue Apartments over the summer must complete the Housing Selection process and select an annual license (June – May).

    Can I apply for housing if my group does not fill the apartment?
    Yes.  If the size of your group does not fill your apartment, Walker Avenue Apartments staff will assign other students to the open bedrooms.  However, groups of 3 are restricted in the UMBC Housing Selection process.  Any 3-person groups interested in living together in Walker should contact the Walker Management Office to request assistance with the Housing Selection Assignment process at 443-612-7541, or by e-mailing info@walkeravenueapts.com.