Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in College Housing
College housing is an excellent choice for students who want to experience campus life and escape long commutes. Additionally, when renting college housing, tenants have specific rights under state law and the lease agreement. Understanding and knowing these rights can help tenants avoid problems and conflicts with landlords.
Listed below are essential things a tenant should know about his or her rights in college housing.
1. Discrimination is illegal.
When looking for a rental space, it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against you based on race, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, age, and disability. If you feel that you have experienced discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or your state's Fair Housing agency.
2. You have rights under state law and lease agreements.
Lease agreements outline the terms of your tenancy, including rent, late fees, move-in date, and other rules and regulations. It is essential to read the lease agreement carefully before signing it. State laws protect tenants' rights and regulate issues such as the eviction process, security deposits, and maintenance responsibilities.
3. Proper notice must be given before entering your apartment.
Landlords or their agents are required to give reasonable notice before entering your apartment. In most states, the notice should be in writing and given at least 24 hours before the intended time of entry. In an emergency, landlords can enter without notice.
4. Security deposits have rules.
Once you sign the lease agreement, you need to pay a security deposit, which typically equals one month's rent cost. Security deposits are used to cover any damages or unpaid rent during your tenancy. When your tenancy ends, the landlord has a specific timeframe to return your deposit and explain deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
5. Your landlord must maintain the rental unit.
Landlords are required to maintain rental units in safe and habitable conditions. By habitable, it means that the unit has working electrical and plumbing systems, adequate heating, hot and cold water, and pest-free environment. If your landlord fails to maintain the unit's habitability, you have the right to withhold rent, repair and deduct, and terminate your lease.
6. You have the right to privacy.
As a tenant, you have a right to privacy in your rental unit. Landlords are not allowed to harass or invade your privacy through methods such as unauthorized entry or surveillance.
7. You have the right to request repairs.
If you experience a maintenance issue, you must inform your landlord or property manager in writing. The written notice should include a detailed description of the problem. The landlord has a specific amount of time to fix the issue before the tenant can exercise his or her rights.
In conclusion, knowing your rights as a tenant in college housing is essential for avoiding problems and conflicts with landlords. College housing offers unique, fun, and safe living spaces, and tenants should take advantage of legal protections to ensure their living conditions are up to par.