Boasting over 120,000 hits on its Web site and 2,300 in-person visits annually, the Office of Off-Campus Living is a busy place.
"We are here for students who have questions and problems," Director Miki Farcas said. "The University is offering this service."
The office, located at 4046 Walnut St., assists students, faculty and staff in all aspects of off-campus housing.
An exhaustive Internet database matches interested Penn students to available properties and even to roommates.
The office provides mediation services, lease review and counseling regarding a variety of topics, including city code, landlord and tenant law and transportation issues.
Information is also available regarding the installation of utilities, cable and Internet services.
In addition, officials are able to refer students to attorneys at University-subsidized rates.
"We try to empower the tenant to resolve his own problems," Farcas said. "In a way, our services ... are both proactive and reactive."
The office frequently participates in orientations and educational workshops. It is planning its annual housing fair for April 7, when students can become acquainted with issues associated with living off campus.
Farcas said that problems with repairs are probably the most popular complaint her office receives.
"A lot of these houses are probably 100 years old. Things are going to break," she said. "And, you know, there's a shared responsibility there."
She urges tenants to write their landlords with repair requests if phone calls go unanswered.
"If someone was asking me to give one piece of advice, that would be it," she said, stressing the need for documentation.
"I think it's important also for students to give their feedback not only when it is bad, but also when it is good so that positive choices are reinforced," she said, emphasizing the importance of giving tenants' input to landlords.
Farcas also encourages prospective roommates to become comfortable with each other before move-in.
"Get together and understand that the people who sign the lease are jointly and severally responsible ... . So if one skips out, the other has to pay the rent."
Currently, about 40 percent of Penn undergraduates -- and almost all graduate students -- live in apartments off campus, mostly in the University City area.
"There are many students who are very responsible tenants," Farcas said. However, "there are some that could use a bit more maturity."
And what is the most bizzare complaint that Farcas has ever received?
"I would not go there," she said.
