Keys play a vital role in the security of HLS Campus Housing, so it cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for resident students to properly safeguard and maintain their keys.
Keys are released only to HLS resident students who have a signed room license or apartment lease and can present a Harvard ID (HUID) or government issued photo ID.
For the safety of all resident students, keys should not have any identification markers such as an address, resident student name, etc.
Key Distribution
Each resident student is issued a set of physical keys consisting of an internal room/apartment key and a mailbox key. All exterior building entrances are locked but can be accessed using your HUID card.
The duplication of any key issued to you is strictly prohibited. Resident students are also not allowed to loan their HLS resident hall/apartment keys to anyone. Key duplication and key loaning are serious security breaches that may result in disciplinary action including fines and/or termination of your housing license or lease and may be referred to the Administrative Board.
If You’re Locked Out
Be sure to take your resident hall/apartment key and HUID with you whenever you leave your room. Many room doors lock automatically. If a service call is made to your room, service providers are obligated to lock the room when leaving.
Resident students who lock themselves out will need to contact the Facilities Management Office at 617-495-5521. The Facilities Management staff will dispatch a safety officer to meet the resident student. Resident students will need to provide the security officer with proper identification upon regaining entry. A photo will be taken of the ID as evidence of a lockout.
Starting September 5th, all lock-outs will be tracked and documented. Once a resident student has reached three lockouts, a lockout fee of $50.00 will be applied to the student account for each lockout processed throughout the academic year.
Replacement Keys
Residents who have lost their keys or left them away from campus may obtain a temporary replacement key from the Facilities Management Office during regular business hours (M-F 8am-5pm). Residents are encouraged to actively locate their lost keys and return the replacement keys to the Facilities Management Office promptly. If the replacement keys are not returned to the Facilities Management Office within 72 hours, the original keys will be assumed lost and the resident will be charged a replacement fee. If a resident loses a temporary access card (TAC) or does not return it within 72 hours, they will be charged a replacement fee.
- Replacement Room ($150) Key & Core ($300 parts & labor): $450 total
- Replacement Mailbox Key: $25
- Borrowed Temporary Access Card: $150 (if not returned or lost)
All fees mentioned above will be billed on the student’s account. Keys and access cards play a vital role in the security of HLS Housing, so it cannot be emphasized enough how important it is for residents to take care of them.