Damages procedures
How we respond to damage that is caused in the halls of residences and associated areas, e.g. common rooms, launderettes and grounds.
We understand that damages happen, whether through general wear and tear, accidentally or occasionally, deliberately. While it’s not our policy to charge for things that are damaged through general wear and tear, it is necessary for us to charge to repair any damage caused by other means, so that we can keep Keele’s facilities in good condition for all current and future students.
We need your help to make sure that everything is in working order throughout the year, and encourage you to report any repairs that are needed as soon as they occur during your stay with us.
What happens if damage is identified?
- When an area of damage is identified, either by a student or member of staff, it will be repaired for free if it is the result of general wear and tear. If we have reason to believe the damage is caused by other means, we will take a photograph of the damage, add a damage charge onto your account, and notify you by email from accommodation@keele.ac.uk.
- Where possible, this charge is taken from the deposit you made when you paid your advance payment.
- There is a list of the damage charge prices. Larger items such as carpets can fluctuate in price, depending on the size of the room and, for these, we will need to obtain quotes The damage will then be repaired as soon as possible.
You can find out more about how we respond to damage to particular areas in the dropdown boxes below.
- If you have an accident and cause some damage within your bedroom, please report it on the Self-service Portal using our ‘request a repair’ form, and we will arrange for the repair. If the damage is not as a result of wear and tear, the damage charge will be added to your account and you will receive notification of this via email from the Student Accommodation team.
- We also regularly inspect rooms and if we notice damage in your bedroom, we will arrange for the repair. If the damage is not as a result of general wear and tear, the damage charge will be added to your account and you’ll receive notification of this via email from the Student Accommodation team.
- Please note that you are responsible for damages caused within your own bedroom.
- To allow us to repair damage as quickly as possible, you may be asked to vacate your bedroom whilst work is carried out. If this is necessary, you will need to pack your belongings and tidy your room so that nothing is affected by the work.
- If you have an accident and cause some damage within one of your communal areas, please report it on the Self-service Portal using our ‘request a repair’ form and we will arrange for the repair. If the damage is not as a result of wear and tear, the damage charge will be added to your account, and you will receive notification of this via email from the Student Accommodation team.
- We regularly inspect communal areas and if we notice damage in your kitchen or another communal area, we will arrange for the repair. If we have reason to believe the damage is caused by other means, we will take a photograph of the damage and all students who have access to the space where the damage was identified will receive an email from the Student Accommodation team, notifying them of an impending damage charge, details of the damage caused and total cost of the repair.
- The individual(s) responsible for the damage will be asked to accept responsibility for the charges by replying to the notification email within 7 calendar days.
- If no-one comes forward to accept responsibility within 7 calendar days, the damage charge will be divided equally between the students who have use of the communal area, added to each account and each student will receive notification of this via email from the Student Accommodation team.
- Please note that during end of occupancy inspections, due to the limited timeframe involved for returning room deposits to students, damages identified in communal areas will be divided equally between the students who have use of the communal area, immediately added to each account and each student will receive notification of the details of the damage caused and total cost of the repair via email from the Student Accommodation team. If the individual(s) responsible for the damage comes forward to accept responsibility within 7 calendar days of the damage charge notification email, then the cost of repair or replacement will be charged to them, and the damage charge removed from your account.
Top tips:
- Only use your notice board to attach items to the wall.
- Avoid sticking LED lights onto walls – they may look nice but when you take them down, you may find that it damages the paintwork (which incurs a charge).
Contents insurance
Please also remember that you have contents insurance which you may be able to use for damages to your own belongings. Find out more on this web page.
Deposits and damage
When you accept your accommodation contract, your advance payment includes a £150 deposit. This is held during your stay with us in case you are responsible for any damage caused, or additional cleaning needed, in your accommodation when you move out.
If you will not be living on campus next year, any remaining balance of your deposit will be refunded to you within 28 days of the end of the occupancy period. To receive it, please ensure you have completed the ‘Provide your bank details for refund’ section on e:Vision. If you will be living on campus next year, the remaining balance of your deposit will be carried forward.