Match the problem to the authority
The fastest contact is not always the person who controls the outcome.
- RA or community staffUse for residence-hall agreements, roommate mediation, community conduct and referral to formal campus processes.
- Housing officeUse for assignments, contracts, room changes, accessibility coordination and unresolved residence-life issues.
- Landlord or managerUse the lease’s notice method for repairs, access, payments, keys and property rules.
- Emergency or safety serviceUse immediately for fire, gas, violence, medical danger, forced entry or another urgent threat.
Send an actionable report
A concise record helps the recipient decide and document the next step.
- LocationGive building, unit, room and the affected area without posting private details publicly.
- Observed factsDescribe dates, conditions and effects without guessing at motive.
- Prior actionList earlier reports, conversations, work orders and reference numbers.
- Requested outcomeAsk for inspection, repair, mediation, policy clarification or another specific next step.
- UrgencyState immediate health, safety, access or property risk clearly.
Escalate without losing the record
Follow the process while preserving evidence.
- Use the official channelSubmit through the contract, portal, email or emergency line named for the issue.
- Save confirmationKeep the message, work order, photos and response deadline.
- Follow upReference the original report and describe what remains unresolved.
- Seek outside helpUse campus leadership, local inspection, tenant agency or legal aid when the responsible party does not resolve an applicable issue.
Do not mediate an unsafe situation alone
Roommate communication is useful for ordinary habits, but it is not a prerequisite for reporting threats, harassment, violence, stalking, discrimination or serious hazards. Use the appropriate emergency, conduct, Title IX, disability or tenant-rights channel for the actual problem.