Fee Appeals Overview
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Overview: How Fee Appeals Work
At University Housing & Resident Experience (UHRE), we know that receiving a housing charge can be frustrating or confusing. Our goal is to make the appeal process clear, consistent, and transparent, so you always understand why a fee was applied and what options you have to request a review.
A Fee Appeal allows you to share additional information or documentation if you believe a charge was applied in error, or if a significant and unexpected circumstance impacted your ability to meet your housing agreement. Appeals are reviewed carefully by an anonymous committee made up of university staff outside of UHRE, ensuring every case is handled fairly and without bias.
You can submit an appeal through Cards Nest → Dispute Fees. The process is simple and designed to help you explain your situation clearly and include any supporting materials, such as emails, maintenance requests, or documentation of special circumstances.
Once submitted, appeals are typically reviewed within 21 business days, and you’ll receive a decision by email. The committee’s decision is final, but you’ll always receive a clear explanation of the outcome so you understand how the decision was made.
Understanding the Fee Appeal Process
Appeals are designed for students who believe a fee was incorrectly assessed or who experienced documented circumstances that affected their ability to meet housing requirements or expectations.
- Log in to Cards Nest → Dispute Fees.
- Choose the correct fee dispute type.
- Complete the form and upload any supporting documentation that helps explain your situation (e.g., photos, emails, maintenance requests, withdrawal forms, etc.).
- Appeals must be submitted within one calendar year of the fee being posted.
- Damage fee appeals must be submitted within ten (10) days of the fee being posted.
- Appeals are reviewed by an anonymous committee made up of university staff outside of UHRE to ensure fairness and neutrality.
- You’ll receive a decision by email within 21 business days, unless otherwise notified.
- Once a decision is made, it is final.
Types of Appeals
Tips for a Strong Appeal
- Be specific. Explain clearly what happened and why you believe the fee was applied in error.
- Provide documentation. Screenshots, emails, photos, or forms help the committee verify your claim.
- Stay respectful and factual. Emotional appeals without evidence are less likely to be approved.
- Don’t submit multiple times. Duplicate submissions don’t speed up the process and may delay review.
- Check your email. The decision will be sent to your UofL email account within 21 business days.
Important Notes
- Submission of an appeal does not mean the fee will be waived.
- The committee reviews each case individually based on policy, documentation and timing.
- It’s your responsibility to provide sufficient information and meet deadlines.
- Keep copies of all documents you upload.
- The Fee Appeals Committee may reach out to you by email to request additional documentation or clarification.
- It is your responsibility to monitor your university email and provide the requested materials within the specified timeframe.
- Appeals may be closed or denied if requested information is not received.
- Appeals are typically reviewed within 21 business days of submission, though this may vary based on volume and timing.
- You will be notified of the committee’s decision via your university email.
- If approved, a credit will be applied to your account within 5–7 business days.
- If denied, you remain responsible for the cancellation fee.
- Appeals that are past the deadline as mentioned on each fee appeal's page will not be reviewed.
- If your total balance with the University exceeds $1,500, a Housing hold will be placed on your housing account.
- A Housing hold only affects your ability to apply for or be assigned on-campus housing in the future until the balance is paid below $1,500.
- In addition, if your overall student account balance (including housing charges and cancellation fees) exceeds $1,500, the University may also place a financial hold on your student account.
- A University (financial) hold can impact your ability to register for classes, receive transcripts, or graduate until the balance is resolved.
- All of the above listed fees count toward your total balance and are not excluded when determining whether a hold is placed by either Housing or the University.
- For more information about financial holds and student account policies, visit the Financial Information section of the University of Louisville Academic Catalog.
Need help?
If you have questions, you can contact University Housing at housing@louisville.edu or call 502-852-6636.