Housing & Residence Education
SW 13th Street & Museum Road
PO Box 112100
Gainesville, FL 32611-2100
Phone: (352) 392-2161
Welcome to the Department of Housing and Residence Education at the University of Florida. We hope that the coming year in your new home will be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Housing staff members strive to provide a supportive living environment that encourages students to succeed in the classroom and grow as individuals.
You have voluntarily agreed to live in and become part of the residential community. By signing a Housing Contract, you have acknowledged and agree to follow the standards of the community. The Housing Community Standards contained herein are considered a part of the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct (6C1-4.016).
Note: These Community Standards were previously called "Rules & Regulations."
These policies have been established in the best interest of the residence community at large in accordance with other University regulations, local, state, and federal laws, and input from previous residents.
This web page is designed to give an overview of the University of Florida Graduate and Family Housing Community Standards and help prepare you for the coming year.
For more information contact the Coordinator of Residential Judicial Programs at (352) 392-2171 x10141.
For more information, visit the Dean of Students Office Judicial Affairs web page: www.dso.ufl.edu/judicial/
Read about your Rights and Responsibilities
Read the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct
View PDF of entire Community Standards & Residential Conduct Process
- University Policy, State & Federal Law
- Services for Students with Disabilities
- Annual Review of Housing Community Standards
Quick Links
Graduate and Family Housing
- Alcohol
- Common areas
- Appliances/furniture
- Motorized vehicles
- Bikes
- Illness
- Construction
- Damaging property
- DHNet
- Drugs
- Failure to comply
- Fire safety
- Weapons
- Gardening
- Guests
- Laundry
- Locks
- Noise
- Business
- Community Responsibility
- Pests
- Pets
- Responsibility
- Signs
- Security
- Solicitation
- Smoking
- Subleasing
- Swimming
- Phone/TV
The following regulations have been developed to create a productive and safe living environment in the Graduate and Family Housing community. In accepting his/her apartment assignment, a student agrees to abide by these standards. All residential students are responsible to abide by the Department of Housing and Residence Education Graduate and Family Housing community standards and the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct.
A. No person may possess open containers or consume alcoholic beverages outside his/her apartment or in public areas, such as by the pool or outside the commons buildings.
B. Residents who wish to reserve Graduate and Family Housing commons rooms for events at which alcohol will be served are required to contact staff where the event is to be held prior to the event to ensure that all procedures for the event are followed. An Alcohol Registration form must be completed at least seven working days in advance of the event. Check with your Village Office for the form and other information about this policy.
P.28.02. Apartment and Common Areas
A. Each resident is responsible for the proper care of their apartment and areas outside the entrances to their apartment. Residents are required to maintain areas in and around their apartment in a neat and orderly condition including, but not limited to yards, walkways, covered "breezeways," and proch areas. Toys, loose paper, trash, cans, bottles, etc, are not permitted to accumulate outside a resident's apartment.
B. All residents using the commons room are responsible for returning the area to a condition approved by Housing Staff when use of the particular area has concluded. This may require tasks that include but are not limited to cleaning the stoves, ovens, and sinks; sweeping the floor, and emptying the trash.
C. All residents must properly dispose of trash, recyclables, boxes, etc. Personal trash may not be left or disposed of in public areas.
D. Residents are expected to follow each community's breezeway policy. NOTE: Please see your Village staff for the current policy.
Note: Cleanliness Condition Check
Housing and Residence Education strives to offer safe and clean apartments. Once an apartment is occupied, it is the resident’s responsibility to keep the unit clean. Bi –annually (two times a year), each apartment will be entered by staff to evaluate the cleanliness of the apartment. Areas that will be reviewed are the stove area and sink; all floor surfaces (carpet and tile); the bathroom toilet, sink and tub and the general condition of the apartment. If there are concerns noted during the staff visit to the apartment, the resident will be asked to clean the areas of concern by a specified date and time. If the apartment is not kept clean, the resident may be charged for staff to come in and clean the apartment or the resident may be asked to vacate Graduate and Family Housing.
A. Washing Machines – portable washing machines are ONLY permitted in ground floor apartments. The wash tub/basin/container can not exceed 2.1 cubic feet of volume. The machine must be registered with your Village Office.
B. Dryers of any type are NOT allowed in any Graduate and Family Housing apartment.
C. Waterbeds are prohibited in Graduate and Family Housing apartments.
Restricted Items for UPSTAIRS Apartments:
All Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Freezers, Pianos, Fish Tanks Fifteen (15) Gallons or larger.
P.28.04. Automobiles, Motorcycles, Mopeds, Scooters, Boats, and Trailers
A. Residents shall operate all motorized vehicles in compliance with State, local, and University regulations. University regulations include a prohibition against driving or parking motorized vehicles anywhere except on paved surfaces clearly marked as being intended for travel or parking. Areas not permitted for travel or parking includes, but are not limited to, grassy areas, sidewalks, and "breezeways" adjacent to buildings. (All motorized vehicles are prohibited from being in the interior of a Graduate and Family Housing Community.)
B. Speed limits on apartment housing streets shall be observed as designated. Driving motorized vehicles on village sidewalks, lawns, and breezeways is prohibited.
C. Residents are required to obtain and display appropriate decals or other identification devices for all vehicles owned and kept in Graduate and Family Housing areas as required by Traffic and Parking Services. Parking motorized vehicles on village sidewalks, lawns, and breezeways is prohibited.
D. Residents shall not perform vehicle maintenance or repairs on University premises, including parking lots and adjacent areas.
NOTE: Illegally parked vehicles will be impounded by the UFPD.
A. Bicycles may only be parked and locked to designated bike racks.
B. Residents are permitted to store bicycles inside their apartments. Such bicycles can not contain any parts that use or contain fuel or other flammable liquids. Illegally parked bicycles that are abandoned will be removed per Univeristy Police Department policy and disposed of by UFPD.
P.28.06. Communicable/Controlled Illnesses
Residents will immediately report to the Village Office any infections or contagious diseases occurring within the apartment villages to the Graduate and Family Housing staff.
A. Residents are required to secure written permission from the Graduate and Family Housing Office prior to doing any construction in or around his/her assigned apartment building.
B. Painting is not permitted anywhere in Graduate and Family Housing. This includes interior and exterior areas.
P.28.08. Destroying, Damaging or Tampering with Property
Damage to University premises or property, or property of any other person, is prohibited. Persons may be assessed restitution for damages to University property.
Please click here to view a complete list of DHNet policies
Possession of drug related paraphernalia, including but not limited to bongs, pipes, and hookahs is prohibited in and around the adjacent property of the residence facilities and such items are subject to confiscation.
A. Students and their guests must comply with a University Official's request when such official is working within the performance of his or her duties. University Officials include any Housing and Residence Education staff member, regardless of job title.
B. Residents and their guests must present proper identification when requested to do so by identified Housing and Residence Education staff.
C. Students are required to schedule and/or maintain appointments with staff members when asked to do so in conjunction with the staff member’s duties.
D. Residents must abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the Graduate and Family Housing Rental Contract.
In Graduate and Family Housing fire safety is a very serious matter. Violations are considered a direct threat to the life and overall safety of the residents and emergency personnel and are handled accordingly.
A. EVACUATION – Immediate evacuation when an alarm sounds, and/or emergency flashing lights have been activated and/or when instructed to do so by appropriate staff is mandatory. Re-entry into a building before receiving confirmation from appropriate staff, UFPD, the fire department, or other emergency personnel is prohibited. Re-entry is not permitted while the alarm is sounding.
B. COOKING – Persons should not leave their food items unattended on the stove or in the oven at any time. Persons are responsible for the proper use of approved cooking appliances and attention to food items while using the appliances.
C. AIR CONDITIONERS – CORRY RESIDENTS ONLY – Under limited situations, residents may be able to supply their own air conditioners. The unit must not exceed 10 amps and 12,000 BTU’s. The resident must have a qualified person assist in the installation of the unit. Installation must be performed by Housing and Residence Education staff and there is a charge for installation. The amount of this charge will be noted at signing of the contract.
D. HEATERS – Open coil space heaters, radiant heaters, or kerosene heaters are not permitted.
E. BARBECUE GRILLS – Persons are permitted to use barbecue grills at a safe distance (15 feet or more) from all buildings. The use of grills is not permitted under any covered walkways, landings, balconies, or breezeways.
F. LAMPS – All “floor style” halogen lamps are prohibited in Graduate and Family Housing apartments. Halogen lamps specifically designed and marketed as desk lamps that have a bulb that is fully unexposed behind a solid glass casing that is unable to be tampered with and is at 50 watts or less are acceptable. Appropriate residence life and/or appropriate maintenance staff shall decide if a halogen lamp meets qualifications. Only UL (Underwriter's Laboratories) approved lamps can be used in the residence facilities.
G. CANDLES AND INCENSE - Candles and incense use should be supervised by residents. Residents are required to be present in the room in which candles and incense are in use.
H. SPRINKLERS - Residents are not permitted to hang items from, cover, or otherwise tamper with fire sprinklers devices.
P.28.13. Firearms, Weapons, Fireworks, Explosives and Dangerous Chemicals
A. Possession or use of weapons or ammunition is not permitted in Graduate and Family Housing. This includes but is not limited to: firearms, rifles, stun guns, BB guns, paint ball guns, bow and arrows, switch blades, knives (except a common pocket knife), nun chucks, martial arts or medieval weapons, and sling shots. No exceptions to this policy are made for participation in special classes (e.g. archery or ROTC). Any weapon or firearm on University property, if permitted, must be registered and stored at the campus police station.
B. Possession, storage, and/or use of toy guns or weapons, especially those that launch projectiles and/or resemble real weapons, are not permitted.
C. Flammable liquids and solvents (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane, etc.) may not be stored in resident rooms, apartments or living areas including outside storage closets. Residents are permitted to store charcoal in rooms or living areas, including "pre-soaked" charcoal.
P.28.14. Grounds and Gardening
In the ground vegetable gardening is prohibited in Graduate and Family Housing. Flower gardening is permitted only in Maguire and UVS Villages.
Residents must register guests at the Village Office on the date of their guest's arrival. Guests are required to follow all policies and procedures as if they were residents of the apartment. Residents are responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests and will be held accountable.
A. Residents must dry clothes in a designated laundry room or by open-air drying inside their apartment.
B. Drying clothes on clotheslines, fences, and breezeways or on adjacent apartment building areas is not permitted.
C. Residents must adhere to the Laundry Room Etiquette Rules posted in area laundry rooms.
Tampering with or damaging lock mechanisms is prohibited. Additional locks may not be added to doors or other University property or equipment.
A. Residents are not permitted to conduct or permit loud parties or activities in his/her apartment, or to create disturbances which would cause annoyance or discomfort to other residents in any manner.
B. Quiet Hours in all Graduate and Family Housing communities are 10pm - 8am, 7 days a week. Courtesy Hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
C. Commons room - no outside activities or noise after 11pm to be in compliance with quiet hours.
P.28.19. Operation of Business
A. Residents are not allowed to pursue any business on the premises or in the apartment units. The apartment unit should be used solely as a residence.
B. Residents are not permitted to use the premises for any illegal purposes.
C. Residents may not inscribe or affix any sign, advertisement, or other notice to any part of their apartment on the outside of any Graduate and Family Housing building. Examples of business operations include, but are not limited, to babysitting, swimming lessons, automobile repair, etc.
P.28.20. Community Responsibility
Residents must comply with the Community Standards Policy of each Graduate and Family Housing area.
A. Pest control services are periodically performed by appropriate Department of Housing and Residence Education staff for insect control purposes. Residents must allow appropriate staff to enter rooms for pest control inspection and control purposes unless a prior medical exception has been filed at the office.
B. It is the responsibility of pet owners to assure the welfare of their animals during pest control services.
NOTE: Department of Housing and Residence Education personnel visit every apartment four times a year to provide pest control service. Ants, bees, wasps, and other insects are all part of the natural environment of Graduate and Family Housing. When wasps' nests, large anthills in playground areas, or other insect problems outside apartments are observed, complete a Maintenance Request form ("work order"). If an apartment has a particularly bad problem, contact the staff or Custodial Services during office hours for more information or fill out a maintenance request.
A. Residents must use the Pet Policy Agreement form, and obtain prior written approval from Village Housing STAFF in order to keep the following pets within the residence facilities:
APPROVED Pets in the Facilities
| fish | guinea pigs | lizards* |
| hamsters | gerbils | birds** |
| geckos | frogs*** | salamanders*** |
| dwarf rabbits | chinchillas | |
* max. length 6 inches using snout to vent method (no ignuanas) ** non-predatory, domesticated, not to exceed one-half pound *** certified non-poisonous |
||
No other type of animal (regardless of similarity to those listed above) is permitted.
B. Residents are responsible for the proper care and cleanliness of their pet. Approved pets must be kept in a cage at all times. All pets will be kept in standard cages made of metal, plastic, or glass, not to exceed 3 ft. in length, 2 ft. in width, 2 ft. in height.
C. Pets are to remain inside the apartment at all times.
D. Feeding of stray or wild animals is strictly prohibited.
E. Cats and dogs are not permitted in Graduate and Family Housing. This policy also includes pets of friends and relatives who visit or who request to leave pets in your care.
NOTE: If you observe dangerous behaviors in any animal (stray, abandonded or wild), please contact the University of Florida Police Department at 392-1111.
P.28.23. Occupant Responsiblities
Residents are responsible for and will be held accountable for the behavior of their (non-student) spouse/family members. Residents must inform the authorized occupants of Housing and Residence Education and University policies.
P.28.24. Posting Signs and Information in Public Areas
A. Residents are not permitted to display placards, posters, banners or materials of a similar type in their apartments where they can be visibile to outside apartments. Such items are also not permitted anywhere outside the apartment or about the premises. This does not apply to Public Access Bulletin Boards provided that no other standards are being violated. The Department of Housing and Residence Education reserves the right to limit the numbers of materials posted per event or organization to ensure equitable access to limited bulletin board space.
B. Residents are not permitted to post posters on walls, doors, or windows outside the buildings.
C. Access to Administrative Notices Only Bulletin Boards is restricted to staff.
A. Keys are only issued to residents listed on the Graduate and Family Housing contract. Residents are required to report any lost or stolen keys.
B. Residents are not permitted to duplicate or share keys or to give their keys to a guest.
B. Residents cannot prohibit Authorized University Housing Personnel to enter, without notice, any part of the dwelling unit during reasonable hours for the purpose of making evaluations, improvements, or repairs to any part of such dwelling unit; or when authorized personnel have reasonable belief that a violation of a University regulation, local ordinance, state or federal statute is in progress; and/or for other emergency purposes.
NOTE: “Authorized University Housing Personnel” include but are not limited to student staff such as Community Assistants or Resident Managers, as well as other full-time professional staff such as Assistant Directors of Housing, Residence Directors, Residence Life Coordinators, Associate Directors of Housing, and the Director of Housing.
Any personal or commercial solicitation (including door-to-door sales and distribution of advertisements) within Graduate and Family Housing areas is prohibited. Residents are encouraged to report violations to the Village Office or call the University of Florida Police Department at 392-1111. Residents or registered student organizations may use public and commons areas with approval from appropriate staff.
In compliance with state law, smoking tobacco products or any other substance is prohibited in or within 50 feet of all Graduate and Family Housing facilities, including, but not limited to, stairwells, balconies, breezeways, landings, entryways, playgrounds, and near windows.
NOTE: Pursuant to the Florida Indoor Clean Air Act, smoking is prohibited in residence facilities. The “50-foot” rule is designed to accommodate the spirit of the Act by attempting to ensure that those who do not wish to breathe second-hand smoke to do not have to do so in order to enter a building. Cigarette butts and packaging material should be disposed of properly.
Residents are not permitted to transfer possession, lease, or sublet the premises nor give accommodations to roomers, boarders, lodgers, or family members except as specified on the contract.
Residents will comply with all rules associated with swimming pools in Graduate and Family Housing.
A. Children under the age of 16 are permitted to be inside the fenced area of the pool only if under the active supervision of another person inside the fenced area of the pool. This supervising person must be at least 18 years of age. Children under the age of 16 who are not supervised as required by this section will be considered an unsupervised child according to the University of Florida policy and the Department of Housing and Residence Education.
B. All children who are not toilet trained are required to wear plastic pants over any bathing suit bottoms or other clothing. All babies in diapers must wear plastic pants to cover the diaper or diapers designated for swimming.
C. All residents and guests inside the pool area must obey any posted rules concerning use of the pool.
NOTE: Always keep pool gates closed to protect young children from entering the pool area alone. Pool hours and pool rules are posted. Keep pools clean and safe by following the rules.
P.28.30. Telephones - Antennas - Satellite Dishes - Cable TV
Residents shall not erect, install, or set-up electronic systems including, but not limited to, television antennas, wireless transmitters, or satellite dishes of any kind in, on, over, or through any common area of the apartment building. Common areas include, but are not limited to, hallways, roofs, patios, walkways, and exterior walls and floors. Maguire and UVS residents in upstairs apartments are only permitted to apply for the use of a satellite dish. See the Village staff for details on this program.
P.28.31. Windows & Window Screens (objects from windows and restricted areas)
A. Tampering with, opening, or removing screens is prohibited. Residents will be billed if Housing and Residence Education staff must replace the screens.
B. Residents may not climb through windows.
C. Throwing, pouring, or dropping anything (including keys) from and/or at windows, balconies, ledges, or landings is strictly prohibited.
D. Persons are not permitted at anytime to be on roofs and ledges, or to place objects on these areas. Climbing on any exterior building wall or similar structure is not permitted.
E. Residents are not permitted to place newspaper, foil, or other material to cover windows in Graduate and Family Housing. Solicitations and alcohol advertisements/signage should not be placed on windows.
University Policy, State and Federal Law
Students are required to abide by all local, state, and federal laws as well as the University of Florida Student Code of Conduct, Department of Housing and Residence Life Community Standards, and university policies. Violations of laws may result in arrest and/or referral through the student judicial process. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct, Department of Housing and Residence Life Community Standards, and university policies may result in referral through the student judicial process.
For more information about the judicial process at the University of Florida (including the definition of the above terms) visit the UF Dean of Students Office Website where the complete Student Code of Conduct and related procedures can be found.
Services for Students with Disabilities
For students with disabilities, this publication is available in alternative formats. Please contact the Office for Student Services, P202 Peabody Hall, 392-1261 or 392-3008 (TDD). For students with hearing or speech impairments use the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771(TDD).
Annual Review of Housing Community Standards
The Department of Housing and Residence Education Community Standards are reviewed each year. Because of its importance, the review process is a formal one that follows the established University Rulemaking procedure as indicated by the Florida Administrative Code and other related state and University Regulations.
You are encouraged to get involved with the review process by voicing your input. One of the best ways to do this is to participate in your Village government and the Mayor's Council.
You can learn more about your the Mayor's Council for Graduate and Family Housing at 352-392-2161 x10112. Suggested changes are also discussed by staff in The Department of Housing and Residence Education, The Office of Residence Life and Education, and reviewed by other university administrators including the University’s General Counsel Office.
If you have any questions regarding anything you have read on this page, please contact the Office of the Coordinator of Residential Judicial Programs at 392-2171 ext.10141
| © University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Updated: September 5, 2008 |
For questions, comments or problems related to this page please contact: JoCynda Hudson |
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