Students consider landlord quality

Many students say a landlord can make or break a property.

By James Hatler

Published Feb. 2, 2009

Landlords can often play a large role in students' search for an off-campus apartment.

Sophomore Stuart McCausland, who will live off campus next semester, said he also looks into price, amenities and proximity to campus.

He said one of the cons of living off campus is distance from campus.

"You also have to deal with the hassle factor of finding an apartment and dealing with a landlord if there is a problem, finding a roommate, dealing with problems with roommates if there are and they happen to come up," McCausland said.

Although landlords and managers might try to be fair and understanding, sometimes problems occur.

Senior Brian Washington, who has been renting from the same landlord for two and a half years, said he had a problem, but his landlord was diligent in handling it.

"We had separate leases but while I paid in full, the other residents did not pay in full by the time that the lease was up," Washington said. "When it was time to get the deposit back, I did not get my deposit back in full because they owed money, even though we'd signed separate leases. The landlord was very good at communicating with me and getting me my deposit back. At first I was getting bit for my roommate's problems, but they solved that problem in a timely manner."

Senior Zachary Johnston lives across from Stankowski Field, and he said he has had a generally good experience as a renter there.

"I get along with my landlord very well," Johnston said. "I kind of liked the convenience of being on campus, and pretty much all of my classes are a short walking distance from here."

He did say he had minor problems with the way the management responds to the property's problems.

"Most of the time, my landlord takes care of our needs shortly after we bring them to her attention, but sometimes it can take a while because she has so many other houses to manage," Johnston said.

Also important for these students was the location of the house across from Stankowski Field, Johnston's roommate senior Andrew Clarkson said.

"I think 811 Maryland is a centerpiece of this campus," Clarkson said.

He said the house is well-known for blasting music, barbecues and occasionally running food drives for various local charities.

When entering into a lease, renters agree to a legally binding commitment with the landlord.

In Missouri, a lease brings with it certain legal expectations for both the landlord and tenant. For example, tenants must pay the rent on time, not damage the property past normal wear and tear and cannot take on a roommate or sub-leaser without the landlord's permission.

Landlords also have a part in this agreement. They have to make the property inhabitable before the renter moves in, maintain the property from repairs due to ordinary wear and tear, provide written notice if the ownership of the property changes hands, refrain from turning off a tenant's water, electricity or gas and avoid unlawful discrimination.