Housing Release Appeal Process

Pre‑Occupancy Cancellation (Returning & Continuing Students) Students who have not yet taken occupancy of their assigned space may cancel their Housing & Dining Agreement without needing an extenuating circumstance, provided they submit a Release Request through the Housing Portal by July 1. This pre‑occupancy cancellation option applies only to returning/continuing students and follows the fee schedule outlined in the Housing & Dining Agreement.

• By July 1: No charge

• July 1 – July 31: $600 cancellation fee

• August 1 through the first day of Fall classes: $600 cancellation fee + 50% of Fall housing charges

After occupancy begins, students may no longer cancel for the purpose of commuting or moving off campus. At that point, only documented extenuating circumstances listed in the Housing & Dining Agreement may qualify for a release.

The Request for Release process exists to support students who experience significant, documented extenuating circumstances that arise after the date the agreement was submitted and after a student has taken occupancy of their space. Submitting a Request for Release does not guarantee approval; decisions are made based on the documentation provided and the criteria outlined in the agreement.

Request for Release Criteria

If you have not yet moved into your assigned space, you may cancel your agreement through the Release Request process without providing documentation of an extenuating circumstance, as long as your request is submitted by July 1. After occupancy, only the qualifying circumstances listed below may be considered.

• Academic program requirements (internship, clinical placement, student teaching, study abroad, etc.)
• Active military deployment
• Birth or adoption of a child occurring after the agreement was signed
• Change in enrollment status (withdrawal, transfer, part‑time status) as verified by the Registrar
• Documented financial hardship resulting from a new and unanticipated change after the agreement was signed, verified by Financial Aid
• Graduation
• Health or medical concerns arising after the agreement was signed. Will require completion of Reasonable Accommodations Form to determine if health or medical concern can be accommodated within the residence hall system.
• Marriage, with a legal marriage certificate dated after the agreement was signed

Thinking about Canceling Housing or a Request for Release?

We hope you’ll stay part of our on‑campus community, but if your plans change, here’s what you need to know about how cancellation fees and charges work.

Important Considerations

• Do not sign an off‑campus lease unless you have received formal written approval releasing you from your UMassD housing agreement. Signing another lease does not qualify as grounds for release after occupancy begins. Pre‑occupancy cancellations must still follow the July 1 deadline and fee schedule.
• Dissatisfaction with a room assignment, roommate, services, or policies is not a basis for appeal.
• Allergies and COVID‑19 (including variants) are not qualifying reasons for release, as these conditions cannot be fully mitigated in any residential environment.
• The Appeals Committee meets bi-weekly (excluding university closures). Students receive a written decision via their UMassD email. Students and families do not participate in committee meetings.
• A pending appeal does not pause billing. Students must continue to make payments by published deadlines. If an appeal is approved, adjustments will be made to the student account.
• Housing payment – A pending appeal does not defer your housing payment. Please pay your housing by the due date to avoid late charges. If your appeal is approved, adjustments to your account will be made.
• Be sure to review all of the Housing Agreement for expectations your housing commitment. 

How to submit a Release Request

1. Log onto the Student Housing Portal (StarRez)
2. Navigate to Forms & Processes 
3. Locate the Request for Release Form
4. Complete the Request for Release Form by:
   1. Make the proper form selections
   2. Provide a detailed narrative explaining the extenuating circumstances that have changed since the agreement was submitted.
   3. Submit official documentation that support yours narrative. These documents could include but are not limited to, Financial Aid documents, medical documentation showing recent diagnosis, treatment, or surgery, statements of job terminations, death certificates, etc.
5. Submit your Release Request

Please note that Release Requests can take up to 30 days, but are usually resolved within 7 - 10 business days.