Ball State University students should shop around and know their legal rights before they sign a lease for an off-campus apartment or house, Ball State officials said.
Howard Campbell, assistant professor of family and consumer sciences, said he recommends that students check the physical condition of their apartments or houses before they make any commitment.
Campbell, who teaches the Housing Decisions class, said the cleanliness of the space and the state of kitchen appliances and plumbing can give students clues about what kind of landlord they will have, he said. Past tenants are also a great source for landlord history, Campbell said.
When searching for off-campus living, students should also think about affordability, whether they can afford to live alone, and, if not, who they would be able to get along with as roommates, he said.
Although renting apartments and houses is generally similar, Campbell said there are some differences.
"[Renting an apartment] is an opportunity to get something newer in Muncie," Campbell said. "Amenities are clearly probably the prime attraction of an apartment community."
Apartment tenants also have to worry about common walls they share with their neighbors and possible noise concerns, he said.
"People may not feel like they have as much privacy, but the trade-off is more swimming pools, exercise rooms and game rooms," Campbell said.
Students who rent houses, might find parking to be more difficult, he said.No matter what, tenants should get everything in writing, Campbell said.
John Connor, Student Legal Services attorney, said students should meet with him before signing a lease.
"Unfortunately, I see most students after there's a problem," he said. "I think I could help prevent a lot of the problems that come in here if they had come in here prior to signing leases."
Connor, who sees more than 1,000 students a year, said the most common issues students have are with security deposits, roommate disputes and problems getting their landlords to make repairs.
Students should insist that all agreements, whether between two roommates or a landlord and a tenant, be in writing, Connor said.
It would also be wise to document, with a dated photograph, the condition of the apartment or house when moving in and out of the premises, he said.
If students are unsatisfied with a location, Connor said they should remember to keep their options open.
"I would encourage students to shop because there is a lot of competition in their town for their business," Connor said. "The power students have is to shop and compare. Be choosey."
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