At the end of the semester (or the end of your housing agreement), damages and cleanliness issues will be recorded at the time you check out of your room. The information regarding damages and other charges can be found in your Guide to Residential Living at South. The following are a few places where damages are discussed:
VI. CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
At check-out, residents must schedule an appointment with their RA a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours prior to conducting a check-out inspection, unless they are completing an ‘Express Check-Out.’ Refer to the Moving Out page for proper move-out instructions and more information. A $75.00 lock change charge may be assessed if the room key is not returned at check-out. Failure to follow the checkout procedures may result in a $75.00 assessment fee for improper check-out. Moreover, the resident may be assessed fees for room damages. Students should speak with a Community Director or Area Coordinator if they have questions about check out.
VIII. DAMAGES/ROOM INSPECTIONS
At the time of check-in, students should complete a Room Inspection for their assigned space to indicate the current condition of their rooms. The Room Inspection should be completed by each student online in MyUSAHousing within twenty-four (24) hours of check-in / accepting the room key. If not, students will be held responsible for the condition of the room at check-out. When residents checkout or vacate, charges will be applied for damages or losses which were not noted on the incoming Room Inspection. Repairs needed during occupancy should be submitted through a Fix-It Request online in MyUSAHousing. During a student’s check-out room inspection, the RA will use previous Room Inspection(s) to assess the condition of the room or apartment (see VI.6. ‘Check-Out Procedures’). If unclaimed damages occur within common areas (i.e., hallways, lobby areas, etc.) all students who are found to have caused the damage or witnessed the causation of the damage and failed to report it may be subject to disciplinary action and held financially responsible for the repairs.
XVIII. ROOM DECORATING
Students are encouraged to personalize their rooms, but painting or modification of facilities and furniture is not permitted. Decorations must be able to be removed without causing damage. Televisions and other heavy objects MAY NOT be mounted on the wall. Be mindful that each student will ultimately be responsible for the cost to repair any damage to their room and its furnishings. The use of screws is prohibited in all University housing facilities. Approved decoration hangers/anchors are listed below. Decorations are not permitted within eighteen (18) inches of fire safety equipment (i.e., extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems). Please note that alcohol containers or paraphernalia may not be used as decorative items (see III.1 for further info).
In addition, note that information about cleaning agreements was provided in an e-mail from the Housing Office, as well as by your RA at the closing floor and/or apartment meeting. The cleaning agreement had to be signed by all residents of a room/apartment to be valid.
When submitting your appeal, the staff member reviewing it will use the following:
- Your appeal provided below
- Your Room Inspection (if submitted)
- Your roommate's Room Inspection (if submitted)
- Pictures provided by your RA at check out
- Cleaning agreement for your room/apartment (if submitted)
- Other information found during the course of investigating the charge
The staff member will make the appeal decision based on your submitted information, so you should be as detailed as possible. If your roommate is taking responsibility for a damage or other charge, that resident MUST send an e-mail to housing@southalabama.edu claiming responsibility. Otherwise, if the staff member cannot assign responsibility based on what is available, both residents will be responsible.