Housing Agreement Release Petition

Petition to be released from Binghamton University's Housing Agreement

Once a student selects a room/accepts a housing assignment, they are bound to the University Housing Agreement for the entire academic year and will remain financially responsible for the cost of on-campus housing even if they choose to move off campus. 

Students who are not enrolled for the term, are experiencing a significant and unanticipated change in financial circumstances, or are experiencing a newly diagnosed or exacerbated medical condition with a need that cannot be met through a housing accommodation, can petition for release from the housing agreement by following the appropriate procedure as outlined below. 

Spring 2027 Housing Withdrawal

Students who will not be enrolled for the Spring 2027 semester because they are withdrawing from the University or participating in a University-sponsored Study Abroad program should submit the Petition for Release from the University Housing Agreement form for their area. In accordance with the University Housing Agreement, students who are eligible to be released must submit their petition no later than November 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. to avoid a $200 late charge. Approved releases after this deadline will result in a $200 late charge. Study Abroad students who provide documentation that they enrolled in the program after the deadline will not be billed the late charge.   

Petition for release forms for each area can be accessed below. Questions should be directed to the Community Area Office. 

Financial Hardship

Students who experience a significant and unanticipated change in their financial situation that occurred after selecting their room may petition for release from University Housing.

Petitions for release from Housing based on financial hardship are reviewed by a team that includes representation from Residential Life, Auxiliary Services and Financial Aid.

The process to petition for release is as follows:

  1. Complete and submit the Petition for Release from the University Housing Agreement–Financial Hardship form.
  2. If you already filed a FAFSA and are determined eligible for federal financial aid, it is recommended that you meet with a representative from the Financial Aid office to discuss your hardship and explore all financing options available to you. 
  3. Submit a full explanation of what has changed in your financial situation, including any supporting documents to Residential Life (TU 213) or email reslife@binghamton.edu. 

Students whose petition has been denied may appeal the decision by submitting new/additional documentation that was not available/provided in the original petition along with a written explanation of the basis for their appeal. 

Once documentation is submitted, it can take up to 20 business days for your petition to be reviewed. Responses will be sent to your Binghamton University email address. 

Appeals may be submitted by emailing the explanation and additional documentation to reslife@binghamton.edu within 5 business days of the date the student is notified of the decision. 

Medical Condition

Students facing a new disability diagnosis or an exacerbation of their current disability that occurred after selecting their room and cannot be addressed through a housing accommodation may petition to be released from the University Housing Agreement. 

Petitions should be submitted to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). For details and instructions pertaining to this process contact SSD.