Frequently Asked Questions

How close to campus are you?

Tropicana Villas is about 3 blocks to the UCSB campus.

How many apartments/rooms are available?

There are 48 apartments at Tropicana Villas, and roughly 150-180 residents. Each 2 bedroom/2 bath fully-furnished apartment has a full kitchen and accommodates 4-6 people, depending on the option that you choose. You may sign an individual (By The Bed) lease or rent an entire apartment with our Joint & Several option.

When can I move in?

Please see our Move in Calendar. Earlier move-in may be possible for a daily fee, depending on the availability of your apartment. Please e-mail our leasing department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make early move-in.

Do I need renters insurance?

We do not insure your personal property or promote any particular insurance agency. However we strongly recommend that you have renters insurance on personal items such as musical instruments, computers, televisions, other electronics, etc. Homeowners insurance often covers property outside of the home, which means that your parents homeowners insurance may cover you Please ask your parents to check your homeowners policy. If not, check local listings to find an insurance agency that will offer renter's insurance as well as damages such as flooding or smoke damage.

Are there requirements to live at the Tropicana Villas?

Yes. Residents must be a UCSB student and must either be 20 years old by the contract start date (proof of age required), or have completed 12 college units (Advanced Placement units accepted, transcripts will be required).

If I am over 21, do I need to have a guarantor?

All applicants require a guarantor over the age of 25.

Do I have to be a college student to live here?

UCSB student status is required unless you receive written permission from the Executive Director, Ben Sample (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

When do I put down a deposit?

There is a refundable security deposit due with lease submittal.

When is my first payment due?

The first payment is due with lease submittal.

Can I use my financial aid to pay my rent?

You can cash your Financial Aid check and use this however you choose. We do not have an option to pay rent that coincides with the Financial Aid office schedules from both UCSB and SBCC. You must still make the monthly payments on their scheduled due dates.

What if I need to cancel my lease?

For current residents, please consult the Contract Termination section of your contract on your MyTropAccount.

Tropicana Student Living has a cancellation policy as follows:

1. Cancellation within the first 72 hours of signing of the contract = $0 cancellation fee.
2. Cancellation received through June 30 = $500.00 fee
3. Cancellation received July 1 - July 31 = $1,500.00 fee.
4. Cancellation received August 1 through day before contract start date = $2,500.00
5. Cancellations are not allowed after the contract start date (Resident must find an acceptable replacement student to take over the contract and subsequent payments)

BEFORE THINKING OF CANCELLING - HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:

Try resolving any issues you may have with roommates that may be potentially causing conflict?
Have you tried including a Resident Assistant or another Tropicana Staff member to help resolve any potential conflicts?
Have you considered requesting a room change (Note: there is a $200 room move fee)?
Have you considered placing an ad on Craigslist, UCSB's Housing Site, to see if someone would be willing to take over your contract?

Notes about the Cancellation Policy:

Student/Guarantor has the right to find an acceptable replacement that Tropicana Student Living agrees is a suitable replacement (must meet the same admissions criteria required for all residents) to avoid paying a cancellation fee. A $500.00 Administrative Fee will be assessed for lease replacements.
You will continue to be responsible for your contract until a confirmed replacement is found. The replacement will be charged beginning the day they sign their contract through the end date of the contract. Similarly, you will be charged from your contract start date through the start date of the replacement contract. Any financial incentive arrangement between you and the replacement will be handled between the two of you. Your account will include charges for the pro-rated occupancy and the $500 lease takeover fee. The replacement account will be billed for the pro-rated period beginning with their contract start date and concluding at the end (or later) of the originally signed contract. All payments due on the account must be received and verified before the replacement is approved.
Your Tropicana Student Organization Fee will be forfeited.
Your security deposit will be returned less the $50.00 cleaning fee and any other damage charges and outstanding balances. (The $50.00 cleaning fee includes steam cleaning of the carpet and normal cleaning, but does not include removal of items, etc.)

Note:
If you are a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty and receive change-of-station orders to permanently leave the local area; are returned to active military duty; or are a national guard or reservist called to active duty, then you may terminate the Contract by giving written notice to us from the US Government.

What type of transportation is available?

You can bring a car or bike; we offer paid parking at Tropicana Villas and at our nearby residence halls Tropicana Del Norte and Tropicana Gardens. USCB is only 3 blocks away and easily accessible by foot or bike.

Are pets allowed?

You are welcome to bring your pet fish, with a tank up to 10 gallons.

Do you have quiet hours?

Our residents are continuing students who are serious about academics. Tropicana Villas has quiet hours every day from 10 pm to 8 am.

What are your drug and alcohol policies?

Tropicana supports the student conduct policies of UCSB and SBCC and we enforce local and state drinking laws.

Possession of illegal drugs is prohibited. We do not honor Medicinal Marijuana Cards.
By state law, residents under 21 years of age may not consume alcohol.
Residents over 21 years of age may consume alcohol in their apartment or room, but not in the presence of minors or in public areas.

If you have any questions about these or any other policies please contact Erika Bellitt, our Director of Residence Life. Please see our Student Handbook.