Wednesday, March 4, 2009
At the beginning of the school year, Isaac Young and his girlfriend, Jenny Erice, were desperately searching for apartments. They didn’t have many requirements: just a low price and good location. After looking at various options, the couple decided on an apartment featuring inexpensive rooms and a stop on the KU bus route.
Young and Erice were aware that apartment living meant responsibility, from cleaning to paying bills. They soon realized, however, that responsibility also meant knowing their rights and standing up for themselves.
Before signing the lease, Young, Wichita freshman, and Erice did a walk-through of their apartment and said everything seemed satisfactory. The couple said it was not until after they moved in that problems with management, maintenance and the apartment became apparent.
Young said a thick layer of grime covered the bathroom and a six-inch hole under the bathroom sink led into the bathroom next door.
Additionally, the couple said they had trouble getting the management to upgrade their front door, which they thought did not seem solid enough.
“The door was the same quality as the closets,” Erice described.
When a maintenance man came, Young said, he fixed only a broken lock. Erice said she asked about a new dor, but the maintenance man told her she was no less safe than anyone else.
Following the incidents, Young and Erice considered other living options, but ultimately decided to stay.
“I figured you get what you pay for,” Young said.
Young said that, given his circumstances, there was little he could have done differently in searching for apartments. Both Young and Erice, however, encouraged prospective tenants not to hesitate in asking questions and making demands they feel are necessary for an optimal living situation.
“Potential apartment renters should be aware of common problems, they should know what their priorities are, and they should definitely pay close attention to fine print,” Young said.
Young and Erice are not alone in their troubles with apartment renting.
Bill Schulteis, owner of The Oaks, Campus Courts, and Eddingham Place, said he strived to end lessee suffering. Schulteis explained that a successful apartment complex focused on the details and valued good service.
“We work on bringing in new tenants, but also on retaining,” Schulteis said.
Young said he thought it was important to be treated “as a person and not as a number” But, he said, the best way to ensure a good experience was to defend one’s rights.
“Living somewhere for a short period of time is no excuse,” Erice said. “It is still your home.”
Both Young and Erice said it was important to go into apartment searching knowing exactly what you want and what you are not willing to compromise on.
“Know what you’re looking for before going in or you’ll catch yourself saying, ‘Well, I guess this is good…’ a lot more than you should,” Erice said.
— — Edited by Chris Hickerson
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