Frequently Asked (& Answered) Questions

Q: How much does it cost to live in these houses?
A: Rent varies from year to year, and depends largely on the total number of people in the Community that particular year.  Generally, rent is about the same for each resident in a given year.  If you share a room with someone (a double), your rent will be half that of someone in a room by them self (a single).  Doubles are generally done only at the Moosetrap, and then only when the total number of residents is eleven or greater.

Q: Which utilities are included in the rent?
A: The arrangement varies from house to house.  See the application for further details.

Q: What's the parking situation, and how much does it cost?
A: Parking is available for everyone, and it's free!  Cottage residents park in the Wesley Foundation parking lot.  Moosetrap residents are assigned spaces at Wesley Memorial Church.  The Dwelling has a driveway which can hold two cars; additional cars are assigned spaces at Wesley Memorial Church.  (If you prefer to park on Thomson Road, The City of Charlottesville sells yearly parking permits for about $10.)

Q: Who actually owns these houses?  Who maintains them?
A: The Wesley Foundation owns and maintains The Cottage.  Except for mowing grass and raking leaves, all maintenance issues are handled by the Foundation.  Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church owns The Moosetrap and The Dwelling.  Similarly, except for mowing and raking, all maintenance items are handled by Wesley Memorial.  (In fact, all of the rent income is spent on maintenance!)

Q: I (or my parents) would like to see the official paperwork... is there a lease or something I can see?
A: Yes, there are leases, just like any rental house or apartment would require.  You're welcome to take a look at them... please contact Alex Joyner, the Director of the Wesley Foundation, 977-6500, or email him:  wesley@cstone.net.

Q: What is the length of the lease?
A: The leases are a full year in length, and begin on June 1 of each year.

Q: I won't be here over the summer.  Can I rent my room out to somebody else?
A: Sure, subleases are frequently done.  No applications are required for subleases.  It's usually not hard to find someone to rent your room... just ask around the Foundation (and the University) in the spring; someone usually has a friend who's looking for a place to stay.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Certain pets may be allowed at The Cottage, subject to the approval of all housemates and the Director of the Wesley Foundation.  Pets are not allowed at The Moosetrap or The Dwelling.  See the application for more details.

Q: How are people assigned houses?  Rooms?
A: New community members are assigned to their houses in the spring.  These assignments are made based on 1) the total number of residents in the Community, 2) the number of men vs. the number of women, and 3) how these numbers compare to the number of bedrooms in each house.  Another possible factor are applicant requests for single or double (shared) rooms.  Once residents are assigned to houses, it is up to them to decide who gets which bedroom.

Q: I want a room to myself (a single)!  Will I get it?
A: Probably!  Be sure to note it on your application.

Q: Are the houses furnished?  What furniture comes with each house?
A: There are a few furniture items that stay with each house, but they are basically not furnished.

Q: I'd like to take a closer look.  Could I visit your house(s) or get a free tour?
A: You're in luck, we have an open-door policy!  Contact us anytime!