Peer-to-peer clothing rental and resale platforms are becoming common on college campuses. Whether facilitated through an app, social media, or arranged informally between students, porch pickups may feel harmless and convenient.
From a risk management standpoint, they are not.
When you invite non-members onto sorority property, even briefly, you elevate your liability exposure. And under premises liability law, individuals you invite onto your property are often owed a higher duty of care.
A Claim Example
Recently, this risk has been tested at a chapter house porch pickup.
A non-member purchased a dress from a sorority member and was instructed to pick it up from the chapter house porch. It was winter and the chapter house failed to maintain the rear access ramp in a reasonably safe condition during known icy weather. Property managers knew of the hazardous condition (significant ice accumulation and multiple falls reported the same day) and did not adequately remediate, treat, or warn of the danger. While approaching the porch, the non-member slipped, fell, and fractured her elbow and required surgery.
Because this non-member was invited onto the property for a transaction, she is owed a higher duty of car. What followed was a premises liability claim alleging failure to maintain safe conditions. What felt like a casual exchange became an insurance event.
Understanding Your Duty of Care
In most jurisdictions, visitors are classified into legal categories that determine the duty owed to them. The chart below outlines the duties owed to different types of visitors to a property.
| Invitees (Business/Public Visitors) | Licensees (Social Guests) | Trespassers |
| Highest Duty Owed | Duty Owed | Lowest Duty Owed |
| An invitee is someone invited onto property for a purpose that benefits the organization or its members. A clothing rental or resale pickup may fall into this category. | Even under this classification, failing to address known hazards can result in liability. | Trespassers are owed the lowest duty. Individuals picking up clothing items at a member’s invitation are not trespassers, they are invited guests. |
For invitees, you are typically required to:
- Actively inspect the premises;
- Repair hazardous conditions;
- Warn of non-obvious dangers; and
- Maintain reasonably safe walkways and entrances.
This is the highest duty of care under premises liability standards. If a known hazard exists, like uneven concrete or icy conditions, and no corrective action is taken, liability exposure increases significantly.
Why Porch Pickups Create Elevated Risk
Allowing non-members onto chapter property for transactions introduces several possible exposures:
- Slip, trip, and fall claims;
- Inadequate lighting hazards;
- Snow and ice maintenance failures;
- Security concerns involving unknown individuals; and
- Increased claims frequency.
Even if a member arranges the transaction personally, an injury occurring on sorority property can implicate the chapter and its insurance program.
Policy Consideration for Housing Corporations
Housing corporations should consider adopting a written policy addressing clothing rental, resale, and other peer-to-peer transactions that may bring non-members onto chapter house property. While chapters may choose to prohibit these exchanges on-site and encourage members to conduct them in public campus locations, it may not always be realistic to ensure that all transactions occur off property. For that reason, many housing corporations may find that mitigation is the next best option.
If transactions are permitted, consider establishing clear guidelines to reduce risk. Establishing clear expectations helps reduce ambiguity and demonstrates proactive risk management.
Best Practices
The safest approach is not to conduct clothing rental or resale pickups on sorority property. Encourage members to:
- Meet in public campus spaces;
- Use student union facilities; or
- Utilize neutral third-party pickup lockers or host locations like a resale storefront.
Removing the transaction from the property removes the premises liability exposure.
If your chapter chooses to allow pickups on property, risk controls are essential:
- Use a secure, weather-protected lockbox;
- Designate a single, well-lit pickup location;
- Maintain and routinely inspect access paths;
- Promptly remove snow and treat ice;
- Restrict visitors from entering residential areas;
- Place signage around and block off any hazards until they can be addressed; and
- Document maintenance efforts.
When you invite individuals onto your premises, you assume a heightened duty to ensure those premises are reasonably safe.
The Bottom Line
Slips and falls are among the most frequent and predictable liability claims across chapter house properties.
When you invite non-members onto sorority property, you elevate your legal duty of care. Invitees are typically owed the highest standard to maintain reasonably safe premises. To fulfill this duty you must actively inspect the premises, repair hazardous conditions, and warn of non-obvious dangers.
The most effective risk management strategy is to manage rental and resale transactions are to move these transactions off property. If that is not possible, ensure your chapter’s practices reflect the elevated duty you owe invited guests.
Prevention is always less costly than a claim and instilling best practices will protect your chapter from potential liability!
Winter can be especially hard on chapter facility roofs — even when there are no obvious signs of trouble. Snow load, ice dams, freeze-thaw cycles, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures all stress roofing systems in ways that may not be visible at the time. In many cases, damage that begins in January does not reveal itself until March or April — when melting snow and spring rains find pathways into the building.
As we move toward warmer weather, now is the right time to revisit the fundamentals of roof management and inspection.
Why Winter Damage Often Appears in Spring
Several common winter conditions contribute to delayed roof issues:
Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Water can enter small cracks or seams in roofing materials. When temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands, widening gaps and weakening seals. Repeated cycles can compromise flashing, membranes, and shingles.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow melts and refreezes at roof edges. Water trapped behind the ice can back up under shingles and flashing, leading to interior leaks that may not appear until temperatures rise.
Snow Load & Structural Stress
Heavy snow adds weight to the roof system. Even if structural damage is not visible, prolonged load can strain decking and fasteners.
Wind Damage
Winter storms can loosen flashing, lift shingles, or damage roof penetrations. The impact may not be apparent until water intrusion begins.
Warning Signs to Watch For This Spring
As snow melts and spring rains begin, house corporations and facility volunteers should be alert for:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls – even minor staining can indicate a larger issue developing above
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
- Musty odors in upper floors or attic spaces
- Dripping near chimneys, vents, or skylights
- Shingles or roofing materials visible on the ground
- Damaged or detached flashing
- Flashing is thin metal installed at roof joints and transitions — most commonly around chimneys, vents, skylights, roof-to-wall intersections, and valleys — to direct water away from seams and prevent leaks.
Proactive Roof Management: Best Practices
Effective roof stewardship is not reactive — it is scheduled and documented.
1. Schedule a Professional Inspection
Early spring is an ideal time for a qualified roofing contractor to inspect the system, especially after a harsh winter. A documented inspection helps identify small issues before they become significant claims.
2. Maintain Clear Drainage
Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. Poor drainage accelerates roof deterioration and increases the risk of ice dam formation.
3. Document Repairs and Maintenance
Keep organized records of inspections, repairs, and warranties. Documentation supports long-term capital planning and can be important if a claim arises.
4. Plan for Replacement — Don’t Delay It
Roofs have a finite lifespan. If your system is nearing the end of its useful life, proactive replacement is typically far less disruptive and less costly than emergency repairs following a failure.
5. Address Small Leaks Immediately
Water intrusion rarely improves on its own. Prompt attention limits interior damage, mold development, and secondary costs.
Insurance Considerations
While insurance policies may respond to sudden and accidental damage, they are not intended to cover wear, tear, or deferred maintenance.
A well-maintained roof not only protects members and property — it also supports favorable insurance outcomes and reduces the likelihood of large, avoidable claims.
A Seasonal Reminder
Spring is a natural checkpoint for facility review. As part of your broader risk management efforts, add roof inspection and maintenance to your seasonal planning calendar.
If you have questions about roof management, capital planning, or property risk mitigation, MJ Sorority is here to help.
As winter winds down, now is the perfect time to check in on chapter operations and prepare for the busy spring season. From ensuring your facilities are weather-ready to planning safe, compliant events, a little proactive planning goes a long way.
In this issue, we cover roof care after winter, why reporting all property damage matters, and tips for planning safe, compliant spring events to keep members and chapter homes protected. Read the whole thing.
A resilient year doesn’t start with a claim or a crisis. It starts with clear expectations, smart planning, and a strong understanding of who is in your corner. As we head into the new year, we’re encouraging chapters and housing organizations to think about risk management as part of their day-to-day operations—not something that only comes into focus when there’s a problem.
MJ Sorority’s role is to be your advocate and advisor, not just the group that places your insurance. While insurance carriers make the final underwriting decisions, our job is to help you understand those requirements, prepare for them, and make informed choices that support your organization over the long term. We work alongside you throughout the year to reduce surprises and strengthen your overall risk position.
This January issue of News and Notes focuses on building that foundation—so you can move into the year ahead with confidence, clarity, and support. Read the whole thing.
As we wrap up another year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate all that your organizations, chapters, volunteers, and members have accomplished in 2025. In this month’s edition, you’ll find a year-in-review recap and a few timely tips to close out 2025 safely and confidently. Thank you for your leadership, dedication, and partnership.
As chapters prepare for Thanksgiving break and colder weather sets in, this month’s updates focus on simple steps to reduce risk and keep facilities safe. We’re sharing guidance on unofficial or privately rented houses, our Thanksgiving Break Checklist, a new webinar with Luminaut, some event planning resources and reminders, and practical slip-and-fall prevention tips for the season.
With the semester underway, September is a great time to hit pause, reset, and make sure your chapter is starting strong. In honor of Campus Safety Awareness Month, this issue highlights practical steps you can take to keep members safe, protect your property, and strengthen your chapter operations.
Fall is in full swing—and so are chapter events! From homecoming gatherings to formals, now’s the perfect time to double-check that your venues and vendors have the right coverage in place. It’s also a great season to tackle routine fall maintenance around the chapter house, ensuring everything is safe, comfortable, and ready for cooler months ahead.
In this issue of our monthly newsletter, you’ll also find trick-or-treating safety tips to help your chapter host community events responsibly, highlights from our recent CrowdChange webinar on smarter fundraising, and important reminders about preventing slips and falls as the weather turns colder.
When a venue, vendor, or other third party provides your chapter with a Certificate of Insurance, it can be tough to know what you’re really looking at. To make it easier, we’ve created a sample certificate with MJ’s recommended wording and limits highlighted. Use this guide as a quick reference to spot what’s missing or out of place, so you can feel confident that the coverage being provided truly protects your chapter.
As your members return and the academic year begins, we’ve gathered timely updates to help your chapter and housing operations run smoothly. This month’s highlights include:
- How to safely reopen your chapter house after summer (or any) break
- Why it’s critical to report all wind and hail claims—even minor ones
- Key back-to-school reminder about university certificates of insurance
- Floodplain awareness and your property’s FEMA designation
- A real-world phishing scam close call you’ll want to share
- A fresh nudge to explore Events Central for your fall planning
As summer break winds down, chapter volunteers and house corporation board members play a critical role in ensuring the chapter facility is ready to safely welcome members back for the academic year. Just as closing the house for summer requires intentional planning, reopening the facility requires a proactive approach to address maintenance and safety issues that may have arisen over the break.
Whether your chapter house was unoccupied or hosted summer residents, using a comprehensive reopening checklist will help ensure a smooth transition into the fall semester. The checklist below includes key steps to verify that the property is secure, systems are functioning, and the house is ready for occupancy.
We recommend coordinating with all relevant stakeholders well in advance of move-in weekend to allow time for any needed repairs or service calls. Ideally, this process is staring one month before move in.
Chapter Facility Reopening Checklist
Property Exterior
- Walk the full property to inspect for damage, debris, or safety hazards
- Confirm all outdoor lighting is functioning
- Check for signs of vandalism or unauthorized access
- Arrange landscaping service to address overgrowth or maintenance issues
- Reinstall or test any security signage or outdoor cameras
Building Systems
- Restore water, HVAC, and gas systems (if shut off during summer)
- Check plumbing fixtures for leaks or water damage
- Replace HVAC filters and confirm proper operation
- Test fire alarm, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors
- Verify fire extinguishers are charged and inspected
Kitchen & Food Service Areas
- Deep clean and sanitize kitchen, appliances, pantry and other food service spaces
- Restock basic cleaning and kitchen supplies
- Test appliances and hot water availability
- Confirm food service vendor schedule and readiness (if applicable)
Interior Spaces
- Perform a full walkthrough of common areas, sleeping rooms, and bathrooms
- Check for evidence of mold, mildew, and water leaks
- Dust, vacuum, and clean all spaces prior to arrival
- Ensure furniture is in place and in good condition
- Restock bathroom supplies and paper products
Security & Access
- Reset or reactivate keyless entry systems (if applicable)
- Confirm locks and window latches are secure
- Provide keys or access codes where required
- Review house emergency plans and contact information with chapter officers
Administrative & Miscellaneous
- Review and update emergency contact information posted in the house, including the evacuation plan
- Confirm utility accounts are active and billing information is accurate
- Confirm and post trash and recycling pick-up schedules
- Share move-in expectations and house rules with chapter leadership
By following this reopening checklist, volunteers and staff can help ensure the chapter facility is ready for members’ return. If any significant issues are identified, contact the MJ Sorority team for guidance or additional risk management support.