College is filled with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and valuable learning opportunities, but one thing students don’t want to remember is being hit with unexpected dorm room damage fees. Whether you're a first-time freshman or returning for another semester, knowing how to avoid these common charges can help you save money and leave your space in great shape at move-out. After all, college is already expensive… there’s no need to add to those costs with unnecessary dorm fees!
Here’s a complete guide to understanding dorm fees, preventing damage, and making sure you’re covered, just in case.
Understanding Dorm Room Damage Fees
When you move into a dorm, you agree to keep that space in good condition. Most schools conduct a room inspection before and after your stay, and if anything is broken, missing, or excessively dirty, you may be charged. These costs are often labeled as dorm room damage fees or part of your dorm fees—and they can add up fast.
Common reasons students are charged dorm fees include:
Holes in the walls from nails or screws
Stained or torn carpets
Burn marks or water damage
Missing or broken furniture
Excessive dirt, mold, or grime
These are the big reasons a university might charge you a dorm room damage fee. But sometimes small things can lead to big costs, like failing to return your key or leaving a stain on your mattress. And unfortunately, these things can cost more than you’d expect. Luckily, a few simple habits can go a long way in preventing damage.
Preventing Damage During Your Stay
Keeping your dorm in good condition doesn’t mean you can't decorate the space. You just need to be smart about how you treat it. Here are a few tips to help keep damage (and fees) to a minimum:
Use Removable Adhesives
Posters, lights, and wall art are essential to making a dorm feel like home, but traditional tape, nails, or tacks can leave behind holes or residue. Instead, opt for:
Removable wall hooks
Command strips and hooks
Painter’s tape or dorm-safe adhesives
These products are designed to come off clean when it’s time to move out, helping you personalize your space without risking damage.
Keep Your Room Clean
Regular cleaning can prevent long-term issues like mold, pests, and stains. Make it a habit to:
Vacuum weekly
Wipe down surfaces
Take out the trash regularly
Address spills right away
Even minor neglect over the semester can result in extra cleaning charges, or worse, repairs that come out of your deposit.
Furniture Care
Most dorms come furnished, so you’re responsible for keeping that furniture in good condition. Avoid dragging heavy items across the floor and always use coasters or desk mats to prevent stains or scratches. If something is loose, squeaky, or unstable, report it to housing services rather than trying to fix it yourself. It may also be helpful to purchase slipcovers for your couches, to keep them clean (and reflect your style!) during your time living in a dorm.
Inspect and Report Early
One of the best ways to protect yourself from being blamed for pre-existing damage is to document your dorm room when you move in. Take photos or videos of everything and submit any damage reports to your resident advisor or housing office as soon as possible. This includes documenting the conditions of:
Walls
Floors
Furniture
Appliances
Room corners
It’s important to be very thorough in this part of the process, so take lots of photos and videos and keep the documentation in a safe place for yourself, such as a Google Drive folder.
Preparing for Move-Out
Even if you’ve been careful all year, the move-out process is where a lot of students end up losing money through dorm room damage fees. Here are a few tips to avoid those last-minute dorm fees and set yourself up for success:
Do a pre-move out inspection: Ask your RA or housing office if you can do a preliminary walk-through before moving out. This gives you a chance to identify any issues and fix them before they’re recorded as damage.
Thorough cleaning: Plan for a deep clean before turning in your keys. Pay special attention to baseboards, behind furniture, bathroom/sink areas, mini-fridge or microwave (if you have one), as well as dust and grime on windows and blinds.
Small fixes (like replacing a lightbulb or tightening a loose screw) could save you money. Just make sure you’re not violating any policies by making changes. If in doubt, ask your RA!
Follow the move-out checklist: Most universities provide a move-out checklist. Be sure to follow it closely and don’t skip any steps. It will likely include instructions like taking out all trash, returning furniture to its original positions, turning in your keys, and signing out with your RA. Sticking to the checklist helps ensure nothing gets overlooked (and nothing gets charged).
Make sure you're covered just in case!
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen! Maybe your bike gets stolen, or a pipe bursts and damages your belongings. That’s why it’s important to have a safety net in place.
Why Renters Insurance Is Important
A GradGuard Renters Protection Plan can help provide reimbursement for covered losses due to covered things like theft, fire, or certain types of water damage.* It may also include personal liability protection, which can be helpful if you're held responsible for accidental damage to your dorm or someone else’s property.
While universities may offer some coverage through their housing policies, it's usually limited—and it may not cover your personal belongings or certain types of damage. Having your own policy can add an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
The plan can help cover a wide variety of risks, from electronics damaged in a covered fire to personal items stolen from your dorm—subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. That way, you’re not left facing unexpected costs alone.
No one wants to finish the semester with surprise charges. By taking proactive steps to care for your dorm space, preparing early for move-out, and making sure you're protected with the GradGuard Renters Program, you can set yourself up for a stress-free (and fee-free) end of the school year.
Dorm life may be temporary, but those dorm room damage fees can stick around. Be smart, stay prepared, and focus on what really matters: making the most of your college experience.
*Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
