Housing Policies

Housing and Residence Life is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy residential environment. Our alcohol policy aligns with the UNT Alcohol Policy and all applicable state and local laws. Residents are expected to understand and follow these guidelines to support the wellbeing of themselves and their community.

General Expectations

• Residents and guests must comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding the possession, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
• Alcohol is not permitted at any Housing-sponsored events or in public areas of the residence halls.
• Residence hall staff may confiscate and dispose of alcohol that is possessed or consumed in violation of this policy.
• Violations of the alcohol policy may result in disciplinary action by the University, including referral to the Dean of Students Office. This applies to behavior both on and off campus.
• Incidents involving law enforcement, including the UNT Police Department, may result in criminal charges.

Residents Under the Age of 21

Residents under the age of 21 are not permitted to:

• Possess or consume alcohol in the residence halls.
• Be in the presence of alcohol, regardless of the time, place, or occasion.
• Display or store empty alcohol containers, even for decorative purposes.

Residents 21 or Older

Residents who are 21 or older may possess and consume alcohol in their assigned room, with the following restrictions:

• Alcohol may only be consumed in private rooms with the door closed.
• Alcohol may not be consumed in the presence of anyone under the age of 21, including roommates or guests.
• If a resident 21 or older shares a room with someone under 21, alcohol may be stored (unopened) but may not be consumed when the underage roommate or any underage guest is present.
• Alcohol must be transported through public areas in sealed containers and carried discreetly (e.g., in a bag).

Prohibited Behaviors

Regardless of age, residents may not:

• Consume alcohol in public or shared spaces such as hallways, lounges, courtyards, stairwells, community bathrooms, or parking lots.
• Possess or use large quantities of alcohol (e.g., kegs, trash cans, or other bulk containers).
• Sell or distribute alcohol in the residence halls.
• Engage in drinking behaviors that endanger personal health, safety, or the wellbeing of others.

To maintain a safe and healthy residential environment, Housing and Residence Life has specific guidelines regarding animals in the residence halls.
 
Permitted Animals:

• Fish are the only animals allowed in student rooms without prior approval. Aquariums must not exceed 10 gallons and must be unplugged during semester breaks.
• Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted in residence halls. A student with a service animal who intends to reside on campus must notify the Department of Housing and Residence Life in advance of beginning residency. This notification allows the university to make appropriate arrangements and offer assistance prior to the student’s arrival.
• Comfort animals (also known as emotional support animals) are permitted only with prior approval from both the Office of Disability Access (ODA) and the Department of Housing and Residence Life. Students must complete the housing accommodation request process and receive written approval before bringing a comfort animal into university housing. Only one comfort animal is permitted per student.

Residents with unauthorized animals in their rooms are subject to disciplinary action, including termination of their license agreement and removal from university housing.  Residents with concerns about an animal in their building should contact their Community Director for assistance.

Appliances in the Residence Halls

Residents who are uncertain whether an appliance or electronic device is allowed in the residence halls should contact Housing and Residence Life before bringing it to campus.

Appliances and electronics may be used in on-campus housing under the following conditions:

• The appliance does not have an open heating element or open flame.
• The appliance does not emit grease or is used for frying.
• The appliance does not exceed the room’s electrical capacity (typically no more than 1000 watts).
• The appliance does not interfere with campus Wi-Fi.
• The appliance does not require professional installation or replace a university-provided appliance.
• All appliances must be in safe working condition.

Approved Appliances (All Residence Halls)

• George Foreman-type grills, quesadilla makers, sandwich makers, panini grills, rice cookers, coffee makers, and crock-pots
• Small oscillating fans
• Mini-refrigerators (see size guidelines below)
• Microwave ovens (see size guidelines below)
• Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, and irons (must be unplugged when not in use or when leaving the room)

Microwave Guidelines

• One microwave per room
• Must be 0.7 cu. ft. or smaller and 700 watts max
• Must be plugged into a surge-protected power strip

Residents in suite-style halls should coordinate with roommates to avoid duplication

Refrigerator Guidelines

• In double rooms: one 2.5 cu. ft. fridge per resident or one shared 4.6 cu. ft. fridge
• In triple rooms: up to three 2.5 cu. ft. fridges or one 2.5 cu. ft. and one 4.6 cu. ft. fridge
• Must be plugged into a surge-protected power strip

Prohibited Items (Unless Provided by Housing)

• Air conditioning units
• Candles, incense, and wax warmers
• Ceiling fans
• Dishwashers
• Electronic skateboards/scooters
• Halogen lamps, neon signs
• Pressurized containers (e.g., propane, helium, CO₂)
• Wireless routers or personal network switches
• Waffle irons, hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, convection ovens (except in private single occupancy room types)

Bicycle Safety and Storage

Bicycles are a great way to get around campus, and Housing and Residence Life encourages their use with a few important guidelines:

• Always lock your bike to a designated bike rack located outside each residence hall. Bikes locked elsewhere may be removed.
• Use a U-lock for better security. Through a partnership with the UNT Police Department and the We Mean Green Fund, students can receive a free OnGuard Bulldog U-lock and have their bike engraved for identification and theft recovery.
• To participate, bring your UNT ID, state-issued ID, and bike to the UNT Police Department at 1700 Wilshire, across from Mozart Hall. For questions, call 940-565-3000 or contact Cpl. David Causey at David.Causey@unt.edu.

Bicycles may be stored in residence hall rooms with roommate approval and must be clean before entering the building. Riding bikes inside residence halls is not allowed.

At the end of the spring semester, students must take their bikes home. Abandoned bikes will be removed and disposed of by Parking & Transportation Services.

Bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow all traffic laws. Cyclists should yield to pedestrians and ride at safe speeds on campus.

For safety and security, residents must use the main front entrance to enter and exit their residence hall, except in the case of an emergency. While some halls may allow alternate door access via student ID swipe, these doors are only for authorized resident use.

Residents are prohibited from tampering with exterior doors in any way that prevents them from closing or locking properly. This includes placing objects in or around the door frame.

Additionally, tailgating, allowing others to follow behind you into the building without swiping in is not permitted. All residents and guests must use their own authorized ID access to enter.

• Ring doorbell cameras
• Nest cameras
• Blink cameras
• Apple HomeKit devices
• Amazon Smart Home devices

Candles and Scent-Producing Items

For safety reasons, residents may not ignite any substance inside the residence halls at any time. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Candles (decorative or for religious use)
• Incense
• Candle/wax warmers
• Heated scent devices such as bulb rings or melters

These items pose a fire hazard and are not permitted in any on-campus housing.

Permitted alternatives include:

• Battery-operated candles
• Reed diffusers
• Room sprays
• Scented beads
• Plug-in air fresheners (as long as they do not include an additional outlet)

These approved options allow residents to personalize their space while maintaining a safe living environment for all.

Residents are permitted to cook in the following areas:

• Personal rooms with microwaves
• Community kitchens located in residence halls, outdoor grilling areas (where available)
• Outdoor grilling areas (where available)

Cooking with grease or frying is not permitted in any indoor residential space due to safety concerns.

Residents are expected to clean up after themselves and maintain the cleanliness of all cooking areas. This includes wiping down surfaces, properly disposing of food waste, and washing any used items.

Some basic kitchen equipment is available for checkout at the front desk. All borrowed items must be returned clean and in good condition.

Residents using internet (WifI) through Boldyn must abide by the UNT Acceptable Use policy (14.003) . The policy prohibits criminal and illegal acts which may involve, but are not limited to the following: unauthorized access, intentional corruption or misuse of computer resources, violation of copyright, theft, obscenity, or child pornography.

Residents may not participate in unauthorized duplication and distribution of software or other copyrighted materials, including copyrighted music, movies, graphics, etc. Exceptions to this are specific authorization by the copyright holder or use under the fair use provisions of the copyright law. Boldyn also does not allow use of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) or BitTorrent file sharing programs. Residents who are found to be in violation of copyright laws will be required to provide confirmation that the illegally downloaded file(s) and the program that was used to download it are removed from their devices. Boldyn will disconnect a user’s internet for a copyright violation until the file(s) and program are removed.

If information from a social networking or other website is brought to the attention of Housing staff and suggests that a student is in danger, has made any threats, or has violated the Code of Student Conduct, the University may investigate and respond accordingly.

Residents are responsible for any damage they or their guests cause to University property, including rooms and common areas. Charges for repairs or replacements will be billed to the student, unless caused solely by university equipment failure.

All prior damage should be reported via work order by the end of the second week of the semester.

If damage occurs in a common area and no individual is identified, costs can be evenly split among residents of the affected floor or hall. Final decisions on charges are made by the Community Director in consultation with Facilities Staff.

Charges will appear on the student’s university account.

Residents are encouraged to personalize their space while following these guidelines:

• Decorations must not damage surfaces or create safety hazards.
• Do not block vents, windows, peepholes, or safety features.
• No decorations may hang from the ceiling or cover more than 25% of wall or door space.
• Wall decals are allowed if they do not leave marks or damage.
• Electronics may not be mounted to walls.
• Street and traffic signs are strongly discouraged. If displayed, residents must provide a receipt of purchase. Signs without proof of ownership will be turned over to campus police.
• Decorations must be agreed upon by all roommates.

Passenger elevators in Honors Hall, Joe Greene Hall, Kerr Hall, Legends Hall, Mozart Square, Santa Fe Square, Traditions Hall, and Victory Hall are available for use by residents, their guests, and Housing staff. Some elevators are equipped with video surveillance for safety.

Residents must operate elevators responsibly. The following actions are strictly prohibited:

• Tampering with elevator safety systems
• Prying doors open or jumping inside the elevator
• Overloading (limit: 11 people)
• Sounding alarms or making emergency stops without cause
• Attempting to evacuate others without trained personnel
• Placing furniture or other items in or in front of elevators
• If trapped, residents and guests must sound the alarm and wait for emergency personnel. Do not attempt to exit the elevator on your own.

• Residents may only use extension cords or multiple plug adaptors/power strips with an in-line fuse or circuit breaker and overload protection. All other extension cords are prohibited.
• Residents may not plug an extension cord or adaptor/power strip into another extension cord or adaptor/power strip.
• Questions pertaining to approved types of extension cords should be directed to an RA and/or Community Director.
• Residents may not run electrical cords under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
• Electrical cords may not be stapled to walls or otherwise pierced.

Residents and their guests must comply with all written and verbal instructions from Housing and Residence Life staff or any University official. This includes promptly responding to official meeting requests and providing valid identification when requested.

Failure to comply or appear for scheduled disciplinary meetings may result in referral to the Community Director, Central Housing Office, or the Dean of Students Office, and may lead to further disciplinary action.

• Residents are responsible for all University-provided furniture and its condition at checkout.
• All furniture must remain in the assigned room; Housing does not provide storage for unused items.
• Furniture in shared spaces must stay in its designated location.
• Residents may request to have their beds bunked by submitting a work order. Please be specific about which bed and how high up you would like it.
• Beds must maintain at least three feet of clearance from the ceiling, per State Fire Marshal regulations

Residents may not engage in threats, harassment, or intimidation, whether in person, online, in writing, by phone, or through any other form of communication. This includes threats of violence or property damage.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of such behavior, report it immediately to residence hall staff or the UNT Police at 940-565-3000. Be sure to keep any documentation (e.g., call logs, texts, voicemails, or screenshots) to support your report.

Concerns involving discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation should be reported to the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EO/TIX) at: OEOTIX@unt.edu or 940-565-2759

Residents are responsible for keeping their rooms clean and sanitary. This includes regular tasks such as vacuuming, sweeping, taking out trash, and general upkeep.

Rooms must be kept in reasonably clean condition. If a room’s condition poses a health risk or disrupts the community, residence hall staff may require the resident(s) to clean the space.

The UNT student ID card is your official University identification and must be carried at all times while on campus. It is used for a variety of purposes, including access to residence halls and dining facilities, recreational centers, campus events, and athletic games.

The ID card is nontransferable and may only be used by the student to whom it was issued. It may not be used by others to gain access to residential spaces, even with the cardholder’s permission.

University officials may request identification at any time. Failure to present a valid UNT ID upon request is considered non-compliance and may result in being asked to leave, escorted to the front desk, or referred to the UNT Police.

The use of skateboards, scooters, etc. is not permitted inside any on-campus facility. Only non-motorized or non-battery-powered skateboards or scooters may be stored in a residence hall room. Motorized or battery-powered devices (skateboards, scooters, etc.) may NOT be stored in any Residence Halls. Motorized or battery-powered devices can be stored in student vehicles or secured to an exterior bicycle/device rack. Micro mobility or personal transportation devices should not be placed near a building entrances or exits, adhered to fences, trees, poles, or signs.

Any individual who believes a resident may be missing should contact a Housing staff member, Student Affairs staff  (including the Dean of Students office), the UNT Police at 940-565-3000 as soon as possible. UNT staff will attempt to locate any student reported missing, and will take measures including calling the individual listed as the student’s Confidential Contact.

The full UNT policy on Notification Regarding Missing Students can be found at https://policy.unt.edu/policy/07-015 

Courtesy Hours

Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day in all on-campus communities. Residents are expected to be respectful of their neighbors at all times by keeping noise at a reasonable level.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are defined as times when residents and guests must keep noise to a minimum to support sleep and study. During these hours, there should be no loud music, parties, shouting, or other disruptive activities. Lounges may only be used for quiet study during this time.

Quiet hours are in effect:

• • Sunday–Thursday: 12:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
  • Friday–Saturday: 12:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (noon)

Final Exam Quiet Hours

During final exams, 24-hour quiet hours are enforced to support academic success.

Residents are encouraged to speak respectfully with neighbors if noise becomes disruptive. If the issue continues, Residence Life staff should be contacted. Any student approached about noise is expected to respond with courtesy and make an effort to reduce the volume.)

Allegations of sexual misconduct are taken very seriously and will be addressed promptly. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, interpersonal violence, and retaliation. Students are strongly encouraged to report any incidents or concerns as soon as possible.

The University encourages anyone who believes they have experienced sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to report the incident and seek support from the Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EO/TIX) Office. All members of the UNT community have a responsibility to report suspected violations.

To report an incident or seek support, contact:

• Office of Equal Opportunity / Title IX Coordinator: 940-565-2759
• Dean of Students Office: 940-565-2648
• UNT Police Department: 940-565-3000

Solicitation and Posting in the Residence Halls

Door to door solicitation in residence halls is not permitted. Solicitation is permitted in the lobby area of each residence hall for educational or charitable purpose and must comply with the UNT Solicitation Policy, available at: UNT Solicitation Policy (04.013)

Informational Tables

Only UNT departments, registered student organizations, and non-profit organizations may request to host an informational table in a residence hall. These requests must be approved by the Student & Program Coordinator for Campus Partnerships. 

Flyer Posting

Flyer posting is limited to UNT-affiliated student organizations and university departments. Flyers must be submitted for approval and must have a clear educational or engagement purpose. Approved flyers will be distributed and posted by Housing staff, please give at least 72 hrs. advance notice for flyers to be posted. 
 
All flyer submissions and informational table requests should be sent to ResidenceLife@unt.edu  for review and approval.

• Monthly Safety Checks: Resident Assistants (RAs) conduct safety checks once a month. These checks include testing smoke detectors, inspecting for fire hazards (such as candles, incense, or unapproved appliances), and ensuring safe use of extension cords. Items that pose a safety risk may be confiscated.
• Health, Safety, and Policy Concerns: University staff may enter a student room without prior notice or consent if there is reasonable concern for a policy violation, a safety or wellness issue, or a situation that could cause harm to the student or others.
• Maintenance and Property Protection: The university reserves the right to enter or search rooms to protect university property and ensure the health and safety of residents. This may include entry by Housing staff or contracted service providers for repairs or inspections.

All incidents of theft or burglary should be reported immediately to the UNT Police Department at 940-565-3003, as well as to your building staff (such as the front desk, your RA, or Community Director). As a precaution, residents are strongly encouraged to keep their room doors locked at all times.

The UNT Police Department offers services to help prevent theft, including bike registration, theft prevention tips, and educational programs. They also monitor parking areas to help deter criminal activity.

Residents may not damage, destroy, or deface university property or the personal property of others. This includes vandalism in elevators, on ceilings or walls, or anywhere inside or around the residence halls.

Residents found responsible for vandalism may be required to pay restitution to repair or replace damaged property. In some cases, common areas may be temporarily closed due to vandalism to ensure safety and allow for repairs.

The presence of guests in the residence halls should never compromise the personal or academic well-being of roommates, suitemates, or other residents. Guests are welcome in a resident’s room, suite, or apartment only with the prior agreement of all assigned roommates or suitemates. A resident has the right to ask a guest to leave at any time, even during approved visitation hours.

Guest Visitation Hours

• Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 24 hours

Guests may be present in common areas only if they are escorted by their resident host. Guests must enter and exit through the main entrance and are expected to remain in the room they are visiting.

Guest Expectations

• A guest is defined as any individual who is not a contracted resident of the specific room, suite, or apartment. All guests must be escorted by their resident host at all times while in the building. Residents are responsible for informing their guests of university and Housing policies and will be held accountable for their guests’ behavior. Guests who violate policies or disrupt the community may be asked to leave by Residence Life staff.

Overnight Guests

• An overnight guest is someone who stays in a room temporarily with the approval of the assigned resident(s).
• Guests may stay no more than three nights in a ten-day period.
• A maximum of two guests are allowed in a multiple occupancy room per night.

All roommates must give permission before an overnight guest stays.

Minors (under the age of 18) are not permitted to stay overnight in the residence halls.

If concerns arise, residents are encouraged to speak with their RA for support in resolving the issue.

Cohabitation

Cohabitation is not permitted. This occurs when a person who is not assigned to a room uses the space as if they live there, including keeping belongings, sleeping over frequently, or being present without the host. Cohabitation is a violation of the license agreement.

University policy restricts the use or possession of weapons on campus and in the residence halls, including but not limited to:

• Rifles
• Shotguns
• Hand-guns
• Airsoft guns
• CO2 guns
• Orbeez/ Gel blasters
• BB guns
• Air rifles and pistols
• Bows and arrows
• Nonculinary knives with a blade longer than 5 ½ inches
• Daggers
• Swords
• Spears
• Brass knuckles
• Nunchucks
• Ammunition

The UNT Police Department allows students to carry pepper spray within the residence halls for personal protection purposes.

 Starting Aug. 1, 2016, Senate Bill 11, also called “Campus Carry” went into effect allowing licensed holders to carry concealed handguns on public university campuses, including the University of North Texas.  The UNT campus carry policy, including the components related to Campus Housing, can be found at http://campuscarry.unt.edu/.  

Students who are aware of the presence of a weapon in a residence hall are expected to report the weapon immediately to hall staff.

Due to the sensitive nature of the residence hall heating and air-conditioning systems, windows must remain closed and locked at all times unless otherwise advised by the hall staff or publicized by the hall front desk.

Mozart Square and Santa Fe Square residents may open their windows only when not using their individual heating or air conditioning units.

Open windows can damage or render the heating and air conditioning equipment ineffective (often resulting in the extreme discomfort of other rooms in the hall and on the wing). 

Students are not allowed on window ledges and may not use window ledges for storage, throw objects from windows, or hang objects from windows or railings.

Window screens must be kept in place at all times. Removal of window screens may result in reinstallation charges.