Collegetown

Prices vary based on demand and availability. Visit each apartment’s web page for up-to-date pricing and any specific unit type.

Use the search filters to narrow your search based on your desired budget, amenities, apartment style, and availability.

Special Note: All prices are subject to change at any time, without notice. Once you sign a lease for an apartment, that price will be your final rate for that lease term. There are no price adjustments once a lease has been signed.

1. Read the Sample Lease

• Available online: SAMPLE LEASE.

• Your parents must also read it.

• If your parents can’t access the internet, let us know.

2. Confirm Plans with Parents

• Parents are required to guarantee your lease.

3. Ask Questions

• About the lease, dates, apartments, etc.

4. Choose an Apartment

• Attend a Rental Office tour, visit a friend’s unit, or watch our tour videos.

5. Pay One Month’s Rent (per person) to Secure

• At least one group member must be present to submit the full amount.

• Payment options: cash, check, or Tenant Portal (ACH or credit card).

  • $2.95 transaction fee for portal payments.

  • Additional 3% fee for credit/debit cards (Visa & MasterCard accepted).

• One person may cover payment for others, as long as the total for one month’s rent is paid at signing.

6. Commit to the Apartment

• Sign the Commitment to Sign Lease form.

• Confirms you’ve shared apartment info & the Sample Lease with your parents.

• Lease signing will occur within 7 days of this step.

7. Sign Your Lease

• Sent via email within about a week of securing the apartment.

• Failure to sign risks losing the apartment and forfeiting Payment A.

Collegetown Video Tours & In-Person Visits

Ithaca Renting offers over 150 video tours of apartments on our YouTube channel — with playlists organized by building and apartment size. Most apartments have a corresponding video, and students often say, “It looks just like the video!”

Why Video Tours First?
Videos let you explore layouts, buildings, and parking areas at your own pace without disturbing current residents. They’re accurate, detailed, and the best way to narrow your search before booking a visit.

In-Person Tour Guidelines

• Tours meet at the Rental Office: 119 Dryden Road — do not meet at the building.

• Sign in with your name, Cornell netID, and phone number.

• Tours are short and photos/food/drinks are not allowed to respect residents’ privacy.

• Available apartments rotate weekly; you may see a model unit instead of the exact apartment.

Tenant Privacy Matters
All apartments are currently occupied by students, so in-person tours are limited and scheduled with notice. This avoids repeated disruptions and ensures a respectful, stress-free environment for current residents.

Final Viewing for Renters
If you’ve rented an apartment, you can arrange to see it during the leasing process—just check with the office when submitting your lease documents.

If you would like to request a tour in our Collegetown location, please submit the form below. 

Please read through our Maintenance informational guide here.

IRIS – Ithaca Renting Internet Service

High-speed, hard-wired Ethernet service for Ithaca Renting tenants. Simple setup, no modem needed, and local tech support.

How to Subscribe

• Bring a completed IRIS Service Contract and payment (cash or check only) to the Rental Office.

• Payment must be made in full before activation; service runs for the full lease term (including sublets).

• All payments for group apartments must be submitted together. No refunds or prorating.

Fees (per apartment):

• Studio/1BR – $350

• 2BR – $450

• 3BR – $525

• 4BR – $600

• 5BR – $625

• 6BR – $750

• 8BR – $800

• 10BR – $1,000

• 14BR – $1,400

• 210 Dryden Rd Rooms – $150

How to Connect

• Service is hard-wired—you need your own router and Ethernet cable.

• Plug the router into the active Ethernet wall port and power it on; connect devices via Wi-Fi using the router password or by hard-wiring directly.

• Only one Ethernet jack per room is active—test by connecting a computer directly to confirm.

Router Tips

• Buy from Amazon, Best Buy, Target, etc. (~$80–$100 recommended).

• Choose a Wi-Fi 6–compatible model for better speed.

• No modem or special software required.

• Your internet speed depends on router quality and number of devices.

Tours & Setup Support

• Free short trial may be available at lease start.

• If service is unpaid, it will be deactivated until payment is made.

• Loaner Ethernet cables are available at the office for troubleshooting.

Tech Support

• Contact Maintenance: 607-277-0179 or maintenance@ithacarenting.com.

• Support covers IRIS service only—not personal devices or third-party routers.

Terms & Conditions

• Use implies agreement to Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy.

• Tenants must provide their own equipment.

• Subscriber is responsible for security measures (firewalls, antivirus, etc.).

• Prohibited: copyright infringement or other illegal activities.

• Service speed may vary; Wi-Fi speeds are affected by interference and router quality.

• Service continues through sublets; no refunds for prepaid fees.

• Violation of terms may result in termination of service.

Before You Arrive

• Check your lease for exact start date.

• Lease Guarantee from parents must be signed and submitted; no keys will be issued if missing or if payments are outstanding.

• Renter’s Insurance is required. Arrange before arrival.

Key Pick-Up

• Office Hours (Summer): Mon–Fri 10 am–5 pm; Closed weekends & holidays (esp. July 4). Call to confirm hours.

• Bring photo ID (Cornell ID acceptable).

• First roommate to arrive can pick up keys for everyone—coordinate ahead.

• Who can pick up keys: Tenant, roommate on lease, official subtenant, or parent.

• Other options (Tenants only):

  • Authorize a friend (must arrange in advance).

  • Late arrival pickup (limited; arrange ahead).

  • Key shipment (prepaid label; use padded envelope/box only; not recommended).

Subtenants: If moving in after original tenant, arrange key transfer directly with them. If first in, you must pick up in person and complete inspection.

Moving In

• Arrival allowed any time after lease start—no early access or shipping/storage before.

• Street parking only during move-in (meters enforced weekdays until 6 pm). No lot parking unless rented year-round.

• Limited carts available—first come, first served.

Inspection & Maintenance

• You’ll receive a Move-In Inspection Form by email after key pickup—must complete within 5 days, with photos.

• Without the form/photos, you’re liable for any existing damage.

• Include maintenance requests in the form; emergencies—call Maintenance directly.

Apartment Details

• All units furnished—furniture removal not allowed.

• Bedroom: full-size bed + frame, dresser, desk/chair, bookshelf, blinds. Bring linens, mattress & box spring covers, and personal items.

• Kitchen: fridge, stove/oven, microwave; dishwashers in most 2BR+ units and select studios/1BRs. No small appliances or cleaning supplies provided.

• Mattress covers (zippered, full encasing) are required.

Utilities & Services

• Electricity: Already on—set up billing with NYSEG.

• Internet: IRIS service trial; can order through Rental Office.

• Cable/Phone: Contact Spectrum or Verizon; return equipment yourself when canceling.

• No satellite dishes allowed.

Packages

• Deliveries usually go to rental office—pickup same day.

• Packages must be addressed to a registered tenant (include apartment number).

• Do not ship items before lease start.

• Collegetown Center tenants: collect from lobby desk.

Key Summer Reminders

• Lease end: vacate by 10 am on end date; no early move-in before noon on start date.

• Sublets: confirm dates with subtenant—responsible for accurate info.

• Office closed Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day (and surrounding days), Labor Day.

• Please check the University Academic Calendar for dates of classes.

Before You Leave

• Remove all personal items—anything left is considered abandoned property and will be disposed of at your expense.

• If moving out early and can’t take belongings, hire a shipping/storage company to remove them.

• Schedule an optional Pre-Move-Out Inspection at least 3 weeks before move-out (must occur 1 week before vacancy) for cleaning/damage guidance.

• Damage deposit refunds are mailed 14 days after lease ends—return your Damage Deposit Return Form to avoid delays.

Keys

• Please read the instructions for how to return your keys.

• Do NOT leave keys in the apartment—return them in a labeled envelope to 119 Dryden Rd. (use mail slot if closed).

• Label envelope with name, apt #, room #, and subtenant info if applicable.

• Missing key fees: $100 lock change + $20/tag + $15/key.

• Never mail keys in a regular envelope—use padded envelope or box.

Trash & Donations

• No trash or items left in apartment—$30 charge per bag/item.

• Donate unopened food & usable items to office donation bins (food → local pantries; goods → Finger Lakes ReUse/Salvation Army).

• Opened food/toiletries must be thrown away.

Mail & Utilities

• Forward mail via USPS—our office will not do it for you.

• Spectrum equipment must be returned directly to Spectrum to avoid large fees.

• Electricity:

  • Must remain on until lease ends unless apartment fully vacated & office approves early shut-off.

  • Arrange shut-off at www.nyseg.com (select “Outside Meter”).

  • Renewal/summer tenants must keep electricity on.

Cleaning Checklist

General:

• Dust furniture, windowsills, blinds.

• Vacuum carpets, sofa, chairs.

• Wipe walls/doorknobs, remove wall hangings (small push-pin holes OK, no spackle).

Bathrooms:

• Scrub tub, sink, toilet, shower door.

• Clean mirrors, mop floor.

Kitchen:

• Clean inside/outside of cabinets, counters, drawers.

• Clean/stay plugged in refrigerator; empty ice trays.

• Scrub stove/oven, microwave, sink; mop floor.

Final Steps:

• Remove trash/recycling (tag & dispose properly).

• Lock doors.

• Return labeled keys to office (mail slot if closed).

• Once keys are returned, you cannot re-enter—anything left inside is forfeited.

Summer Reminders for Renewal Tenants

• Sublets: Must be registered/approved; $10 fee; Cornell students only; 1 per term; no Airbnbs or short-term (<1 month) sublets. Sublet request forms must be filled out completely and returned in at the Renting Office if you sublet or let anyone use your apartment over the summer—even if no money is exchanged.

• Electricity: Keep on; only fridge should remain powered when away.

• Mail: Forward to avoid returns.

• Apartment care: Lock doors/windows, close blinds, shut off lights/appliances (except fridge).

• Trash: Remove promptly to avoid pests in summer heat.

Contact our office by filling out the form below:

PARKING PRICES for 2025-26

Parking rates subject to change without prior notice at any time. 

Parking Sample Lease

Parking is available to rent as a separate contract. Some sparking lots or spaces are reserved for apartment tenants to choose first, however we do have parking available in our Collegetown lots for not-tenants as well. Please read on for more parking information!

You can see the parking maps for our 3 main parking lots linked below, and there are also video tours of the parking lots (link below).

Parking Lot Video Tours.

• PARKING RENTALS: Apartment residents will have priority to rent parking spaces before non-tenants at all times. This may include limiting the number of non-residents who may rent a space in any lot.
• PRICES are posted above. These are the current rates. Parking rates are subject to change at any time. Once you rent and pay for a space, you lock in that rate.
• PAYMENT is due in full at the time of signing. Payment may be made by check, cash, or on the Tenant Portal by ACH transfer, or by credit card with a 3% credit card fee.
• LEASE DATES: Typically August 15-August 14. An extremely limited number of other date options are available. If you need a different date, we recommend renting immediately.
• LEASE TERM: All parking leases are for one full year. We do not offer monthly or single-semester parking rentals.
• ALL SPACES ARE ASSIGNED, meaning that you choose a parking space and have a parking lease for that particular space. You do not have rights to park in any other space at any time for any reason.
• MAIN PARKING LOT LOCATIONS: We have parking lots on the 100 block of Dryden Road behind Collegetown Plaza and Collegetown Center, the 300 block of College Avenue, and the 700 block of Buffalo Street that will hold over 100 vehicles.
• SECONDARY LOCATIONS: There are 2 small lots that hold 4 vehicles each, located at 214 Dryden road and 213 Williams Street. These are reserved for tenants of specific buildings only.
• COVERED, PREMIUM, REGULAR and VALUE parking rates: Most spaces in the lots are Regular price spaces. Covered spaces are under cover, but are open on the sides, not in an enclosed garage. Premium spaces are considered the best spaces in the lots. These will be the most preferred spaces in any of the parking lots. Value spaces will have various challenges, such as being next to a retaining wall or post, or be more known for freeloading. You may not rent a Value Space without testing it first. There are no exceptions to this whatsoever. We want you to have a space that works for you, and you can’t rent a space next to a wall unless we know that works for you.
• COVERED PARKING SPACES: There are 6 covered spaces at Plaza and 7 at Center. There are several partially covered spaces at the Upper Dryden Lot. Because of the very limited availability for covered spaces, this may be limited to residents of specific buildings.
• PREMIUM PARKING SPACES: Lots 1, 3, 4, 5 (Buffalo, Dryden Lower, Dryden Upper and College Ave) all have a selection of Premium Spaces available. These spaces have a more favorable location within the parking lot, for example closer to the building entrances or partially covered.
• VALUE PARKING SPACES: Lots 3, 4, 5 (Dryden Lower, Dryden Upper and College Ave) may have a limited number of Value Spaces that are available at a discounted rate. These spaces are the spaces that are harder to pull in to for various reasons, and these spaces must be rented in person, no exceptions.
• PARKING SPACE NUMBERS ALL Parking lots were re-numbered in 2024-25! The spaces will be the same, but have new numbers to prevent any overlapping parking space numbering among the different lots. If the video tours have the previous parking space numbers, we can help match your preferred spaces in the current videos to the new numbering system!
• LOTS: All parking is in open lots with numbered spaces. Garage parking is not available.
• YOU MUST SEE THE SPACE BEFORE YOU RENT IT. Please visit the lots in person to choose your space. The easiest way to do this is to come to the rental office — we will show you a map with the available spaces and you can visit the lots. There is no option to switch spaces later, so be sure the space works for your driving abilities and preferences!
• VEHICLE INFORMATION needed on parking lease: You must provide your vehicle make, model, license plate number, and license plate state, as well as your local address, email, and cell phone number. If your vehicle information changes during the year, let us know so we can update our records.
• VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: Maximum vehicle length is 16 feet. One vehicle is permitted in the parking space.
• PARKING PERMITS (a hang tag with the space number and expiration date) are required to be displayed in your vehicle, hung from your rear view mirror. These are available at the rental office when your lease starts. Replacement tags are available for a $10 fee if you lose yours or need an extra hang tag.
• PARKING SPACE ETIQUETTE: Park in the center of your space. Do not crowd your neighbors. Pull all the way in to your parking space. Backing in to your space is recommended.
• SNOW REMOVAL: Snow removal is provided in the driveways (access lanes) only. You are responsible for brushing off your cars and shoveling out your own personal parking space as needed. Make sure you have a snow brush. Remember that New York State laws require you to clear the snow from your entire vehicle, not just the windshields.
• FREELOADING/ ILLEGAL PARKING: Unfortunately, theft of parking spaces, especially by delivery drivers, does happen in the Collegetown neighborhood. The parking lots are clearly marked as permit parking only, but that does not deter everyone. If someone is in your space, it is your responsibility to have them ticketed and towed out of your space. You may not park in another space. If you park in another space, that tenant may then have you towed. If you do find someone in your space, first check to see if the car has a parking permit for another space as a courtesy. If the office is open, you can check with us also — we may be able to assist. You can call the police non-emergency number for a ticket, and a tow company to remove the vehicle. The ticket and tow will be at the expense of the person parked illegally in your space. This information will be printed on the back of your parking permit.
• PARKING SUBLETS: Parking sublets are permitted. You must submit a sublet form and transfer the permit. PARKING SUBLET FORM
• RESPONSIBILITIES: Tenant is responsible for ticketing & towing unauthorized cars and snow removal from your own space. Landlord plows driveway areas only, not individual spaces.

• Parking Sample Lease
• Parking Lot 1 map (Buffalo St)
• Parking Lots 3 & 4 map (Dryden Rd)
• Parking Lots 4 & 5 map (Dryden Rd & College Ave)

For information about public parking garages and municipal parking rules, please visit the City of Ithaca website.

You may make payments online through our Tenant Portal, or by cash, check, money order, or wire transfer.  Please contact the Rental Office for wire transfer information.   For quarterly rent payments, you may set up your checking account to make an Online Payment. 

We now accept payment through ACH and Credit Card. (Visa and Mastercard) This is accessed through the Tenant Portal.  ACH is assessed a $2.95 transaction fee.  Credit  and Debit Card payments are assessed a $2.95 transaction fee, and convenience fee equal to 2.7% of the payment.  These fees are charged by the service provider and not by Ithaca Renting. Please note that American Express and Discover are not accepted by the Portal.

Leases are for one year, beginning in June, July, or August.  Each apartment has a pre-set starting and ending date that cannot be changed.

Students planning to pay for their apartments with any sort of financial aid disbursements should carefully evaluate their financial aid package and amounts to see if off-campus living is even feasible. Please visit Cornell’s financial aid website for more information about living off-campus.

We do not offer alternate payment plans, monthly payment plans, and Cornell does not pay us directly for the apartments. Of greatest importance for students with financial aid is making sure the apartment chosen fits in your budget, making sure you never choose an apartment that starts in June, as the payment dates are earlier and do not match up with your potential financial aid disbursement, and making sure that there is a source of money available during the summer months for the first quarterly payment which will be due.

Click on the Forms tab on this page to view our Lease Documents, including our Sample Lease and our Lease Addenda.

Heat and hot water are included in the rent for all of our properties. The Collegetown Center, Collegetown Plaza and Collegetown Court buildings also include trash removal. Tenants are responsible for their own electricity payments.

Pets are not allowed in any Collegetown property. Please read our Service Animal Policy for service animal requirements.

All of the Collegetown apartments are furnished.

Eligibility & Approval

• All sublets must be approved by the Renting Office before starting.

• Subtenants must be Cornell students (summer sublets can also be grad students from other universities).

• Not allowed: Ithaca College students, high school students, non-students, or anyone deemed risky by the landlord.

• Only the tenant named on the lease may sublet; subtenants cannot re-sublet.

• You may only sublet one term at a time (e.g., one summer sublet).

Prohibited Sublets

• No graduation weekend, winter break, short-term (under 1 month), or AirBNB rentals.

• No multiple summer sublets.

Basic Process

1. Fill out the Sublease Agreement Form (paper or online).

2. Include: price, dates, payment terms, damage deposit, all roommate approvals, subtenant info, and parent/guardian signature for subtenant.

3. Subtenant must provide photo ID and complete an information form.

4. Pay the $10 sublet fee (in person or via Tenant Portal).

5. Sublet is approved only if all lease obligations are up to date (no late rent, missing forms, etc.).

Tenant Responsibilities

• Find your own subtenant (no listings provided by landlord).

• Collect your own damage deposit from subtenant.

• Set sublet price and terms yourself.

• Arrange key handoff (no after-hours pickups).

• Ensure subtenant follows all lease rules (no pets, no smoking, max occupancy limits).

• Keep electricity on (at least fridge running) even if you’re away.

Tips for Finding a Subtenant

• Post widely: Cornlet, Cornell Off-Campus Living or their Off-Campus Housing Office, Facebook housing groups, Craigslist (with caution).

• Verify subtenant is a Cornell student via Cornell Directory (netID).

• Avoid vague pricing (“make me an offer” → lowball offers).

• Include clear start/end dates, price, photos, and details.

• Keep listing active until sublet is approved.

• If a prospect makes you uncomfortable, you can decline.

Occupancy Limits

• Studio/1-bedroom: max 1 person.

• 2-bedroom: max 2 people (any combination of tenants/subtenants).

Other Reminders

• Tell the Renting Office your summer plans so they can contact you if needed.

• Take out trash/recycling promptly in summer to avoid pests.

• Lock doors/windows, lower blinds, and close windows before leaving.

Here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

1. You need your own router to connect to the Ethernet port in your wall. We recommend a better quality router that is compatible with the newest standard WiFi 6. You do not need a modem.
2. Make sure you plug the Ethernet cable into the correct jack. There may be more than one jack in a room. Some are for cable TV and some are old telephone jacks. The cable should click into place and fit smoothly. In Collegetown Center, there is typically a small sticker with a number next to the Ethernet port.
3. To test the service, connect an Ethernet cable directly from the jack to your computer. If your computer connects via this direct link, the problem is with your own personal router, no the internet service. The internet provided is a fast, reliable, hard-wired service. Any problems with service are typically related to router issues.
4. If you have tried all of these steps and still don’t have internet service, please contact the Rental Office.

Renter’s Insurance is required by the terms of your lease. The building insurance does not cover any personal items belonging to any tenants. If there were water damage, smoke/fire damage, theft, or if a guest injured himself in your apartment,  renter’s insurance would help to cover any damages.

There are numerous ways to secure renter’s insurance. If your parents own a home in the United States, first see if you can be added on to their homeowner’s insurance policy. While you may have been covered under your parent’s homeowner’s insurance while you were living in a dorm, once you move to any off-campus apartment that coverage typically ends.
If you own a car, contact your auto insurance company to see if they offer renter’s insurance and if there is a discount for having both auto and renter’s insurance with them.
You can search for ‘renter’s insurance Ithaca NY’ to see a list of local insurance agencies or even just ‘renter’s insurance’ for a broad range of companies.

When you are ready to get a quote for your renter’s insurance, you will need to know some basic information about your apartment including your address, approximate age of your building, size of your apartment, number of bathrooms. Your insurance company may have some more specific questions, so please contact the office with a list of questions if you need assistance. You will also need to estimate the value of your possessions. This is probably much higher than you think! There are several charts of personal property calculators that you can use to help determine your own estimate.

Here are two articles for further reference:

• The Basics of Renter’s Insurance
•  Renters Insurance FAQ

Yes.  We have compiled the following list of commonly-requested local destinations, so you can type the specific address into your mobile device and get directions.