Damage Assessment and Billing Process

Housing and Residential Education provides students with a residential assignment that has been cleaned and reviewed for damages prior to occupancy through the Room Condition Report form. Students are encouraged to confirm the condition of their space within the first week of classes by reviewing the Room Condition Report. 

Residential students and their roommates/suitemates are individually and collectively responsible for the cleanliness of their space and all items in their assigned residential space. Within the first two weeks of each semester, students are responsible for completing a Room Condition Report form to accurately record the condition of their assigned residential space. Students are responsible for reporting damages or items needing repair through the Work Order process. Students may be assessed a fee appropriate for the replacement or repair costs of items not reported in this form, including residential keys.  

At the conclusion of an academic semester, Housing and Residential Education staff (Community Directors, Community Advisors, etc.) review and inspect all residential spaces for damages and assesses damage fees to students living within the area affected where damage is found.   

Students are responsible not only for their assigned residential space (bedrooms and suites/apartments, where applicable) but also for their residential community. If damages or trash are found in common areas within a residential community (i.e., hallway, public bathroom, lounge, etc.), all students assigned to the community will be assessed a fee. If a specific student or students are responsible for the damage and want to take responsibility, the student(s) may contact their residential community director.   

Students who are found responsible for damaging University property within their rooms, suites, halls, buildings, or communities will be assessed for damage fees and may be referred to the Student Code of Conduct process. Disciplinary sanctions may include any individual or combination of the following: restitution and/or fees, housing probation, temporary or permanent removal from housing, or expulsion from the University.  

Unless a specific individual or individuals take responsibility for damages to a room, suite, apartment, or other residential area, each student assigned to that room, suite, apartment, or area will be assessed a fee for the damage based on the repair or replacement cost as determined by Housing and Residential Education and Physical Plant. The assessed amount will be placed on the student account and reflected on their e-bill.   

 If a specific student is responsible for the damage and wants to take responsibility, the student should complete the damage responsibility form.  

Students found responsible and billed for housing damages have the right to appeal these damage fees. The original damage notification letter will include information about how to appeal a damage fee.  All appeals must be submitted by the due date indicated on the original damage notification email. Appeals are reviewed by the Director of Housing and Residential Education (or their designee). Appeal decisions are final and are not eligible for additional review.  

Students who complete an express checkout at the end of the semester waive their right to appeal damages assessed at the end of a semester.  

Community and floor-wide damage fees cannot be appealed.

Please note that, as with any outstanding balance, failure to pay a damage fee by the date due can result in late fees being assessed and a hold being placed on the student account.