Information for Parents
As a parent, we invite you to tour our UM off-Campus student apartment community to learn precisely why The Courtyards can provide your student with the best home away from home!
Why The Courtyards
At The Courtyards, our friendly off-campus student apartment team delivers the extra degree of customer service to create a community living experience unlike any other!
Top 4 Reasons to Live at The Courtyards
Our Location! The University of Michigan campus, along with a diverse selection of nightlife and restaurants, is just minutes away, so there’s always somewhere you’ll want to go! Take your bike, walk, or catch the bus—the choice is yours.
Voted #1 Student Housing Company – Residents have voted us the #1 Student Housing Company in the Nation for the FIFTH consecutive year.
Our Amenities: You’ll enjoy a fully furnished home away from home decked-out with luxury features such as granite countertops, wood kitchen cabinets, private locks on bedroom doors, and the latest hi-tech electronic access control systems.
Management Team The Courtyards is managed by The Dinerstein Companies, a property management firm modeled around the 212° of Service. Visit our company page to learn more!
Parent Resources
Finding an off-campus UM apartment for your student can be stressful—and we’re here to help! While our team is always available to answer questions, sometimes it helps to have the information right in front of you. The sample documents below are resources to help parents and students better understand the leasing process by reviewing the documents before signing your lease. We’ve also included a quick FAQ outlining off-campus housing offerings and individual lease agreements.
Who is the management/owner of the community and their history?
Our residents are the cornerstone of The Dinerstein Companies and have faithfully guided our business since its founding in 1955. In 1997, we recognized the need for high-quality student housing. The Dinerstein Companies responded by forming Sterling Housing. Today, Sterling Housing is the country's largest off-campus student housing developer. Our eco-friendly student properties are catered specifically to the college experience so students can have the perfect home away from home.
What is the company’s Mission Statement?
To do right – by our residents, our employees, our lenders, and our partners.
What is a guarantor?
GUARANTORS:
The term “Guarantor” in this criterion means the person who will guarantee the obligations under the terms of the lease for the resident, including, but not limited to, financial responsibilities.
CONDITIONS:
All guarantors must meet the following criteria:
Rent/Earnings Ratio
Guarantors must:
Make four times the monthly rent to be approved
Assets in bank accounts can be divided by 12 and counted towards the monthly income requirement
Provide proof of income/funds by paycheck stubs or bank statements
Non‐Criminal Financial Screening
Guarantors will be screened using a third-party screening company to evaluate the Guarantor’s credit, check-writing history, and rental history. Recommendations from the third-party company will be returned as one of the following:
Full Pass – Standard deposits apply (if applicable)
Pass with Conditions – An additional deposit is required (Applicants who receive a conditional score due to credit or income factors will be required to provide an additional deposit equal to 1 ½ month’s rent. The deposit must be paid in the form of certified funds within 72 hours of the application)
Deny – Does not meet screening standards; the application is rejected. Applications that yield a Pass with C
What are installments?
One of the portions, usually equal, into which a debt is divided for payment at specified intervals over a fixed period. Rental payments are accepted in installments specific to the chosen bed space and executed Lease Contract.
Are there online payment service fees?
We feel choices are essential when it comes to convenience. Therefore, we offer several payment options to suit your needs.
ACH Transactions – $1.95 per transaction
Credit Card fees vary per provider. Visit your resident portal for more details!
Rent must be paid by the 3rd of every month to avoid late fees. Advance payments are accepted.
Is The Courtyards a gated community?
The Courtyards offers controlled access to the parking garage and community areas. Resident(s) receive specific information related to access to and around the community, which may be changed at any time with notice. These devices are provided as a deterrent to unauthorized access only and do not guarantee safety or security.
Is there on-site management/maintenance?
Yes, on-site management will be present during the following business hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Maintenance is on call during office hours and available after office hours for maintenance emergencies only.
For all other emergencies, please contact 911 and then the management team.
Do I have to leave during school breaks?
Unlike the dorms, we do not require residents to vacate their apartments during school breaks. Your 2025-2026 lease year residency is August 21, 2025, through July 31, 2026.
What are individual leases?
Each bed in an apartment is its lease agreement; therefore, if roommates are delinquent, cause damage to their bedroom, or cancel their lease contract, you will not be affected.
What do the fully furnished apartments include?
We’re excited about our furniture package. Our designer furnishing options include controlled access, an in-unit washer and dryer, a modern furniture package with a couch, sofa chair, coffee table, end table, bar stools, full-size bed frame and memory foam mattress (in select units), desk, two-drawer filing cabinet, and desk chair.
What are the parking options?
Outdoor and garage parking are available.