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Questions & Answers

Below are some of the frequently asked questions by new and existing residents. Please contact us for more information, to schedule a showing, or if you have other questions about life at The Helix.

  • 1. How do I apply?

    You may apply in person during office hours Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, or you may download a rental application online and get started right now.

  • 2. Are these units furnished?

    Better than ordinary dorm rooms, these are unfurnished apartment units, complete with a bathroom and kitchenette. The kitchen includes a modern, energy efficient refrigerator and a stove with oven.

  • 3. Who will be living in the Helix?

    At least one person in each unit must be a student at Western University. So, in some units there could be a Western University student living with either a spouse, partner, or roommate who is not a student. At all times an atmosphere that lends itself to study will be encouraged.

  • 4. What does rent include?

    All utilities are paid by the resident. Electricity (Southern California Edison) and phone (Verizon) are ordered and paid directly by the resident. There is no last-month's rent due at the beginning or your tenancy.

  • 5. Can I have guests stay with me?

    Yes. There will be standard lease agreement language that guests cannot stay for longer than two weeks at a time. After two weeks they may have to be added to the lease agreement as a resident.

  • 6. Is The Helix owned by Western University?

    The Helix is an independently owned and operated complex originally owned by a private company that worked closely with Western University on the planning of the facility in order to best meet the needs of students.

  • 7. What is the immediate neighborhood like?

    The Helix is located on campus in downtown Pomona. It is just four short blocks away from the Pomona Arts Colony, a neighborhood full of shops, restaurants and art galleries, and two blocks from Antique Row. There is a major supermarket, along with several neighborhood markets and grocers, within easy walking distance.

  • 8. What are my move-in costs going to be?

    You will be required to pay one month's rent before move in, as well as a security deposit of $300 to $500 OAC (on approved credit). There is no last-month's rent due. All prior-to-move-in monies have to be in the form of a cashier's check or money order. Personal checks are accepted after move in.

  • 9. Are pets allowed?

    Yes. The building is pet-friendly but there is a pet policy with behavioral standards. The deposit fee is $500 for the first pet and $250 for the second; only two pets per apartment are allowed. There are breed restrictions on dogs.

  • 10. What if I need a roommate?

    Western University operates a roommate referral service that you can access with your BanWeb account. You can view the profiles of other students seeking roommates. You can find those students who want to live on-campus at the Helix, and you can find students who share your same interests or are in the same academic program. Also, feel free to inquire with Helix management to find out about any current roommate options in the building.

  • 11. What if I am an international student?

    If you are an international student and do not have all information required on the application (such as social security number), simply fill out as much information as you can on the application. Certain information may be waived, such as a driver's license number and social security number.

  • 12. What is the application approval process like?

    The application process is streamlined for Western University students! There is a $35 application fee per adult to run your credit. We will require proof of income to complete your file. The rental application will require you to fill out all pertinent background and financial information. The Holding Deposit is one month's rent, and applied to move-in. Move-in-monies required are one month's rent and security deposit ($300-$500 OAC). All prior-to-move-in monies have to be in the form of a cashier's check or money order. Personal checks are accepted after move in.

  • 13. How much will utilities cost?

    Residents pay for their own utilities. Your electricity bill all depends on your usage, especially of air conditioning and heating. Our electricity provider is Southern California Edison. You may not need to spend money on a land line - cell phone service is very good in downtown Pomona. WiFi access is free throughout the complex.

  • 14. Can I sub-lease my apartment?

    Sub-leasing may be allowed, subject to the approval of management and application of the sub-leasing resident.

  • 15. How is access for the disabled?

    The building is four stories tall and served by two separate elevators. All units are ADA-adaptable, and several units will be designated as ADA-accessible with accessible showers and cabinetry.

  • 16. How is security in the building?

    The location of The Helix shares the same record on personal safety as Western University's campus. The building will be locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and only those with an access card or those visitors who are buzzed in through an intercom can enter the building.

  • 17. What about laundry?

    There is a large, central laundry room on the third floor. Our washers and dryers are card activated so there's no need to save all your quarters. Money can be added to your cards at a terminal inside the laundry room. ($1 wash, $1 dry)

  • 18. What about study space?

    There is one large group study hall and four small study rooms. Each study room has internet access. Also the courtyards are designed to accommodate outdoor study. They include built-in tables and chairs, and outdoor electric plugs.

  • 19. Where do we park? Are there parking fees?

    About 100 parking spaces are located adjacent to the building on the south side, and you can enter the building directly from the south parking entrances. You will need a Western University parking pass to park in that lot, so paying the campus parking fee (averaging $15 per month) is still necessary. Visitors park for free on the street - however there is a 2 hour limit from 7am to 4pm.

  • 20. What about noise? Is it quiet here?

    The building meets current Title 24 standards. All windows are dual-paned and there are dual stud walls between units. All units have insulation and carpeting. There are strict community rules to maintain a quiet, peaceful environment that supports your academic work.

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