Contract Exemption or Breakage
Living on campus is a significant commitment, and we understand that sometimes circumstances may arise that require students to explore the possibility of breaking or being released from their housing contract. This page is designed to guide you through the process, outlining the necessary steps, criteria for consideration, and the potential implications of contract release. Whether due to personal, academic, or financial reasons, we are here to provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions.
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What is the difference between contract exemption and contract breakage?
Students can only request an exemption from their Housing Contract before signing it.
After a student has signed their Housing Contract, they may only request to break it and will be responsible for any fees outlined in the Housing Contract.
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What happens if I take a medical leaves of absence (MLOA)?
If you are granted a medical leave of absence, you will only be charged for room and board from the start of the semester until the day you officially move out of University housing.
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What happens if I am studying abroad?
If you are participating in a study abroad program through the University, your housing contract will end at the conclusion of the quarter before you leave. When you return, you'll need to submit a new Housing Application and sign a new contract for the quarter in which you come back.
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What happens if I am graduating or withdrawing?
Students must fill out and submit the Contract Breakage Request Form if they are graduating or officially withdrawing from the University, along with the required supporting documentation.
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Are there any fees or penalties for being released from or breaking my housing contract?
There are no fees for being exempted from your housing contract, but there are fees for breaking it. Please review the Housing Contract for complete information regarding your financial responsibilities if your contract breakage request is approved (see Pre-Check In Contract Breakage and Post-Check In Contract Breakage.
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How quickly must I move out once my request is approved?
If your request is approved after you've checked in, you must remove all your belongings and complete the checkout process with HRE within 48 hours of receiving the approval notification.
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How do I request to be exempted from or break my housing contract?
You can request a contract exemption or breakage through your Housing Portal. They must include a detailed reason for the request and any supporting documentation. Once a request is received, Housing & Residential Education staff will review and communicate a decision based on the information included in the request. Submitting a request does not guarantee that your request will be approved.
Before submitting a request, please review our Housing Contract to understand your financial responsibilities regarding breaking your housing contract.
If you have any questions, please email housingassignments@du.edu.
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Contract Exemption
Learn about the requirements and when you should submit a contract release request.
Before signing their Housing Contract, students may request to be exempted ("released"). Students requesting to be exempt from the requirements outlined in our housing contract must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Living at Parent/Legal Guardian's Permanent Residence
The student resides during the academic year at their parent/legal guardian's permanent residence within a twenty-five (25) mile driving distance of campus. - Marriage or Civil Union
The student is legally married or in a legally recognized civil union. - Age Requirement
The student is 21 or older before University housing opens for the academic year. - Residence with Dependent Children
The student resides with their dependent children. - Transfer Student with Prior Housing Affiliation
The student is a transfer student who lived for two years in housing affiliated with the institution of higher education that they previously attended.
Approved exemptions are only applicable for the year they are granted. To maintain transparency, students required to live on campus must re-apply for an exemption or breakage each subsequent contract period. This ensures that the process is fair and consistent for all students.
- Living at Parent/Legal Guardian's Permanent Residence
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Contract Breakage
Learn about the requirements and when you should submit a contract breakage request.
After signing the housing contract or after June 30, a student can submit a Contract Breakage Request Form if a significant and unexpected change in circumstances beyond their control arises. To do this, the student must complete the form, provide a detailed explanation, and include supporting documentation for the change in circumstances. The University will review the request and decide whether to approve the contract breakage at its sole discretion based on the information provided. The student will then be notified of the University's decision. The following are the requirements of a contract breakage:
- Graduation from DU
The student is no longer required to fulfill the housing contract if they have graduated from DU. - Official Withdrawal from DU
If the student officially withdraws from DU, they are no longer bound by the housing contract. - Significant, Unanticipated Changes Beyond Control
The student is exempt from the housing contract if there is a significant, unanticipated change in circumstances that occurred after the date on which the student signed the contract and was beyond their control.
Applicable contract breakage fees are outlined in the Housing Contract.
- Graduation from DU