Facilities

General Care for Common areas

Common areas in TVA, including playgrounds, pavilions, walkways, courtyards, and other shared outdoor spaces, are provided for the use and enjoyment of residents and their guests. Residents are expected to use these areas responsibly and in a manner that supports a safe, clean, and family-friendly community.

Residents must keep common areas clean and free of personal belongings. Furniture, play equipment, and other shared amenities may not be removed, altered, or relocated without approval. Damage, vandalism, or misuse of common areas, including playground equipment, may result in charges or disciplinary action in accordance with housing policies.

Community standards apply in all common areas. Residents should be mindful of noise levels and appropriate use of shared spaces, particularly in areas intended for families and children. Walkways, courtyards, and playground areas must remain clear to ensure safe access and emergency passage.

The university reserves the right to close or restrict access to common areas as needed for maintenance, safety, scheduled events, or policy compliance. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests and for ensuring children are supervised at all times while using common areas.

Bikes

All bikes and scooters must be tagged with a ribbon each semester to park in on-campus housing areas.

• Deadline: One week after the first day of school.
• Pick up ribbons at: Housing Services, Residential Living, or Housing Office (during office hours)
• Unmarked bikes/scooters will be considered abandoned and removed.

Repairs and Maintenance

Residents must submit a work order to Facilities Management for damage or issues with the facilities. For urgent matters including sewage backup, broken water lines, power outage, or refrigerator failure, residents should contact Facilities Management during office hours or Campus Security after hours.

Inspection Standards and Process

Purpose

Housing Operations conducts property inspections to help maintain a safe, clean, and respectful living environment for all residents. Inspections ensure compliance with health and safety standards, protect University property, and encourage shared responsibility within the housing community. Addressing issues proactively supports both current residents and future students.

Expectations

Residents are expected to maintain their unit at all times. Housing Services conducts mandatory monthly inspections, and additional inspections may be scheduled when necessary. Residents will be contacted in advance to schedule inspection times. Units are inspected according to established standards. Refer to the Super Inspection Checklist.

Residents are not required to be present during inspections but may choose to attend. If a resident is not present, Housing staff will enter the unit to complete the inspection.

Failure to meet standards results in escalating fees and potential contract termination. Inspection failures are tracked across semesters and reset at the beginning of Winter and Summer Breaks.

Inspection Failure Outcomes

If inspection standards are not met, the following actions will apply:

• First failure: A fee is charged. Residents may complete the Keep It Clean training to have the fee removed.
• Second failure: A fee is charged, and the resident is placed on probation. The housing contract is subject to review, which may affect housing type eligibility. This fee cannot be waived.
• Third failure: A fee is charged, and the housing contract may be terminated for violation of contract terms. This fee cannot be waived.

These steps are designed to promote accountability and ensure consistent adherence of housing standards.

Inspection failures are tracked across multiple semesters and reset at the start of Winter Break and Summer Break. For example, a failure in July (Summer) followed by another failure in September (Fall) would count as a second failure.

Inspection Failure Fees

TVA

Kitchen/Living Room	Bathroom	Bed Space
$300	$300	$150

Vacuums

University vacuums are available for residents to borrow during office hours at the Housing Services, Residential Living, or Housing offices.