As Ball State University students walked into Pruis Hall Wednesday evening, they were greeted by a barrage of apartment leasers with poster boards, pamphlets and luring gifts such as candy, pens and cookies.
Students attended the Student Housing Expo in order to learn more about various apartment complexes near campus as they begin their search for a place to live next semester.
Marissa Sherer, a sophomore telecommunications major, said she was there because she and her friends were looking for a place around campus that was not too expensive and had a lot of amenities.
"This is the first time I have looked for an apartment," Sherer said. "We are still not completely sure that we want to get an apartment, but we know it is cheaper than the residence halls and a change from what the residence halls have to offer. It is also a way for us to get out on our own."
At the beginning of the expo, some hopeful tenants listened to John Connor, an attorney for Ball State's Legal Services. Connor spoke of tenant issues that students might encounter and should watch for.
"Leases represent contractible agreements with the landlord," Connor said. "It is important to not rely upon what the landlord says the contract says. Be sure to shop around and take your time."
For one hour Connor discussed various aspects and provisions of a lease that students should be wary of before signing.
Some provisions he spoke of included the "Joint and Several" liability provision, which allows the landlord to hold all roommates responsible for not having the entire rent paid, instead of just the individual tenant who did not pay. Connor also mentioned the "Attorney Fee" provision, which says the tenant must pay the landlord's attorney fee plus the amount brought into question if the tenant loses the case. A third provision was the "Indemnity and Hold Harmless" provision, which would attempt to exempt the landlord from liability for any and all damages to the property.
"When it comes to the 'Indemnity and Hold Harmless' provision, I recommend students get insurance," Connor said. "Sometimes students can get insurance through their parents providers, so it is important to have the parent check about that with their insurance agent. If the agent says no, then a student should look into renters insurance."
A recurring theme Connor spoke about was documentation and the importance of having evidence about the state of the house.
"Leases are binding contracts, and if the landlord says something that is deviant from the lease, get it in writing," Connor said. "When you have tangible evidence you have more of an advantage than a simple word vs. word."
Lindsey Thompson, a sophomore organizational communications major, said she learned several things from Connor's presentation that she never would have imagined.
"I never would have thought about taking pictures of everything and documenting everything," Thompson said.
Besides Connor's advice, Laura Quedeweit, an office manager at The 400 Apartments, said students should be thorough and investigate what the complex offers.
Scott Mick, part-owner of Cedars Apartments, said students should know up front what is expected of the lease and read through it carefully.
Connor said to remember all leases are negotiable.
"Leases are an offer and is not a contract until you sign it," he said.
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