Common Hazards in On-Campus Living
Here are some common hazards to look out for in on-campus housing.
Hazards are not limited to those listed here, these are just some of the most common.
Water Temperature
Do you not have hot water in your sinks or showers?
Dictated by Chapter 17920.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, water supply to plumbing fixtures (sinks, showers, etc.) needs to be both hot and cold.
If you have reported inadequate water temperature to the school and it has not been repaired, please refer to our Solutions page for next steps.
Broken Heaters:
No Heat & Excessive Heat
Do you have no heat in your room or common area? Or is the heater on extremely high and you're unable to adjust it?
Dictated by Chapter 17920.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, you are entitled to adequate heating.
If you have reported faulty heaters to the school and it has not been repaired, please refer to our Solutions page for next steps.
Visible Mold
Is there black mold accumulating in the bathrooms/showers?
(Photo taken in shower at Unit 3 Residence Halls, UC Berkeley, Spring 2023)
Dictated by Chapter 17920.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, visible mold growth can be a factor contributing to inadequate sanitation, falling under the definition of substandard housing. This needs to be determined by a health officer or code enforcement officer.
If it is minor mold that can accumulate on surfaces as part of their properly functioning and intended use (not due to inadequate ventilation), then request the mold be removed.
If you have reported mold to the school and it has not been amended, please refer to our Solutions page for next steps.
Faulty Weather Protection
Experiencing leaks when it rains?
According to Chapter 17920.3 of the California Health and Safety Code, ineffective waterproofing can contribute to substandard housing conditions and needs to be repaired. Signs of ineffective waterproofing include leaks, cracks, and flooding.
If you have reported faulty weather protection to the school and it has not been repaired, please refer to our Solutions page for next steps.
Peeling Paint
Is the paint peeling in your room, common areas, or stairwells?
(Photo taken at Unit 3 Residence Halls, UC Berkeley, Fall 2023)
Dictated by Chapter 17920.10 of the California Health and Safety Code,
“Any building or portion thereof including any dwelling unit, guestroom, or suite of rooms, or portion thereof, or the premises on which it is located, is deemed to be in violation of this part as to any portion that contains lead hazards. For purposes of this part, “lead hazards” means deteriorated lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, lead-contaminated soil, or disturbing lead-based paint without containment, if one or more of these hazards are present in one or more locations in amounts that are equal to or exceed the amounts of lead established for these terms in Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 35001) of Division 1 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations or by this section and that are likely to endanger the health of the public or the occupants thereof as a result of their proximity to the public or the occupants thereof.”
Additionally, refer to notation for buildings built pre-1978 regarding lead-based paint.
If you don’t have properly maintained surfaces, and/or paint, in your living space, report it to the school via maintenance request. If you have reported these issues to the school and it has not been repaired, please refer to our Solutions page for next steps.
Pests & Infestation
Do you have pests (insects, rodents, etc.) in your living space?
In accordance with section "K" within the Residence Hall Terms & Conditions of the University of California, Berkeley, in the event of an infestation, it is imperative that a maintenance request be promptly submitted and communicated to the maintenance personnel within a reasonable timeframe.
Should there be no resolution following the report, you are entitled to report the infestation to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. Please refer to our Solutions page for next steps.