Harvard Planning and Real Estate (HPRE) has announced the approval of the new rent schedule for approximately 2,300 Harvard- owned apartments for graduate students and other University affiliates who reside in Affiliated Housing. The new rents will take effect July 1, when the 1999-2000 rental season begins.

The Faculty Advisory Committee on Affiliated Housing has reviewed the comments received from members of the Harvard community and has endorsed the new rents that were proposed in the Harvard University Gazette (Jan. 28, 1999). The increase for affiliated residents currently living in Harvard's Affiliated Housing will be 4 percent this year. For new affiliates who sign leases beginning July 1 the average rent increase will be 7.9 percent. Lease renewal packages detailing residents' specific rents were mailed in late March.

Continuing residents in formerly rent-controlled apartments will receive a rent increase notice in early April; however, the increase is expected to be above the 4 percent average applicable to market rate units, because many former rent-control residents already pay rents that are well below market rents.

"Affiliated housing remains an excellent housing choice for affiliates," said Susan Keller, HPRE's director of residential real estate. "All complexes are conveniently located near the University and have 24-hour maintenance service. There is a broad range of apartment types and a range of rents."

Affiliates who are not currently residents of an affiliated apartment who are interested in renting an affiliated apartment in 1999-2000 should obtain a copy of the Harvard Affiliated Housing booklet from the Housing Office at 7 Holyoke St. (or call the application request line at 495-3377). This booklet describes the broad range of apartments available at affiliated complexes, provides information on the rental process, and includes sample floor plans, estimated rents, and an application and instructions.