Yes. Emory’s 2026–27 Residential Housing Agreement is a legally binding academic-year contract.
Is the Emory housing contract legally binding?
Once the student completes the agreement, the 2026–27 contract creates a binding obligation for the academic year, including fall, winter, and spring-break periods, subject only to its stated cancellation, exemption, and release provisions. Students under 18 require a parent or guardian co-signature.
Can we cancel the housing contract before move-in?
Emory requires cancellation requests through its housing process and reviews them under the 2026–27 agreement. For a full academic-year agreement, the published cancellation fee schedule is $200 through April 30, $400 in May, $800 in June, $1,600 in July, and $3,200 beginning August 1, subject to listed exemptions from fees.
Can my student get out of the housing contract after moving in?
The 2026–27 agreement provides a post-move withdrawal schedule. During weeks 1–5, the room refund percentage declines from 100% to 20% while the administrative fee declines from $600 to $200; beginning week 6 the agreement states there is no room refund. Other approved releases are governed by the contract’s eligibility and fee provisions.
What happens to housing if my student withdraws, transfers, graduates or studies abroad?
Emory’s 2026–27 agreement identifies circumstances such as December graduation, approved leave, and Emory-approved study abroad/study away among the situations that can support contract release or cancellation-fee relief. A student who is no longer enrolled must vacate as directed—generally within 48 hours after notice—and should complete the Housing cancellation process rather than simply stop occupying the room.
Can we sign an off-campus lease while keeping the dorm as a backup?
The 2026–27 agreement specifically advises students not to finalize off-campus housing until they have written approval of a housing cancellation or release. Signing another lease does not by itself end the Emory housing obligation, so a family could become responsible for both arrangements.
Sources & editorial context
University housing information is organized from the linked sources, with its original review date shown. Rates, deadlines and availability can change; use the applicable academic year and check the source before committing. CollegeHousing.ai is independent of Emory University.
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