FHUA Standards and Expectations

The key to a safe community is you! We all have to take the responsibility to keep ourselves and our neighborhoods safe, share information about problems, and look out for each other. You are encouraged to take an active role in your environment by disengaging from interactions that may be violating policy, speaking up for others, and engaging in positive community building.

We expect that you will share in the responsibility of creating a safe community for all its members. The following Family Housing and University Apartments Standards and Expectations are in place to provide everyone a safe environment conducive to sleep, study, and socializing within University expectations. Violations of the community expectations or conduct standards outlined below could result in disciplinary action by University Housing and/or the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Tenants are required to comply with the below community expectations and conduct policies, the Student Conduct Code, and all local laws and ordinances.

Fines and Fees

  • Pursuant to ORS 90.302(3), University Housing can charge a $50 fee for continued violations of these FHUA Standards and Expectations.
  • Violations of the Standards and Expectations regarding smoking can result in a fine of $50 (see Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Substances).
  • Violations of the Standards and Expectations regarding animals can result in a fine of $50 (see Animals).
  • Violations that result in damage to a tenant's unit can result in charges for costs associated with repairs, replacement, or redress, including labor and parts. A list of typical Housing damages and associated labor costs is available online.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Substances

  • Tenants under the age of 21 are prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol.
  • Illegal use, possession, or furnishing of any controlled substance, including cannabis and cannabis-derived products is prohibited.
    • While the recreational use of cannabis is generally legal in the state of Oregon, it is still prohibited on University property by federal law. It is therefore considered an illegal drug when used or possessed on UO's campus.
  • Possession or use of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
    • Drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to: bongs, pipes, vaporizers, dabs, oils, and other devices intended to be used to facilitate the consumption of illegal drugs.
  • Smoking (including, but not limited to, marijuana, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, cigars, hookahs, or pipes of any kind) is prohibited on all University-owned property. This includes, but is not limited to, all units, common areas, and grounds.

Animals

  • Except as provided by UO Policy 571-050-0025 and other applicable laws, animals are not allowed.
  • Tenant may keep fish as pets; however, tenants who keep fish as pets may not exceed one, 10-gallon aquarium to accommodate the fish, and the fish must be kept in the aquarium at all times, except as necessary for proper maintenance of the aquarium. In no event may the fish or gravel from the fish's aquarium be placed in sinks, showers, toilets, or any other water fixture or common water source.
  • Tenants with disabilities who may require an exception to this prohibition on animals should contact Accessible Education Center at 541-346-1155. Tenants will be provided with additional expectations if an animal is approved as an Emotional Support Animal.

    • UO Policy 571-050-0025 permits emotional support, therapy, and companion animals approved by University Housing. Live food for approved animals is also permitted.
  • Animals in East Campus Housing

    • Pets are allowed in east campus houses to the extent permitted in this section.
    • Dogs are permitted in east campus houses. However, dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times. Dogs must be on a leash when they are outside the house unless they are contained in a fenced backyard area. Dogs may not be tied to trees or any exterior part of the house.
    • Pets classified as "farm animals" or "urban animals" by Eugene City Code are prohibited.
    • Chickens are prohibited.
    • Tenants must have a crate for their animal in the house. Animals must be crated, secured, or out of the residence while Housing staff make improvements, inspections, and repairs.
    • Housing does not provide fencing around houses except those fences that currently exist. University Housing may remove fencing due to construction or other purposes and not replace it.
    • Pursuant to ORS 90.322(1)(b), in the event of an emergency, University staff may enter the residence without the owner present. If an animal interferes with the response to the emergency, University staff may contain the animal as needed. This includes assistance from UOPD, Eugene Springfield Fire, or City of Eugene Animal Services.
    • Tenants are responsible for sanitary disposal of pet waste and any damage of grounds associated with pet.
    • Pets must be properly cared for at all times, including when tenant is away from the unit.
  • Violation of these policies is a material violation of this agreement and will result in assessment of a $50 fee to the extent permitted by ORS 90.302(3) and charges for all other damage caused by the unapproved pet.

Care and maintenance of apartments

  • Tenants are not permitted to make or contract for painting, repairs, or lighting or electrical changes. Affecting the surface of ceilings, floors, molding, and/or walls by drilling, grinding, sanding, sawing, nailing, and/or any activity that affects the surface is prohibited. Students must contact submit a Fix-It Request for any modifications or repairs.
  • Tenants must take out their trash and leftover food regularly to avoid pests and odors. Garbage cannot be left on porches for any period of time. Trash and recycling must be disposed of in designated areas.
  • Posting of unapproved signs or erecting antennas or any other objects on the exterior of buildings is prohibited.
  • Tenants may not install air-conditioning window units.
  • Tenants must not turn off of electrical breakers without the express instructions from FHUA staff or other emergency response personnel. Turning off breakers can cause substantial damage. The cost of repair for all damage will be assessed to the tenant's student account.
  • Tenants must keep all areas under the Tenant's control and all plumbing, light fixtures, and appliances the Tenant uses must be clean, unclogged, and in operable condition.
  • Tenants must maintain Housing's standards of cleanliness and hygiene in order to prevent damage to the unit or risk to occupants or staff. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Keeping surfaces wiped down to prevent staining or pests
    • Keeping carpets clean from staining and debris
    • Wiping down moisture from surfaces to prevent mold and warping
    • Wiping down walls to prevent staining
  • Kitchen and Bathroom fans should be wiped down regularly to prevent excessive buildup of dust or grease.

  • Plungers will not be provided by University Housing and should be purchased by the tenant for minor bathroom clogs.
  • Damage resulting from poor hygiene or unclean conditions is generally not considered "wear and tear" and will be charged to the tenant.
  • Tenants must use the unit, common areas, facilities, and all appliances in a reasonable and safe manner considering the purposes for which they were designed and intended.
  • Tenants must not deliberately or negligently destroy, damage, or remove any part of the unit or its appliances, fixtures, or furnishings, or knowingly permit others to do so.
  • Tenants must report immediately needed repairs by submitting a Fix-It Request during business hours, or by calling the on-call number afterhours for emergency repairs at 541-346-8585.
  • Consistent with ORS 90, tenants assume liability and responsibility for damages resulting from acts or omissions of the tenant, household members, or the tenant's guests and losses incurred by the tenant, household members, or the tenant's guests, unless such damage or losses are the result of the willful acts or negligence of the Landlord. Landlord's liability shall be, to the extent applicable, subject to the limitations and conditions of the Oregon Tort Claims Act and the Oregon Constitution.
  • Tenants must deter mold growth in the living spaces by maintaining room temperature greater than 55 degrees, keeping kitchen and bathroom areas dry and clear of moisture, and keeping furniture away from the walls. Report any mold growth to the Spencer View by submitting a Fix-it Request.

Fire safety

  • Tenants must be able to exit the unit safely. Items on the floor should not obstruct safe access into and out of any living space.
  • Tenants may only use fire extinguishers for fires. Fire extinguishers must not be removed from hangers except to extinguish fires. Empty or damaged extinguishers and damaged hangers must be reported to Spencer View maintenance by submitting a Fix-It Request or calling 541-346-8585 immediately for replacement.
  • Tenants may not use or store briquettes, butane, gasoline or gas burning stoves or grills, propane, Coleman fuel, charcoal lighter fluid, or any similar item or substance within the unit or under stairwells. Combustibles must not be placed within six inches of wall heaters or stove ranges.
  • Tenants may not use candles and incense in an unsafe manner. Candles are prohibited in Graduate Village units.
  • Removing or tampering with smoke detectors, smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms is prohibited and will result in a charge of up to $150.

    • Tampering includes, but is not limited to, covering, removing, disconnecting, or otherwise disabling the unit. This also includes removing the battery and not immediately replacing it.
    • Tenants are responsible for testing smoke detectors at check-in and periodically throughout their tenancy, and reporting defective detectors to the Spencer View Maintenance Line at 541-346-8585 between 8AM and 5PM, or to the Community Assistant on Call at 541-912-1435 between 5PM and 8AM. Tenants may not replace Smoke Detectors or Smoke Detector batteries themselves.
  • Residents are required to evacuate during active alarms, including fire drills, unless explicitly told otherwise by University Housing.

  • University Housing may impose fines and charge for damage, and in certain circumstances immediately evict the tenant, for any of the following: smoking within a housing facility, failure to evacuate during active alarms, activating false alarms, propping open fire doors, creating a fire hazard, malicious burning, or tampering with fire equipment (fire extinguishers, plastic ties securing valves, fire alarm pull stations, smoke detectors, fire hose connections, sprinkler heads, sprinkler pipes, hoses, connections, valves, emergency exit signs, etc.).
  • Power strips are ONLY permissible when they have a built-in overcurrent protection (circuit breaker). Power strip cords and room receptacles must be polarized or grounded type. Power strips with built in overcurrent protection shall be listed or labeled and used in accordance with the listing or labeling instructions from the manufacturer

    • Power strips with built-in overcurrent protection are NOT the same as a "surge protector."
    • Power strips must not be plugged into anything other than a wall outlet and must not be plugged into another power strip or extension cord
  • Please refer to the section titled "Prohibited devices" for other items not allowed.

Guests

  • Guests and visitors are defined as any individual who is in a unit, University Housing property, or at a University Housing-sponsored event at the invitation or permission of a tenant and is not the contracted tenant of the specific unit or building in question. No persons other than tenants, guests accompanied by and with the permission of tenants, or University staff on University business may enter a University Housing space

    • Individuals within a unit are considered guests of the leaseholder.
  • Overnight guests are permitted and no notification to the Spencer View Service Center is required unless guests are to remain for more than one week. For guests who are expected to remain for more than one week, including family members not on the rental agreement, a petition must be submitted via the University Housing Portal for pre-authorization prior to the guest's visit.

  • All guests must be approved by all household members of the unit.
  • University Housing policies apply to all guests. Tenants are responsible and accountable for the conduct of their guests and their household members' guests while on University Housing property or immediately adjacent areas, or at University Housing-sponsored activities. This applies to guests who are present by the tenant's explicit invitation or permission.
  • The cost of repairing any damage to University property caused by guests of a tenant will be charged to the tenant's student account.
  • Tenants may not host anyone who is known to be subject to a trespass order with respect to University property generally or University Housing specifically.

Keys

  • Tenants are not allowed to loan, sell, or transfer a University key.
  • Duplicating University Housing keys and key cards is prohibited.
  • Tenants must report lost or stolen keys, key cards, or UO ID cards immediately to the Spencer View Service Center.
  • All assigned keys and key cards must be returned at checkout or removal from University Housing, whichever occurs first.
  • Fees will be assessed to the tenant's student account for any unreturned keys or key cards.
  • Tenants who are locked out of their unit can check out temporary keys or key cards at their Housing Service Center.

Prohibited behavior

  • Tenants may not engage in any behavior that threatens (i) the health and safety of other University Housing tenants or the campus community; or (ii) the quiet enjoyment of tenants in other units.
  • Lying or misrepresenting facts to a University official is prohibited
  • Failure to comply with any reasonable directive of University or public officials in the performance of their duties is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to, failures to: adhere to no-contact-directives, remove oneself from University Premises, complete conduct sanctions, and cease and desist.
  • Tenants may not misuse personal defensive devices (pepper spray, for example). Tenants are responsible and accountable for any misuse of these devices, unless such actions are caused by the willful misconduct or negligence of the Landlord.
  • Tenants may not litter or dispose of waste and unwanted items inappropriately. Recyclables must be sorted into their appropriate bins, and waste may not be deposited into the recycling receptacles. Unwanted furniture, appliances and other items may not be left in the dumpster areas. Waste and recycling must be fully placed into their respective bins, not left on the ground.
  • Under no circumstances can a tenant sublet their unit or house.
  • Commercial solicitation, advertising, promotion, and commercial transactions are prohibited in all University Housing areas.

Prohibited devices

  • All appliances or electrical devices are required to be compatible with 110 volts 60 cycle voltage and be UL approved.
  • Items that jeopardize the safety of tenants due to fire hazard are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Extension cords, other unapproved electrical cords, and multi-plug adapters without on-off switches and without exterior breaker switches.
    • See the "Fire Safety" section for a description of allowable power strips
    • Portable space heaters, unless they are UL approved, have a safety tip-over switch, have enclosed heating elements, and are plugged directly into an outlet (no extension cord).
    • Halogen lights and light bulbs.
    • Liquefied petroleum gasses, compressed and/or flammable gasses or liquids, except for personal care products with use per manufacturer's instruction
    • Any item or alteration on ceiling lights and lamps of any type including but not limited to fabric, hats, towels, and clothing
    • Any item hanging over the sprinkler pipes or sprinklers
    • Any item, including tapestries, that block the natural exit pathway
    • Any lightweight combustible item(s) too close to the Room heaters (within six inches of a heater)
    • Strings of lights plugged into each other
    • Only one strand of lights may be plugged into a wall outlet or approved circuited power strip
    • Smoke producing items including, but not limited to:
    • Smoke machines, smoke bombs, chemical de-foggers, fog machines, signal smoke makers (flares), dry ice smoke or fog, smoking paraphernalia or materials, and electronic cigarettes.
    • Items under recall by the manufacturer, UL, or government agencies are prohibited (e.g., hover boards, Samsung Galaxy Note 7)
  • Firearms (including but not limited to BB guns, air guns, and paint guns), ammunition, explosives, dangerous chemicals, martial arts weapons, or any other objects as weapons (i.e. metal knuckles, blackjack, sap, or similar instruments) on university property. However, possession of knives with a culinary purpose, or knives with blades no longer than three (3) inches, are allowed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following types of knives are specifically prohibited: any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring, by centrifugal force, by gravity, or by any other force, any "combat knife" (i.e. KA-BAR, bayonet, machete, dirk, dagger, hatchets, and ceremonial swords).
  • Graduate Village Only: Candles are not permitted
  • Waterbeds are prohibited.

Peaceful Enjoyment

  • Tenants may not disturb tenants' or others' peaceful enjoyment of their units. Tenants are prohibited from making excessive or unreasonable noise in violation of the City of Eugene's noise ordinance. Tenants may contact the Eugene Police Department or University of Oregon Police regarding noise disturbances, including amplified music or other noise disturbances between 10PM and 7AM. However, a tenant may also make a direct request to a neighbor to reduce their noise to legal limits or may report excessive noise concerns to the Assistant Director. The right to sleep and study supersedes the right to make noise.

Safety and Supervision

  • Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult over the age of 18 at all times when not in their unit.
  • Many of University Housing's staff members are designated reporters who are required to report evidence of prohibited discrimination and harassment including sexual violence or sexual harassment that they hear about to University administration. Additionally, all staff members are mandatory reporters of child abuse, and must make a report in the event that they have reasonable cause to believe that a child with whom they have come into contact has been abused or if a person with whom they have come into contact has abused a child.

Security

  • Propping open doors, including exterior doors or fire doors, is prohibited.
  • Tenants should report suspicious activities to the University of Oregon Police Department or University Housing staff. Tenants should lock their unit at night, when asleep, or when outside of the unit.
  • Tenants must provide University identification upon request by a University official.
  • Students are encouraged to procure private renter’s insurance, which can be used to offset losses in the event of theft and other unexpected emergencies.

Service Center and Front Office Interactions

  • Tenants are required to notify the Spencer View Service Center in writing of any anticipated absence in excess of seven days. During such absence, the Landlord may enter the dwelling when reasonably necessary as permitted under ORS 90.410.
  • Tenants are required to check their University of Oregon e-mail account regularly throughout their tenancy, including reviewing University Housing newsletters, in accordance with University policy. Tenants must notify the Office of the Registrar at 541-346-2935 of any e-mail account changes.
  • The following policies apply for package delivery in Spencer View:
    • Packages are available for pickup from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM.
    • Photo ID is always required for package pickup.
    • Packages in excess of 50 pounds or larger than 3'x2'x4' are not accepted. We do not accept packages to either return or forward on.
    • Packages are only released to the tenant they are addressed or the tenant's family members unless the tenant has provided prior authorization to release the package to another person.
    • Packages delivered to the Spencer View Service Center are held for 7 consecutive days only. If you will be unable to pick up a package in this time frame due to vacation or other reasons, please make arrangements to have the packages picked up or held with the carrier while you are away.
    • Due to space and staff limitations, any packages beyond 5 received in one day may be turned away or returned to the sender.
    • Package policies and services are subject to change due to unforeseen or catastrophic circumstances.

Yards, Patios, and Other Outdoor Areas

  • The following policies apply to balconies and patios

    • Tenant is responsible for the day-to-day care, cleanliness, and sanitation of porch, patio, and terrace areas. Failure to maintain these areas is a violation of family housing regulations and subject to fees as set forth above.
    • Porches, balconies, and stairwells must meet the following standards:

    • Front Porches/Balconies: Only furniture specifically designed for outdoor use and plants/planters are allowed on front porches and balconies. Any items outside this list are prohibited from storage on front porches/balconies. A cleared 4-foot path must exist from the doorway to the sidewalk at all times. Cobwebs should be regularly swept away by tenants to decrease the presence of pests.

    • Back Porches/Balconies: Only furniture specifically designed for outdoor use, plants/planters, children's toys designed for outdoor use contained to a 3'x3'x3' area, and up to two bikes or strollers (or combination of the two) are allowed on back porches and balconies. Any items outside this list are prohibited from storage on back porches/balconies. For three-story units, a cleared 4-foot path must exist from the doorway to the sidewalk at all times. Leaves should be regularly swept from the balcony to prevent mold damage or fire hazards.
    • Stairways: Stairways may never have any items stored on them or blocking their pathway. Only bikes are permitted to be stored in the space under stairwells. Bikes should not be secured to stairway railing. Any items aside from bikes are prohibited from storage under stairwells.
  • Barbecue grills are allowed on patios. Keep grill away from structures and other flammable materials. Place the grill along but not touching the metal patio railing or vinyl siding. Vinyl siding will melt from the grill's heat. Allow charcoal briquettes to cool in the grill, dispose when it is cool. Do not dispose of briquettes on grounds or landscaping. Fire pits or fires for non-cooking purposes are prohibited.
  • Children's swimming pools must not exceed eighteen (18) inches in depth and must be emptied and let dry daily.
  • Children's swimming pools may be placed on back porches/balconies to dry, but must be stored in units or storage units overnight and during cooler months.
  • Restoration from damage to trees, flower beds, shrubbery, or common grounds and waste will be charged to tenant's student account.
  • East Campus Housing Yards and Grounds Policies
    • The Tenant is responsible for the day-to-day care, cleanliness, and sanitation of porch areas, front yards, driveways, backyards, and lawn areas. This includes maintaining all vegetation as it is at the time of occupancy. All grass areas will not exceed six inches in length.
    • Villard Street Facing Houses: University of Oregon staff will regularly maintain, including mowing, weeding, and irrigating front lawn areas and side yards (up to the fence or to the back edge of the house if not fenced), trees, shrubbery, and plants using modern methods with motorized equipment, herbicides, and fertilizers. Restoration from damage to trees, flowerbeds, shrubbery, or common grounds will be charged to tenant's student account.
    • Yard areas, including lawn and flowerbeds, shall be kept free of weeds. Maintenance of outdoor areas that fails to meet requirements and results in work performed by housing staff is a violation of family housing regulations and subject to fees.
    • Tenants are required to keep yards free of animal waste, small toys, and other items that would prevent grounds keeping staff from completing lawn maintenance
    • Vegetable gardening is only permitted in the backyard areas. Yards, including both backyard and front yard, must be returned to their original condition when tenants vacate.
    • Household and personal items are prohibited from being stored or displayed on front porches, driveways, and front lawn areas. These items include but are not limited to, appliances, signs, "yard art," bicycles, children's play toys, tents, swimming pools, outdoor grills, laundry, yard sales, filled trash bags and recyclables, bird feeders, large flower pots, satellite dishes.
    • University Housing makes an exception for patio furniture used on the front porch. Patio furniture must be designed for that use and may not be used on the lawn area. Upholstered furniture not designed for outdoor use is prohibited in all areas outside of the house. When in question, tenants will be asked to demonstrate that the furniture is for outside use.
    • Swimming pools are permitted in backyards only. If they exceed a depth of eighteen (18) inches, they must be enclosed in a fenced backyard area with a minimum fence height of four (4) feet in accordance with Eugene City Code. Any grass damaged by the use of a swimming pool may result in a charge to the tenant's student account upon move out.