MANAGING RISKS IN OFF CAMPUS HOUSING

Transcription

1 MIDWEST HIGHTER EDUCATION COMPACT MANAGING RISKS IN OFF CAMPUS HOUSING WILLIAM DANE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA STUDENT LEGAL SERVICE ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MARCH 13, 2015

2 GOPHER JUSTICE!

3 ABOUT US THE LAW OFFICE FOR U 6 EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS 3 LEGAL ASSISTANTS/PARALEGALS 1 LAW CLERK 3 SUPPORT STAFF WE ARE THE STUDENTS LEGAL TEAM Confidential, professional legal help No charge for consultations/advice Referrals for cases not covered by USLS

4 LANDLORD-TENANT CONSUMER CRIMINAL AREAS OF SERVICE EXPUNGEMENT WILLS AND TRUSTS IMMIGRATION POWER OF ATTORNEY REFERRALS

5 Student Legal Services NATIONAL PROFILE Over 360 Colleges and Universities have some form of student legal service office. Offices range in size from one or two attorneys up to six attorneys. Many student legal services are employees of the university or college, but some work on a contract basis. Services range from full service including litigation to advice only.

6 Managing Risks to Off-Campus Students Areas of Focus FINANCIAL RISKS HEALTH RISKS SAFETY CONCERNS

7 ADDRESSING RISKS THROUGH PROGRAMMING OFF CAMPUS HOUSING 101 Housing Education program presented by University Student Legal Service

8 Key Elements of a Lease Leases can be anywhere from 3 to 30 pages long, including lengthy addendums and additional exhibits.

9 Financial Risks for Students INCREASED COST OF LIVING

10 Off-Campus Housing Risk Students: Beware of Over-Occupancy!

11 Financial Risks for Students Your Security Deposit KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! QUESTIONS TO ASK: Is the security deposit covered under a separate agreement? Then get a copy! Is it refundable if you change your mind? Find out!

12 Financial Risks for Students CRAIGSLIST SCAMS

13 Financial Risks for Parents Guarantor/Co-signer Agreements Typical for first-time renters Guarantor accepts financial responsibility Liability for roommates?

14 Safety Risks for Students Avoid Losses From Fire and Theft Renter s Insurance: Personal property, electronics, furniture, clothing, Low cost approx. $125/year) Covers losses landlord may not pay Parents homeowner policy may provide coverage

15 Health Risks for Students Adult bedbugs are small, brown bugs that feed on human blood. Active at night and hard to see. Not everyone has noticeable bites / irritation Easily spread hitchhike on luggage, furniture Effective treatment requires professionals Landlords are responsible for pest extermination. BEDBUGS

16 CONSEQUENCES FOR NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR STUDENT CONDUCT CODE If your conduct results in a criminal offense or endangers others you are subject to discipline under the U of MN conduct code ** APPLIES BOTH ON AND OFF CAMPUS **

17 ADDRESSING HEALTH & SAFETY RISKS THROUGH CASEWORK Negotiating with Landlords Litigating in Housing Court Eviction Actions Security Deposit Refunds Rent Escrow Actions Litigating in Conciliation Court Security Deposit Issues Rent Abatement Claims Other Damage Claims Collecting Judgments

18 ADDRESSING HEALTH CONCERNS ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

19 ADDRESSING HEALTH CONCERNS ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

20 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

21 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS OF OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

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23 INCREASED INSPECTION RATES

24 ADDRESSING RISK THROUGH COLLABORATION WITHIN THE UNIVERISTY Student and Community Relations Renters Workshops Access to Off Campus Students Housing and Residential Life Delisting Problem Landlords Access to On Campus Students University Relations Access to Broader Community

25 MANAGING RISK BY WORKING WITH THE BROADER COMMUNITY Partnerships with the City of Minneapolis Seat on the City of Minneapolis Rental Property Advisory Committee MODIFIED ORDINANCES: Changes to Party Ordinances Licenses Denied or Revoked for Failure to Pay Judgments Implementation of a Three Tiered Licensing Structure

26 ADDITIONAL Partnerships with the City of Minneapolis SE Minneapolis Strategic Code Compliance Initiative Program designed to focus resources on problem properties identified through point system OTHER ENTITIES INVOLVED: City of Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services Minneapolis Police 2 nd Precinct University of Minnesota Police University Student and Community Relations Southeast Minneapolis Neighborhood Associations University District Alliance

27 Strategic Compliance Initiative GOALS Target Problem Properties Make Neighborhoods Quieter and Safer Hold Landlords Accountable

28 Strategic Compliance Initiative How Our Task Force Works Phase 1: Phase 2: Phase 3: Phase 4: City of Minneapolis applies formula to identify problem properties. Landlord is notified that property is being targeted. When new tenants take occupancy in September, they are visited by city inspectors, police officers and University representatives. Once expectations become clear, the property quiets down, necessary repairs are made and scrutiny lessens.

29 THE INITIATIVE HAS SUCCEEDED

30 MANAGING RISK BY WORKING WITH THE BROADER COMMUNITY A partnership of communities, learning institutions, and the City of Minneapolis that make the area surrounding the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis one that: Capitalizes on its exceptions resources; Is vibrant, safe, healthy, and sustainable; and Is a preferred place for people of all ages to live work, learn, do business and visit.

31 Augsburg College Dinkytown Business Association City of Minneapolis Graduate & Professional Student Association West Bank Business Association Minnesota Student Association Prospect Park East River Road Neighborhood Southeast Business Association Stadium Village Commercial Association Southeast Como Improvement Association Marcy Holmes Neighborhood West Bank Community Association University of Minnesota

32 Alliance Quarterly Meetings Regular Meetings Between Council Members, City Department Heads, University Departments, Neighborhood Leaders, Business Leaders, Student Leaders and Others. Example of Cooperative Effort: The Other Hangover

33 Shared Goals There is no way to make off-campus housing risk free, but a safer, more financially stable community is in everyone s best interest. Responsible landlords attract and keep responsible tenants. A mixture of homeowners and rental properties stabilizes neighborhoods.