BRIDGES HOUSING HANDBOOK

POLICIES - PROCEDURES - PROTOCOLS - GUIDANCE

Revised 11/19/2025

REVIEWING AND ELECTRONICALLY SIGNING THIS HANDBOOK IS MANDATORY

The ACEE BRIDGES Program will officially END on December 31, 2025.

This ACEE HOUSING HANDBOOK must be reviewed and signed by November 30, 2025.

The following are new terms and expectations for students who chose Option 3 – Remain in Housing While ACEE Pays the Rent.  You must read this entire handbook and then electronically sign to acknowledge that you agree with the terms stated in this document.  After reading these terms and policies, if you no longer want to choose Option 3, you may still choose:

  • Option 1 – Take over the lease and receive an adjusted reimbursement amount; or

  • Option 2 – Move out of the Marylander, receive an adjusted reimbursement, and pay the penalty fees. 

BASE RENT AND ADDITIONAL FEES - OPTION 3

  • ACEE will ONLY pay the base rent from funds the student has already paid to ACEE.

  • The student will be responsible for all other additional living expenses, including utilities. Additional costs that are billed by Marylander, along with the base rent, are:

    1. Water

    2. Sewer

    3. Trash Pick Up Fee

    4. Renters Insurance

    5. Service Fee

To pay these additional fees charged by The Marylander, ACEE will require each student to have a debit or credit card on file with ACEE.

Each month, ACEE will pay The Marylander the full amount and charge the student for the additional fees listed on the bill for that apartment. If a credit or debit card is denied, a $35 fee will be charged to the student in addition to the original cost.

Students will be required to activate the following services in their name:

  • BGE (Electric Utility) - You can activate this service by going to www.bge.com or by calling 1 (800) 685-0123

  • Xfinity (Wi-Fi Service) - Marylander offers Wi-Fi at no cost but requires each resident to activate an account to access Wi-Fi credentials, modem access, tech support, and to assume sole responsibility for Wi-Fi equipment. To activate this service, you must call 1 (877) 809-9881

    PLEASE NOTE - All current Wi-Fi modems will be required to be turned in to the ACEE office on December 13, 2025, between the hours of 11 am - 2 pm

ACEE CONTACT

The ACEE Contact will be available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Your primary ACEE contact will reach out to you in the coming weeks to provide their contact information.

  • You may only communicate with the ACEE Contact during these times for the following reasons:

    • The Marylander has contacted you about an issue that only ACEE can handle:

      • Issues related to contractual obligations

      • Accounting/fee-related concerns

  • The ACEE Contact will NOT be available before or after these hours, Monday through Friday.

  • The ACEE Contact will not be available on weekends, or national or state holidays.

  • ACEE will no longer provide Cultural Transition Services, airport transportation, emergency contact support, or any other services that were offered under the ACEE BRIDGES Program.

APARTMENT INFORMATION

The ACEE contact will call or email you to make an appointment to inspect your apartment during January and February of 2026 and periodically between then and July 2026, when the final inspection will be conducted.

Apartment furniture, microwave, and other appliances, kitchenware, dinnerware, utensils, linens, and all other items provided by ACEE will not be replaced if broken. Please handle it with care. At the end of your lease, you may keep, sell, give away, or throw away all apartment items.

HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM

To cool your apartment, there is an air conditioner in your window. The air conditioner also features a heating function, which is useful when you get cold. The building's radiator heating system is activated during the winter months. If it becomes too hot, there is a knob at the bottom of the radiator that allows you to turn the flow of heat on or off. Please do not place furniture or personal belongings near the radiator while it is in use. The heat can damage your items or even create a fire hazard. The heating feature on the AC can be problematic if you are not accustomed to using the device. When using the heating system for the first time, you may experience a funny smell. This is normal! The heating system is merely burning off the dust on the coils and is not harmful. If you suspect a problem, submit a maintenance request.

LIGHTING

If you have lighting issues, submit a maintenance request. ACEE will not replace light bulbs.

FIRE PREVENTION SYSTEM ON STOVE

For your safety, all ACEE apartments with gas stoves are equipped with a FireAvert system. This device is designed to automatically shut off the gas supply if it detects smoke for an extended period of time, helping to prevent kitchen fires caused by unattended cooking. In the event that your stove shuts off the gas, Click Here and follow the instructions to turn your stove back on.

Please Note:
The FireAvert does not replace your responsibility to cook safely. Never leave the stove unattended while in use, and always turn it off when you're done. If the FireAvert is triggered, notify housing staff immediately.

LOST/DAMAGED KEYS OR ACCESS FOBS

If you lose or damage your access fob or keys, you must get a replacement from the Marylander Leasing Office on Level 1 at the main entrance. There is a $25.00 replacement charge for each item. Payment is to be made directly to Marylander. ACEE will not provide you with additional keys or fobs. If you get locked out of your apartment, ACEE WILL NOT assist you by opening your door with our master key. You will not be given a replacement or loaner key. If, for any reason, you cannot get The Marylander to open your door, you will need to contact and pay a local locksmith to open the door for you.

CLEANLINESS

As a guest of ACEE, you are expected to keep our apartments and all areas of the building you visit clean and tidy. This is an essential part of you occupying an ACEE unit.

These are real photos of student rooms that violated the ACEE services contract. If your room is found in this condition and it is not corrected within 3 days, ACEE will terminate your contract and require you to vacate the housing building. Not only does this damage the room and furnishings, but it also attracts bugs and rodents.

INSPECTIONS AND END OF TERM MOVE-OUT

Your apartment was professionally inspected before your arrival, complete with photos. You are responsible for reviewing the apartment upon arrival and reporting any deficiencies within 48 hours after check-in to have the deficiencies addressed. ACEE will perform random inspections throughout the year to ensure that all procedures are followed.

To pass your final housing inspection before move-out:

  • There should be nothing left in the apartment but the provided houseware items, furniture, electronics, appliances, and security devices. You need to dispose of or remove all other items. This includes:

    • Personal items (clothes, shoes, household items, etc.)

    • Hygiene products in the bathroom

    • Trash

    • Food in the refrigerator and cabinets

  • The apartment remains in the same clean condition as when you moved in. This includes:

    • The carpet is vacuumed and does not have any stains

    • Kitchen counters, stove, sink, refrigerator, cabinets, and the floor are thoroughly cleaned

    • The bathroom sink, toilet, shower/bathtub, and floor are thoroughly cleaned

    • The AC and windows are cleaned and dust-free

  • The apartment and its contents are free from damage. This includes:

    • Walls, doors, tiles, and cabinets are free of holes, cracks, and dents

    • No stickers or decals on walls, doors, or furniture

    • Windows and window coverings are not broken

    • Furniture is not broken, stained, or missing

    • Electronics are not broken or missing

    • No unreported maintenance issues

    • All kitchenware items are present, clean, and undamaged

  • You MUST properly submit a Housing Check-Out Request by the provided deadlines and vacate the premises by the Move Out date.

Housing check-out is no later than the Move Out date listed in your contract. You are required to submit either a Checkout Request at least 15 days prior to the Move Out date.

BUILDING AMENITIES

The building offers several amenities for your enjoyment. These include:

  • Outdoor Green Courtyard featuring Seating, Grilling Stations, a Putting Green, and an Outdoor Fitness Center. Located on Level 1, right off the main lobby

  • Indoor Fitness Center. Located on Level B

  • Social Room with Pool Table, Ping Pong Table, Television, and more. Located on Level B

  • Wi-Fi Study room with printer. Located on Level B

  • Vending machines with snacks and drinks are located on Level B near the Fitness Center

  • Restrooms are located on Level B near the Fitness Center

LAUNDRY FACILITY

The Laundry Facility is located on Level B. A variety of washers and dryers are available for your use. You will need to download the app and load it with funds to operate the machines. If you need assistance with anything, please speak to someone in the Leasing Office located on Level 1, main entrance area.

MAIL AND PACKAGES

Packages or large parcels delivered during regular building operating hours will be placed in the Package Room located on Level B. To access the Package Room, you will need to obtain access by visiting the Leasing Office or the Lobby Concierge if it is outside of business hours. Locate the shelf labeled with your floor number; your package should be on this shelf. It may also be in the Amazon Lockers located in the front of the building. If your package is in the Amazon Locker, you will get a notification.

Suppose you have an early or late parcel delivery that is NOT during regular building operating hours. In that case, the delivery person may leave your package in the lobby for the concierge to collect. You are responsible for tracking your parcels. While cameras monitor these areas, it is not the responsibility of the building staff to ensure the safety of your packages. Please retrieve your packages as soon as possible to avoid any issues.

Regular mail (envelopes, magazines, postcards, etc.) will be placed in your mailbox in the Mail Room located on Level B, next to the Package Room. You were given a small key with your apartment keys and fob. This is your mailbox key. If you need your mailbox number, Click Here

FOOD AND/OR GROCERY DELIVERIES

Because the building has controlled access, which requires an access fob, food and grocery deliveries might be left in the lobby on Level 1. You must retrieve your items immediately from the delivery driver, or they will be subject to disposal. If your items are disposed of, they will not be replaced, and you will not be reimbursed for the loss. To avoid this, please instruct delivery drivers to contact you directly so you can retrieve your items personally.

EVENTS

The Marylander Staff often hosts resident gatherings, invites local Food Trucks to the property, and has holiday events/activities for the residents. Flyers will be posted in the elevators and lobby area, so please take a moment to read these notices.

COMPLAINTS

If you have a complaint about Marylander staff members, or any other concerns with Marylander, please send an email from your official JHU email address to ACEE at optionalservices@aceeglobal.com

QUIET HOURS

Please note that the building's quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. During this time, please refrain from making loud noises that disturb your neighbors. If any of your neighbors are causing a noise disturbance during this time, please notify the Lobby Concierge. If you receive multiple violations due to noise complaints, you will be subject to contract termination and eviction.

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

To ensure your apartment remains safe, clean, and fully functional, it’s essential to report any maintenance issues promptly as they arise.

Please report issues such as:

  • Leaking faucets, clogged drains, or running toilets

  • Broken appliances (e.g., refrigerator, microwave, stove)

  • Electrical problems (e.g., outlets not working, flickering lights)

  • Heating or cooling issues

  • Pest concerns

  • Wi-Fi issues

  • Broken locks, windows, or doors

  • Smoke detectors not working or battery alerts

  • Water damage or mold concerns

  • Any safety hazard, including exposed wires or unstable fixtures

Non-emergency maintenance requests submitted online will be reviewed and completed during normal business hours.  Please note that online maintenance requests are for routine maintenance only. Submit a maintenance request by going online and navigating to the maintenance request form by Clicking Here

WHAT IS CLASSIFIED AS A MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY?

Maintenance emergencies pose an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment. This includes:

  • Major active water leaks that can flood the apartment (e.g., broken pipes or water that will not turn off)

  • Plumbing/Sewage backups that overflow from sinks, toilets, or bathtubs.

  • Broken refrigerator – is not cold

  • Broken air conditioner in extreme heat (over 80 degrees outside)

  • Broken heating in extreme cold (below 50 degrees outside)

  • No power in the entire apartment when there is no scheduled outage

  • No hot water in the whole apartment when there isn't a planned outage

  • Broken window when you live on the 1st or 2nd floors

  • Broken entry door – you can't secure or lock the door

  • Clogged toilets that you are not able to successfully unclog through plunging

  • Active/consistent gas leaks. If you turn your stove/oven on and the pilot does not ignite, you will smell gas. This does NOT mean there is a gas leak. Ensure the unit is turned off, then submit a maintenance request. A device on the ceiling near the kitchen detects smoke and natural gas (picture below). This device will alarm if there is an active gas leak or too much smoke in your apartment. Never remove or cover this device. It is there for your health and safety.

WHAT IS NOT A MAINTENANCE EMERGENCY?

Maintenance issues can be very inconvenient. However, these inconveniences are not considered emergencies. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Dripping sink or tub faucets

  • Broken stove

  • Slow-draining sinks or tubs (you are expected to try and unclog these yourself. Make sure you have a plunger.)

  • Broken light bulbs. You are expected to change these yourself unless it is a ceiling light.

  • Broken interior doors or cabinets

  • Broken window coverings

  • Pest control services are provided every Thursday. As a preventative measure, Ms. Crowder will also have this service performed randomly, even if you do not submit a request.

AVOIDING PESTS/BUGS

Pests are attracted to food, water, and clutter. Your best chance of preventing pests is to keep the entire apartment, especially the kitchen, clean from all food debris, standing water, and open food containers. Remove trash promptly. Do not leave items such as boxes, clothes, and papers to clutter the apartment. Do not leave standing or unused water in the sinks, bathtub, or basins/buckets. If you have leaking water faucets or pipes in the bathroom or kitchen, or holes/cracks in walls, submit a maintenance request because the issue needs to be addressed immediately.

WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Once a month, the building maintenance team will shut the water off from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to perform necessary plumbing inspections, repairs, and general maintenance. The purpose of this is to ensure that all systems are adequately maintained and to reduce the frequency of water shut-offs for repairs. MAKE SURE YOU ARE PREPARED. Have bottled water on hand in case you need it and ensure that all water taps are in the “off” position. Calendars of the scheduled shut-off days are in the leasing office on the first floor

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL  

Call the Marylander property office at (410) 235-7829 and report the emergency to the agent answering the call.

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES

Call the Marylander property office at (410) 235-7829, then press 1. You will be asked to leave a message. This message will be delivered to the On-Call Maintenance Technician. In the message, please include your:

  • Address (3501 Saint Paul Street)

  • Apartment/room number

  • Phone number

  • A description of your emergency

  • Send an email to ACEE: optionalservices@aceeglobal.com to notify us that you submitted an emergency request.

HELPFUL REMINDERS

  • If you are experiencing pest or bug issues, Pest Control performs services on Thursday. Please make sure to submit your request at least 48 hours prior.

  • Water maintenance is scheduled to occur once a month. Make sure you have an updated water maintenance calendar, which can be obtained by visiting the Marylander leasing office. Water will be shut off from 9 AM to 4 PM while necessary repairs and maintenance are performed. Ensure you are properly prepared by having bottled water readily available for your use. If you do not have water by 6 PM, follow the maintenance emergency instructions. 

If you have submitted a work order and your problem has not been addressed within 48 hours (2 days), notify ACEE immediately: optionalservices@aceeglobal.com

SAFETY INFORMATION

SAFETY SPECIFIC TO THE HOUSING BUILDING

  • 24-hour surveillance cameras are in the most common areas of the building

  • Residents need special fobs to enter. Outsiders cannot freely access the building

  • Camera/doorbell on room entry door and security alarms/devices

  • Security guards patrol the building at night and early morning

  • Concierge/Security Guard in Lobby during non-business hours

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, CALL 911

NEIGHBORHOOD & CAMPUS SAFETY

RAVE Emergency Alert Text Message System

The RAVE Emergency Text Message System immediately broadcasts emergency information to subscribers. The system is available only to Johns Hopkins students, faculty, and staff. If a significant incident presents an imminent danger, a short text message will be sent to the cell phone of each subscriber. Visit https://my.jh.edu and select myProfile to ensure that your cellphone number is correct and your notifications are enabled.

Homewood Campus Safety Mailing List

Campus Safety & Security utilizes security alerts to promptly notify the campus community of specific crimes and help prevent similar incidents.

Subscribe to Homewood Campus Security Alerts, which are open to the public, by emailing sympa@lists.johnshopkins.edu and typing "subscribe campussafety" in the subject line. You will be automatically subscribed when the email is received. No additional text is necessary for the body of the email. Simply click the link and hit send.

Public Safety Advisories

If a situation or form of criminal activity becomes an ongoing risk to our community, Campus Safety and Security will issue a Public Safety Advisory containing detailed information and prevention suggestions.

Emergency Siren/Public Address System

A series of siren/public address devices is located on the roofs of Garland Hall, Whitehead Hall, and the O'Connor Recreation Center. In the event of an imminent threat, these sirens will be activated for 60 seconds, followed by broadcast alerts providing vital information.

Two siren tones are used on campus. A high-low siren is used only for emergencies and testing. A second tone, an air horn, designates the all-clear after an event or test. The systems are tested three times per year. Tests will be announced well in advance through the Newsletter, Hub website, Today's Announcements, and local community organizations.

Information will also be available on the University's website. Current students, faculty, and staff will also receive email notifications with emergency communications.

Blue Lights     

Emergency blue lights are installed around campus to provide an immediate police response in the event of an emergency or if you feel concerned about your safety.

CCTVs & Communication Center    

This state-of-the-art safety tool provides greater visibility and virtual policing capabilities throughout the campus.

Emergency Alert Response

If you hear the siren or get a text alert at any time, stop what you are doing immediately and follow the instructions given. Be alert for follow-up information from the siren and RAVE text alert systems and wait until the all-clear signal is given.

Review JHU's Emergency Response Guides for more information about what to do in emergency settings. These guides provide information regarding active shooters, bomb threats, severe weather, and suspicious letters and packages.

Johns Hopkins University's Campus Safety and Security offers a range of services to students. We urge you to utilize the resources available to you and remember the safety tips provided by Campus Security.

LiveSafe App

Make sure you are connected to JHU security by downloading this app

Escort Program

This free service picks up and drops off students from locations on campus within a 1-mile radius of the Homewood campus.

Home Inspection Services

JHU offers free home security inspections of non-commercial, off-campus housing to ensure your home meets city ordinances and standards for preventing theft, fire, or other hazards.

Anonymous Tips

This form has been established to allow you to furnish anonymous information about criminal or suspicious activity.

Crime Prevention Tips

While Campus Safety & Security works 24/7 to foster a safe environment for the JHU community, you play an equally important role. Most crimes can be prevented – learn how you can protect yourself and others.

Other JHU Services

Being proactive about safety, security, and crime prevention strengthens the JHU community. You can start by familiarizing yourself with all the critical services provided by JHU

Review the campus security website at: https://publicsafety.jhu.edu

JHU 24-Hour Security Communications Center
(Emergency Only)
410-516-7777 or 911

Non-emergency    
410-516-4600
Safety.and.Security@jhu.edu

HOUSING RULES AND REGULATIONS

General Conduct

  • Respectful Behavior: Students must maintain respectful conduct toward roommates, neighbors, and property staff.

  • Noise Control: Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM to ensure a conducive environment for studying and rest.

Apartment Care

  • Cleanliness: Students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the apartments. Regular inspections may be conducted to ensure hygiene standards are met.

  • Damage: Any damage to the apartment must be reported immediately. Students are financially responsible for repairs resulting from misuse or negligence.

  • Furniture: Personal furniture may be added with approval, provided it does not cause damage to the unit.

Safety and Security

  • Security: Students should ensure that doors and windows are locked when leaving the apartment. Sharing keys or access codes with unauthorized individuals is prohibited.

  • Fire Safety: Tampering with fire alarms, extinguishers, or other safety equipment is strictly prohibited. Candles, open flames, and space heaters are not allowed in the apartments.

  • No Smoking: A strict no-smoking policy applies to all indoor common areas and within the apartments. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and any other smoking-related products. If you are found to violate this policy, cleaners will be scheduled to come in immediately to clean all surfaces, including the walls and the carpet. You will then be charged a $500.00 cleaning fee each time you are found in violation. Multiple violations will result in termination of the contract.

Use of Facilities

  • Utilities: Utilities provided by ACEE should be used responsibly. Misuse or waste of utilities may result in additional charges.

  • Common Areas: If applicable, students should maintain cleanliness in common areas and follow the specific rules regarding the use of shared spaces.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

  • Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is permitted only for students who are of legal drinking age and must be done per local laws.

  • Drugs: The possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited and may result in eviction and disciplinary action.

Service Agreement

  • Agreement Terms: Students must adhere to the terms outlined in their service agreement, including compliance with move-in and move-out dates and all housing rules.

  • Subletting: Subletting the apartment is not permitted under any circumstances.

Disciplinary Actions

  • Violations: Depending on the severity of the offense, violations of housing rules may result in warnings, fines, or termination of the contract and eviction.

Internet and Technology Use

  • Internet Use: Students are expected to use the internet service provided by Marylander responsibly. Illegal downloading, excessive bandwidth use, and any activities that violate local laws or Marylander policies are prohibited.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Energy Conservation: Students are encouraged to conserve energy by turning off lights, electronics, and heating or cooling systems when not in use.

  • Recycling and Waste Management: Students should follow the designated procedures for recycling and waste disposal. Improper disposal of waste, including hazardous materials, is prohibited.

Pets

  • Pets: Pets are not allowed in the apartments unless explicitly permitted by ACEE. In cases where pets are allowed, students must ensure they are properly cared for and do not cause disturbances or damage.

Parking and Vehicle Use

  • Parking: If parking is provided, students must park in designated areas and adhere to all parking regulations. Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.

  • Bicycles: Bicycles should be stored in designated areas and should not block walkways or entrances.

Community Involvement

  • Participation in Community Activities: Students are encouraged to participate in community activities and meetings organized by Marylander to foster a supportive living environment.

These rules are designed to create a safe, respectful, and productive living environment for all students.

Handbook Acknowledgment Verification and Agreement

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood the BRIDGES Housing Handbook provided to me. I agree to abide by these rules, regulations, and procedures during my occupancy in the ACEE-provided apartment. I understand that any violations of these rules, regulations, and procedures may result in disciplinary actions, including fines, contract termination, or other consequences as determined by ACEE.

I further understand that the apartment I occupy belongs to ACEE, and I am responsible for maintaining it in accordance with the guidelines set forth. I agree to report any damages, maintenance issues, or other concerns to ACEE in a timely manner.

By entering my information and clicking “I agree” below, I confirm my agreement to comply with all the terms and conditions outlined in the BRIDGES Housing Handbook.