By Jon Tollestrup
For both new and returning students, the fall semester signals the start of many new things. It means new classes, new roommates and, for many, a new place to live. With thousands of students making the trek back to Provo for another year, the odds dictate that at least a few students will arrive to a living situation pegged with a problem or two.
However, BYU Off-Campus Housing recommends students follow some easy guidelines before signing their life away to a situation they aren?t familiar with. Taking the time to become familiar with the lease, the deposit and other conditions before moving into an apartment can help students avoid unnecessary hassle.
A lease creates a legal relationship with a landlord in order to clarify the overall situation and avoid potential problems. But often students quickly read the lease agreement and overlook important details that can create disagreements and frustrations. If a student doesn?t fully understand their lease agreement, Off-Campus Housing suggests bringing a copy to their offices for review before signing.
Leases can be created as either a written agreement or a verbal agreement. But Off-Campus Housing advises that a student get everything in writing, as verbal agreements are more difficult to enforce.
Students are also advised to follow seven simple steps, outlined by Off-Campus Housing, in order to maximize the chances of having the deposit returned when a contract expires. Among these steps are suggestions like reporting all damages when they occur, not abusing the property and promptly paying rent and utility bills.
However, if a landlord isn?t prompt in returning a deposit, the renter is protected under Utah law, which stipulates that a deposit is to be returned within 30 days of termination of tenancy or within 15 days after receiving the renter's new mailing address or else the landlord is required to send a written statement explaining why the deposit is being withheld.
When moving day finally arrives, it is recommended that students do a check-in evaluation with their landlord in order to establish the cleanliness and condition of the apartment prior to moving in. A check -list should be made to record any uncompleted cleaning and any damages in the apartment.
If a landlord refuses to pay for damage to an apartment or make future repairs, students should contact Off-Campus Housing after they have informed the landlord, given reasonable time for action and the problem still hasn?t been taken care off. If there is sufficient cause, a student can take action against a landlord for breach of contract and bring the matter before the BYU Housing Arbitration Board to remedy the situation.
For more information on all remedial recommendations that BYU Off-Campus Housing offers students to make the renting process less painful, go to byu.edu and click on the housing link located in the main menu.