Columbia University Housing

Residents are not permitted to lend anyone their room key. However, residents may receive an extra copy of their key, if it is available, with the presentation of a guest pass. For more information about obtaining a guest pass, please visit Guest Passes.

Residents may not borrow keys from each other, nor are residents permitted to lend anyone their room key.

The duplication of keys by anyone other than University-authorized personnel is prohibited.

The creation and/or use of "dummy keys" for the purpose of entering a residence hall room or suite is prohibited.

The use of a room key by anyone other than the person assigned to the suite or room for which the key is being used is prohibited. Please note: this does not prohibit University-authorized personnel from accessing rooms in conjunction with the performance of their duties.

Additional locks may not be added to doors.

Tampering with a lock mechanism is prohibited; this includes placing items between the top of the door and the doorframe, which could damage the lock.

In order to maintain an appropriate level of personal and community security, residents should carry suite and room keys with them at all times, and should not leave them in room and suite door locks or other locations outside of their residence hall room or suite for the purpose of gaining entry. Such behavior greatly compromises security and may result in disciplinary action.