Spring Break
Renting not just for apartment living
ADAM HICKS
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Athens Living
Athens is rife with houses for rent, but with so many apartments, why would you consider renting a house?
Richard Martin, an assistant real estate professor at the University, said renting a house has its benefits.
"When you rent a house there are no shared walls, no noisy neighbors, more room and parking is at the door," Martin said.
But he said there are some things students should be aware of when renting a house.
"With houses, maintenance is a huge deal," Martin said. "Many times, the most common problem is getting the homeowner to repair. They are usually slow to respond."
According to the state Department of Community Affairs, it is the landlord's responsibility to keep the unit in a safe and habitable condition. Landlords are also responsible for repairs. The actions of the landlord are controlled by the terms of the lease and applicable federal, state and local law.
The lease, a large part of renting a house, is essentially a contract that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. It should contain the names of both the landlord and renter, and should state the amount of rent and date it's due - including any grace period, late charges or return check fee charges.
The Department of Community Affairs' Web site states a lease should describe the rental unit, identifying all appliances, and heating and cooling sources. It should contain the amount of the security deposit and the account where it is held. It should also contain rules and regulations on stipulations such as pets and noise, and if breaking these rules can be grounds for eviction.
An important thing to look for in a lease, when renting a house, is a section describing how tenant repair request are carried out. The lease shouldn't require the tenant to make repairs or waive the landlord's responsibility for managing the property.
According to the DCA Web site, the landlord is responsible for keeping the building structure, roof, heating and plumbing operational. A landlord is further responsible for meeting local ordinances and minimum safety standards. The duty to repair doesn't include damages caused by the tenant.
"You can find a lot of houses where the rent is split between roommates, it's relatively comparable to apartment complexes," said 23-year-old Augusta native Joey Mihalchik. "Plus, houses come with many different benefits."
Richard Martin, an assistant real estate professor at the University, said renting a house has its benefits.
"When you rent a house there are no shared walls, no noisy neighbors, more room and parking is at the door," Martin said.
But he said there are some things students should be aware of when renting a house.
"With houses, maintenance is a huge deal," Martin said. "Many times, the most common problem is getting the homeowner to repair. They are usually slow to respond."
According to the state Department of Community Affairs, it is the landlord's responsibility to keep the unit in a safe and habitable condition. Landlords are also responsible for repairs. The actions of the landlord are controlled by the terms of the lease and applicable federal, state and local law.
The lease, a large part of renting a house, is essentially a contract that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. It should contain the names of both the landlord and renter, and should state the amount of rent and date it's due - including any grace period, late charges or return check fee charges.
The Department of Community Affairs' Web site states a lease should describe the rental unit, identifying all appliances, and heating and cooling sources. It should contain the amount of the security deposit and the account where it is held. It should also contain rules and regulations on stipulations such as pets and noise, and if breaking these rules can be grounds for eviction.
An important thing to look for in a lease, when renting a house, is a section describing how tenant repair request are carried out. The lease shouldn't require the tenant to make repairs or waive the landlord's responsibility for managing the property.
According to the DCA Web site, the landlord is responsible for keeping the building structure, roof, heating and plumbing operational. A landlord is further responsible for meeting local ordinances and minimum safety standards. The duty to repair doesn't include damages caused by the tenant.
"You can find a lot of houses where the rent is split between roommates, it's relatively comparable to apartment complexes," said 23-year-old Augusta native Joey Mihalchik. "Plus, houses come with many different benefits."
