Lockouts and Lost Keys: Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you find that your question has not been answered, please Contact Us.
- 1. What do I do if I'm locked out?
- 2. Can I give you my ID number or show you my checkbook to borrow a key?
- 3. What if I need to get into my friend's room to retrieve some homework that I left in their room?
- 4. Can my parents borrow my key for me?
- 5. Can my parents or professor vouch for me?
- 6. May I keep the key longer than midnight?
- 7. What if I forget to return the borrowed key to the Key Room?
- 8. I have lost my key, how can I get another?
- 9. But I lost my key in the Indian Ocean; can't you just cut me another key?
- 10. How much does it cost?
- 11. I lost my ID, can I borrow one from the Key Room?
- 12. I'm an RA, do I need to show you my ID?
- 13. Do you have temporary mail keys?
- 14. My room/suite door lock is not working properly, who do I call?
1.
What do I do if I'm locked out?
If you are locked out of your room between 8:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Friday, or 4:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday, you may come to the Borrowed Key Room located on the ground floor of Echols House and borrow a key. Please enter from the rear parking lot.
You MUST have either a student ID or a picture ID (driver's license, state ID or military ID). If you do not have your ID, you may bring another student AND their student ID to vouch for you.
If you are locked out after Key Room hours, call the Facilities Service Desk (434-924-3053). Your call will automatically be forwarded to Systems Control, and an emergency call-back person will be dispatched to your location. You MUST show this person your ID and you will be billed a $25.00 fee.
2.
Can I give you my ID number or show you my checkbook to borrow a key?
No, you must have your student ID/picture ID or another student with their student ID. No exceptions.
3.
What if I need to get into my friend's room to retrieve some homework that I left in their room?
Under NO circumstances will we issue a key to anyone except for the legal residents of that room. No exceptions.
4.
Can my parents borrow my key for me?
Under NO circumstances will we issue a key to anyone except for the legal residents of that room.
5.
Can my parents or professor vouch for me?
No, you must have another student with their student ID vouch for you.
6.
May I keep the key longer than midnight?
All borrowed keys are due back by midnight unless checked out after 11:00 p.m., in which case the key is due back by noon the following day.
7.
What if I forget to return the borrowed key to the Key Room?
The key is automatically assumed lost and all affected locks will be changed. The borrower will be responsible for all costs incurred.
8.
I have lost my key, how can I get another?
If your key is lost, the locks will need to be changed. Contact the Housing & Residence Life office in Kent House at 434-924-3736. You will need to request the lock change in writing (email to housing@virginia.edu is acceptable).
Stolen keys should be reported to the University Police. Provide the report number and Officer name to the Housing & Residence Life office when requesting a lock change. The lock change will be made at no charge to the victim.
Locks are usually changed within the same day. You and your roommate(s) will need to come to the Key Room and sign for your new room keys. You MUST have ID to pick up your new keys. No exceptions.
9.
But I lost my key in the Indian Ocean; can't you just cut me another key?
In accordance with our security policy, all affected locks must be changed regardless of the circumstances surrounding the loss.
11.
I lost my ID, can I borrow one from the Key Room?
You must go the ID Card office on the first floor of O-Hill Dining, report your ID lost and purchase another. Please refer to the University ID Card Office for information. If you lose your ID between 8:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday through Friday, or 4:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday, you may come to the Borrowed Key Room to receive a temporary access card. You will need to return this card to Access Control as soon you get a permanent replacement card from the ID office.
If you are locked out of the building, you can use the emergency blue phones to call a roommate to come and let you in or call Systems Control to be let in. If Systems Control is called, there is a $25.00 fee for maintenance staff to respond.
13.
Do you have temporary mail keys?
No. If you have lost your mail key we will issue you a new one. Replacement cost is $3.00.
14.
My room/suite door lock is not working properly, who do I call?
Place a work order to report the problem during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If it is after business hours, or a weekend or holiday, please call 434-924-3053; your call will automatically be forwarded to Systems Control for response by emergency call-back staff.