Incoming Students

2026-2027 Terms and Conditions for Undergraduate Housing

The Housing Contract is a legal and binding agreement between you and The Ohio State University. In signing this contract, you are making a commitment for, and agreeing to pay for, services in one of the Housing and Residence Education residence halls, apartments, or properties.

Before Signing this Contract:
1. Carefully read the entire Terms and Conditions (the “Housing Contract”) to understand what you are signing.
2. Review your financial resources to make sure you have the appropriate funding.
3. No release from the contract obligation will be given after the Housing Contract is signed and the applicable Housing Contract cancellation deadline has passed, except as provided in this Housing Contract.
Completing the Housing Contract
1. Residents may complete the Housing Contract electronically or via paper copy.
2. If completing the Housing Contract electronically:
  1. Examine and verify the name, address, and information listed during the online contract process.
  2. Electronically sign and date the Housing Contract.
  3. Submit the Housing Contract to Housing and Residence Education along with the appropriate space reservation fee (and $50 filing fee if you are a first-time resident).
  4. Save a copy of the Housing Contract for your records.
3. If completing the Housing Contract via paper copy:
  1. Examine and verify the pre-printed name, address, and OSU Identification information on the Housing Contract. Make the necessary corrections and write in the correct information.
  2. Sign and date the Housing Contract.
  3. Return the original, signed office copy of the Housing Contract to Housing and Residence Education along with the appropriate space reservation fee (and $50 filing fee if you are a first-time resident) to the Housing and Residence Education Office, 950 Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive, Columbus, OH 43210.
  4. Keep a copy of the Housing Contract for your records.
4. Parent/guardian signature is required on the Housing Contract for residents who are under 18 years old on the date the Housing Contract is executed.
Contract Parties
1. This Housing Contract is by and between The Ohio State University (“the university”) on behalf of Housing and Residence Education and Dining Services, and the resident (“the resident”), or the resident’s parent or legal guardian where applicable, whose name appears on the contract.
2. This contract is not transferable, but may be exchanged, where permissible and in accordance with Section 35.
Nature of Contract
1. Housing Contract Offer
  1. The delivery of this Housing Contract by the university’s Housing and Residence Education to the resident named constitutes an offer of accommodation and services in university housing.
    1. This offer is contingent upon availability of space within university housing and under the terms and conditions described herein.
    2. Housing and Residence Education is not required to offer a contract to non-obligated residents.
2. Contract Acceptance
  1. This Housing Contract is duly executed when:
    1. The named resident and/or the resident’s parent/guardian signs the Housing Contract; and,
    2. The signed Housing Contract is submitted to Housing and Residence Education with appropriate fee(s) (filing fee and space reservation fee) by the “Offer Expiration” deadline specified in the Housing Contract (or such later date as spaces of the type of housing applied for remain available); and
    3. Acceptance of the Housing Contract is acknowledged in writing, including e-mail, to the resident or faculty by Housing and Residence Education.
  2. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Section 7 of these Terms and Conditions. The university reserves the right to deny housing based upon inability to meet the eligibility requirements.
3. Housing Contract Fees
  1. Upon submitting a signed Housing Contract, each resident must remit:
    1. For all undergraduate residence halls, a $300 Space Reservation Fee when submitting the contract.
      1. After serving the purpose of reserving space, the $300 space reservation fee will be applied to the student’s statement of account in the final semester for that term of contract.
      2. Renewal residents who meet the terms of the Housing Contract will have the $300 fee applied to their spring semester university account during the final term of the contract.
    2. A first-time resident is required to pay a one-time, non-refundable filing fee of $50. The filing fee is not applied toward room and/or rent payments. The filing fee will be returned only if space is not available and/or the contract is not accepted by Housing and Residence Education upon submission.
    3. The $50 filing fee and the space reservation fee are mandatory and cannot be waived or deferred for any resident for any reason.
Contract Duration
1. This contract is effective for two (2) full academic years, autumn through spring semesters, or for such portion of the academic year(s) as may remain at the time this contract is signed for students who matriculate at The Ohio State University, Columbus the same year they graduated from high school. A one (1) academic year commitment is made by all other undergraduate students.
2. This contract is binding on the university and on the resident (and the resident’s parent or legal guardian where applicable) for the entire term of the contract and cannot be terminated except under conditions cited in this contract.
3. Students seeking an exemption under the University Housing Regulation contained herein must exercise that option prior to signing this contract. In signing this contract, students give up any eligibility to live with their parents or close relatives for the full term of the contract. At the end of contract year one, residents will be provided with the opportunity to seek an exemption under the University Housing Regulation for an alternative housing arrangement.
4. Students are required to move out of the residence halls no later than 24 hours after their last final. Students extending their stay beyond this period are subject to an additional daily prorated charge for their room and may be subject to consolidation.
5. Graduating students are permitted to remain in the residence halls until commencement but must move out no later than 6:00 PM on the date of commencement.
6. Summer session contracts do not extend beyond the summer session enrollment period.
Contract Cancellation
1. Once signed, a Housing Contract may be cancelled by residents not required by the University Housing Regulation to live in university residence halls if written notice is received by the Housing and Residence Education office by no later than the following date(s):
  1. For a contract commencing autumn semester-May 15.
  2. For a contract commencing spring semester-December 15.
  3. For a contract commencing summer session-April 30.
  4. For a contract commencing autumn semester for non-required students who have renewed their contract – March 31
  5. For current Ohio State students who previously completed a Housing Contract and are seeking exemption for their second year. Exemptions must be submitted by March 31.
2. Written notice of cancellation must be made to Housing and Residence Education. Notification by other means or to other university offices will not be accepted and will not constitute cancellation.
3. The resident agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract until Housing and Residence Education provides written approval for the request for contract cancellation.
4. If cancellation request is not made and received prior to the cancellation deadline date, the resident remains obligated to the terms of this contract.
Eligibility for Housing
1. Eligibility requirements for undergraduate residents:
  1. Any person who has been admitted to, or who has enrolled in the university as a full-time undergraduate student (registered for twelve or more credit hours) on the Columbus, Wooster/ATI, Mansfield, or Newark campus is eligible to enter into this Housing Contract with the university for their respective campus, except as otherwise notified at the time of admission or as otherwise provided herein.
  2. The university agrees that the resident does not lose eligibility for living in the residence halls when dropping between one and eleven credit hours for any one semester within the term of contract.
  3. Subject only to the foregoing, a resident who loses eligibility during the term of the contract must notify the Housing and Residence Education Office, complete the check-out procedures applicable to the relevant building or complex, and vacate the assigned premises within 48 hours of the loss of status. If the resident fails to vacate within 48 hours, the locks will be changed, and the proper authorities notified. All associated costs shall be charged to the resident.
  4. Any person who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to any federal, state, or local law is not eligible to reside in university housing.
Withdrawal from the University and Contract Inactivation
1. The parties agree that the contract may be inactivated under the conditions listed in Section 8(B).
  1. Written documentation must be given to Housing and Residence Education before the first day of classes of the semester or session for which one of the following conditions exists:
    1. Withdrawal from the university after paying fees but before classes begin;
    2. Non-attendance or non-enrollment;
    3. Enrollment for eleven or fewer credit hours through the first Friday of the semester if an undergraduate student;
    4. Affiliation with special university programs away from the campus area for the entire semester;
    5. Academic dismissal;
    6. Graduation from The Ohio State University; or,
    7. Marriage.
  2. The resident agrees to abide by the terms and conditions until written approval is given to their request for contract inactivation.
  3. A resident who officially withdraws from the university during the semester or session must remove all personal belongings and officially check out at their hall office and return the room key/key card within 48 hours of withdrawal from the university. If the resident fails to vacate within 48 hours, the university may take possession of the assigned space, change the locks to that room, drawer(s), and mailbox(es), and charge all costs associated with such change to the resident.
  4. After this contract has been inactivated, if the resident becomes enrolled full-time at their respective campus, the resident agrees to fulfill any balance of the term with the university (unless inactivation is a result of graduation or marriage).
Choice of Law
1. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, regardless of the place of execution.
2. Any legal action arising pursuant to this contract shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Ohio.
3. If any provision of this Housing Contract between the university and the resident is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the Housing Contract shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
Term of Contract
1. The beginning and ending dates of the contract shall be as specified on the contract.
2. The contract is binding on the university and on the resident (and the resident’s parent or legal guardian where applicable) for the entire term of contract and cannot be terminated except under conditions cited in this contract.
3. If space is available, the resident may be permitted, in the sole discretion of the Housing and Residence Education Office, to arrive or depart earlier or later than the specified dates. Residence hall early arrival or late fees are processed separately.
4. The resident may not sublet the room or apartment for which this contract is signed.
5. Summer session contracts do not extend beyond the summer session enrollment period.
Services Period
1. The university agrees to furnish to the resident a space in the residence halls or a housing facility, hereinafter referred to as room, and to grant the resident the use of the facilities in that residence hall or housing facility.
2. The Service Dates are published separately in the Contract Services Calendar.
3. Housing and Residence Education does not furnish services and accommodations under this contract in non-academic year halls during break periods such as Winter Break.
4. The university furnishes services and accommodations under this contract during recess periods between autumn and spring semesters for those students assigned to an academic year residence hall. The resident agrees that dining service is not provided during these recess periods.
5. When the resident makes a dining plan choice on the contract, the university agrees to supply the appropriate number of meals each semester in a dining facility at times when classes and final exams are being held. These dates are further specified in the services calendar.
6. The resident, at their own risk, may leave or store personal property in the residence hall during the academic year, autumn through spring semester.
Assignments
1. The university agrees to consider the information and preferences indicated in the contract. However, no guarantee of a specific assignment, room occupancy, area of campus, building or roommate is implied.
2. The resident agrees to officially check in at the assigned residence hall each semester or sessions and to accept the space assigned.
3. The resident agrees to observe the hall/room change procedures established by the university and to have prior written approval before making a change of hall and/or room assignment.
4. If a resident does not plan to return to university housing at the beginning of a new semester or has accepted a change of assignment during the semester break, they must remove their belongings no later than 12:00 PM on the last day before the new semester’s check-in. A hold-over fee of $50 per day will be assessed for belongings not removed by the 12:00 PM deadline.
5. If a vacancy occurs in the assigned room, the remaining resident(s) agrees to keep appropriate space available and clean and to accept other roommates as assigned. The resident understands that failure to make room for a new resident may result in the assessment of additional room fees and/or further action as deemed appropriate by Housing and Residence Education staff.
6. The resident agrees that, should they fail to occupy the assigned room by 12:00 PM of semester Check-in date each semester, the resident’s assignment to a particular room or suite will be forfeited unless they have requested Housing and Residence Education to retain the assignment. In such a forfeiture of assigned space, the resident agrees to accept other available housing accommodations.
7. The resident agrees that occupancy of the assigned room is limited to residents assigned to that room, that the room will be used only as a living space, and that the space will not be loaned to or occupied by nonresidents.
8. The resident agrees that upon acceptance to a special program, they will participate in the program requirements or move to another residence hall space upon request of the university.
9. The resident agrees that changes of assignment can only occur if fees for the semester have been paid in full or are current in accordance with the University’s Tuition Option Payment Plan (TOPP). Students with extenuating circumstances may contact Housing and Residence Education staff for assistance.
No Attendant Care Services
1. The university does not provide attendant care services for residents.
Utilities
1. The university agrees to provide reasonable amounts of heat, water, electricity and waste disposal consistent with university policies during the contract services period.
Sanitation
1. The university agrees to provide cleaning services for hallways, residential baths, and public lounges on a schedule specified and announced by Housing and Residence Education.
2. Residents agree to notify the university promptly if these services are not performed as scheduled.
3. The university agrees to provide laundry machines in each hall or operational group of halls.
4. The university agrees to provide working plumbing services and for trash removal from areas as specified by Housing and Residence Education.
5. Residents agree to accept responsibility for disposing of their trash and recycling in the approved location designated in each residence hall.
6. Residents agree to accept personal responsibility for cleaning their kitchens and/or in-room/in-suite bathrooms.
Repairs
1. The university agrees to make all necessary repairs and perform maintenance in the residence hall and the resident’s room through its authorized personnel.
2. Repairs will be made to the room and to university furnishings upon request or in accordance with routine schedules. Charges may be assessed to the resident in accordance with Section 18C below.
Keys/Key Cards
1. The resident agrees to be responsible for the key/key card to their assigned room.
2. The resident further agrees not to have or allow the key to be duplicated and not to transfer use of the key/key card.
3. The resident agrees to report loss of the assigned room key/key card and to pay the charges for changing the cores of all locks on doors, drawers, and mailboxes affected by the loss.
4. In buildings with key card access, the resident agrees to pay any charges for re-encoding or replacing lost key cards.
Care of Facilities
1. The resident agrees to be directly and financially responsible for keeping the assigned room and its furnishings clean and free from damage, to cooperate with roommates in the common protection of property and in maintenance of the living space, and to advise the university of any deteriorated conditions of the room or its furnishings so timely repairs can be made.
2. The resident agrees not to modify or cause or allow for the modification of the assigned room or other parts of the building.
3. The resident agrees to pay charges when assessed for room damages or special housekeeping or maintenance services necessary due to misuse or abuse of facilities for which the resident is responsible, or to pay an equal portion of charges assessed to all occupants of a room when those persons responsible fail to assume responsibility for the charges.
4. The resident agrees to use public areas, residential corridors and rooms, and equipment and furnishings in a careful and proper manner, to cooperate in the common protection of property, and to advise the university of any deteriorated or hazardous conditions so timely repairs can be made.
5. The resident agrees to pay charges when assessed for common area damages or necessary special housekeeping or maintenance services due to misuse or abuse of facilities or equipment for which the resident is responsible. The resident agrees to pay an equal portion of charges assessed to all residents of a corridor or residence hall when those responsible cannot be identified by the hall staff or the responsible individual(s) fails to assume the charges.
Room Entry and Inspections
1. The university affirms its respect for each resident’s right to privacy in their own room and agrees to make reasonable effort to provide at least 24 hours’ notice prior to making inspections for damage and cleanliness.
2. The university regards room entry for purpose of improvements, maintenance, cleaning, and recovery of unauthorized university-owned property, and fire and safety inspections as necessary for the health and general welfare of all residents and resident agrees to and authorizes entry for these purposes.
3. A resident’s request for maintenance service will constitute authorization to enter the resident’s room.
4. Except as otherwise indicated in this section, the university agrees that entry without notice will be made only in emergencies to protect or ensure protection of health, safety or property.
Dining Plan
1. All residents in university housing (except residents of the ASH or German Houses, Gateway, Neil Building, Mendoza House, Worthington Building, Master Lease Apartments and Wooster) are required to maintain one of the on-campus dining plans and the resident agrees that this dining plan is binding for the entire term of the contract (academic year(s) or the remainder thereof) except that:
  1. The resident may change the dining plan choice to which they are entitled until the published deadline for the term. This change will become effective within 48 hours following the date when the resident’s dining plan change request is received by Dining Services.
  2. Any refund or additional charge for the dining plan will be based on the new plan selected and the actual usage of the old plan.
2. The resident agrees to use and maintain the university identification card to access services in the dining facilities or other BuckID locations.
3. The resident agrees that access privileges in the dining facilities are limited to the student whose name appears on the BuckID card.
4. The resident agrees that refunds are not made for meals that are unused.
5. The resident agrees that Dining Services may, at its sole discretion, consolidate dining services and reduce serving hours in the dining facilities.
6. Dining Services does not furnish services under this contract during break periods such as Winter Break, Thanksgiving, Spring Break, etc.
  1. During recess periods and between academic sessions, Dining Dollars or a student’s BuckID account may be used at other participating university locations.
7. Dining plans may be terminated with written consent of the Director of Dining Services only if the student has a medical condition certified by a physician that cannot be accommodated in dining facilities.
Dining Dollars
1. Dining Dollars will carry over each semester while the student is enrolled and/or until graduation.
2. Dining Dollars can only be added to an account if a student has an active meal plan.
3. Dining Dollars may be used in any Dining Services facility or programs/services offered by Dining Services.
4. A 35% discount off the selling price will be applied to any purchases made at on-campus retail locations and 10% discount at convenience stores operated by Dining Services.
5. Dining Dollars cannot be used to purchase more BuckID dollars.
6. Dining Dollars are non-refundable and cash withdrawals from Dining Dollar accounts are not permitted.
7. Dining Dollar accounts with no activity over a 6-month period are considered inactive and will be forfeited. To avoid forfeiture, a minimum of 1 transaction using Dining Dollars within a six-month period is required. This transaction may be placed at on-campus dining locations or off-campus dining locations via the Grubhub app.
8. The resident may access their Dining Dollars transaction history online at the BuckID website.
BuckID Account
1. The resident agrees to report a lost or stolen card promptly to the BuckID office. Notice may be given by phone at (614) 292-0400, in person at the BuckID office in the Ohio Union, or online at the BuckID website.
2. If a card is lost or stolen, the resident is responsible for no more than $50 in unauthorized card purchases if the card is reported as lost or stolen to BuckID within two business days after the disputed transactions post to the account. Once the card is reposted lost or stolen, the BuckID will be inactivated.
3. If a resident fails to notify the BuckID office within two business days after learning of the loss or theft of the card, but does notify BuckID within 60 days that unauthorized card purchases appear on the account, the resident’s liability for the unauthorized purchases shall not exceed $500. The resident remains responsible for all dining dollars spent.
4. If the resident fails to report an unauthorized card purchase within 60 days, the resident’s liability for unauthorized purchases may have no dollar limit.
5. Cash withdrawals from the BuckID account are not permitted.
6. BuckID dollars cannot be used to purchase Dining Dollars.
7. The BuckID account cannot be used to pay fees assessed on the resident’s university statement of account.
8. BuckID accounts with no activity over a 12-month period are considered inactive. Inactive accounts with balances of less than $15 will be closed and the remaining balance forfeited. Inactive accounts with balances over $15 may be assessed an annual $15 service charge.
9. Refunds: BuckID Account
  1. In the event that the resident withdraws or is dismissed from the university, the university agrees to refund the unspent amount in the BuckID Account. Proof of withdrawal or dismissal is required.
  2. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the BuckID office.
  3. Refunds are processed when:
    1. The account balance is $10 or more, and
    2. A written refund request is submitted (see ii. above).
  4. A $5 processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
  5. All BuckID refunds will post to the university statement of account. If there is a balance owed to the university, the refund will be applied to that balance before being refunded to the resident.
Fee and Service Changes
1. The university reserves the right to discontinue facilities and services not expressly agreed to in this contract.
2. The university agrees not to change fees or services rendered by the university as described herein, except upon 45 days prior written notice when the university determines that changing conditions warrant such action.
Fee and Payments
1. The resident acknowledges that during the term of this contract, rates for housing and dining are subject to change annually at the start of a new academic year at the sole discretion of the university.
2. Notice of changes in fees or services will be provided to the resident in writing.
3. The resident agrees to pay housing and dining fees for residence hall accommodation and services on the due date as established by the Bursar’s Office.
4. The resident acknowledges and agrees that if moved to another room due to a change in assignment, resident will be required to pay the differential in cost to the university in the case of a room with a higher rate or, in the case of a room with a lower rate, shall receive a refund in the amount of the differential from the university.
5. Fees for a dining plan change will be assessed in accordance with Section 20(A).
6. Students who arrive early will be billed based on their access date. Prorated room charges for students who depart from the residence halls will reflect the last day of access or the date of key return, whichever occurs later. Students who fail to check in or out properly will be assessed an improper check in/out fee.
7. The resident agrees that any deviation from the established schedule of payment must be approved by Housing and Residence Education in advance of payment due dates.
8. The Resident agrees to pay a late payment penalty for any rejected web payments or returned checks, or after any due date according to the university’s late payment penalty schedule. The late payment penalty for residence halls fees is assessed in addition to any penalty assessed for late payment of tuition fees.
9. The resident whose check is returned by the bank for insufficient funds or whose credit card charge is challenged, researched, and found to be valid, agrees to pay a $30 charge for processing the returned check or credit check.
10. The resident agrees that failure to make payments as prescribed does not relieve the resident of contract obligations and understands that nonpayment may result in removal from the residence halls, reassignment of current room, denial of residence halls services (including BuckID account), cancellation of current student enrollment, and/or denial of subsequent university registration until the amount due are paid.
11. The resident agrees to pay the program fee assessed by residence hall student governments and collected with the housing and dining fees on behalf of residence hall and student government.
12. Any resident enrolled for twelve or more credit hours, and failing to check in while this contract is in effect, will continue to have housing fees charged against their account.
13. No refunds will be made to students who depart after the date published in the services calendar.
Space Reservation Fee
1. After serving the purpose of reserving space for the beginning semester of the term of contract, the space reservation fee will be applied to the university statement of account for the final spring semester of the contract term.
2. A credit for the $300 space reservation fee will be applied to the resident’s university account once the refund deadline has passed for that semester.
3. In response to the request to reserve space, Housing and Residence Education will attempt to acknowledge in writing that appropriate materials have been received and that space is being reserved.
4. If the resident, through appropriate procedure outlined in the Section, releases the reserved space by written notice to Housing and Residence Education (received and/or postmarked by dates indicated), the space reservation fee is refundable as follows, provided the resident has complied with the terms and conditions of the contract:
  1. $150 refund (50% of the space reservation fee) when written notice of space release is received or postmarked through May 15 (when the term of the contract begins with autumn semester); December 15 (when the term of the contract begins with spring semester).
  2. Forfeiture (no refund) of the space reservation fee if the notice of space release is postmarked and/or received May 16 or later (when contract begins with autumn semester); December 16 (when contract begins with spring semester).
  3. Forfeiture (no refund) of the space reservation fee if departure from housing results from academic dismissal, withdrawal, or non-enrollment during the term of the contract.
  4. If space is not available, and/or the contract is not accepted by Housing and Residence Education, the space reservation fee will be refunded in full.
  5. Residents that terminate their housing contract prior to the final spring semester of the contract term or who are approved for a special residence arrangement pursuant to the University Housing Regulation prior to the final spring semester of the contract term forfeit their space reservation fee.
Refunds
1. All paid housing and dining fees during the term of contract will be refunded (except the $300 space reservation fee and used portion of the dining plan) upon the student’s non-attendance at the university (Columbus, Wooster, Newark, or Mansfield campus) and not occupying the assigned residence hall space.
2. In the event the resident occupies the assigned space, the amount of the refund of paid housing and dining fees will be calculated according to the following schedule after the resident removes all belongings, surrenders the room key/key card, and officially checks out of the assigned residence hall.
  1. Refund: Room and Dining Plan
    1. In the event the resident withdraws or is dismissed from the university prior to the beginning of the semester or dining service session, the university agrees to refund the prepaid fees of the Housing and Resident Education and Dining Services contract.
    2. Proof of withdrawal or dismissal is required.
    3. In the event the resident withdraws after the semester or session has begun, prepaid room fees will be refunded on a prorated daily basis and dining fees will be prorated based on usage.
    4. No refunds of housing or dining fees will be made after the tenth Friday of the semester.
    5. No refunds of housing or dining fees will be made to any resident receiving academic credit for the semester or for absences from the housing or dining commons.
    6. Termination of this contract as the result of disciplinary action will result in forfeiture of Housing and Residence Education and Dining Services fees.
Liability and Risk Assumption
1. The university acknowledges, and the resident is hereby made aware, that criminal activity, personal injury, and theft occur, and the risk exists for such future occurrences on university premises, specifically within and around Housing and Residence Education facilities.
2. Therefore, the resident agrees to assume responsibility for their own personal safety and security, as well as for their own personal belongings.
3. The university does not assume responsibility for any resident’s, guest, or other person’s losses or injuries, including, but not limited to the loss of money or valuables, the loss of or damage to property, the cost of replacement for such losses, or injuries, personal or otherwise, sustained on or about the Housing and Residence Education and Dining Services premises. The university recommends that the resident contact his or her local insurance carrier concerning the availability of protections against such losses and injuries.
4. The resident acknowledges that in the event of any pending or future public health crisis, the resident may be assuming additional risks to their health and safety by residing in university housing and using the dining services. Resident agrees that they are knowingly, voluntarily, and expressly assuming this risk and responsibility for any damages, liabilities, loss, or expenses related to a public health crisis that they may incur as a result of residing in university housing. Resident further acknowledges that during a public health crisis, the university may have limited staff availability and/or reduce or eliminate certain services in its sole discretion for health and safety reasons, including but not limited to, reduction in dining service offerings and elimination of residence hall programming.
Assignment of Premises; Use of Common Areas
1. The premises contracted by the resident will be those assigned by the Housing and Residence Education Office.
2. Housing and Residence Education staff will reasonably attempt to accommodate, but cannot guarantee, the resident’s expressed preferences for a specific area, building or complex or, if applicable, roommate or room type.
3. The resident agrees that occupancy of the assigned room is limited to residents assigned to that room, that the room will be used only as living space, and that the space will not be loaned to or occupied by non-residents.
4. The resident will also have the nonexclusive, revocable right to make normal use of the common areas of the building or complex in which the assigned premises are located.
Behavior and Conduct
1. The resident agrees to review and observe all published rules affecting their status with the university, specifically including the Code of Student Conduct as published on the university website, the Residential Living Handbook published on the Housing and Residence Education website, posted housing rules established by university officials and/or housing resident governing bodies, and any health-related directives of the university and/or local, state, and federal authorities, including but not limited to directives regarding gatherings, masks, vaccination, and personal hygiene.
2. The resident agrees to conduct themselves in such a manner as to allow others the quiet enjoyment of the residence halls and housing and dining facilities. The resident agrees to abide by the laws of the State of Ohio and to avoid causing excessive noise and/or disruptive behavior and understands that they may be required to provide and use earphones or to remove stereos or musical instruments from the room if the use of such equipment is causing a disturbance.
3. The resident agrees to membership in the respective resident governing bodies of university housing including all rights, privileges and responsibilities of such membership.
Reassignment
1. Rooms or apartments are subject to reassignment at any time.
2. The university may alter the resident’s assignment for reasons including, but not limited to, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, disciplinary reasons, catastrophe, renovation or closing of a facility, consolidation of vacancies, unavailability of space, violation of specific living area expectations, unresolvable incompatibility of roommates, unpaid housing and dining fees, facility maintenance, or at the request of the resident.
3. The resident understands and agrees that the resident’s contract is for a room assignment determined by the university, not for any particular room, and that the university may reassign the resident to another room at any time when there is reasonable cause to believe that the resident has violated the Residential Living Handbook, the Code of Student Conduct, university policy or rule, or posted housing rules established by university officials and/or housing student governing bodies.
4. The resident agrees to move to the designated room immediately upon notification of the reassignment.
5. The resident agrees that the university reserves the right to prohibit a resident’s ability to enter or visit specific residence hall premises or public and private areas therein.
6. Reassignment is not a termination of the Housing Contract. The resident understands and agrees that reassignment does not preclude the university from pursuing disciplinary action, termination of the contract, and/or other appropriate action.
7. The procedures for reassignment are as follows:
  1. Recommendation for reassignment will be made by a hall director, the appropriate assistant director of Housing and Residence Education, or the director of Housing and Residence Education.
  2. A decision to reassign a resident will be based on a review, by a hall director in consultation with the appropriate assistant director of Housing and Residence Education, and/or the director of Housing and Residence Education, of available evidence of violation.
  3. If reasonably possible and depending upon the nature and seriousness of the alleged violation, the hall director or appropriate assistant director of Housing and Residence Education will talk with the resident before making a decision on reassignment.
  4. A resident who is reassigned in accordance with this provision may appeal the original reassignment decision to Housing and Residence Education.
  5. Appeals must be submitted in writing to housing@osu.edu within twenty-four (24) hours of the issuance of a reassignment notice. The appeal must state why the resident believes the reassignment should not occur.
  6. A resident is limited to one appeal. The decision of Housing and Residence Education is final.
  7. Housing and Residence Education reserves the right to temporarily reassign the resident to a new room during the appeal period.
Resident Responsibilities
1. The Resident shall:
  1. Use the premises only for normal residential purposes and not allow any person to occupy the premises other than persons assigned to the premises by the university;
  2. Comply with the check-in and check-out procedures of Housing and Residence Education;
  3. Keep the premises safe, clean and sanitary;
  4. Use and operate all electrical and plumbing fixtures and appliances appropriately;
  5. Refrain and forbid other persons in the premises with the resident’s permission, from intentionally or negligently destroying, defacing, damaging, removing, or modifying any fixture, furnishing, appliance, or other part of the premises; and,
  6. Conduct themselves, and require other persons in the premises with the resident’s permission to conduct themselves, in a manner that will not disturb other residents of the peaceful enjoyment of their own premises.
Breach of Contract
1. The resident agrees that breach of contract exists when it is determined by the appropriate university official and/or student judicial body that a violation of provisions of this contract or of rules and regulations of the university has occurred.
2. The resident understands that breach of contract may also result in cancellation of current enrollment, denial of subsequent university registration, forfeiture of the Space Reservation Fee or Security Deposit, and/or room, rent and/or fee payments as determined by Housing and Residence Education.
Relief from Contract Obligations
1. Authority for relief from any contract obligations is held solely and exclusively by Housing and Residence Education.
2. Relief from contract obligations is not given after the beginning date of the term of contract other than as outlined in the Contract Addendum. The university assumes that the person signing this contract has reviewed their financial resources and medical, religious, dietary, and other needs prior to signing this contract.
3. Residents may obtain relief from the obligations of the contract upon payment of:
  1. the Rate 3 housing fees (Columbus) or the lowest current room rate (regional campuses) for each semester within the remaining term(s) of the contract; and
  2. the student’s required dining plan fee for each semester within the remaining term(s) of the contract
4. The resident who moves out of university housing during the term of contract without relief from contract obligations and remains enrolled will continue to be liable for Housing and Residence Education fees that accrue against their account, whether or not the resident uses the services.
Termination of Contract
1. Housing and Residence Education may initiate a hearing to terminate the resident’s contract before the end of its term and require the resident to vacate the premises immediately if the university determines that the resident has:
  1. Failed to make rent or other payments when due,
  2. Failed to maintain eligibility for the applicable housing,
  3. Violated any other term or condition of the contract, or
  4. Violated the university’s Residential Living Handbook, the Community Standards of Conduct, University Code of Student Conduct or any other applicable university rule or policy.
2. Written notice the contract termination will be placed in the resident’s mailbox, hand-delivered, or sent to the resident’s official university email address at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the hearing. The notice will state the charge, the date, time, and location of the hearing, and the hearing officer designated to hear the case. The resident shall have a right to be heard, and the hearing procedures shall be consistent with those provided for in Section 3335-23-10 of the university’s Code of Student Conduct. If the hearing officer determines to terminate the resident’s contract, the resident shall have the right to appeal the decision to the director of Student Conduct or designee. Any such appeal must be submitted in writing and must be received by the director of Student Conduct or designee within five (5) business days of the hearing officer’s decision. The decision of the director of Student Conduct or designee shall be final.
3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Office of Student Life Student Conduct may also terminate a resident’s contract before the end of its terms and require the resident to vacate the premises immediately if the resident is found in violation of the university’s Code of Student Conduct following a hearing conducted pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct.
4. In the event of such a termination, the resident shall remain liable for rent and any other applicable payments through the date of termination and for any damages or losses resulting from the resident’s breach of these terms and conditions.
5. The resident understands that a temporary denial of access to the residence halls or apartment pursuant to an interim suspension does not constitute a termination of the Housing Contract.
6. Unless the resident makes other arrangements in writing with the Housing and Residence Education Office prior to vacating their room or apartment, any personal property remaining in the premises after the contract has been terminated by either party, the resident has turned in the keys to the premises, or the contract term has expired shall be presumed to be abandoned. The university may, without liability, dispose of it as the university sees fit. The university reserves the right to assess the resident for the cost of removal of abandoned property.
Payment for Early Contract Release
1. Residents may obtain relief from the obligations of the contract upon payment of the Rate 3 housing fees (Columbus) or the lowest current room rate (regional campuses) for each semester within the remaining term(s) of the contract.
Contract Exchange
1. As approved by the university, this contract may be exchanged by the resident (current contract holder) with another student (prospective resident) as long as neither is required by University Housing Regulation to reside in university residence halls and upon satisfaction of the following requirements:
  1. The current contract holder:
    1. Must locate and eligible prospective resident who must have neither requested housing information on the university undergraduate admission application, nor made previous contact with Housing and Residence Education to request housing information. If a standby request list exists because of limited residence hall vacancies, the current contract holder must exchange with someone on the standby list.
    2. Gives up a contract for residence hall living space, not for a space in particular room or residence hall.
  2. The eligible prospective resident:
    1. Must be an undergraduate enrolled full-time (twelve or more credit hours) and may not be a current contract holder.
    2. May not be ineligible to reside in housing for behavior and/or conduct reasons.
    3. Accepts that a housing assignment will be made in accordance with assignment policy and will not be to the specific space vacated by the current contract holder.
  3. This contract may not be exchanged when such exchange would contribute to over-assigned conditions in the halls.
  4. The parties agree that the exchange of the contract as a whole will be for the remainder of the term of contract (academic year(s)).
  5. The resident agrees to contact Housing and Residence Education to formalize the request for contract exchange and to determine eligibility of the prospective resident.
  6. The university identification card is not transferrable and may not be sold to another person.
  7. The contract exchange will be effective only after the signed contract has been received from the prospective resident.
  8. When a contract exchange is approved in writing by Housing and Residence Education, the prospective resident accepts complete responsibility for the terms and conditions. The current contract holder is then completely relieved of any responsibility and/or monetary obligations for the contract.
Acts of God
1. If either party is prevented from, or delayed in, completing performance of any or all of its obligations under the Housing Contract (other than payment of rent and fees) by an act of God or any other occurrence beyond the party’s control, including but not limited to any conditions arising out of a public health crisis, the party will be excused from performance for as long as it is reasonably necessary to complete performance.
Waiver
1. No waiver of any default in the performance of the Housing Contract between the university and the resident shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the waiving party.
2. The waiver of a particular default in the performance of the contract shall not constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent default. The resort to a particular remedy upon a default shall not constitute a waiver of any other available remedies.
Severability
1. If any provision of the contract between the university and the resident is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the contract shall not be affected and shall remain in effect.
Entire Agreement
These terms and conditions, together with the Housing Contract and acceptance forms, contain the entire contract between the university and the resident and supersede any and all prior agreements or representations between the parties pertaining to the same subject matter. The university may, in its discretion, increase the rent or otherwise alter the terms and conditions of the contract effective upon the commencement of any renewal term.