Lawyer: Know terms of lease

By John Hudson (Last updated: 08/28/09 6:28pm) Whether destined for an apartment, a house or a co-op, there are a few things ASMSU attorney Jim Newton said renters should know before signing on the dotted line.

"Too often, students just think about location and rent," Newton said. "Look at the lease, look for hidden costs, late fees, cleaning fees."

Oftentimes, students find themselves forced to meet obligations that seem unreasonable.

"We had to pay for recycling and our trash cans," said Marian Cardelli, a telecommunication, information studies and media senior. "Our landlord makes us rake and shovel, too."

Along with underestimating the cost of utilities, Newton said students do not always understand the responsibilities of joint and several liability.

"People can get caught with the rent when roommates leave school or don't stay for the summer," he said.

According to the ASMSU Renter's Checklist, "By signing a lease that contains a joint and several liability clause, you agree to become totally responsible not only for your own debts, but also for any debts that your roommates may have to the landlord."

Many student renters emphasize the importance of finding the right people to live with.

Marketing senior Kristin Vanecek said finding people who are clean and have similar sleeping habits is important, while psychology junior Leanne Down put it simply: "Live with people like yourself."

Newton noted that noise violations are always an issue in East Lansing.

"Student lifestyles sometimes clash with the residents," said Newton. "I advise tenants to get to know your neighbors. If a neighbor is intimidated by neighboring students … they will just call the cops first."

Center Street resident and kinesiology senior Kelly Monette agrees.

"Find out who your neighbors are," Monette said. "We have two adults who are crazy. They called the cops because we were playing music during the day."

Renters' insurance is an important investment if a student's parents do not have an insurance plan that covers children living away from home, Newton said.

"Most leases say the landlord is not responsible for water damage, theft or fire," he said. "Check parent's homeowner's insurance to see if you are covered. The majority of homeowners' policies cover that."

Students could face severe consequences if caught housing more people than are specified on the lease, Newton said. If four tenants are caught violating their lease in this way, it is possible that "all four people will receive two tickets at $500 each. Sometimes landlords tack on damages for tickets that students receive from the city," he said.

The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property and returning security deposits fairly.

Overall, Newton stressed the importance of speaking with previous tenants about the house and the landlord, and making sure "you know your roommates well enough that you will be comfortable with them and they will be responsible."

Originally Published: 01/27/07 12:00am