RENTER BEWARE!

As returning students set about the task of looking for accommodations for the fall, large apartment and condominium complexes, furnished with all the desirable extras, look very attractive. But BEWARE! A lease that resembles "Nightmare on Elm Street" may lurk behind the glitzy building.

Students must realize from the start that few protections exist for leaseholders under Oregon law. That means you must protect yourself. Use the reading ability your education has provided you with and READ THE LEASE!

The following pitfalls recur in many lease situations:

"Don't worry. We'll fix that before you move in. Just sign the lease."

Prospective tenants will hear that line over and over again, whether "that" is a broken front door lock, a dirty carpet, or a brigade of ants parading through the kitchen. After taking possession, the tenant is responsible for the premises "as is" unless prior written agreement is made between the tenant and the landlord. Additions to the lease may be made simply by attaching an "addendum" which states the additional terms, item by item. The addendum must be signed by both the landlord and the tenant and must be attached to the lease as part of that contract. Conducting a walk-through with the landlord/manager and jointly signing an inventory report that records all imperfect conditions is a good idea. This should be done as close as possible to the beginning of the tenancy.

"Don't worry. That paragraph won't apply to you. Just sign the lease."

It is assumed that when a tenant signs a lease that he/she has read it, understands it, and agrees to the terms contained in it. If the landlord tells you that a particular part of the lease won't apply to you, insist on striking through the provision and have the deletion initialed by both the landlord and yourself.

"It's really just a standard lease. You don't need to read it all. Just sign."

This statement should instantly set the caution signals flashing! Very few leases are "standard." For example, the lease used by one landlord may provide for an increase in rent during the period of the lease if the landlord's expenses increase. READ THE LEASE, and don't sign unless you understand the provisions and agree to them.

"I have lots of people interested in this unit. If you don't sign now, it probably won't be available tomorrow."

Don't let yourself be pressured by this statement. Does this statement sound like your friendly neighborhood used car salesman? It should! Be objective. If the unit you're interested in isn't available tomorrow, then there are probably other places to live. Take a day out to review the lease and reevaluate your priorities. Note that there is no 3-day cooling off period available when you sign a lease. Your signature is your immediate commitment.

The preceding quotations represent only a few of the situations in which a student may find him/herself. RENTER BEWARE!

This information is not intended to provide legal advice. Any incidental fee-paying University of Oregon student who has questions about renter rights may call ASUO Legal Services at 346-4273 to arrange an appointment.

Information disseminated in this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, contact an attorney licensed in your state.