Room Inspection

Moving In

All students checking in to Cornell housing are encouraged to review the condition of their room, suite, or apartment.  

Inspecting your space gives you the opportunity to report any damage and file a maintenance request so that repairs can be made. Please contact your Residence Hall Director with any questions, or you may contact the service center staff for the area of campus you live. 

Moving Out

When you move out, your room condition is updated by residential staff, Building Care, and Student and Campus Life (SCL) Facilities to record any damage to your room, suite, or apartment accrued during your occupancy.

You may be charged for damage, missing furniture, items and keys, uncleaned units, and belongings left behind. Charges not attributed to a specific roommate will be split equally among all roommates who share the space (i.e., roommates who share a suite or apartment will only be responsible for charges associated with their bedroom and with common areas in the unit). Students will be contacted by residential staff to discuss the concern and will be informed of the cost of the assessed repair by the SCL Facilities Staff. 

Damage Charge FAQs

Will I be contacted if I have any damage charges? 
Yes, if you have been charged for any damage to your room, suite, or apartment, you will receive an email from Housing and Residential Life. You will have the opportunity to meet with a Residence Hall Director to discuss the damage charges.

Why am I being charged for damage caused by my roommate/suitemate? 
Charges for damage that is not attributed to a specific roommate are divided among all roommates who share the space (i.e., roommates who share a suite or apartment will only be responsible for charges associated with their bedroom and with common areas in the unit).

If your space is damaged, it is your responsibility to get written documentation from your roommate(s) or suitemate(s) for any specific damages they caused, so you are not charged. Roommates wishing to take responsibility for any damage must notify their Residence Hall Director or House Assistant Dean by 5:00pm on the last day of classes. All room occupants should be copied on this email. Damage responsibility not identified in writing will result in roommates being charged equally for any damage.

I believe I was unfairly charged for damage. How can I appeal a charge? 
You will receive an opportunity to meet with a Residence Hall Director to discuss the damages and the amount of the charge. Information about appealing decisions from a Community Living Standards outcome can be found in the Community Living Standards.