Cleaning and Maintenance | Faculty & Postdocs

Faculty and postdoc residents living in private apartments are responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly home throughout their stay. Trash and recycling must be properly disposed of on a regular basis. Regular cleaning helps ensure a comfortable, hygienic environment and supports the overall residential community. 

Failure to comply with these sanitation and safety standards may result in:

  • Fines
  • Cleaning charges (minimum $200)
  • Potential loss of housing eligibility

The guidelines below outline recommended practices for keeping each area of the apartment in good condition.

Living Room / Bedrooms/ Hallways / Corridors
  • Keep floors and surfaces clear of clutter, spills, and grime.
  • Sweep and vacuum floors regularly.
  • Dust and clean hard surfaces (e.g., furniture, windowsills).
  • Vacuum soft furniture (e.g., couches, chairs).
Kitchen
  • Wipe down cabinets, drawers, countertops, stovetop, and appliances.
  • Dispose of expired food and leftovers.
  • Sweep and mop floors, including hard-to-reach areas (e.g., under the stove, between the refrigerator and counters/walls).
  • Take out the trash regularly—at least once per week.
Bathroom
  • Scrub and disinfect the sink, faucet, and surrounding areas.
  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect the toilet, inside and out.
  • Clean the shower and/or tub.
  • Mop or Swiffer the floors.

For questions or concerns, residents can contact Columbia Residential at (212) 854-9300 or [email protected].