Damage Billing Policy

At the end of each academic year, Housing Services and Residence Life assess the condition of the residential facilities.  The cost of repairs, replacements or extraordinary custodial services, both in common areas and in individual rooms, are then charged to the student accounts of the residents responsible for those areas.

Residents are made aware of this policy before check-in as it is included in the Residence Hall and Dining Services Agreement.  When residents arrive on campus, they are provided with a copy of the Student Handbook which further outlines the policy. 

After the residence halls close, Residence Life will complete final building and room inspections for the academic year and will assess damage charges based upon those inspections.  Charges will be posted to student's accounts and Damage Billing Notification letters will be mailed to students, at their permanent addresses during June.

Common Area Damages

A common area is defined as any space and/or area outside a student room.  This includes, but is not limited to stairwells, hallways, restrooms, lounges, elevators, entrance ways, recreation areas and study bubbles.  Community members share responsibility for ensuring that common areas are properly utilized.  Damage charges resulting from the misuse or abuse of common areas will be assessed to all residents.  If the individuals responsible for the damage are identified, then only those persons are charged. 

Click here for a list of Common Area Damages from Spring 2007 Closing.

Appeals

Please note: Common Area Damages may not be appealed.  If you feel that you have been incorrectly assessed for Improper Check-Out, Lock & Key Replacement, Room Damage and/or Shared Space Damage charges, you may submit a written appeal. In your appeal, please be specific and note which charges you are appealing as well as the reason(s) why you should not be charged. You will be notified of decisions regarding your appeal within 15 business days of its receipt.  

The deadline to submit an appeal for the 2006-7 academic year is July 1, 2007. All appeals should be in writing and should come from the student. Housing Services and Residence Life are unable to discuss damages or damage charges over the phone until a written appeal has been received. The address to which a student should submit their appeal is included in the Damage Billing Notification Letter.

Payment

• Credit Card = To make payments with MasterCard, VISA or Discover Card click here.
• Check = Make your check out to The Catholic University of America, and send it to: The Office of Student Accounts, 140 Leahy Hall, Washington, DC 20064. Please include your CUA Student ID number on your check. 

If you are submitting an appeal, do not make payment of the charges you are appealing until after a decision has been made on your appeal.  Please note that simply not paying your damage billing charges does not constitute an appeal.  Failure to pay damage billing charges could result in a financial hold being placed on your student account.