Students living in on-campus housing are financially responsible for the cost of replacement or repairs for any breakage or damage, that is considered beyond normal wear and tear, to their accommodations and its furnishings. This includes destruction, theft and vandalism to University property, such as furniture, walls, floors, plumbing fixtures, and windows, in student rooms and common areas (stairwells, lounges, bathrooms, hallways, etc.). Extra cleaning above and beyond normal housekeeping services is also considered billable damage.
Generally, there are two types of damage billing that occur:
- Individual damage billing: These are charges that an individual student is responsible for. Common examples include damage within a student's room (i.e. damage to walls and furnishings that is beyond normal wear and tear) and damage in public areas that has been determined to be the responsibility of a student.
- Community damage billing: The purpose of community damage billing is to promote individual responsibility and to hold students mutually accountable for the condition of their shared living spaces. Public areas (i.e. hallways, stairways, lounges, bathrooms) are the collective responsibility of the residents of that community (i.e. suite, wing, floor, building, apartment, housing). Charges for damages to those areas may be divided among the residents of those facilities. Items covered under the community damage billing policy may include, but are not limited to, damaged facilities, damaged or stolen furniture, or housekeeping charges in a common or public area when it is not possible to determine the responsible person(s). If a student is found to have information regarding the responsibility of one or more other persons for damage done to University property and failed to share that information with UNH staff, the student may be charged for a share of the damage.
Viewing & Paying a Damage Bill
Damage charges are applied directly to a student's financial account with the University and can be paid the same way that a student makes payment on tuition - through Webcat and the Parent Portal. If you have questions about a damage charge, please contact UNH Housing.
Common Damage Charges
Below is a list of common charges for damages. This list does not contain all possible damage charges. If you have questions about a type of damage not listed, please contact UNH Housing.
Beginning March 2025, residents will be charged a response fee of $500.00 per incident for intentional student damage.
Damage | Charge |
|---|---|
Cleaning & Housekeeping | |
Biohazardous Matter | $100.00 minimum per incident |
Extra Cleaning | $50.00 minimum, billed hourly |
Failure to Clean Room At Move Out | $150.00 per incident |
Trash | $50.00 minimum per bag |
Facilities | |
Life Safety Equipment Tampering | $100.00 - $150.00 |
Screen Damage or Removal | $125.00 - $200.00 |
Locks & Combinations | |
Combination Change | $50.00 |
Damaged Swipe Card Reader | $450.00 - $600.00 |
Lock Change & New Keys | $65.00 |
Lost temporary access card | $25.00 |
Common Questions
Housing does not collect a security or damage deposit from residents. Residents are billed for each incident of student caused damage that occurs, in accordance with the Room & Board Agreement.
Reducing damages beyond wear and tear is everyone’s responsibility. Complete work orders for any facilities concerns. Contact building staff or UNH Police if a non-resident is in the building without their host. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their guests.
The person or people responsible for the damages are the ones who are held accountable. Every effort is made to identify the responsible parties.
Residents are told about damages beyond wear and tear through floor meetings, postings, newsletters, and email.
The University does not provide insurance for personal possessions. Please review the liability section of the Room & Board Agreement. Students must have their own insurance or be included under their family’s insurance policy.
- Residents
- Hall Councils
- Resident Assistants and Community Assistants
- Housing and Residential Life Professional Staff
- UNH Facilities
- University Police
