Editorial: Off-Campus Nightmare
Editorial Board
Issue date: 10/28/05 Section: Ed-Op
You can never be too careful when finally taking the big plunge into off-campus housing. The temptation to live off campus grows stronger every time you have to get your card swiped to get into a dormitory, but with the new inherent freedom of off-campus housing, there comes more responsibility - sometimes before you even move in. Any senior who has lived off campus can tell you that there are unscrupulous landlords who prey on college students and it can cost you dearly when you try to get your security deposit back. Take heed of our warnings, they just may come in handy and save you some much-needed cash.
When you sign the lease, remember to read it, for goodness' sakes. You're entering into a legal contract between two or more parties that, if broken, can end up costing you thousands of dollars. There may be fine print about what bills you are responsible for paying and what fees can be assessed over the course of your lease. Just so a "fuel surcharge" or an unexpected water bill doesn't surprise you, read thoroughly and have an attorney or parent review it.
When you do move in, videotape or photograph every surface area of the house, from the floors to the ceilings. Document the condition of your house or apartment thoroughly, so that landlords cannot arbitrarily charge you once you move out for damage you are not responsible for. If they do end up charging you, take them to small claims court downtown. You'll have the indisputable evidence to prove your case.
Different landlords have different policies regarding drinking and parties. Some could care less if you throw a kegger every now and then; others will have a seizure if they see an open container. If it's on the lease, you have to obey it. Don't get caught having parties if you're not supposed to, lest you risk getting evicted.
The price of properties is generally highest on campus, and gradually reduces the farther away you go. If you're paying $2,200 a month for a three-floor house north of Spring Garden Street, you may want to reevaluate your living location. Market prices for housing changes on a regular basis, but try to get an average price per month for a couple of properties before signing a new lease or renewing an old one.
When you sign the lease, remember to read it, for goodness' sakes. You're entering into a legal contract between two or more parties that, if broken, can end up costing you thousands of dollars. There may be fine print about what bills you are responsible for paying and what fees can be assessed over the course of your lease. Just so a "fuel surcharge" or an unexpected water bill doesn't surprise you, read thoroughly and have an attorney or parent review it.
When you do move in, videotape or photograph every surface area of the house, from the floors to the ceilings. Document the condition of your house or apartment thoroughly, so that landlords cannot arbitrarily charge you once you move out for damage you are not responsible for. If they do end up charging you, take them to small claims court downtown. You'll have the indisputable evidence to prove your case.
Different landlords have different policies regarding drinking and parties. Some could care less if you throw a kegger every now and then; others will have a seizure if they see an open container. If it's on the lease, you have to obey it. Don't get caught having parties if you're not supposed to, lest you risk getting evicted.
The price of properties is generally highest on campus, and gradually reduces the farther away you go. If you're paying $2,200 a month for a three-floor house north of Spring Garden Street, you may want to reevaluate your living location. Market prices for housing changes on a regular basis, but try to get an average price per month for a couple of properties before signing a new lease or renewing an old one.
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mjones133
mjones133
posted 10/30/05 @ 7:32 AM EST
Thanks for the great information. Fully agree that Students cannot be too careful. Until Drexel strengthens the protections and information it gives students about off-campus housing, I would suggest you make use of what Penn has done. (Continued…)
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