Students are responsible for their own personal property at all times. Property shall be considered abandoned if Housing comes into possession of the property and if it seems that the owner has thrown it away or has voluntarily left without any intent or expectation to regain ownership of said property.

In these situations, Housing and Campus Facilities staff will inventory and pack the abandoned property. Housing will store it for 30 days while a reasonable attempt is made to contact the student to collect it.

If the property remains unclaimed, it will be donated or discarded after the 30-day period.

On discovery, the abandoned property will be removed and stored as stated within the guidelines below.

• Housing will only store goods estimated at a value of $50 or greater for 30 days from the day the student’s contract is canceled or the end of the contract date.
• Food items or other items that present cleaning, health, safety or pest control issues will be disposed of immediately and not stored.
• Housing will not store items – including, but not limited to, furniture items – that are visibly damaged. Such items will be disposed of immediately, not stored.
• Students who leave behind items will be charged, regardless of whether the student comes to get their item(s). Current fees are $25 per small item or standard large trash bag or less and $50 per appliance or furniture item.
• Students who wish to donate items are responsible for taking the items to a designated donation site off campus. Students should not leave items they wish to donate in their apartment, building, exterior trash receptacles, etc.
• After 30 days, Housing reserves the right to donate or discard all abandoned property.

For more information, see Billing Procedures.

Contact Housing at housing@missouri.edu if you will be gone from the apartment for an extended period of time (10 or more days).

Roommates must be listed as Additional Occupants with Housing, and you cannot add other additional occupants while gone without Housing approval.

For more information, see Housing Contracts and Roommates and Sublease.

Sale or solicitation of anything (including the distribution of samples) is prohibited in University-owned or -operated buildings and on University grounds without prior authorization from the Associate Director for Residential Academic Programs (RAP) or their designee. Staff will contact MUPD when someone is found soliciting at the apartments. 

Students/residents of Housing-owned or -operated properties are strictly prohibited from operating a business or commercial enterprise of any sort from a residence hall or apartment by any means, including, but not limited to, telephone, mail, Internet or other form of telecommunication. No paid business, including, but not limited to, childcare/babysitting, hairstyling, etc., may take place in the residence halls or apartments. Students/residents may not lease, sublet, rent out or by any other manner use their room/suite/apartment as a hotel or other temporary lodging for anyone. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, possible eviction from Housing-owned or -operated facilities.

Solicitation, advertising and research are permitted only within University and departmental guidelines. Copies of the solicitation, advertising and research policy are available by contacting Housing at (573) 882-7275. 

News media may approach people in the outdoor public areas around buildings, but Housing staff will not allow media in the complex without prior permission. 

Contact the Apartment Manager if you are aware of any policy violation. Contact the MU News Bureau at (573) 882-6211 with any questions or concerns about news- or media-related issues.

Only members of recognized student organizations and University departments are permitted to post pre-approved flyers in designated areas at the apartment complex. Before posting, the organization/department must contact the Associate Director of Residential Academic Programs and/or their designee to request approval by emailing Housing at housing@missouri.edu. 

For more information, contact Housing at (573) 882-7275 or housing@missouri.edu. 

The University of Missouri is committed to ensuring people with disabilities requiring the assistance of Service Animals and/or Emotional Support Animals while living in Residential Life facilities are protected under the law. Additionally, Residential Life is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for approved pets. The following guidelines and responsibilities help provide a positive experience for the handler of the animal and the residential community.

Types of Animals

Service Animal – a Service Animal is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other disability. The work or tasks performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability. Emotional support, well-being, comfort and companionship do not constitute work or tasks under this definition.

Emotional Support Animal – an Emotional Support Animal (also commonly called an “Assistance Animal”) may provide physical assistance, emotional support, calming and other kinds of assistance. Emotional Support Animals are generally not individually trained to perform tasks or work that would qualify them as Service Animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional Support Animals are also not restricted to certain types of animals and can be animals other than dogs.

Pet – small animals (not exceeding 5 pounds as an “adult”) that are normally kept in a cage, aquarium or similar appropriate container may be approved to be kept in the resident’s room as a pet.

Please review our Animal FAQ for more information. 

Housing Assignments and Disclosure of Information about the Animal

Residential Life will disclose the presence or entry of an animal to roommates, suitemates and apartment mates. Residential Life will disclose information about the animal during scheduled times through the academic year, such as for health and safety checks and emergency drills.

If a roommate, suitemate or community member has concerns, such as an allergy, about living in the shared space with an animal, the resident(s) may request an accommodation through the Disability Center. The Disability Center will evaluate each accommodation request and make a decision on a case-by-case basis in consultation with residents. Residents may be given the option, or required, to move to an alternate space.

Handler Guidelines and Responsibility

Handlers of animals approved to be in Residential Life facilities are responsible for:

1. Keeping the animal under control. The animal must be under the direct dominion and control of the handler or a designated Personal Care Attendant at all times. When outside of the handler’s living space, the animal should be caged or leashed, unless the use of the leash interferes with the animal’s ability to perform tasks related to the handler’s disability. The handler cannot permit the animal to run at large, either indoors or outdoors. If the animal requires exercise that cannot be done while on a leash, the handler must plan to provide such exercise off campus or obtain prior approval to exercise the animal in designated areas near facilities owned or operated by Residential Life. In the event the owner is not in the residential living space and the animal is alone, the animal must be crated in a cage of appropriate size for the animal.

2. Abiding by applicable laws and policies. The handler must abide by current city, county and state ordinances; laws; and regulations pertaining to licensing, vaccination and other requirements for animals. It is the handler’s responsibility to know and understand these ordinances, laws and regulations. The University of Missouri has the right to require documentation of compliance with such ordinances, laws and regulations, which includes a vaccination certificate.

3. Abiding by Residential Life policies. The handler must abide by all equally applicable Residential Life policies, such as assuring that the animal does not unduly interfere with the routine activities of the residential community.

4. Ensuring the animal is well cared for. Residential Life staff will assume no responsibility or liability for the care or well-being of a resident’s animal. The handler is responsible for the animal’s care and well-being.

• The handler is responsible for providing Residential Life with vaccination records for the animal annually.
• Animals may not be left alone overnight or be left in the care of another individual in university housing. If the handler will be absent from their assigned housing overnight or longer, the animal must accompany the handler.
• The handler is responsible for the care of the animal at all times, including when the animal is accompanied by a designated Personal Care Attendant. Arrangements for people to access the building and/or the room to care for the animal will not be allowed, except in unique and extraordinary circumstances as approved by the Associate Director of Residential Academic Programs.
• Animals may not be left with other residents. Care for the animal is the sole responsibility of the handler, except in unique and extraordinary circumstances as approved by the Associate Director of Residential Academic Programs.
• All animals must be removed when the student leaves the building for an extended period of time.
• The handler is responsible for ensuring the animal is contained, as appropriate considering the nature of the animal, when the handler is not present during day and while attending classes or other activities.
• The handler is responsible for maintaining an animal’s hygiene and odor level in a manner that is acceptable for the residential community.
• Should the handler be unable to care for the animal and the emergency contact cannot retrieve the animal, Residential Life will board the animal at the handler’s expense. The cost of boarding will either be charged to the handler by the boarding agency upon retrieval of the animal or charged directly to the handler’s University account if Residential Life is required to pay boarding fees upfront. Boarding may include any fees associated with the facility’s caregiving policy, including, but not excluded to, vaccinations, spay/neuter, adoption and euthanasia.
• If it is determined the handler will not retrieve the animal or that a boarding agency cannot care for the animal, the animal will be surrendered to a local animal shelter.
• If the handler, emergency contact, boarding agency or local animal shelter cannot care for the animal, Columbia Animal Control will be contacted.
• There will be a flat $50 administrative fee assessed if Residential Life is required to seek alternative housing arrangements for an animal, with the exception of the emergency contact taking the animal within a timely manner. This fee is in addition to any other charges associated with caring for the animal.
• Any evidence of mistreatment, abuse, neglect or incidents during which the animal is left unattended for unreasonably long periods of time or other policy violations may result in discipline for the responsible individual pursuant to the University of Missouri Student Code of Conduct and/or any housing-related sanctions within Residential Life.
• Residential Life personnel shall not be required to provide care for or arrange for the evacuation of an animal during an emergency situation or for such events as a fire alarm. Depending on a number of variables, emergency responders will determine whether to remove the animal and may not be held responsible for the care for, damage to or loss of the animal. In the event a handler is unable to care for their animal in an emergency situation, they should develop a plan for care ahead of time. All parties involved with an emergency situation and evacuation procedures will work diligently to assist residents. Be sure to discuss any questions regarding a possible plan with the Residence Hall Coordinator or Apartment Manager. Handlers will have the opportunity to provide an emergency contact for issues involving the animal on the Acknowledgement and Consent Form.
• In the event an animal is left alone in a room or apartment for a prolonged period of time, is being neglected (food, time outside, etc.) or is creating a significant disturbance, Residential Life will contact the individual(s) the handler designated on the Acknowledgement and Release of Information Form. If attempts to resolve the issue are not successful, Residential Life may notify local animal control or shall have the right to have the animal removed from housing. Such an action may be taken by Residential Life without liability. The costs of removal shall be the responsibility of the handler.
• If an animal (other than a fish) dies, the handler must notify Residential Life to discuss proper disposal of the animal.
• Handlers must dispose of dead fish in a trash can or Dumpster.

5. Ensuring appropriate behavior of the animal. The handler or designated Personal Care Attendant must ensure the animal does not:

• Attack, harass or behave aggressively toward others
• Damage or disturb other’s personal property
• Damage University property, including furniture and fixtures
• Display persistent or repeated behaviors or noises, such as barking, that are disruptive to others
• Block evacuation routes or egress in case of an emergency

6. Ensuring waste is properly disposed of. The handler is required to clean up after and properly dispose of the animal’s waste in a prompt, safe and sanitary manner in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The handler should consult Residential Life staff to designate appropriate locations to “break” the animal and locations where waste should be disposed. Aquarium, gravel, animal bedding shavings, etc., should not be washed down sink/shower drains or toilets. These must be sealed in plastic containers or bags and placed in outdoor trash containers. Failure to properly dispose of animal waste may result in discipline through the Office of Student Accountability and Support.

7. Ensuring the animal is confined during maintenance/custodial/room checks. The animal must be properly kenneled or on a leash (when the handler is present) or removed from the residence during times Residential Life, custodial or maintenance staff must be present in the space.

Residential Life recognizes the need for and is supportive of a resident’s use of an animal. However, as a member of the Residential Life community, it is essential that residents understand and abide by the responsibilities throughout the policy. If a handler fails to meet the responsibilities outlined above, the handler may be subject to discipline pursuant to the University of Missouri Student Code of Conduct where applicable and/or subject to housing-related sanctions according to Residential Life policies.

In the event of serious circumstances, or multiple concerns, it may be determined that the animal’s presence in Residential Life housing is unreasonable. In such instances, the animal or resident may be subject to removal from campus housing. The resident will remain financially obligated through the term of their Housing and Dining Contract. The following conditions may result in an animal’s presence no longer being reasonable:

• The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
• The animal displays persistent or repeated behaviors or noises, such as barking, that are disruptive to others.
• The handler does not comply with responsibilities detailed in the policy to the extent that, at the discretion of Residential Life, removal is necessary.
• The animal causes substantial damage to the property of others or to the university.
• The animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of a university program.

Residential Life, the Office of Student Accountability and Support and the Disability Center will evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis. The University will not base this determination on speculation. Any removal of the animal may be appealed pursuant to campus grievance procedures. The handler will be afforded all rights of due process and appeal as outlined in university processes.

Handlers are responsible for damage caused by the animal. Handlers may be held financially responsible for damage caused by the animal. An individual with a disability may be charged for any damage caused by the animal beyond reasonable wear and tear to the same extent individuals without a disability may be charged for any damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.

Additional Service Animal Information

Students who wish to bring a Service Animal to the University of Missouri are covered by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Students may bring their Service Animals to campus, including to Residential Life facilities, classrooms and other university facilities, without prior approval. However, students are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Disability Center to ensure their experience bringing the animal to campus is smooth.

Students are also strongly encouraged to inform Residential Life they plan to have a Service Animal living with them. Such advance notice allows Residential Life staff more flexibility in meeting a student’s needs upon arrival.

Service Dogs in Training: Under Missouri law (RSMo 209.152), a dog being trained generally has the same rights as a fully trained dog when the handler is working with a recognized trainer. However, handlers of Service Dogs in Training must also adhere to all of the responsibilities outlined in the Residential Life Animal Policy, and the handlers of Service Dogs in Training are subject to discipline through the University of Missouri Student Conduct process if they fail to meet those responsibilities. Handlers are responsible for any damage caused by the Service Dog in Training.

Additional Emotional Support Animal Information

The Disability Center is responsible for evaluating whether to grant or deny requests for reasonable accommodations for students living in Residential Life facilities, including the ability to bring an Emotional Support Animal.

A student wishing to request an Emotional Support Animal as an accommodation to live in a residence hall must follow the Disability Center’s general procedures for requesting an accommodation, which can be found on the Disability Center website. This request must be submitted and the approval process completed prior to bringing the animal into the residence hall.

The Disability Center may require documentation from a reliable third party indicating that the resident has a disability and that the animal would provide emotional support or other assistance that would ameliorate one or more symptoms or effects of the disability. A “reliable third party” is someone who is familiar with the individual’s disability and the necessity for the requested accommodation. Reliable third parties include someone who provides medical care, therapy or counseling to persons with disabilities, including, but not limited to, doctors, physicians assistants, psychiatrists and psychologists.

The Disability Center will limit its requests for information to only the information necessary to verify whether the individual making the request has a disability and/or to evaluate if the reasonable accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing.

The Disability Center evaluates requests for housing accommodations at any time during the year. However, an individual who wishes to bring an Emotional Support Animal as an accommodation to live in a Residential Life facility should initiate the request as soon as possible to ensure sufficient time for approval before bringing the animal to campus.

University Student Apartment residents whose child or non-enrolled spouse requires an Emotional Support Animal should contact the MU Disability Inclusion and ADA Compliance Manager in order to request an accommodation.

Factors Considered in Determining Whether an Emotional Support Animal is a Reasonable Accommodation

When determining whether the request to bring an Emotional Support Animal is reasonable, the Disability Center will consider whether the animal is needed because of the individual’s disability and whether the presence of that particular animal is reasonable.

The Disability Center, in consultation with the individual, Residential Life and other appropriate parties, may consider the following criteria:

• Whether the size of the animal is too large for available assigned housing space;
• Whether the animal’s presence would unreasonably interfere with the activities of the Residential Life facility or create an unmanageable disturbance for other residents;
• Whether the animal is housebroken;
• Whether the animal is unable to live with others in a reasonable manner;
• Whether the animal would pose an undue financial or administrative burden;
• Whether the presence of the animal fundamentally alters university housing policies;
• Whether the animal has been properly vaccinated if applicable;
• Whether the animal poses or has posed a direct threat to the individual or others (e.g., aggressive behavior toward or injuring the individual or others);
• Whether the animal causes or has caused excessive damage to housing beyond reasonable wear and tear;
• And whether the animal is able to exercise and the conditions that contribute to the positive health and well-being of the animal.

If the Disability Center believes the requested accommodation is unreasonable based on the criteria above, they will schedule a time to discuss possible alternative accommodations. Alternative accommodations will be suggested only if the individual requesting the Emotional Support Animal agrees it meets their disability-related needs. The Disability Center recognizes that an individual with a disability is generally in the best position to know whether or not a particular accommodation will be effective in meeting the individual’s needs. If agreement on an alternative accommodation is not reached, the Disability Center will communicate its decision on the requested accommodation to the individual with a detailed explanation of the reasons for a denial or the decision to grant an alternative accommodation.

NOTE: Emotional Support Animals are restricted to the handler’s living area only and are not permitted to enter communal areas and other facilities on campus. Requests to take an Emotional Support Animal into academic and other areas should be submitted to the Disability Center and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Pet Information

Because Residential Life wants your residential space to be as much like home as possible, some pets are allowed within certain parameters. Residents must submit an Animal Policy – Info/Request form and receive approval to have the pet in a Residential Life facility prior to bringing the pet to campus (with the exception of fish). Failure to do so may result in denial of pet privileges in a Residential Life facility. The Pet Request form will be available two weeks after classes begin.

Please review our Animal FAQ for details.

Roommates and/or suitemates must agree to having a pet in the room. They will be required to submit a form granting permission for the pet to reside in the residential space and must not be coerced into doing so. New roommates and/or suitemates must also give permission for the pet to reside in the residential space (in the event of room changes).

Each resident may be allowed one container in which up to two approved animals (other than fish) may be kept. Animals may not be taken from their containers except for direct handling. Unattended or free-roaming pets are not permitted and can result in the loss of pet privileges.

One 10-gallon aquarium per resident is allowed. The adequacy and size of the container will be approved by Residential Life. Residential Life and the roommate/suitemate must approve larger aquariums.

Pets that make noise considered excessive or disruptive as deemed by Residential Life will not be allowed.

Types of Animals Not Permitted

Due to noise, allergy, size, poison and sanitation concerns, the following types of animals are not permitted as pets:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Arachnids
• Rabbits
• Ferrets
• Venomous snakes
• Sugar gliders

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If a restricted animal is needed due to medical necessity, please contact the Disability Center.

U Centre – Residents are only allowed to have a fish as a pet (no other animals).

Apartment information may be distributed to students via email, the monthly apartment newsletter, bulletin board notices or the mail. Students are expected to read all communications carefully and share the information with everyone living in the apartment.

Appliances

Use or possession of appliances is restricted by the type, size and number permitted. Due to the high electrical demand of many appliances, Housing recommends residents limit the number of appliances used simultaneously.

Residents may only use a surge protector strip with a 15-amp circuit breaker and safety reset switch.

Overloaded outlets are prohibited.

All appliances must be UL-approved.

Failure to uphold or comply with electrical equipment standards and guidelines may result in conduct action.

One microwave under 1000 watts is allowed in each apartment.

Residents are permitted to use humidifiers for short-term, intermittent and seasonal use only. If humidifier use is found to be detrimental to the well-being of others or to the operation of the building, the student will be asked to stop using the humidifier. 

Do not connect or store any major appliance, including, but not limited to, deep freezers, refrigerators, or dishwashers. Each apartment is furnished with a full-size refrigerator and a dishwasher.

No space heaters of any kind are permitted in the apartments; they will be confiscated.

No additional/personal air conditioners, portable cooling units or dehumidifiers of any kind are permitted in the apartments. 

Students may not have any appliance or equipment retrofitted to the apartment or furnishings.

Appliances or equipment requiring a vent or air intake to the exterior are not permitted.

Any appliance or equipment that interferes with the normal operation of the building’s heating, cooling, fire protection, electrical or any other building system is not permitted.

No washers/dryers are permitted in apartments that do not have built-in laundry connections, nor may you store them in the apartment or storage area.

Plumbing

Do not alter the plumbing on any appliance or in the apartment.

Do not allow (intentionally or unintentionally) any foreign objects to enter the plumbing in the apartment.

Do not connect a bidet or sprayer (handheld or otherwise) to any plumbing fixture.

It is recommended that you keep a toilet plunger in the apartment, and use as necessary.

If you experience any plumbing/drainage issues, contact Campus Facilities at (573) 882-8211.

Electrical Wiring

Do not alter the electric wiring for the apartment for safety reasons. Do not connect any appliance to the electrical wiring system except through the electric outlets provided in the apartment.

Overloaded outlets or multi-plug outlet (electrical adapters that increase the number of appliances that can be plugged into a single outlet) are prohibited.

Residents may not install electrical or telephone wiring in the apartment. Residents may not drill any holes on the premises.

Damage caused by improper use of electrical circuits will result in charges to the resident.

Failure to uphold or comply with electrical equipment standards and guidelines may result in conduct action.

Thermostats
Do not modify or tamper with your thermostat.

Do not attempt to connect to the network or the thermostat unit remotely to override the system.

Do not try to convince the thermostat your assigned space is cooler or warmer than the ambient temperature by any method.

Amenities

Deep-fryers and BBQ grills of any type (charcoal, gas, etc.) are not allowed. BBQ grills are available on the enclosed patio in the center of the Tara complex and near the playground. Please note lighter fluid is considered an explosive and is not allowed in the apartment or on the balcony/porch. Students may have charcoal and lighter-infused charcoal but must store them properly. Please see the directions on the charcoal packaging for proper storage information.

Do not construct a fence or enclosure around the apartment or on University property.

Do not install a television or radio antenna, satellite dish or any other equipment on or around the outside of the building, trees or utility poles in the area.

Water beds are not permitted in the apartment.

Halogen lamps are allowed, provided they have bulbs of 300 watts or less and a protective wire or glass basket to cover the bulb.

Contact Campus Facilities at (573) 882-8211 with any concerns about the condition of the apartment.

For more information, see Billing Procedures; Damages; and Utilities.

Do not park bicycles, scooters, mopeds or motorcycles on railings, sidewalks or stairs or in landscaped areas, attached to trees or blocking access ramps.

Bike racks are provided near each apartment community and across campus. Bicycles must be parked at University-provided bike racks.

Bicycles, scooters, mopeds or motorcycles parked in inappropriate areas (sidewalks, stairwells, accessible ramps, porches, non-University bike racks, etc.) will be removed and turned over to Surplus Property. The student may be charged for this removal. After 60 days, Surplus Property will dispose of the bicycle, scooter, moped or motorcycle.

Electric bicycles/scooters are not permitted inside the apartments.

Mopeds, motorcycles or any device with a gasoline engine are not allowed inside the apartments. Mopeds 49cc or under may be parked at bike racks. Motorcycles 50cc or over may be parked in any designated motorcycle area if you have a current motorcycle permit or, if you have a car parking permit, in a parking space at your assigned lot. If a vehicle is parked in an unauthorized area, MUPD will be notified.

If you own and/or operate a bicycle or moped on the MU campus, you are required to register/license it with MUPD, which is a free service. The MUPD registration fulfills the City of Columbia’s registration requirement. For more information, contact MUPD at (573) 882-7201.

For more information, see Abandoned Property and Billing Procedures.

Housing will apply appropriate charges to the student’s account for instances, including, but not limited to, rent, lock-outs/key replacement, damage repair, replacement of furnishings; vandalism; common area damages; cleaning; or abandoned property, for which the student is considered responsible.

Housing staff will conduct an inspection of each space before a new student moves in. Students will then access the inspection in the housing portal and must agree or not to the status of the condition of the space within seven days of moving in. If you do not agree with a status, you will be able to add a comment explaining why. You must submit a maintenance request under Request Maintenance on the Resident Resources page to have these items repaired. Do not submit maintenance requests for normal wear-and-tear issues (cosmetic concerns, spot on carpet, etc.). Failure to review and agree or not to the reported condition of the space will result in an automatic agreement to the reported condition.

On check-out, you may be charged for any damages not documented on your inspection at the time you moved in.

If common areas in the apartment complex are vandalized or University property is removed, staff members will work with the community responsible for the common area to address the incident and help them identify who is responsible. If the person(s) responsible is/are not identified, all students of that community may be held collectively responsible for payment/restitution for the damage (examples include theft of or vandalism to artwork, furnishings, windows, fixtures, carpets, furniture, walls, building exterior, landscaping, etc.).

Failure to pay any University bills may have consequences, including, but not limited to, being ineligible to renew the apartment contract with Housing or to enroll in classes for the next semester, a hold on the student transcript, etc.

If excessive cleaning, damages or removal of trash, items left on the porch/balcony or abandoned property is required, the student(s) of the apartment/community will be billed for staff labor and materials used. These bills will be charged to the student’s account.

Students found responsible for malicious or careless damage to University-owned or -operated property will be sanctioned and pay restitution through the conduct process.

Students will be charged a $125 cleaning fee at the time of the final bill. 

For questions about billing, contact Housing at housing@missouri.edu or the Cashier’s Office.
 
For more information, see Animals; Abandoned Property; Damages; Decorating/Personalization; Doors and Security; Utilities; and Apartment Contracts and Roommates. 

In Graduate and Family Housing apartments where minors/legal dependents are registered as Additional Occupants, child-care providers/caregivers are permitted to stay in the apartment without the parent/guardian present when providing child-care. Caregivers may only be in the apartment while providing child-care as directed by the parent/legal guardian, unless they are invited into the apartment as a guest of the student or resident.
 
Child-care providers must follow all University and Housing policies and procedures. It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to inform the child-care provider of these policies/procedures.
 
The parent/legal guardian must be available by phone in case of emergencies.
 
The parent/legal guardian must ensure the caregiver has access to the apartment. Housing staff will not grant the provider access to the apartment or to spare keys.
 
No more than five minors/legal dependents, including those listed as Additional Occupants of the apartment, are permitted in the apartment at any given time. Students/residents are not permitted to run a business, including, but not limited to, providing childcare for payment, from Housing-owned or -operated property.

Candles (with or without wicks), incense, oil lamps, oil/wax diffusers that sit on light­bulbs or other items with the capability of an open flame or burning ember are not permitted in any apartment and are subject to confisca­tion and forfeiture. Possession or use of one of these items could result in severe conduct ac­tion, including, but not limited to, termination of the Housing contract and removal and prohibition from all Housing-owned or -operated buildings.

Students are allowed to use UL-approved electric or battery-operated candle products. Examples include, but are not limited to, candle warmers with a flat surface and battery-operated pillar candles. Incense oils must be enclosed.

If you need assistance determining whether a certain product is allowed, please contact your Apartment Manager before bringing the item to the apartment.

Do not remove furniture or equipment from common areas (laundry room, playground, enclosed picnic area, etc.).

For more information, see Damages.

Students found responsible for malicious or careless damage to University- or Housing-owned or –operated property will be sanctioned and pay restitution through the conduct process.

If excessive cleaning, damages or removal of trash or abandoned property is required, the student(s) of the apartment/community will be billed for staff labor and materials used.

If common areas in the apartments are vandalized or University property is removed, staff members will work with the community responsible for the common area to address the incident and help them identify who is responsible. If the person(s) responsible is/are not identified, the students of that community may be held collectively responsible for payment/restitution of the damage (examples include theft of or vandalism to furnishings, windows, fixtures, carpets, furniture, walls, safety equipment, playground, enclosed picnic area, laundry room, balcony/patio railings, etc.).

Students should report damages or missing furniture to the Apartment Manager immediately.

Students will be held responsible for any damages that occur in their apartments. Students are also responsible for the actions of their guest(s). See Guests and Visitation for more information.

Housing will determine the appropriate charges for repair or replacement and will bill the student’s account.

The University is not responsible for loss or damage to occupants’ personal property. Students agree, per their housing agreement, to assume and bear the risk of loss with regard to all personal property kept or maintained in the apartments. It’s strongly recommended that students have insurance on their property, such as computers, stereos, televisions, etc. Homeowners’ insurance often covers property outside of the home, which means that a parent’s or guardian’s insurance may cover property while living at the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri does not insure personal property, nor does it promote any particular insurance agency. Please check local listings to find an insurance agency that can meet your needs. Should you experience damage/loss, refer to your personal coverage and contact your insurance agent.

For more information, see Billing Procedures and Guests and Visitation.

Dart boards are not permitted in Graduate and Family Housing.

Decorating and personalizing your apartment are encouraged. If you choose to decorate your apartment, you are required to follow the policies outlined below. You may only decorate in your apartment, not the balcony/porch, outside the building, etc.

Please cooperate with your roommates’ interests, as applicable, and use good judgment to ensure your safety and that of others in the community.

Any costs associated with damages that occur from decorating/personalization will be charged to the student’s account.

Students must completely clean up all messes from decorating and craft activities, both community and personal projects. Failure to do so may result in charges to the student’s account or community billing.

Walls

Students may only use tacks, pins or Blue Painter’s Grade tape in order to limit damage to the wall. Do not use 3M Command Adhesive-type hooks or stickers, nails, staples, tape (other than Blue Painter’s Grade tape) or other fasteners on the walls in any Housing-owned or -operated building. These items cause significant damage to walls and require substantial efforts to repair, which results in increased costs to students.

Housing staff may advise students when they are in danger of causing damage through improper use of adhesives, though it is the student’s responsibility to properly hang and remove adhesives and items.

Damage and repair costs due to using these products may be charged to the student’s account.

Ceilings

Do not hang anything from the ceiling.

Do not place items around any sprinkler head. There must be 18 inches of clear space at sprinkler head locations.

Doors

Only Housing door decorations/signs are permitted on the hallway side of the door. Students may not add anything to the hallway side of the door, including, but not limited to, decorations or organization door signs; residents may hang these items on the interior side of the door. Covering (or “gift-wrapping”) doors is prohibited because it is a fire hazard. 

Message boards (dry-erase boards, chalk boards, etc.) are not permitted on doors, as they may cause damage. 

Do not place string lights or lighted signs on the door’s exterior, interior or around metal door frames. 

Do not use gel clings on either side of doors or on walls, as they may stain the finish. 

Blue Painter’s Grade tape may be used to adhere items to the interior side of doors for no more than two weeks. 

Do not place any items that will inhibit proper latching of the door, including, but not limited to, wreath hooks, over-the-door storage containers, magnets, etc. Do not block the locking mechanism. 

Floors

Taping or adhering items to the floor is pro­hibited.

Lighting

Self-adhesive LED lights are not permitted.

Additional lighting, such as holiday lights, may only be inside the apartment, not on the door frame, balcony/porch, etc.

Windows

Students may not attach anything to or block the windows for fire safety purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, signage, posters, sheets, netting, stickers or clings. 

Items may be placed on the windowsill, as long as they do not block access to the window.

Do not replace or add to window furnishings. 

Do not place string lights around window frames. Any fray in the wiring poses an electrocution hazard.

Holiday/Religious/Seasonal Decorations

Common areas – Do not decorate common areas or balconies/patios.

Christmas trees – Only artificial trees are allowed in the apartments. All trees must have manufacturer documentation stating the tree is “flame retar­dant.”

Candles – Candles are strictly prohibit­ed. Battery-operated or electric UL-approved candles are allowed.

Lighting – Decorative lights may be used within the apartment but must not be attached to door frames, metal bed frames, windows, fire alarms, sprinkler heads or life safety equipment. Self-adhesive LED lights are not permitted. All lights must be UL-listed.

Pumpkins – Students may have pumpkins inside the apartment. Students may not have pumpkins on the porch/balcony.

Scarecrows or other straw/hay decora­tions – No straw or hay is allowed inside any apartment. Fire codes strictly prohibit these materials.

Other holidays and religious ceremonies – Students are encouraged to observe holidays that are meaningful to them, provided their practices or ceremonies do not violate established policies or create a safety concern for other residents or property. If celebrating practices or traditions violates policies, students may consult their Apartment Manager to identify ways to observe within the policy’s specifications.

Furniture Arrangement

Housing encourages students to personalize their spaces and to make their apartments comfortable environments while minimizing the risk of injury or property damage.

Because the apartment complexes have limited storage space and the relocation of furniture may cause it to be damaged or lost, all Housing-provided furniture must remain within its designated space at all times.

Do not place items around any sprinkler head. There must be 18 inches of clear space at sprinkler head locations.

Signage

It is illegal to possess and/or display any stolen street or traffic signs or other municipal, county, state and/or federal signs. Students found in possession of such a sign without a receipt indicating lawful purchase of the sign will face conduct action, and University of Missouri Police will be notified.

Students and guests are expected to comply with all signs and notifications on property owned or operated by the University or Housing. Tampering with or removal of such signs or notifications is prohibited and may result in conduct action.

You will be issued a front door key and a mailbox key when you check into your apartment. One additional apartment key may be issued to an approved roommate, spouse, partner or legal dependent. The keys are University property and must be returned when you check out.

Do not allow anyone else to use your keys. Do not duplicate or modify your keys. 

Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University facility or unauthorized entry or use of University facilities is prohibited. 
 

Always lock your doors and carry your keys with you, even if only leaving for a few minutes. If staff find an un­locked door, they are required to lock the door.

If you get locked out of your apartment or misplace your mailbox key, you may check out a spare key by visiting the Housing office during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on University holidays). If the Housing office is closed, contact the Community Assistant (CA) or CA on-call. You will need to show a photo ID. You must return the spare key within five days to avoid the locks being changed and lock-change charges ($85 for the apartment key; $40 for the mailbox key) applied to your student account.

You may check out the spare key or request assistance from on-call staff without charge once a day up to three times per semester.

You will receive an email record each time you check out the spare key or ask staff to assist with apartment entry due to a lock-out. You will need to log into the housing portal under “My Assignment” to see the total number of times you have used these options.

After the third time, charges will be as follows:

• $10 each for the next seven lock-out assists
• $15 each for 11 or more lock-out assists

If you lose your key(s), notify the office im­mediately so we can re-establish security of your apartment quickly. If you suspect your apartment key was stolen, report the theft to MUPD (573-882-7201) immediately, and visit the office to request a lock change.

Do not install additional locks on the doors.

Do not install any type of recording/surveillance device or doorbell.

For more information, see Video/Audio Recording and Photography. 

Although the University will make reasonable efforts to respect the privacy of a student’s apartment, Housing reserves the right to enter an apartment, with prior notice if possible, for purposes of inspection, pest control, verification of occupancy, improvements or repair.

The University reserves the right of entry without notice in situations posing a threat to life or property, violation of policy and for such purposes as are reasonably necessary to preserve campus order and discipline.

Illegal items in plain view may be confiscated at any time, and conduct action may follow.

Apartment furniture provided by Housing must remain in its designated apartment at all times. Any missing pieces of furniture will be considered damage to the apartment, and the student(s) will be charged for replacement of these items. Upon vacating the apartment, students are expected to leave  Housing-provided apartment furniture in the location in which it was found at move-in.

For more information, see Damages.

Illegal or unlicensed gambling in any form, including, but not limited to, sports betting, sports pools/brackets, Internet gambling, at-home poker games or other activities where money or anything of value is exchanged, is not allowed in University-owned or -operated housing.  

During the winter, ice melt and a snow shovel will be available in the laundry room for remov­ing snow. Leftover ice melt and shovels must be returned to the laundry room immediately after use.

Students should report problems to Campus Facilities at (573) 882-8211 and follow up with the Apartment Manager for any ongoing issues.

You should always carry your TigerCard with you, as any University staff member may request to see your ID at any time in order to establish that you are an MU student. 

Report lost or stolen ID cards promptly to the ID Office in The Mizzou Store. Replacement cards can be obtained from the ID Office for a $25 fee.

Never allow another individual to use your TigerCard.

For more information, visit the ID Card Office.

Any item that is not approved, is a violation of University policy or is illegal under local, state or federal law is subject to immediate confiscation. Some items may be disposed of (e.g., alcohol).

It is illegal to possess and/or display any stolen street or traffic signs or other municipal, county, state and/or federal signs. Students found in possession of such a sign without a receipt indicating lawful purchase of the sign will face conduct action, and University of Missouri Police will be notified.

When feasible, items will be held until students have the opportunity to meet with Housing staff. Confiscated items will be considered forfeited by the student. Disposal or situational return of the items is at the Housing staff member’s discretion. Items that may be returned must be removed by the student within 30 days of notification of the violation or within 30 days after checking out. The University assumes no responsibility for such items.

Wireless service is available in the apartment. There is also an Ethernet port in the living room.

Contact the Division of IT (573-882-5000) for any connectivity issues.

For more information, visit DoIT. 

Students may not plant anything on apartment complex grounds in order to allow clear access for Landscape Services and to prevent pests. Lawn ornaments are also prohibited.

If you’re interested in claiming a plot at the community garden, see the sign at the garden near the playground for contact information.

To report any landscaping issues, contact Campus Facilities at (573) 882-8211.

Laundry machines are available in building 2 at Tara Apartments.

Laundry is included in the housing rate, so you do not need to pay each time you do laundry.

Please read the posted instructions before operating the machines.

Laundry machines are only available for residents of Tara Apartments. Registered Additional Occupants will have access to operate laundry machines.

Housing is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.

If there is a plumbing issue (standing water, water spraying, etc.), contact Campus Facilities at (573) 882-8211. If a laundry machine does not work properly, notify the vendor by scanning the QR code on the machine to enter a work order.

Littering of any type, including, but not limited to, throwing or placing (or causing to be thrown or placed) glass; wire; nails; cigarette butts; trash; any solid or liquid chemical waste or residue; any flammable or explosive liquid; or any water or waste with toxic, poisonous, caustic or corrosive properties that might present a public nuisance or hazard to humans, animals or wildlife is prohibited.

All garbage must be disposed of in the outdoor trash containers provided. Do not leave garbage outside the apartment. Do not leave garbage near outdoor trash containers or in common areas, such as the laundry room.  

For more information, see Damages.

To ensure the safety of all minors/legal dependents, parents/guardians residing in Graduate and Family Housing are expected to supervise their minors/legal dependents at all times, both inside and outside the apartment, and to help resolve any conflict that might occur when minors/legal dependents play together. This includes, but is not limited to, always being present with young children, knowing their whereabouts and arranging appropriate child-care when you are unavailable.

No more than five minors/legal dependents, including those listed as Additional Occupants of the apartment, are permitted in the apartment at any given time.

Minors/legal dependents should never be locked out of the apartment.

Students are responsible for the actions of all partners, roommates and minors/legal dependents listed on the Housing Contract and residing in the apartment. All students and residents can contribute to keeping minors/legal dependents safe by understanding policies and reporting concerns appropriately.

A minor/legal dependent is considered at risk if they engage in potentially dangerous activities without adult supervision. Examples of risky behavior include, but are not limited to, playing in streets or parking areas, being outside unsupervised after dark and handling objects that could cause injury.
 
Minors/legal dependents observed engaging in non-threatening but disruptive behaviors without adult supervision will be reported to a parent/guardian. Examples of disruptive behaviors include, but are not limited to, playing on neighbors’ patios without permission or peering into other apartments.

If a staff member or other apartment community member observes a minor/legal dependent engaging in disruptive or risky behaviors without obvious parent/guardian supervision, Housing staff will call MUPD to intervene for safety purposes.  MUPD will ensure safe supervision of unsupervised minors/legal dependents while attempts are made to locate the parent/guardian. The situation will be documented by Housing staff and/or MUPD. Housing staff do not have legal authority to take responsibility for a minor/legal dependent and are not expected to provide child-care under any circumstances.
 
Students who observe a minor/legal dependent at risk or suspect child abuse should contact MUPD immediately at (573) 882-7201. 
 
Students who observe unsupervised or disruptive behavior by minors/legal dependents should first approach the minor’s/legal dependent’s parent/guardian to express concern. If the behavior persists, contact the Apartment Manager for assistance.

Only items received from the U.S. Postal Service may be placed in students’ mailbox­es. Mail is delivered to the apartments Monday through Saturday, except on postal holidays.

Correspondents should be given your full mail­ing address, including your name, apartment name and number, street address, city, state and ZIP code. For example:

Truman T. Tiger
1133 Ashland Rd., Apt. 1-123
Columbia, MO 65201

To ensure the security of your mail, do not give anyone your mailbox key. Tampering with someone else’s mail is a federal offense, so only pick up your own mail.

If you receive a package, you will be noti­fied by a package slip from the delivery com­pany. It will have instructions on how to claim the package. Housing will not accept packages for students.

When you move out of the apartment, be sure to update your forwarding address with the U.S. Postal Service.

After you have checked out of your apart­ment, you will not be allowed access to your old mailbox. If the mailbox key is not returned, a mailbox lock change will be requested im­mediately upon your check-out. The cost of the lock change, which will be charged to the de­parting contracted student, is currently $40.

Students are required to adhere to quiet hours established by Housing. Quiet hours begin no later than 10 p.m. and end no earlier than 8 a.m. daily. Musical instruments may be played for a maximum of two hours per day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The apartments have noise courtesy hours 24 hours a day. If another individual asks you to lower your volume at any time, you are expected to comply with all reasonable requests. This policy also applies to individuals outside the building who create noise that is disruptive.

Students, roommates and guests may not make loud or disturbing noises throughout the apartment community. Do not use devices, including, but not limited to, TVs, computers, phones, musical instruments, radios and amplifiers, in such a way as to constitute a nuisance or to disturb others.

At the end of each semester, from Reading Day (the day after classes end) until the end of finals, there is an expectation of continuous quiet hours (24/7, with relaxed hours from 5 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m.) to assist students preparing for the end of the semester. Students who exceed the expected volume level during end-of-semester continuous quiet hours will be temporarily relocated until the conclusion of quiet hours.

Students may not paint their apartments.

If Campus Facilities staff have to repaint a room for any reason, the student(s) may be billed for repairing and/or painting.

Wallpaper and/or borders are not allowed in any of the apartment communities.

Spray-painting is never permitted in any Housing-owned or –operated building. Spray-painting is only allowed outside with the use of Housing-provided drop cloths/painting boards to prevent painting on buildings, outdoor furniture, sidewalks, drives, parking lots or other surfaces.

For more information, see Billing Procedures and Damages.

Students and partners, legal dependents and roommates need a valid parking permit to park in a non-metered campus lot or garage space. Violators are subject to ticketing and towing. There is no free parking on the MU campus.

There is a 2-car maximum for each apartment. Vehicles must be owned, titled and licensed by the contracted student or approved partner, legal dependent or roommate in the apartment.

For more information, contact Parking & Transportation at (573) 882-4568.

Students may use the permanent recycling container near building 11 at any time.

There are outdoor trash containers near buildings 5, 7, 11 and 15. Students are expected to properly dispose of trash in an outdoor trash container.

Do not leave trash on the balcony/porch or any other common area in the complex.  

Students are responsible for ensuring the community recycling and trash areas are neat and used correctly.

If you notice a facilities-related problem in your apartment or elsewhere in the apartment complex, please report it by submitting a maintenance request at Resident Resources under Request Maintenance. You may also call Campus Facilities at (573) 882-8211. If there is an emergency outside of regular business hours, contact MUPD at (573) 882-7201.

Students are required to submit maintenance requests for any bug/pest problems.

Students are responsible for common areas in the apartment community. Each student is responsible for promptly reporting items in need of repair; doing so may save you money and inconvenience. 

If you have problems with your Internet connection, call the Telecom Help Line at (573) 882-5000. If service is needed, a Telecom or Division of IT (DoIT) staff member may need to enter your room to address the concern.

If there is a computer-related request, residents may contact a ResTech (a student IT professional), who can assist with technical questions at no charge. They can even come to your apartment. For more information, visit DoIT Services.

For more information, see Billing Procedures and Damages.

Students and roommates are prohibited from unauthorized access or entry to or use of restricted areas in Housing-owned or -operated facilities at all times for safety reasons. These areas include, but are not limited to, roofs; exterior walls; balcony exteriors; staff patios; custodial, construction or maintenance workspaces; and telecommunications, computer or data processing equipment, programs, systems or software.

Other areas, such as fire escapes or emergency doors, can only be used in an emergency.

Unapproved presence in restricted areas could result in termination of the Housing contract and prohibition from all Housing-owned or -operated facilities.

Students and roommates are permitted in student apartments and common areas in the community (laundry room, playground and picnic area).

There is no storage outside the apartment at Tara. All stored items must fit in the student’s apartment. Students may not store illegal or unsafe items (street signs, propane tanks, air condi­tioning units, space heaters, etc.) in the apartment; these items may be confiscated.

Do not store items on porches/balconies/stairwells or common areas. If items are found on the student’s porch/balcony, Housing will issue one warning and will provide a deadline for the student to remove the items. If the student does not meet the deadline, Housing will remove the items, and the student will be charged.

For more information, contact the Apartment Manager and see Billing Procedures.

Utilities are included in the apartment rate.

Students who exceed reasonable utility usage rates based on average use as determined by Housing may be charged for any overages or for damage/repairs related to utility usage.

Failure to uphold or comply with utility standards and guidelines may result in conduct action.

For more information, see Appliances, Plumbing, Electrical Wiring and Amenities; Billing Procedures; Damages; and Thermostats.

Do not install any type of recording/surveillance device or doorbell.

Video/audio recording and photography in the apartments must not interfere with students’ and guests’ rights to a reasonable expectation of privacy in their living space or to the routine activities of the complex. Recording may not pose a security or safety risk and may not conflict with previously planned events. 

The planned or possible use or reuse of the video/audio recording and photographs for distribution or transmission must have the consent of all subjects and be consistent with the Standard of Conduct for students, University policies and applicable laws. 

The use of drones or other Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is prohibited on all University-owned and –operated property, including during University-sponsored events, without prior authorization. Students may store drones or UAS in the apartment, but they may not be used in or around property owned or operated by Housing or the University. For more information or to request an opportunity to use a drone or UAS, visit the Environmental Health & Safety website.

Recording and photography for publication, news/social media, commercial and education projects will be permitted if approved in advance and if in accordance with the Filming, Photography and Audio Policy. 

Students
Students may create video, photo, audio and electronic media within your apartment with express permission from your roommate(s). 

Contact the Apartment Manager to request approval if you would like to create video, photo, audio or electronic media elsewhere in the apartment complex or related structure. It will likely take some time before the Apartment Manager responds to the request, depending on the situation. If approved, the Apartment Manager will provide a set of guidelines, including, but not limited to, scheduled times, specific locations and who/what can be recorded, that must be followed. You must discuss any changes to the original proposal or agreed upon guidelines before beginning or continuing to record with the Apartment Manager. You must request approval for each project; approval for one project does not guarantee approval for any other project.

University Departments/Offices and External Groups

All University departments/offices and external groups requesting to create video, photos, audio or electronic media within the residence halls, Graduate and Family Housing and/or related structures for educational purposes must contact the Associate Director for Residential Academic Programs at housing@missouri.edu. Approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Once approval has been received, Housing staff will work with the requesting group to complete the project and respect the needs of other students. You must request approval for each project; approval for one project does not guarantee approval for any other project.

Media

News media may approach people in outdoor public areas around the apartment complex to request permission to create or record video, photos or audio of them. Media are not permitted in the complex to create or record video, photos or audio of people in the interior common areas or other related structures without permission from the Director of Housing and the MU News Bureau. Students may give permission for media to create or record video, photos or audio in their apartment ONLY with the express permission of their roommate(s). Students may not give permission to create or record video, photos or audio in any other area of the apartment complex. 

Hand weights (not to exceed 25 pounds) are allowed but should be used in a manner that does not disturb others or damage facilities. Dropping weights to the floor can damage the flooring and creates a loud noise in the apartment below.

Failure to remove weights upon request may result in conduct charges.

Students interested in lifting weights are encouraged to visit MizzouRec.

Windows fitted for screens must have screens in place at all times. 

Window safety stops must be left intact at all times. 

Hanging, dropping or throwing anything out of an open window or using the window for entry or exit purposes is prohibited (except in case of emergency). 

Do not unlatch interior or exterior window screens. 

Do not attach anything to or block the windows for fire safety purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, signage, posters, sheets, netting, stickers or clings. 

Items may be placed on the windowsill, as long as they do not block access to the window.

Do not remove, replace or add to window furnishings or blinds. 

Do not place string lights around window frames. Any fray in the wiring poses an electrocution hazard.

Students will be charged for the total cost of repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed screens and windows. 

Damages or costs resulting from items thrown from the window or other violations of this policy will be charged to the student and will likely result in termination of the Housing contract and removal from all Housing-owned or -operated facilities.