The University of Texas at Dallas, which was inspected last May, was cited for having smoke detectors that were unplugged or hanging by their electrical wires. UTD, like many other campuses, also had exit doors with broken hinges. In response to the state's findings, which were sent to UTD last year, the school instituted new rules last fall, said Robert Lovitt, senior vice president for business affairs. Students get one warning for an unhooked smoke detector. The second time, they will be evicted, Mr. Lovitt said.
Students often disconnect smoke detectors because they're close to the kitchen.
Correcting problems Still, students seem to be following the policy better than before, he said. It's a concern. Students now agree that they won't burn candles as a part of their leases, Mr. Lovitt said. In November, UTD had to enforce that policy when a student started a fire in his apartment with a candle. The candle fell and burned a hole in the carpet, Mr. Lovitt said.