Utah State University Eastern Housing and Residence Life Single Student Housing Contract

2026-2027

IF THERE IS ANY PART OF THIS CONTRACT THAT STUDENT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND, PLEASE CONTACT HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE (“HRL”) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PRIOR TO SIGNATURE. THIS CONTRACT COVERS THE ENTIRE PERIOD SELECTED BY THE STUDENT IN THE ONLINE HOUSING CONTRACT SIGN-UP PROCESS (“Sign Up Process”). STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL RENT, MEAL PLAN (if required), AND FEES FOR THE SELECTED PERIOD.

This Housing Contract (“Contract”) is a legally binding contract between the student and Utah State University (“USU”). USU and Student each may be referred to herein as a “Party” or collectively as the “Parties.”

This contract becomes effective upon the student's electronic signature of this contract and payment of the security deposit/reservation fee and HRL’s receipt of this information. This contract is to be accepted electronically online or in person if a paper application is submitted. Occupation of a residence shall also be deemed to be acceptance of the terms of this Contract. No statement made by HRL staff or its agents is considered a waiver of any term or condition of this Contract, whether expressed or implied.

1. Summary of Terms and Definitions

1. “Residence”: the residence assigned to the student. For community-style housing, the Residence is limited to the bed and associated living space (closet, desk, etc.) assigned to the student; for suite-style and apartment-style housing, the Residence includes the bed and associated living space assigned to the student and the shared living space within the suite/apartment (e.g., kitchen/kitchenette, bathroom).
2. “Common Areas” include lobbies, lounges, study rooms, laundry rooms, fitness rooms, kitchens, kitchenettes, bathrooms, hallways, and other amenities designed to be enjoyed collectively by residents of a building.
3. “Rates & Dates Sheet”: a schedule that is published online at eastern.usu.edu/housing for each academic year. The Rates & Dates Sheet includes the specific rates and dates applicable to this Contract. The Rates & Dates Sheet is specifically incorporated herein as an appendix to this Contract.
4. “Reservation Period”: one of the following periods selected in the Housing Application: 1) the FULL ACADEMIC YEAR, including fall and spring semesters, for students who reserve housing that would start at the beginning of fall semester or during fall semester; 2) the SPRING SEMESTER ONLY, for students who reserve housing for spring semester only; or 3) the SUMMER SEMESTER ONLY, for students who reserve housing for only the summer semester. Accordingly, the student is responsible for ROOM RENT, MEAL PLAN, AND FEES for either: 1) the full academic year; 2) spring semester only; or 3) summer semester
5. “Commencement Date”: 1) the fall semester move-in day, if the Reservation Period is the full academic year; 2) the spring semester move-in day, if the reservation period is the spring semester only; 3) the summer semester move-in day, if the reservation period is the summer semester only; or 4) another date agreed to in writing by the student and HRL. Each “move-in” date is listed on the Rates & Dates
6. “Expiration Date”: 1) move-out day for the spring semester, if the Reservation Period is the full academic year or spring semester; or 2) move-out day for the summer semester, if the Reservation Period is the summer semester only. Each “move-out” date is listed on the Rates & Dates Sheet.
7. “Execution Date”: the date and time this contract was electronically agreed to online or in person and the Security Deposit/Reservation Fee paid in
8. “Cancellation Deadlines”: the dates listed on the Rates & Dates
9. Fees: The collective term for the following fees:
   1. "Rent": Rent due as listed on the Rates & Dates Sheet.
   2. “Meal Plan Fees”: If the student lives in Aaron Jones, Tucker, or Burtenshaw, then the student must purchase a meal plan. The student will select and purchase a meal plan as part of the reservation process. Meal plan fees are due as listed on the Rates & Dates
   3. “Contract Fee”: the non-refundable application fee is $50.
   4. “Security Deposit/Reservation Fee”: is $100.
10. “Additional Charges”: Charges established from time to time by HRL for incidental costs, including, but not limited to, lock changes, common area damage, public vandalism, repair of damaged property, etc.
11. “Due Dates”: Due dates for the fees are listed on the Rates & Dates Sheet.
12. “Rules and Policies”: USU rules and policies, specifically including, but not limited to, the rules and policies stated on the HRL website, USU Student Code, the Rates & Dates Sheet, and all other applicable HRL and USU policies.

2. Use of the Residence and Common Areas

Upon the Commencement Date, HRL grants to the Student the right to use and occupy the Residence and to use the Common Areas. The student accepts the residence and common areas “AS IS.”

3. Term

The term of this contract begins on the Commencement Date and ends on the Expiration Date (“Term”). At the conclusion of the term, the student must check out in accordance with the Rates & Dates Sheet.

4. Fees and Payments

1. Payment of Fees and Additional Charges. The student agrees to pay all fees as defined herein. All such fees shall be paid to the USU through the student's USU account on or before the due dates. Rent and meal plan fees are non-refundable except under limited circumstances as described below. The student also agrees to pay any additional charges, which will be assessed in the student's USU account. Students shall pay all such additional charges by their specified due dates. Although HRL does not anticipate any change in the fees during the term, HRL reserves the right to adjust the fees at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, provided that HRL shall not increase the fees to be paid by the student under this contract by an amount greater than 5%, except as explicitly required by USU’s President or its Board of Trustees.
2. Late Fees. Students shall be assessed late fees for all delinquent payments as specified in the Rates & Dates Sheet. Failure to pay timely any amounts owed under this contract could result in the revocation of the following privileges: registration for classes, the use of the USU activity card, the ability to request and receive a transcript, access to the room, or other privileges afforded to students in good standing.
3. Contract Fee and Security/Reservation Deposit. The contract fee is nonrefundable. The security deposit/reservation fee will be held by HRL (without interest) from the time the room is reserved until the expiration date. If all provisions of the contract have been met, then the security deposit/reservation fee will be credited to the student's USU account within 30 days of the expiration date. If the student contracts to return to on-campus housing, the deposit will be extended to the new contract. For purposes of this Contract, July 1 is the cancellation deadline for purposes of receiving a refund of the $100.00 Security Deposit/Reservation Fee for a Fall Semester reservation. If the student cancels the housing contract on or after July 1 of the calendar year in which the fall semester begins, the $100.00 security deposit/reservation fee is forfeited and will not be refunded, except as otherwise expressly provided in this contract or required by applicable law

5. Compliance with Laws, Policies, and Rules

Residents may be required by housing staff to participate in community meetings, mandatory educational programs, floor/hall/housing meetings, and safety drills. Noncompliance may result in a minimum $10 fine.

6. Conditions of Residence

In addition to all other rules, conditions, and policies applicable to Student under this Contract, Student specifically acknowledges and agrees to abide by the following conditions:

1. Registration as a USU student. The student must be (a) a registered USU student by USU throughout the term. Students must be registered students for a minimum of six credit hours for fall and spring to remain eligible for on-campus single housing. A graduate student may register for less than six credit hours, provided they are registered in a master's or doctoral program. Students living on campus for a summer semester need to be registered for at least one credit hour or need to be registered for classes for the upcoming fall semester.
2. Periods of Occupancy. Students may not check into their room prior to the commencement. Students must check out of their room with an authorized HRL representative on or before the expiration date. Failing to vacate on or before the expiration date will result in a daily penalty charge of $25 per day (see 11b).
3. Guests. Guests must be acceptable to any and all roommates at all times. Any overnight guests must have prior written approval from all before spending the night. The student assumes responsibility for the behavior, conduct, and safety of the student's guest(s) as detailed on the HRL website.
4. Entry by HRL. HRL reserves the right to enter the room at any time as necessary to perform the following functions: 1) to inspect and confirm the student's compliance with the terms of this contract; 2) for the protection of health and safety; 3) for emergencies; 4) to perform such maintenance, repairs, improvements, or energy conservation efforts as HRL deems necessary; 5) when a staff member has knocked and been invited in; or 6) when the door is open and a violation of Student Conduct Codes and/or USU Eastern policies is in plain view. Additionally, access will be granted to any law enforcement officer possessing a valid search or arrest warrant. HRL will make reasonable efforts to provide advance notice of any entry, except under emergency circumstances.
5. Personal Property. The student shall be solely responsible for the safekeeping of the student's personal property. HRL assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any loss, destruction, or damage to personal property of the student, unless such loss is due to the sole negligence of HRL. Students are advised to purchase a separate policy of “renters insurance” or other property insurance covering personal property of the student. Students shall remove all personal property from the room and common spaces on or before the expiration date. Any personal property belonging to the student remaining in the room or common spaces after the expiration date shall be deemed abandoned by the student and may be disposed of by HRL at the student's expense. HRL may, at any time, enter the room and remove any personal property of the student that creates a nuisance, is hazardous, or is otherwise prohibited by this contract or USU policies.
6. Health and Safety. Students shall not use the room or on-campus living premises in any manner that may cause a nuisance, fire hazard, or other risk to the health and safety of residents, or engage in activity that may be disruptive to other residents. For these reasons, smoking, alcohol, drugs, pets (other than fish in a 20-gallon tank or smaller), explosives, weapons (except as permitted by Utah law), halogen lamps, water furnishings, and other items presenting a risk to health or safety (as determined in HRL’s sole discretion) are not permitted within the residence or the building. Service/support animals may be allowed only as a USU-approved accommodation to residents with disabilities. Students shall, at all times, abide by all fire and safety regulations of USU and other governing authorities.
7. Maintenance of Residence and Common Areas. Students shall maintain the residence in a clean, sanitary, and orderly condition throughout the term. When using the common areas, students shall clean up after themselves. Students shall not make any repairs or alterations to the residence or common areas, its furnishings, or fixtures without the prior written consent of HRL. Students shall promptly report any damage or needed repair to the Residence or Common Areas to HRL. Students may be assessed additional charges to cover the cost of repairs or maintenance necessitated by students' actions or neglect. Additional charges may also be assessed for any damage or defect in the residence that is not notated in the Move-In Residence Condition Inspection Form that is submitted in a timely manner (within 2 weeks of the move-in date).
8. Return of Room. Upon the expiration date, the student shall complete all HRL move-out procedures and return the room, common spaces, and all USU property (including, but not limited to, all furnishings and keys) to USU in the same condition as received by the student (normal wear and tear accepted). The student shall pay any costs to clean, repair, replace, or restore the room or other USU property to the extent such damage is caused by the student or the student's guests. Damage that occurs in common areas will be assessed to the person(s) responsible for the damage or divided among all occupants of the suite/apartment if the responsible party cannot be identified.
9. Business Activities. Students shall not conduct any business or other commercial activities within on-campus housing facilities without HRL’s written consent.

7. Services Provided

HRL shall provide utilities (electricity, heat, water, sewer, and internet (wired and wireless) connection (dependent upon location)). These utilities are included in the rent. Students shall not be entitled to any refund of fees, and USU shall not be liable to students for any damage to persons or property that may arise as a result of any interruption or non-continuation of such utilities, including, but not limited to, damage to computers, appliances, equipment, or other devices.

8. Residence and Roommate Assignments

USU offers sex-designated and gender-inclusive student housing options. Most student housing at Utah State University is designated based on sex. Under Utah law, a student may only reside in sex-designated housing that corresponds to the student's sex at birth. Students must select their desired housing style, building, and specific room and bedspace, based on availability, through HRL’s online process. HRL reserves the right to make room and bedspace assignments and roommate assignments as HRL deems appropriate. Room and bedspace assignments may be denied, reassigned, or canceled by HRL at its discretion and at any time for reasons of health, safety, discipline, optimization of space, or other reasons. Prior to the Commencement Date and based on availability, students can change rooms and bedspaces through HRL’s online process. After the Commencement Date, if a student changes rooms or bedspace without the approval of HRL, then the student will be assessed a penalty charge and may be required to move back to the assigned room or bedspace. Generally, no room or bedspace assignment change will be allowed during the first two weeks and last two weeks of each semester unless specifically authorized.

9. Meal Plans

If the student resides in Aaron Jones, Tucker, Burtenshaw, PZ Place, or Sessions Hall, then the student must purchase a meal plan. Rules and policies regarding participation in the meal plan are set forth in the Rates & Dates Sheet.

10. Assignment by Subletting

The student shall not assign, sublease, or transfer any interest in this contract to any other party.

11. Termination by Student

1. Requesting Early Termination. To request early termination, the student shall email the housing office. Any such received email will be evaluated by HRL in accordance with the Cancellation Deadlines and associated conditions set forth in the Rates & Dates Sheet and in this Contract. The student agrees and acknowledges HRL reserves the right and sole discretion to accept or deny any such
2. Effect of Early Termination. Except as specifically provided for under Cancellation Deadlines in the Rates & Dates Sheet, early termination by Student shall result in the following: 1) forfeiture of the non-refundable fees and/or deposit; and 2) the obligation to pay a prorated portion of rent fees and meal plan fees through the date that the student vacates the room. Students who fail to vacate their room by a date agreed upon with HRL could also be assessed an additional penalty charge of $25 per day.
3. Reasons for Early Termination and Associated Conditions. The Rates & Dates Sheet outlines the cancellation deadlines and associated conditions for early termination. As designated in the Rates & Dates Sheet, the student must meet at least one of the following reasons for an early termination to be accepted by HRL (depending on the specific cancellation deadline and its requirements):
   1. Graduation, change in marital status, military service, USU-required internship, or other situation approved by HRL. This circumstance must occur during the semester for which the student is requesting to be released. The security deposit/reservation fee will be refunded based on documentation. Rent fees and meal plan fees (if termination is approved) will be prorated through the date that the student completes the move-out process with HRL staff.
   2. Failure to Maintain Status as Registered Student. If a student no longer qualifies as a registered student with at least six credit hours for fall and spring semesters as set forth in Section 8(a) (whether through non-registration or the withdrawing from or dropping of courses), then the security deposit will NOT be refunded. Fee rent fees (if termination is approved) will be prorated through the date that the student completes the move-out process with HRL staff.
   3. Complete withdrawal and non-registration from USU for the remainder of the academic year. Under this circumstance, the Security Deposit/Reservation Fee will NOT be refunded. Rent and meal plan fees are assessed as set forth in the Rates and Dates Sheet. Rent and meal plan fees (if termination is approved) will be prorated through the date that the student completes the move-out process with HRL staff.

12. Termination by HRL

1. Material Breach. HRL may terminate this Contract for cause under the following circumstances: The student fails to comply with any material term of this contract, including, but not limited to, failure to pay fees (owed for past or future occupancy periods) or failure to comply with any of the policies, procedures, and requirements incorporated herein. In the event the contract is terminated by HRL due to violation of policies, the student will be responsible for the entire fees associated with the contract. If a student defaults in the performance or non-performance of any obligations under this contract, the student shall pay all eviction costs, collection costs, court costs, and attorney fees incurred by USU in enforcing its rights under this contract as a result of any such breach. If the student is referred to collections, HRL reserves the right to deny future housing.
2. Effect of Termination. In the event HRL terminates this contract for cause, HRL shall have no obligation to refund any fees or other amounts previously paid by the student, and HRL may take any or all of the following actions: (i) Proceed with eviction of the student pursuant to applicable laws of the State of Utah and USU policies; (ii) recover all fees, damages, and other amounts owed by the student; and (iii) utilize any and all other available remedies, including equitable and legal, judicial and/or administrative relief.
3. Termination without Cause. HRL may terminate this contract, without cause, if the room or residence hall becomes uninhabitable due to fire or other casualty, for purposes of public health or safety, or for other reasons outside of HRL’s reasonable control. If HRL terminates this contract without cause and the student has complied with all material terms of this contract, then HRL shall return fees paid by the student (except the non-refundable application fee) on a prorated basis.

13. Dispute Resolution

All disputes shall be resolved according to the processes set forth on the Housing and Residence Life website and all other applicable USU policies and procedures.

14. Limitation of Liability

USU will not be responsible for any personal injury or damage to property of a student caused by roommates, other students, guests, or any other third party.

15. Indemnification

The student shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless USU, including its officers and employees, from and against any and all liabilities, claims, and damages involving personal injury, death, or damage to property arising from any act or omission, negligence, or willful misconduct of the student, or student’s guests or invitees, in connection with the student’s use of the room and building, or the student’s breach of this Contract or violation of any laws or policies of USU.

16. Photographs

Student grants to USU and its photographers, videographers, editors, contractors, agents, representatives, employees, and assigns (collectively, “USU”), the irrevocable and unrestricted right to (i) take, record, use, and publish photograph(s)/video(s) of or including the resident, other occupants, and the apartment in any manner and medium for USU’s promotional purposes and such other purposes as USU deems appropriate; and (ii) to alter, edit, or manipulate the same photograph(s)/video(s) without restriction.

17. Miscellaneous

1. Choice of Law and Venue. The contract will be governed by the laws of the State of Utah, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Venue for any lawsuits, claims, or other proceedings between the parties relating to or arising under the contract shall be exclusively in the State of Utah.
2. Government Records and Management Act. The student acknowledges that USU is a governmental entity subject to the Utah Government Records Access and Management Act, Utah Code Ann., Section 63G-2-101 et seq., as amended (“GRAMA”); that certain records within USU's possession or control, including without limitation, the Contract, may be subject to public disclosure; and that it shall be subject in all respects to compliance with GRAMA. Pursuant to Section 63G-2-309 of GRAMA, any confidential information provided to USU that the student believes should be protected from disclosure must be accompanied by a written claim of confidentiality or a concise statement of reasons supporting such claim. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the contract, USU may disclose any information or record to the extent required by GRAMA or otherwise required by law and to USU's employees, attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other representatives on a need-to-know basis, provided that such representatives shall be subject to confidentiality obligations no less restrictive than those set forth in the contract.
3. Governmental Immunity. The student further acknowledges that USU is a governmental entity under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah, Utah Code Ann., Section 63G-7-101 et seq., as amended (“Immunity Act”). Nothing in the Contract shall be construed as a waiver by USU of any protections, rights, or defenses applicable to USU under the Immunity Act, including, without limitation, the provisions of Section 63G-7-604 regarding limitation of judgments. It is not the intent of USU to incur by contract any liability for the operations, acts, or omissions of the resident or any third party, and nothing in the contract shall be so interpreted or construed. Any limitation or exclusion of liability or remedies in the Contract for any damages other than special, indirect, or consequential damages shall be void and unenforceable.
4. USU Insurance. USU carries insurance through the State Risk Manager of the State of Utah up to the limits required by the State Risk Manager and applicable law. Nothing in the contract shall require USU to carry different or additional insurance, and any obligations of USU contained in the contract to name a party as additional insured shall be limited to naming such party as additional insured with respect to USU's negligent acts or omissions.
5. Notice. All USU/HRL correspondences and notifications are sent by email. Such correspondence and notifications will be sent to the email address provided by the student in the sign-up process, unless otherwise updated by the student. The student is responsible for keeping HRL current on the student's preferred email address, which may be updated by sending updates to sharon.jones@usu.edu. Any payment, notice, or other communication required or permitted to be given to either party hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given and effective: (a) on the date of delivery if delivered in person or by email during the recipient's normal business hours; or (b) on the date of attempted delivery if delivered by courier, express mail service, or first-class mail, registered or certified.
6. Uncontrollable Circumstances. USU shall not be in default of this contract if delays in or failure of performance are due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the USU. Such circumstances shall include, but are not limited to, acts of government or similar authorities, public health emergencies such as an epidemic or pandemic, fire, flood, terrorism, earthquakes, weather, riots, civil disturbances, police action, or similar events beyond the USU’s reasonable control. In the event of an uncontrollable circumstance, the USU shall immediately notify the student and shall resume performance of its obligations immediately upon cessation of the uncontrollable circumstance.
7. Incorporation by Reference. By reference, this contract incorporates by reference in their entirety all rules and policies.
8. Amendment and Supplement. Any amendment and/or supplement of this contract shall come into force only after a written agreement is signed by both parties. The amendment and supplement duly executed by both parties shall be part of this contract and shall have the same legal effect as this contract.
9. Merger. This contract, its exhibits and attachments, and all regulations and policies referenced herein embody the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all previous communications, representations, or understandings, either oral or written, between the parties relating to the subject matter thereof.
10. Notice of Non-discrimination. In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, USU does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University Policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law. USU does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, USU endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities. As of the Effective Date, the following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies: see https://equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination for more information.
    • Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, JD Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266
    • Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael cody.carmichael@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266
11. Severability. The provisions of this contract are severable, and in the event that any provision of this contract shall be determined to be invalid or unenforceable under any controlling body of the law, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not in any way affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provision.

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT BY SIGNING THIS CONTRACT, STUDENT IS AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF STUDENT IS UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE, THEN STUDENT’S PARENT/GUARDIAN MUST ALSO EXECUTE THIS CONTRACT. IN SUCH A CASE, STUDENT’S PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT BY SIGNING THIS CONTRACT, PARENT/GUARDIAN IS AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CONTRACT AND TO FULFILL ANY AND ALL OF STUDENT’S OBLIGATIONS AND DUTIES AS SET FORTH IN THIS CONTRACT AS OF THE EXECUTION DATE SET FORTH HEREIN.

*The actual contract is to be signed and filed with the USU Eastern Housing and Residence Life office.