2008 Woodie Awards
Tips for soon-to-be renters
Whitney Johnson
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: News
By WHITNEY JOHNSON
The Parthenon
Students should take precautions before signing a lease to rent an apartment or house, if they choose to live off-campus.
The most important step in renting is to read over the lease and ask the landlord about any conditions in the lease that they may not understand, said Hoyt Glazer, supervising attorney for the West Virginia Legal Aid office located in Cabell County.
"I think it's important for anyone to understand the general terms (of the lease)," Glazer said.
All agreements should be in writing in case a dispute occurs between the landlord and tenant, Glazer said.
"When signing a lease, do not agree if you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the agreement," as stated in the "Student Guide to Renting" available on the Student Affairs Web site.
The online guide includes a few examples of situations or conditions that students should be weary of if they see them on a lease. One of the examples includes how soon a student would have to vacate the premises if they miss a payment.
All payments should be made using checks or some other type of transaction providing proof of payment, such as a cancelled check or money order. Paying with cash is never a good idea, Glazer said.
The length of time the lease covers, varies by different apartment and housing complexes and is a factor students should take into consideration, said Karen Nance, co-owner of Old House Doctor in Barboursville.
Nance said she and her husband Johnny have been renting property since 1991 in Cabell County.
Students should inquire about adequate parking and cable lines for a television or computer, Nance said.
They may also want to ask about the safety of the neighborhood and inspect the house or apartment for any broken items, whether it is an appliance or window.
Glazer said it is important for landlords and tenants to work out any problems but if necessary, they may have to go to court to solve the problem.
The Parthenon
Students should take precautions before signing a lease to rent an apartment or house, if they choose to live off-campus.
The most important step in renting is to read over the lease and ask the landlord about any conditions in the lease that they may not understand, said Hoyt Glazer, supervising attorney for the West Virginia Legal Aid office located in Cabell County.
"I think it's important for anyone to understand the general terms (of the lease)," Glazer said.
All agreements should be in writing in case a dispute occurs between the landlord and tenant, Glazer said.
"When signing a lease, do not agree if you feel uncomfortable with any aspect of the agreement," as stated in the "Student Guide to Renting" available on the Student Affairs Web site.
The online guide includes a few examples of situations or conditions that students should be weary of if they see them on a lease. One of the examples includes how soon a student would have to vacate the premises if they miss a payment.
All payments should be made using checks or some other type of transaction providing proof of payment, such as a cancelled check or money order. Paying with cash is never a good idea, Glazer said.
The length of time the lease covers, varies by different apartment and housing complexes and is a factor students should take into consideration, said Karen Nance, co-owner of Old House Doctor in Barboursville.
Nance said she and her husband Johnny have been renting property since 1991 in Cabell County.
Students should inquire about adequate parking and cable lines for a television or computer, Nance said.
They may also want to ask about the safety of the neighborhood and inspect the house or apartment for any broken items, whether it is an appliance or window.
Glazer said it is important for landlords and tenants to work out any problems but if necessary, they may have to go to court to solve the problem.
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