Landlord negligence costly to tenant

For students, signing a lease to their very first apartment can be an exciting experience. Unfortunately, many don't understand the contract signed which can lead to complications with their landlord.

First year students usually begin their college experience living in university owned dorms. The dorms are managed by the resident hall leaders and are inspected not only by the university, but also by the students before moving into a room.

With a new school year closely approaching, many CU students are searching for off-campus housing near the university. Prime housing is usually leased starting in November through the beginning of February. For most college-aged people, this is the first time they will be living on their own without any adult or university staff supervision. The excitement and urgency to sign a lease can often overshadow the need to inspect the lease, landlord and apartment or home before making the long-term commitment.

Some students have had renting issues that have been costly. Charlie Cohn, a CU student, was a victim to a running toilet that the landlord refused to immediately fix. The running toilet wasted a substantial amount of water for nearly a month. Cohn and his roommates were forced to pay extra in their water bill. “We had like a running toilet for a month and she charged us 40 dollars in water prices,” said Cohn. "When we called her, she didn't even send someone who knew what they were doing. I wish she would have sent a handyman or something who can actually fix the thing."

According to the Colorado Division of Housing, a few measures are suggested to protect yourself as a tenant. When you rent, you should: buy renter’s insurance, read carefully and dissect the lease to make sure you understand all the terms, inspect all the utilities including electricity, water, etc., assess any and all damages in the apartment or home before you move in, know your rights as a tenant, make a written agreement with your landlord and inspect the structural elements of the building.

For more information on how to protect yourself from landlord negligence, contact Robert and Sons rental housing licensing Inspection Company at 303-581-9937.