Top 10 Questions: HFS Housing Agreements

Which Agreement should I sign?

If you are planning on living on-campus for the academic year (September to June), the 9-Month Housing Agreement is the best option. If you prefer on-campus housing that includes: summer quarter, a dining-optional assignment, and living in an apartment, then the 12-Month Housing Agreement is a great option. If you are participating in a study aboard program, there are no charges if you need to terminate your housing Agreement. For example, if you are studying abroad in spring quarter, you would not be charged for terminating your agreement for spring quarter.

How long is the contract?

The 9-Month Housing Agreement is for the entire academic year (September–June) and the 12-Month Housing Agreement is for the academic year and summer quarter.

If I want to move to a different room do I need to sign another contract?

No, the Agreement is not for a specific hall and room, but rather for a space somewhere within University Housing. By receiving an assignment, you secure a space to live.

What is the dining plan policy?

If you are living in the residence halls, you are required to have a dining plan. Your balance will carry over from quarter to quarter, but must be used by the end of the agreement period. If you do not use up all of these funds by the end of your agreement period, they will expire. The remainder on your card is nontransferable and nonrefundable. You cannot overspend your dining funds; you will need to add funds to your Husky Card Account via the Online Card Office to supplement running out of dining funds during any quarter.

Can I terminate my Agreement after I have moved in?

Yes, however, your Agreement can only be terminated through StarRez Portal X by submitting an Agreement Termination Notice. This process is not completed until you turn in your keys and sign off on your room condition report.

Is there a termination charge?

Yes. If you check out of your assignment before the end of the Agreement period, you are required to pay a $500 termination charge, any applicable late notice charges, and the remaining housing and dining charges for the current quarter in which you vacate. You are also responsible for the housing charge for the remaining quarters of your Agreement period, unless you have an approved exception to this policy or are no longer registered for classes at the UW Seattle Campus.

What is the difference between cancellation charges and termination charges?

Cancellation charges are assessed to a student’s account if their housing application is cancelled before the student has checked into their assignment and have physically received their keys. The list of cancellation charges and their deadlines can be found on our Application Cancellation and Deferment page. Termination charges are assessed to a student’s account if they have already checked into their assigned space and wish to vacate before the end of the Agreement period. Students who wish to terminate their Agreement early must submit an Agreement Termination Notice and check out of their assigned space before the end of the Agreement period. Details regarding termination policies can be found in the Agreement themselves.

What else can I be charged for?

You can be charged for an improper checkout if you do not complete the checkout process. You will be charged if you do not turn in your keys when you move out, and you will be charged for any damage to the room beyond regular wear and tear. This is why it is important to update your room condition report the day that you move in to include any damages not already listed. I have been charged for something I don’t agree with.

What can I do?

If you feel there are extenuating circumstances surrounding your situation, you are welcome to participate in our Waiver Request process. The HFS Waiver Request process is our formal process designed to provide a means for students to request a dispensation from the terms of their housing agreement or an exemption from Housing & Food Services policies.