The time to make housing decisions for the upcoming year is quickly approaching, and students across the University have yet another chance to weigh the pros and cons of off-campus life.
Most students agree that living off campus offers a greater degree of flexibility and independence than living on campus. After all, one does not have to swipe a PennCard to get in, log guests into a book or have hallways patrolled by residential advisers. But there is a new dynamic: the landlord.
Some students find that the relationship with their landlord is beneficial rather than detrimental. College senior Suzanne Lilley, who has lived off campus for three years and now resides on 39th and Pine streets, discussed the better maintenance service she has received in dealing with her landlord.
"I started off with Campus Apartments and then I had [University City Apartments]. Both of them are fine. If there [are] any problems, they come and take care of them right away," Lilley said.
Her last involvement with her landlord was last Friday, when she placed a call about a leaking roof around 5 p.m. "They were here in an hour. They are really responsive," she said.
Lilley said that the service was not nearly as efficient and dependable in on-campus housing.
"I remember in the [Quadrangle], when the roof leaked or you had mice, no one would do anything," she said. "It was as if no one was held responsible."
College senior Jeffrey Fabre has had a different experience with his landlord. He still enjoys the independence of off-campus life, but living in Hamilton Court, his maintenance requests have not been taken care of so swiftly.
"Trying to get things fixed is difficult. ... They get back to you two or three weeks later," Fabre said, adding that he remembers everything being fixed much quicker when he lived in Hill College House.
Off-campus experiences vary from person to person. Miki Farcas, the director of the Office of Off-Campus Living, recommends doing some research before signing a lease. Farcas' office is one resource for students looking to move away from campus housing.
"It is important [that students] read the whole lease before signing, so that they can become informed apartment consumers," Farcas said. "The University provides this service to students, which apart from offering opportunities to locate apartments, also offers lease reviews and offers assistance in dispute resolution with another roommate or the landlord," she added.
Most disputes between landlords and tenants arise over maintenance problems, but security deposits and noise level restrictions can cause tension as well.
Farcas advised that all students planning to live off campus should protect themselves by documenting the state of the apartment upon first arrival.
"Responsibility is shared. Students need to keep the apartment in good shape," she added.
"When the situation arises, we try to address it as quickly as possible and make the tenants feel comfortable with it," said Jason Cohen, Campus Apartments property manager.
"The most important thing when a situation arises is to keep the dialogue open between the tenant and the landlord, so they know what's going on in the situation," he added.
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