Damage to Property / Damage Billing (Residential Living)

Policy Author:
Student Affairs

Responsible Office – Department:
Student Affairs

Effective Date of Policy:
June 25, 2026

Policy Narrative

Residents agree to pay for damages for missing property and equipment and for any additional cleaning and service costs they incur. Residents will also be billed for damage to or within the residence hall beyond normal wear and tear based on the current cost of labor and materials. If two (2) or more students occupy the same room and individual responsibility for extra cleaning, damage, or loss in the room cannot be ascertained, charges will be assessed and divided equally between the residents of the room. Residents share responsibility for the condition of the common areas within their assigned residence hall. These charges must be paid to the University in accordance with the established billing schedule. Persons found damaging University property will be subject to disciplinary action. Students may complete the Damage Appeal Form process as communicated by Residence Life to dispute any assessed damage and cleanliness costs. 

Resident students are responsible for any damage or excessive cleaning that is required. Students should not attempt residential damage restoration as Daemen Facilities is responsible for damage repairs. Students will be charged for damage restoration attempts.Damage will be assessed for cost of repairs or replacement, and charges will be assigned as follows:

Room and Apartment Damage

1. To any individual who accepts responsibility or is found to be responsible for the damage
2. To all occupants of a room/apartment where the damage was done and direct responsibility cannot be determined
3. Accidental and malicious damages. Accidental damage occurs through unintentional happenings. Malicious damage results from disruptive or intentional behavior. Disciplinary action will be taken and restitution assessed to students involved in malicious damage.

Common Area Damage

1. Common areas are defined as any space other than individual student rooms, i.e., bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, lounges, elevators, lobby areas, etc.
2. In common areas where excessive damage occurs and responsibility is not determined, it may be necessary to hold responsible all occupants of the section, apartment floor, or building where the damage occurred.
3. Individuals held accountable for damage to a common area will be held financially responsible and will be billed by the Office of Student Accounts, upon request of the Office of Housing & Residence Life.

Students assessed for damage and cleanliness concerns, regardless of intention or responsibility, may be billed for the damage and/or be subject to disciplinary action. Residence Life Professional Staff and Facilities make final damage assessments.

Purpose of Policy

To create and maintain an equitable environment where students have the optimal opportunity to succeed academically, personally, and professionally and where any and all Daemen University Community members feel safe, valued, and respected.

This policy’s virtual location is in the Residential Living Policies section (Section 4) of the Student Handbook –  https://www.daemen.edu/student-life/student-affairs/student-handbook/section-4-residential-living-policies.