Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have an individual lease?

Individual leasing means that each person is only responsible for their portion of the unit lease or bed space. If your roommate ends up not coming back for the spring semester, you’re not responsible for their payment.

What is included in the rent?

The Stratum rent includes a list of amenities. Your rent includes: water, sewer, trash, cable with HBO, high-speed ethernet and WIFI access, fully furnished units, washer and dryer, 24-Hour access to the Fitness Room and Computer Lab, and a wonderful staff that is there to help you anytime you need them.

How do residents set up the electric in their name?

New residents with The Stratum at Indiana can contact Duke Energy to set up their electricity account once they have received their unit location. This is to be set up prior to moving in and will be the resident’s responsibility throughout the lease contract.

What is a Courtesy Officer?

The Stratum at Indiana provides an on-site courtesy officer. The courtesy officer is a Bloomington Police Officer that is here to assist The Stratum and its residents. If you have any questions or can concerns, you can contact the office at any time.

How do emergencies get answered at night when the office is closed?

When the office is closed, The Stratum at Indiana provides a 24-Hour Answering Service for any lock outs, noise complaints, or emergencies. The on-site Stratum Staff Members receive the phone call and answer the problems as they arrive.

Do you have a roommate matching system?

Yes, if you don’t have anybody in mind that you would like to live with let us match you up with somebody! There is a Roommate Matching Sheet that you can fill out to let us know more about what you’re looking for in a roommate. Then, we will spend weeks in the summer figuring out the best match for you based on that information.

When is my rent due?

Rent is due based on your lease agreement. First month’s rent is due August 1st. The twelve rent installments will be due at the beginning of each month until July 1st. There is a three day grace period and late Fees begin on the 4th of each month at $30 and accumulate $5 every day until your rent in received in The Stratum office.

How do I pay my rent?

There are several ways that you can pay your rent. You can:

• Pay with a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check.
• Pay with a credit card in person or over the phone (2.75% transaction fee).
• Pay with a credit card online through Rent Payment.
• Have your rent automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

Do you allow pets?

The Stratum is a pet friendly community. We allow dogs and cats up to 30 lbs and no aggressive breeds. There is a $200 Pet Fee upfront and an additional $25 in pet rent each month. We are surrounded by the Latimer Woods which provide great scenic walks for you and your animal.

Is there insurance coverage in the event of a fire, theft or natural causes? Does my lease provide coverage for my belongings?

The Stratum insurance will not cover your personal belongings. We suggest getting renter’s insurance for this reason. It is generally inexpensive and will cover your personal belongings if something were to happen.

What if I need to break my lease or don't return for the spring semester?

The Stratum lease is binding and cannot be broken. If you cannot live at The Stratum after signing your lease, you will need to sublease or relet your unit. Please call the leasing office for information on subleasing and reletting.

What is a relet?

If you cannot live at The Stratum after signing your lease, we can try relet your unit as soon as possible. The Stratum office will put your on their relet list and will begin searching for a new lease signer for your unit. If we are able to find a new lease signer, you will pay 85% of one month’s rent to close your legal contract early. All normal move-out procedures will be followed at the time of the relet and your contract will be closed. You are responsible for your legal contract until we can fill the unit.

What if I need Maintenance in my bedroom or apartment?

If you need maintenance, simply go to our website and fill out a maintenance request. You can also call or stop by the front desk. If it is an emergency, please notify the front desk immediately.

What furniture is provided?

The Stratum is fully furnished with a full-sized bed, two stackable drawers, a large desk, and a desk chair for each resident in their bedroom. If you have a living room area, there is a sofa, oversized chair, coffee table, end table, entertainment center, and two bar stools.

How do I receive mail and packages?

Your mail will be delivered to your apartment’s mailbox in the clubhouse of The Stratum. If you have a package that doesn’t fit in the mailbox, you will get a message in your mailbox that your package is at the front desk. You will need a photo ID to pick it up.

How close are you to campus?

We are less than three miles from Indiana University’s campus. There is a free Bloomington Bus shuttle that picks you up right outside the front and back entrance to The Stratum. The bus shuttles run every 10 minutes and take you around the campus to multiple locations. It takes only minutes to get to your class! We also have bike racks at The Stratum if you choose to bring your bike.

What type of parking is available at your community?

We offer one free parking pass per resident at The Stratum. There are more than enough parking spots for our residents, so you won’t have to worry about having to walk far to get to your car. The Stratum offers to separate locations for guest parking as well.

What do I need to bring to my new apartment?

We suggest that you bring:

• Bedding for a full-sized bed.
• Toiletries.
• Everything you’ll need for your classes.
• An alarm clock.
• Decorations to make your new room feel like home!

What is a Community Assistant?

A Community Assistant (C.A.) is a college student that is there to help you! They are listening ears if you are struggling with something, aids in roommate conflicts, and social activity planners. They live on-site, so they’re available 24 hours a day.

What kinds of events do you have at The Stratum at Indiana?

The Stratum has monthly resident events that range from pizza parties to karaoke nights. Each year we have a Welcome Home BBQ the week before the fall semester begins, a Fall Pumpkin Festival before Halloween, a Casino Night Midnight Madness at the end of the fall semester & again in the beginning of spring semester, and a summer pool party! Not only is there free food at events, but it’s also a great way to meet people!

How does your laundry system work?

The Stratum at Indiana provides a Washer and Dryer in every unit. You will never have to collect coins again! Residents can do their laundry in the comfort of their own home.

What is the surrounding community like when living at The Stratum at Indiana?

The Stratum at Indiana has a very diverse and friendly community. Everything is within walking distance of your apartment! Outside the entrances, The Stratum is located adjacent to the grocery store, College Mall, and a variety of great restaurants. The Latimer Woods surrounds The Stratum and enhances its beauty with hiking trails and wildlife.