Approved by:  Housing & Residence Life

History:  Updated  4/16/2026

Related Policies:  Complaints and Grievance Process | Housing & Dining Agreement

Related Forms, Procedures and References:  Housing & Residence Life Website | My Housing portal

For Questions Contact:  Housing & Residence Life | 651.690.6617 | residencelife@stkate.edu

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Room Search, Entry, and Inspection

The University reserves the right to enter a resident’s living space without prior notification for the purpose of repair, recovery of University property, enforcement of University policies, and for the preservation of health or safety of both person and/or facilities. The Director of Housing Operations, the Director of Campus and Residence Life, and/or the Director of Public Safety are each authorized to approve entry into a room, suite, or apartment space for the purposes described above.

Upon moving in, students will be required to complete a Room Condition Report Form to document the condition of their living area. When completed properly, this document ensures students are not charged for damages and maintenance items that existed at check-in. The Room Condition Report Form is due within ten days of moving into a space. Failure to complete this form by the deadline may result in a $50 fee. Additionally, the student forfeits their right to appeal any damage charges that may be assessed after check-out.

Students are expected to maintain their living areas at a reasonable level of cleanliness and order. Additionally, students living in suites, apartments and/or in rooms with private baths, are responsible for regularly cleaning their kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Room, suite, and apartment condition inspections will be conducted throughout the year (tentatively October, December, and March). Spaces are also inspected upon or after a student’s check out. Students will be given notice at least 48-hours in advance of a scheduled condition inspection. Students do not need to be present at the inspection. During inspections, staff will assess the general condition of the living area including any maintenance items that need to be addressed, damages, and the reasonable cleanliness of the space. 

During inspections or other times in which staff are in living areas, concerns about cleanliness and damages will be addressed. This may include one or all of the following actions:

• Charges: Students will be charged for cleaning or damages beyond normal wear and tear. Damage charges in shared spaces will be equally divided between roommates, unless a specific roommate takes responsibility. Damages are assessed and posted to student accounts within two-weeks of notice.
• Cleanliness Follow Up: Students will receive notice that there are cleanliness or clutter issues within their living area. Notice will include a date for follow-up inspection(s). Failure to address these concerns may result in damage/cleaning charges, student conduct follow-up, and/or removal from housing. 

In the event it is determined that a student has caused excessive damages and or cleanliness issues, the University may move forward with the Housing & Dining Agreement termination process and/or the Student Conduct Process. As stated in the agreement, students who are removed from housing must pay the full amount of their housing fee for the remainder of the term. 

Even if a student does not go through the housing termination or Student Conduct Process, the University has the right to refuse housing in the future to students who have a history of cleanliness, damages, or health and safety concerns.