HISTORY
In 1902, taking her inspiration from the project by Pierre Joseph Clorivière and d’Adélaide de Cicé, founders of the Société des Filles du Cœur de Marie, Mrs. Emilie de Saint Laurent established the « Maison de famille » in the rue des Granges to welcome and accommodate young women passing though or working in Geneva.
In 1969, the « Maison de famille » was in a run-down state. The Société d’Ecogia (as of today the Association d’Ecogia), owner of the Maison de famille, purchased a small hotel in rue Plantamour 27 to relocate the residence. It then took the name of « Foyer international pour jeunes filles ».
In 1972, the Association made the acquisition of the neighbouring building, located at number 29 rue Plantamour, in order to dispose of larger premises to accommodate its residents.
In 1993, both buildings underwent some major renovation work.
Today’s “Foyer International pour Jeunes Filles” is located at number 29, rue Plantamour. Thanks to its twenty-eight studio flats, the foyer provides young women wishing to live in Geneva with a suitable accommodation in the very heart of the city.
SOCIAL PURPOSE
The « Foyer International » accommodates young women whose ages range from 18 to 30, of all nationalities and confessions, and who are either working, studying or doing a training course in Geneva. It is also essential for them to meet the requirements applied by the legislations of Switzerland and Geneva in terms of official residency permits.
The duration of a resident’s stay at the “Foyer International” cannot exceed a three-year time span. Exceptionally however, the board of Directors reserves the right to extend this time span should there be valid reasons to accept such a demand on the part of a resident.
The Foyer offers a cosy and serene environment to its residents, provided that they accept a few essential rules designed to facilitate community life. The Foyer is also meant to be a place where dialogue may blossom among its residents. Its individual studio flats are furnished. They come with a kitchenette and a fully equipped private bathroom, as well as an internet connection.
INFORMATION
Location
The Foyer is 300 metres away from the Geneva Lake. It is located in a well-served shopping area and is 10 minutes away from Cornavin main train station, and 20 minutes away from Geneva-Cointrin international airport.
Conditions
Guest registration takes place through the Foyer’s front desk. Registration only becomes definitive once the board of Directors has formally accepted the applications, and the candidate in question has paid a safety deposit.
The rules set out, which are handed to each candidate, stand as necessary constraints of a community life where every resident’s well-being and safety are at stake.
In case of failure to observe these rules, or in case of attack on the private or legal integrity of another resident or an employee, the board of Directors reserves the right to evict a resident without issuing a warning, should the need arise.
PAYMENT TERMS
Security deposit
As soon as the board of Directors accepts an application, the candidate will have to make a security deposit that amounts to a one-month rent at the Foyer.
In case of withdrawal of one’s candidature at least 30 days before the agreed arrival date, the management will deduce the amount of CHF 200.- off of the security deposit. The withdrawing candidate will have to pay CHF 400.- if she notifies her withdrawal between the 30th and 15th day before the arrival date. In case of withdrawal of one’s candidature after the 15th day before the arrival date, the management will retain the security deposit in its entirety.
Rent
The rent must be paid at the beginning of each month, by the 10th at the latest. In case of non payment by this deadline, each resident will be charged with CHF 10.- for administrative fees. Monthly rent is due regardless of the arrival or departure date. Daily rates may vary during the summer.
Rent is set at:
1. CHF 600.- or CHF 700.-> per month depending on the studio flat. It includes water services charges and electricity charges. In case of high consumption, the management reserves the right to charge additional fees. From November to April, CHF 30.- are added to the usual rent for heating charges.
2. During the summer, the studio flats can be rented out for 2 or 3 months. The Foyer charges CHF 40.- a day for a one-month stay.
The rent and safety deposit are revisable from July 1st of every year.
Method of payment
The safety deposit and the rent are paid by direct debit to the bank or post account of the Foyer or by credit card (Visa, American Express, Masterb Card or EC Direct). You can ask for further details regarding payment at the front desk.
DAILY LIFE
Working hours
The front desk is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12am and from 4pm to 7pm. A telephone is at the residents’ disposal for emergency calls at weekends and on public holidays.
The entry phone works until 10 pm.
Keys
Keys will be handed to the new residents on moving into the flat. Keys cannot be lent nor entrusted to anybody under any circumstances. The studio flats must be locked whenever the residents leave the flats. In case of loss, residents will be charged CHF 40.- for the replacement of the key.
Studio flats
1. The studio flat is a private and individual accommodation. Hosting of outside guests is cause of immediate eviction.
Without previous authorisation of the board of Directors, only women are allowed to enter the studio flats and access the Foyer’s upper floors.
If required, the board of directors reserves the right for authorised members of staff or its nominated representatives to inspect accommodations. Visitors are allowed from 7am to 10pm. Residents are personally responsible for the conduct of any guests and are liable for any damage, breakage or inconvenience they might cause.
2. Every resident can decorate her studio flat to make it more personal. However, it is strictly forbidden to use any scotch tape on either walls or panelling. On the other hand, the use of drawing pins is allowed. A metal stand is provided to pin either posters or pictures.
Every resident is in charge of the upkeep and cleaning of her studio flat. She is responsible for its furniture and material. Furniture cannot be removed from the studio flats under any circumstances. Residents must report any damage, breakage or malfunction immediately. If an object needs fixing or replacing, the person accountable for it will be charged.
The studio flats will be cleaned on a monthly basis by the Foyer’s staff, who will be granted free access to the premises.
On moving out, the resident will leave the studio flat in the same conditions as she found it. An inventory and report on state of repair of the flats will take place upon arrival and departure.
For safety reasons, the use of candles is strictly forbidden in the studio flats.
No objects can be left on the window-sills or hung on the inside of the windows.
Animals are not allowed in the Foyer.
Each resident will receive a linen pack upon arrival. Bathroom linen, towels and toilet tissue are to be provided by the residents themselves.
Each studio kitchenette comes with cutlery, crockery and the basic cooking utensils. The residents will provide kitchen linen, bin liner, etc.
To avoid electricity surcharge, light bulbs cannot exceed 60 Watts.
3. If the residents wish to do so they can:
• Have a landline activated in their studio at heir own expenses.
• Install either a radio or a TV set. They will have to make the payments required by the competent authorities.
4. In order to ensure the residents safety and to fulfil hygienic and construction requirements, the board of Directors reserves the right to inspect the studio flats at all times.
COMMON AREAS
The Foyer also offers the following to its residents:
- a TV room with DVD and video players,
- a space for prayer,
- a common room for activities,
- a laundry room including:
- two prepaid washing machines
(washing powder and conditioner/softener are not provided); in order to use them residents need to write down their name at the front desk;
- ironing material.
SAFETY
It is illegal to smoke in any areas of the Foyer. Failure to comply with this obligation in the studio flats as well as in the common areas might lead to immediate termination of a resident’s lease contract. The same applies in case of drug consumption.
PEACE AND QUIET
The use of sound materials is authorised provided that this does not cause any inconvenience to the other residents of the Foyer. Peace and quiet are imperative between 10pm and 7am.
Handing out of newspaper and tracts in the Foyer is strictly forbidden, as is door-to-door selling.
DISEASES
Any serious or chronic disease, contagious or non-contagious, must be reported upon application or when falling ill.
The board of Directors reserves the right to hospitalise a resident should the situation require it.
CHANGE OF PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL SITUATION
Any change of personal or professional situation must be notified to the board of Directors. A new employer’s details must be provided. Documentary evidence might be required.
ABSENCES
Residents must notify to the front desk any absences of more than three days.
INSURANCE
It is highly recommended for residents to take out a third-party/public liability and theft insurance. The Foyer is not responsible for any thefts or damages that may occur in its premises.
NOTICE AND DEPARTURE
Residents shall give a one-month notice of departure in writing. Failure to do so may result in the loss of the resident’s security deposit.
The security deposit will be returned to residents on departure from the Foyer if no damage has occurred in the studio flat and if rent and charges have been paid duly. Should it be otherwise, the board of Directors reserve the right to retain the whole security deposit or part of it.
On departure day, residents must leave their studio flat and check out at the Foyer reception by 9am.
COMING INTO FORCE
The present rules and regulations will come into force upon passing. This document is part of the inscription file and applies to all old and new residents, subject to rights acquired by former residents regarding the security deposits.
Geneva, July 1st 2009
The Foyer’s board of Directors
Dominique DUCRET Administration Manager
Olga FANTINUOLI Admission and Events Manager
| |
