APARTMENT GUIDE
3
'MAKE SURE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GET SCREWED'
How reading the fine print can save renters from contractual problems
BY ALEXANDRA GARRY agarry@kansan.com
Taking the first steps to moving out into the real world — away from the restraints of parents or Student Housing — can be exhilarating.
The signing of one's first rental contract and the key to the move, can be a rite of passage and a cause for celebration.
But the rush to seal the deal can often leave students unprotected, some experts said.
Jo Hardesty, director of Legal Services for Students, said first-time signers and veteran renters alike often failed to take the time to look over their leases before signing, leaving themselves exposed to surprise charges and unwanted obligations down the road.
"Many students come in (to Legal Services) when it's too late — they're already in a situation they don't want to be in," Hardesty said.
Such situations include being charged with hidden application fees, move-in charges, move-out charges and rent and roommate difficulties. Hardesty said automatic renewal clause were the worst of the horror stories.
"A lot of leases have in this little itty-bitty print that you have to notify your landlord if you won't be renewing your lease 120 days before you leave or it will be renewed for a like term." Hardesty said. "A lot of people just don't see this, or if they do, they don't know what it means."
Hardesty said that in this worst-case scenario of leasing a renter may end up with two leases and have to pay a fine or even find someone to sublease to get out of one.
As difficult as it may seem, the way to prevent a negative landlord-tenant situation is simple: Read the lease carefully, and ask questions if the terms are unclear.
Hardesty said potential renters should take
a copy of the lease and all other documents the landlord expected you to agree to and read them thoroughly before you signed.
Doug Self, Valley Falls junior, knew the value of careful examination. He asked to take a copy of his lease to read before signing.
"You need to just make sure you're not going to get screwed," he said. "If you've never rented, go over it with someone with experience to make sure there's no faults."
Traci Olberding, leasing manager of Fox Run Apartments, 4500 Overland Drive, said she saw many students who did not take the time or did not know what they should have done before they entered into rental contracts.
"There's so many people here who don't ask to see their exact apartment before they sign or to have a copy of the lease or even ask that many questions," she said.
But of course, not all students have their heads in the clouds when it comes to leasing. Brenna McKedy, Garden City sophomore, read her lease closely before she signed for her townhouse last year.
"I made sure to take it home first," she said.
Students may rush to sign a lease because of the excitement of getting that perfect apartment.
"A lot of landlords try to pressure you into signing right now, and tenants go along," she said. "Tenants shouldn't be concerned that if they don't sign right away they won't have an apartment. In this town, there are really more places to live than people."
Lawrence real estate agent Debbie McCarthy said that Lawrence had a lot of available housing.
"It's a buyer's market. There's too many listings in all parts of the market. The population of KU is down from last year, and prices are coming down." McCarthy said.
Hardesty encourages students to get advice about the rental process. Legal Services for Students, which is funded partly by campus fees, offers free consultation on issues from reviewing a lease to dealing with a landlord disagreement.
protect yourself
Read these tips before you sign:
1. Don't be afraid to take your lease home to read over thoroughly before you sign. Your landlord should allow you to do this, and don't feel pressured to sign right away. Because of the housing market, you probably won't lose your spot. Even if you do lose a place at that complex, it's better to have your second choice than get into a contract you regret later.
2. Ask to see not just the model apartment, but the actual apartment you will be renting. If you don't, you may be in for a surprise come move-in day.
3. Discuss rent payment with your roommates carefully. In most leases, each roommate is equally liable for all the rent, meaning if one person doesn't pay, you will have to pay.
4. Do your research. Talk to tenants if you can. Web sites such as www/apartmentratings.com allow users to post and read anonymous ratings of complexes and their services. The site also has links to resources for renters' insurance, moving services, sublet postings and even has a market-trends tracker.
Sources: Legal Services for Students; Kansas Attorney General's Office
Holiday Apartments
You'll find a place to relax,
to grow,
to reflect and to enjoy.
- Great floor plans
- Walk-in closets
- Swimming pool
- Laundry facility
1 Bedroom - $440 & up
2 Bedroom - $520 & up
3 Bedroom - $690 & up
4 Bedroom - $850 & up
2 Bedroom Townhome-
- KU bus route
- Lawrence bus route
- Pets welcome
2 Bedroom Townhome - $750
211 Mount Hope Court #1
785-843-0011 www.holiday-apts.com
OFF CAMPUS
3707 Westland P
2 BR, 1.5 Bath
$725 C/A, garage, fenced yd.
* Pets Allowed *
Call Candy at 785-550-6812 or Phil at 785-842-3510 1 Year lease + utilities & deposit Available 8/1 for quiet, non-smokers
1037 Tennessee
1 BR Attic $450 Great Deck
3 BR $1300 Wood Floors, Great Kitchen
2 BR $800 Wood Floors
1 BR Basement $325
5 Windows, New Bathroom
Apts. Available individually or in combinations
* Off street pk, W/D, no pets.*
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FEBRUARY 28, 2008