University of Virginia Library

Off-Grounds Housing List
Made Optional By President

President Shannon has advised me of his approval of the Housing
Committee's recommendations for suspension of the present requirement
that students living off the Grounds live only in housing approved
by the University. Effective March 1, 1969, if a student is eligible to
reside in non-university living accommodations, the University will not
require that his accommodations meet the University's standards.

The present approval system was initiated at a time when much of
the local rental market for students was substandard and when
overbearing rental agreements were commonplace and we believe the
approval system has played some part in bringing about the present
improved situation. If conditions deteriorate the University may again
adopt the policy of requiring approval of all off-Grounds facilities to be
occupied by its students.

To assist students, faculty and staff, the Housing Office will
continue to maintain the listing service by which privately-owned
facilities meeting the University's "approved" standards for light, heat,
safety, sanitation and other specific requirements may be identified.

The value of the continued listing service to both landlords and
students is clear. It will assist students in locating good accommodations
quickly and landlords in obtaining good tenants quickly.

In situations where either landlords or students have grievances
regarding rental of approved housing, the University will use its good
offices to protect the interests of all but such service cannot be given
regarding unapproved housing.