Housing Cancellation

Housing Cancellation Process

1. Please consult your housing contract thoroughly to understand your contractual responsibilities and fees. Please find a copy of the housing contract here; cancellations are discussed in section 13

2. Go to the Housing Portal to submit a Housing Cancellation Request. You will receive an email that your cancellation request is submitted.

3. You will receive an email five to seven days after your Housing Cancellation Request is submitted stating wheter the request has been approved or not approved.

4. If approved, you will be provided move-out directions, which are also posted on the website. Please read the directions carefully to avoid unncessary charges. Move-out is not complete until you have checked out at the desk and returned your room key, any key card access or lock-out keys you have checked out. Food and housing fees will be prorated according to the day you checked out. If there's any food and housing refunds, they will be posted on your student account 3-5 business days after you move out.

5. Please be sure to update your address with those you expect to get important mails and packages from, and with the Registrar's Office.

6. Contact housing@ucmerced.edu if you have questions or concerns.

Cancellation Before Move-In

Housing contract cancellations received before move-in are guaranteed to be approved. Requests are processed based on the date they are received by Housing Services.

Students with a signed contract will be assessed a cancellation fee to their student account based on the schedule below. This fee is not subject to appeal.

Cancellation After Move-In

Housing contract cancellation received after you moved in must meet a specific criteria and are rarely approved. A resident must have a compelling and unanticipated medical or financial problem that arises after move in. Documentation to support such claim is required and students should NOT sign any agreements for off-campus housing until they have secured, in writing, a release of contract. These are uncommon in cases where the contract reasons for release are not met.

Once a resident has taken possession of the room, defined as receipt of keys or access to the room ("move in"), the agreement can only be cancelled for the following reasons outlined in section 13 of the housing contract:

• RESIDENT and/or applicant graduates 
• RESIDENT and/or applicant transfers to another campus 
• RESIDENT and/or applicant is dismissed from the UNIVERSITY 
• RESIDENT and/or applicant is a participant in the Educational Leave Program (ELP) or withdraws from the UNIVERSITY 
• RESIDENT and/or applicant is denied admission to UC Merced or RESIDENT and/or applicant is admitted to UC Merced but fails to register, cancels registration or admission is rescinded 
• RESIDENT and/or applicant participates in an approved Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) sponsored by UC Merced 
• RESIDENT and/or applicant presents proof of marriage that occurred during the term of the  contract 

A resident can cancel for any reason PRIOR to move in. Both cancellations after and prior to check in are subject applicable cancellation fees.

For a step-by-step guide on cancellation after move-in, please click here.

Housing Cancellation for Academic Dismissal or Educational Leave (ELP)

Housing cancellation requests must be submitted on the Housing Portal. No documentation in person is required as long as your name appears on the list from the Registrar's Office. You will be approved if you appear on the Registrar's list. You will not be billed the $300.00 cancellation fee. Residents must move out as soon as possible following confirmation of dismissal or educational leave. Residents accrue charges for housing and meals until move out is complete and these charges are often not covered by financial aid in the event of dismissal or ELP. It is in the resident's best interest to move out (defined as the returning of issued keys to the space) to limit charges.