Northern Arizona University

For those residents receiving financial aid, a month’s rent is still due upon check in. Fall financial aid will pay September, October, and November rent when it disburses in August. Residents will be responsible for December rent.  In the spring, financial aid will pay January, February, and March rent. Residents will be responsible for April and May. Summer financial aid will pay June, July and August. Please note that the months of rent which are paid may vary depending on the amount of aid each individual receives. Always check financial aid records and housing account balances in order to verify if anything further is due.

Transfer requests

Residents wishing to transfer to a different apartment or a different family complex on campus should make that request to the Residence Hall Director of their complex. All transfers are approved based on space availability. There are certain times of the year that, due to the high volume of apartment turnovers (usually at the beginning and end of semesters), transfers will not be facilitated. A $150 charge is assessed for all transfers except those necessitated by a change in occupancy.

Checking Out

Residents wishing to terminate their family housing contract must provide 30 days written notice of the intent to vacate their apartment. This is done by picking up a “30-day intent to vacate” form from any family complex office and submitting it to the Residence Hall Director (via the complex desk) at least 30 days prior to the date of contract termination. If 30 days notice is not provided, the resident will still be charged 30 days rent from the date the written intent to vacate form was submitted, but will still be eligible to have the housing deposit refunded (as long as there are no outstanding charges on the student’s university account). If no “30-day intent to vacate” form is submitted, the resident will be charged 30 days rent from the date of check out and will also forfeit the housing deposit.

Residents leaving the university at the end of the semester must vacate their apartments within one week after the end of the semester. Those residents with school age children will be notified of any extension provided to cover the remainder of a school year. This notification will occur in newsletters and public area notices and will be dependent each semester on the public school schedule. Residents withdrawing from the University in the middle of the semester must vacate their apartments within one week after their official withdrawal.

All departing residents must make an appointment with a staff member to check out.  This appointment must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the desired check out time. The contract resident must be present at check out and must have their NAU ID card. The staff member will inspect the apartment after all personal belongings have been completely removed and the resident has thoroughly cleaned the apartment. Apartment and mailbox keys must be returned to the staff member before the check out is completed. Failure to turn in all keys at the time of check out will result in a charge to recode the apartment locks. Residents are also charged for mailbox keys they fail to turn in at the time of check out.

Apartments must be left clean and in good condition. Cleaning is to be accomplished according to the checkout procedures which can be obtained from hall staff.  Personal furniture must be disposed of properly and can’t be left near or around the dumpster areas. Contact the City of Flagstaff at 928-774-0668 for more information on disposal of furniture. If the apartment is left unclean or damaged, or if personal furniture is not properly disposed, charges will be deducted from the resident’s housing deposit. If the damage amount exceeds the deposit amount, the resident will be responsible for additional charges to cover the damage or loss. 

If residents are due a refund, it should be received about four to six weeks after checking out of the apartment.  Residents should be sure to leave a correct forwarding address on their student LOUIE account to ensure proper mailing of any refund. Also, a forwarding address should be left with the Post Office. Residence Hall staff are not responsible for checking or forwarding resident mail.

Family Housing Policies

Our family housing facilities are located on the NAU campus along with single student residence halls.  In an effort to provide an environment that encourages a variety of lifestyles to be expressed and yet still maintain the facilities and foster a sense of community, certain policies have been established.  By choosing to live in university housing facilities, the contract resident and all household members agree to abide by these policies while residing in our community.

The Family Housing Policies are designed to clarify how existing residence hall policies are applied to family complexes and to explain policies that have been created specifically for family residents.  However, please note that each NAU family resident and their guests/family members are also responsible for the policies outlined in the NAU Standards of Residence, the Code of Conduct, and the Family Housing Policies.  In addition, there may be policies that are specific to your family complex – Campus Heights or South Family.  Please see a staff member in your complex if you have any questions.

1.0  Alcohol and Drugs

1.1  Consuming alcoholic beverages is permitted only in strict accordance with Arizona State Statutes. No open alcoholic beverages are permitted in public areas such as patios, balconies, laundry rooms, parking lots, community rooms or playground areas.

1.2  Residents who are found to be in possession of, or in the presence of, illegal drugs will be considered in violation of the Standards of Residence, the Code of Conduct, and the Arizona Statutes. Violations related to illegal drugs may result in the resident and all family members being evicted from campus housing.

2.0  Smoking and Incense

2.1  All family housing units are non-smoking. Smoking is not permitted on balconies, on playgrounds, entryways, or in any public areas (laundry rooms, community rooms, lounges, etc.).  Smoking in family complexes will be allowed only in designated outside smoking areas. Smoking is only permitted in areas 25 feet from ANY building. Smoking is allowed in parking lots (if 25 feet from any building).

2.2  No incense may be burned in family apartments.

3.0  Guests

3.1  The contract resident will be held responsible for the behavior of all guests - including immediate family members who reside with them. 

3.2  Guests visiting family housing units overnight are limited to one week. An extension may be requested in writing to the Residence Hall Director prior to the visit. 

4.0  Child Supervision

4.1   Parents are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children at all times.

4.2   Children 5 years old and under are to have direct, immediate supervision at all times, including on the playground. While children 6-11 years old may not require direct supervision, they must have a parent or a responsible caregiver present in the complex.

4.3       Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to provide direct supervision for children less than 5 years of age.

5.0  Keys

5.1  The contract resident is responsible for proper use and distribution of all keys issued to them and to the immediate family (spouse and dependent children). Residents will incur charges for lock changes if keys are lost or if any keys are not returned at check out – including the mailbox key.

5.2  It is the contract resident’s responsibility to insure that accurate information is maintained in their complex office regarding who may access their apartment.

5.3  Keys will only be checked out to children 12 years old and older.

6.0  Pets

No pets, including visitors’ pets, are permitted in the apartments or on family housing property.  The only exceptions are fish in appropriate containers (20 gallon tank maximum) or registered service animals for the physically disabled (only if being utilized by the physically disabled).

* Effective August 15, 2009, birds will not be permitted in any family housing buildings.

7.0  Apartment Interior Alteration and Upkeep

7.1  Alterations – No construction or alterations to the apartment or surrounding area is permitted.  Residents may not paint, wallpaper or use permanent contact paper on apartment walls or ceilings.  Residents assume all labor and material costs if the university has to restore the apartment to its original condition due to alterations. 

7.2  Appliances- Washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners and other major appliances are not permitted in individual apartments. Residents may use low wattage, freestanding coolers that are completely inside the apartment or fans that do not require that window screens are removed.

7.4  Chain locks/deadbolts- Resident installed deadbolts and all other locks, including chain locks and screen door latches, are not permitted on any doors. 

7.5  Fire Safety – Smoke detectors may not be disconnected. Fire extinguishers may not be removed from the apartment or misused in any manner.

7.7  Furniture- Each resident is responsible for caring for university furniture and is liable for any damage. University furniture may not be removed from apartments or used as outdoor furniture.  Residents who bring their own furniture are responsible for making arrangements for storing any personal furniture they cannot safely accommodate in the apartment. Only Patio-style furniture is permitted to be used outdoors and must comply with section 8.4 of this policy. The Residence Hall Director should be consulted before the purchase of any outdoor furniture if it is not clear the furniture is intended for outdoors use.

7.8  Lofts- All lofts are prohibited. 

7.9  Pictures and plant hangings – Pictures may be hung using very small nails. The nails should be removed before you check out. No plant hooks, nails, or other items may be installed in the ceilings.  

7.10 Storage- University facilities do not have storage areas for personal belongings or use. It is the resident’s responsibility to arrange personal storage with storage services in town.

8.0 Apartment Exterior Alteration and Upkeep

8.1 No alterations may be made to the exterior of buildings, roofs, railings, stairwells, etc. (ex.  satellite dishes, window boxes, etc.)

8.2 Barbecues/flammable liquids – Personal grill use by family housing residents is a privilege.  Gas grills (propane fueled) with a 100% shut off valve and charcoal grills are permitted in family complexes provided that residents adhere to the following conditions of usage: 

a. Grills cannot be used or stored on balconies, nor used within 10 feet of the building, including the overhang. 

b. Grills must be monitored appropriately at all times when in use and coals must be extinguished immediately after use.  Only extinguished coals can be disposed of in dumpsters. 

c. Grills must be used in a location that minimizes any smoke or fumes experienced by neighbors. 

d. Grills and propane tanks must be fully covered with an appropriate lid or tarp to prevent children from playing with them and prevent animals from looking for food scraps.

e. Propane/gas grills and propane tanks must be stored at least 10 feet from any building structure.

f. In some areas of your complex, grills are provided for your convenience.  After using, please clean out the ashes so the grill is ready for the next resident.

g. Flammable materials are regulated by section 3.07 of the Standards of Residence.  No prohibited materials may be stored in apartments or within 10 feet of the building structure. 

8.3  Fences- Fencing for a garden area or flowerbed in front of first floor apartments must be temporary, have a maximum height of 18 inches, must not have sharp points and must be removed prior to check out. (South Family apartments ONLY)

8.4 Porches, balconies and landings- Residents are responsible for the upkeep and condition of the area directly in front of their apartments.  These areas are not to be used as storage areas for extra furniture, automobile parts, camper shells, boats, etc.  Areas should be kept clean, uncluttered, and weeded.

a. Residents are liable for accidents involving improperly stored toys, equipment and personal items.  Children are discouraged from playing on balconies, landings, under neighbors’ windows or in front of others’ doors.

b. In first floor areas, sidewalks may not be blocked by bikes, toys, lawn furniture, etc.

c. Storage on balconies cannot impact the width of egress – or exit pathway required by state fire code (which is 36” wide measured from the railing back toward the wall). Any items on the balconies or walkways that infringe on this space will not be allowed. Any items that do not infringe on this space must be 36”or higher or they are a trip hazard. In South Family, the remaining space outside of the 36” required is only 8”. In Campus Heights it is 12”.  

d. Plant holders that rest over balcony railings or hang from hooks in the overhang are allowed if secured appropriately. Please see a staff member if you have questions.

8.5  Snow removal- Residents have the responsibility to keep sidewalks and walkways in front of their apartments free from snow and ice.  Second floor residents are responsible for keeping their stairways and balconies free of snow and ice.  Shovels are available to be checked out at your main desk and “ice melt” is also available free of charge. If you have any questions regarding your specific area of responsibility, please see a staff member. University crews are responsible for general public use sidewalks surrounding the complex.  University crews also clear student/family resident parking lots.  Snow removal is prioritized across all university areas, with priority given to resources affecting ADA transit and accommodation.

8.6  Wading pools -  Small wading pools (3 – 4 feet in diameter and 6 – 8 inches in depth) are allowed only if there is direct adult supervision at all times. Pools must be emptied when not being directly supervised and may not be left out overnight. Please note that certain other restrictions may apply when Flagstaff water restrictions are heightened. Residents will be notified if that occurs.

9.0 Parking Areas

9.1 Cars must have required NAU permits to be parked in the designated lots near family housing. 

9.2 Residents with more than one vehicle may only park one vehicle in primary lots and must park additional vehicles in the overflow areas around the complex. This allows everyone at least one convenient parking space near their apartment. Please see a staff member for the location of primary and overflow lots in your complex.

9.3 Residents must arrange to store boats, trailers, campers, inoperative vehicles, etc. somewhere other than on the NAU campus.  They are not permitted to be stored in any university parking lot.  Violators will be cited and asked to remove them from university premises.  Residents who do not move such items upon request by staff or NAUPD risk having the item towed away at their expense.

9.4 Motorcycles and mopeds with proper permits may be parked in designated parking areas only and may not be parked inside apartments, on porch or balcony areas or chained to trees or utility posts.

9.5 No vehicles may be driven off established roadways, parked on grass areas or interfere with the movement of emergency vehicles.

10.0  Bicycles

Bicycles are to be stored in bike racks and cannot obstruct sidewalks or walkways.  Bicycles may not be stored on balconies, chained to balcony railings, stairwells, picnic tables, trees, etc., hung from any building structure or stored under stairs. All bicycles should be registered with Parking Services. 

11.0  Extended Absences

If residents are going to be away for an extended period of time, windows must be secured, stove burners and ovens turned off, faucets turned off and drains not be clogged or stopped. If it is winter, the heater should be set to 60 degrees in order to conserve energy and keep pipes from freezing.  Residents may be held responsible for any damages that occur for failure to follow these procedures prior to leaving.

12.0  Decorations

12.1  Decorations- to ensure a safe environment – especially during holiday seasons - please take the following safety precautions:

a. Decorations on or around the tree should be treated with a fire retardant or made of fire retardant materials.

b. Decorations should be affixed to doors and walls in a way that does not damage property.

c. Decorations should not be hung near lights or other heat-generating devices.

d. Decorations that are flammable in any way should not be hung from the ceiling or protrude around doors.  These are major fire hazards.

e. Paper or cloth decorations should be fire resistant/retardant.

f. Foil decorations should be kept away from electrical outlets.

g. Candles should be burned in a safe manner, in appropriate candleholders, and must never be left unattended.

h. Spray snow can be used in small amounts on windows, but residents are responsible for any damage resulting from the use of spray snow.

i. Shut off all electrical decorations before you leave for extended periods of time.

12.2 Lights- all decorating lights must be Underwriters Laboratory approved (UL-94 rating).

a. Light cords should not be draped over heaters, under doors, etc., where they could be burned, pinched or frayed.  Avoid placing lights close to window coverings or other flammables.

b. Please keep decorative lights off during daylight hours and after midnight to conserve energy.

c. Illuminated lights must not be left unattended.

d. Lights should be unplugged before the last person in the unit retires for the evening.

e. All external lighting needs to be approved through the Residence Hall Director.  Residents are not permitted on the roof of any residence hall building.

f. Outside lights should not have cords going under doors where they could be pinched or frayed.

12.3  Trees- live or cut trees are not permitted as decorations at any time.

13.0  Sales and Solicitation

13.1  Permission to hold parties for private sales (Tupperware, Creative Memories, etc.) in the complex community room or hall lounge must be obtained in advance from the Residence Hall Director.

13.2  Announcements and publicity items for complex desks, lobbies, community rooms, or bulletin boards must be submitted to the Residence Hall Director or his/her designee for approval prior to posting.

13.3  No door-to-door sales or solicitation (such solicitations include campaigning) are permitted without formal approval from the Residence Hall Director or the Office of Residence Life.