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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?

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 Systems Control (434-982-4685). An emergency call back person will be dispatched to your location. You MUST show this person your ID and you will be billed a $100.00 fee. There are no exceptions.

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. You and your roommate will need to come to the Key Room and sign for your new room key. You MUST have an ID to pick up your new key. No exceptions. You will be billed for the lock change on your student account.

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.

10. How much does it cost?

It depends where you live and which key or keys you lost. You may call the Housing Cashier's Office at 434-924-0874 to ask.

11. I lost my ID, can I borrow one from the Key Room?

We don't have copies of your ID or anyone else's. 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 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 $100.00 fee for Housing staff to respond.

12. I'm an RA, do I need to show you my ID?

YES, we don't know who you are.

13. Do you have temporary mail keys?

No. If you have lost your mail key we will issue you a new one, and bill a replacement fee of $3.00 to your student account.

14. My room/suite door lock is not working properly, who do I call?

Place a work order or call 434-924-3053 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 Systems Control at 434-982-4685.