Students are often unaware of their legal rights, something landlords know very well.
When heading out to find that perfect place to call home for next year, there are a few important red flags to watch out for.
Michelle Willett, marketing publications coordinator for the Off-Campus Student Services Office, said that students can consult OCSS�s lawyer for legal advice and free lease reviews.
�There is a lawyer in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays who will review their lease and give a heads up to all of that stuff you probably don�t want to read but really need to know,� Willett said.
Bruce Sarbaugh, attorney at the Off-Campus Student Services Office, said students should be careful about documenting the condition of the house or apartment during the move-in period.
�Students should be diligent about taking pictures that could potentially be used to prove to a judge the original condition of the house,� Sarbaugh said.
Sarbaugh said that the most common problems he sees are caused by issues of over-occupancy, defined as more than three unrelated people living together in a house together.
Willett said that students should be communicating with their landlord and know their responsibilities, obligations and the terms of their contract.
�Check with the city zoning office to see what the property is legally zoned for,� Willett said. �It is a red flag if the landlord allows more people to live in a property than those on the lease. If the students are caught over-occupying they will have to pay the fines to the city and the students not on the lease will be forced to move out.�
Sarbaugh said landlords often try to take advantage of students.
�Landlords try to fine students unfairly,� Sarbaugh said. �Students should look for clear contracts and understand the terms.�
Kara Babcock, a 19-year-old sophomore business management major, said she worries about extra fees and hidden charges.
�It�s frustrating going to an apartment complex and finding that the rent is more than what was advertised,� Babcock said. �I worry about landlords fining me or telling me my rent went up.�
Willett suggests making sure all the terms of the lease are clear-cut.
�If there are any promises the landlord makes, get them in writing,� Willett said.
Visit Off-Campus Student Services at Off-Campus Student Services or in UMC 313.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Lauren Knobbe at Lauren.knobbe@colorado.edu.