UCSF Housing’s shared apartments are an excellent, affordable way to quickly meet new people, develop friendships, form study groups, and establish a sense of community. We hope you will have a positive experience, too.
If you decide to live in shared housing, you will be assigned to live with someone whom you likely know very little. Together, you will need to establish a relationship based on mutual respect, tolerance for differences, and a commitment to open discussion. You will also need to resolve disagreements that may occur while living together.
With patience, cooperation, and communication, most residents have a rewarding and enjoyable experience. We find the biggest key to success while living with roommates is compromise. If you do experience a roommate dispute, it is important you understand the ways Housing Services can (and cannot) assist, and that you access the various additional resources available to you.
What Can Housing Services Do?
We can
- Send your roommate a violation notice if their behavior is described in the Housing Agreement. This often helps to remedy the behavior, but the issue may continue.
- Conduct quarterly inspections for cleanliness and an annual common-area cleaning.
We cannot
- Evict or transfer a resident with whom you disagree.
- Investigate crimes or safety concerns.
- Mediate or resolve roommate disputes.
What Additional Resources Are There?
We strongly encourage residents to seek additional support when needed. If sending a violation notice is not enough, the resources below empower you to navigate roommate relationships:
- The Community Board - The San Francisco nonprofit organization Community Boards provides mediation if you wish to attempt mediation with your roommate. You can reach them at (415) 920-3820.
- Students may seek support and guidance from the UCSF Student Health & Counseling. They can also be reached at (415) 476-1281.
- Trainees, staff, and faculty may also consider contacting the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), which offers free confidential counseling. FSAP can also be reached at (415) 476-8279.
- CARE provides free, confidential support to UCSF affiliates who have experienced discrimination, harassment, abuse, or violence.
- For harassment and discrimination issues you may contact the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.
In the event you feel criminally threatened, you may contact UC Police at (415) 476-1414 for assistance.
