Last updated: 03.20.2025
Please be advised that changes have been made to the housing cancellation policy for the 2025-2026 academic year. It is important for students to thoroughly review the updated policy to understand the new terms and conditions.
Fall Resident Hall Room License Cancellation 2025-2026
Students who have a fall room reservation for the academic year at the Gropius Complex, Hastings Hall or North Hall may cancel by 11:59pm (EDT) on May 30th, free of charge.
Students who cancel after May 30th will be charged as follows.
| TIER I: June 1st through June 5th | $500 cancellation fee, no room fee |
| TIER II: June 6th through August 27th | $2,500 cancellation fee, no room fee |
| TIER III: After August 27th | Full academic year room fee |
Fall Apartment Lease Cancellation 2025-2026
Students with a fall room reservation for the academic year at 1637 Massachusetts Avenue, 3 Mellen Street, or 5 Mellen Street are liable for the full academic lease amount of the room. Once the apartment lease is signed and a confirmation email is issued through the Housing system, the agreement is finalized. Canceling the lease does not release you from your financial obligation for the full academic lease amount, which will be charged to your HU student account.
Spring 2025 & 2026 Residence Hall Room License Cancellation
Students who have a spring only room reservation at the Gropius Complex, Hastings Hall or North Hall may cancel by 11:59pm (EDT) on November 30th, free of charge.
Students who cancel after November 30th will be charged as follows.
| TIER I: December 1st through December 31st | $2,500 cancellation fee, no room fee |
| TIER II: After January 1st | Full semester room fee |
Spring 2025 & 2026 Apartment Lease Cancellation
Students with a spring only room reservation at 1637 Massachusetts Avenue, 3 Mellen Street, or 5 Mellen Street are liable for the full spring lease amount of the room. Once the apartment lease is signed and a confirmation email is issued through the Housing system, the agreement is finalized. Canceling the lease does not release you from your financial obligation for the full spring lease amount, which will be charged to your HU student account.
Exceptions to Cancellation Fees
Students who have a room reservation but will not be enrolled at Harvard Law School, may be granted an exemption from cancellation fees. This includes:
- An approved leave of absence
- An approved study abroad program
- A joint degree program in which the HLS student will not be in attendance at Harvard Law School for the full academic year
- Participation in the Semester in Washington Clinic
- Fall only exchange student
- Deferring admission to Harvard Law School
- Withdrawing or declining admission to Harvard Law School
To cancel housing for any of the above exceptions, the student must contact the appropriate office (J.D. Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Graduate Program, Dean of Students Office) to initiate their leave. The student must also ensure that HLS Housing is notified by the appropriate office once the leave/withdrawal is processed.
Exempted cancellations should be processed by HLS Housing and not the student using the portal.
How to Voluntarily Cancel
To cancel your HLS Housing room license agreement or apartment lease log into the portal and click on the HLS Housing link in the crimson bar . Select “continue” on the Application Selection page and find the Housing Cancellation link.
When you cancel, you will be cancelling both your HLS Housing application on file and your reservation at the same time. You will know you have successfully cancelled when you have received a confirmation email.