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Communications : Past Articles of Interest |
The
housing
decision
From the Winter 2009 Parent Newsletter
 By
the time students return to campus after winter break, they will
be thinking about where to live next fall. Those who are currently
living in residence halls may be looking for the independence of
apartment life; apartment residents can see greener grass in another
neighborhood or with different roommates.
Signing a lease is a legal commitment that brings with it more responsibilities
than most students have ever undertaken. It establishes a relationship with a
landlord and roommates that students cannot simply back away from. If plans change
and a student decides not to return to school, the lease is still valid.
University Student Legal Services (USLS) provides students with professional
legal services and advice. Before committing to an apartment, students can take
the lease to the USLS office in the West Bank Skyway to have it reviewed. USLS
partners with the Minnesota Student Association and with Student and Community
Relations to provide workshops on the legal rights and responsibilities for renters.
The workshops are free and will be scheduled in multiple locations during late
January and February; see www.umn.edu/usls/events.html.
Students who find themselves in conflict with their landlord can seek the services
of USLS professionals, and the office also works with students on issues related
to consumer credit, debt, immigration counseling, and other legal issues. To
learn more or download a Tenant Resource Guide, see www.umn.edu/usls.
To provide parents with more information about apartment living, the housing
market near campus, and issues related to off-campus life, the University Parent
Program has partnered with several other offices to offer an online housing workshop
for parents; see www.parent.umn.edu/housing.php. |
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