This letter is in response to Justin Noga's July 5 column Disagreeable slumlords leave tenants short on cash
options. I am currently dealing with a slumlord situation with the Ohio University Student Legal Services and although I've yet to receive my deposit check, I will be seeking it through legal means shortly.
The harsh reality of the matter is that these slumlords own and rent out many properties in Athens. Their unsafe, unsanitary, code-breaking business practices are appalling and would have them thrown out of any other housing market in America. And we students, who are a fresh new batch every 12 months, willingly give our money to slumlords without doing the proper research. It's inevitable that some of us will have to deal with a slumlord.
However, I'm not here to blame students; I want to assert that with a little foresight, you can ensure a returned rent deposit check (given that you are respectable tenants):
1.
Take pictures with a digital camera as soon as you move in. Most rental agreements have a stipulation where any damage documented within 10 or 15 days of move-in will not be charged to incoming tenants; thereforeG?
2.
Inspect the house and write down all problems (along with taking pictures) and send a notice to your landlord within 15 days. Keep a copy of the notice for yourself.
3.
When you move out, spend a few hours'or even a couple of days'cleaning the house out, bathrooms and kitchens especially. You might want to think about running a paint brush along the walls if they need it.
4.
Take pictures again at move-out showing the condition you left the house in.
Just as Noga says When your only evidence is your shaky scent memories you know it would be a losing battle. Don't become a helpless, sophomoric college student whose only retribution is vandalism. Be responsible and take steps to protect yourself.Andrew T. Smith is a senior Geography and Spanish major
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