Residential Room Condition Standards

Housing Services maintains the following standards for residence hall rooms, apartments, and common living spaces. These standards establish acceptable conditions for student occupancy and help ensure consistency across all residential facilities. 

Acceptable Wear and Tear

Residence halls experience normal use throughout the academic year. Minor cosmetic wear that does not impact the safety, functionality, or intended use of a space may be considered acceptable. Examples of acceptable wear and tear include: 

  • Minor paint scuffs or marks
  • Small scratches on furniture surfaces
  • Slight carpet wear in high-traffic areas
  • Minor discoloration resulting from normal use

 

Student Responsibilities at Move-In

Students should complete the following steps upon arrival: 

  1. Complete the Room Condition Report

    1. Students should complete the Room Condition Report within the first 3 days of check-in to document the condition of their space. This helps ensure that students are not held responsible for pre-existing damages.

  2. Take Photos 

    1. Students are encouraged to take photos of any existing damage, wear, or concerns within their room during move-in. 

  3. Test Room Features

    1. Students should test: room lighting, electrical outlets, heating and cooling systems, windows and blinds, and door locks.

  4. Submit Maintenance Requests

    1. Any concerns should be reported promptly to LU Facilities Work Order Central. 

 

Move-In Readiness Standards

Prior to student arrival, residential spaces should meet the following standards of maintenance and cleanliness. Inspections are performed by Housing, Facilities, and cleaning staff prior to move-in to ensure these standards are met.

Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

  • Walls and ceilings should be free of holes, stains, excessive scuffing, peeling paint, and other visible damage.
  • Floors should be clean and free of significant stains, damage, or safety hazards.
  • Paint should be intact and in good condition throughout the space.
  • Carpeted areas should be vacuumed. 
  • Hard surfaces should be swept and mopped. 

Doors and Locksets

  • Doors should open, close, and latch without excessive force.
  • Hinges should operate properly and securely.
  • Door surfaces should be reasonably clean and free of significant damage
  • Keyed locks and access systems should function properly.
  • Keys should insert and remove smoothly without sticking.
  • Electronic locks should be working properly

Windows and Window Treatments 

  • Windows should be clean and free of cracks or chips and blinds should be fully functional.
  • Windows should open, close, and lock as designed.
  • Window screens should be intact, free of tears or holes, and properly secured. 
  • Security screens, window guards, or other safety devices installed by the University must remain in place and may not be removed, altered, or tampered with.
  • Blinds should operate freely and be free of excessive dirt, stains, tears, or damage.

Lighting and Electrical Systems

  • Light fixtures should be operational and securely installed. 
  • Fixture covers and lenses should be intact and free of defects.
  • Electrical outlets should be functional and safely installed.
  • Smoke detectors should be present and operational.

Furniture

  • Beds, desks, dressers, chairs, and tables should be structurally sound and stable.
  • Wood and laminate furniture surfaces should be free of significant stains, cracks, or damage. 
  • Chair and table legs should be securely attached.
  • Upholstered furniture should be free of tears, excessive wear, and major stains.
  • Desks, shelves, closets, and other furniture surfaces should be dusted and wiped clean.

Appliances

  • Refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, and other provided appliances should be clean and operational.
  • Appliance interiors and exteriors should be free of food residue and buildup.
  • Refrigerator and oven racks should be intact and properly installed.

Plumbing and HVAC

  • Sinks, showers, and toilets should be clean, operate properly, and drain effectively.
  • Plumbing fixtures should be free of leaks and excessive dripping. 
  • Heating and air conditioning systems should be operational and maintained in good working condition.
  • Shared and private bathrooms should be sanitized.