Moving off campus can be stressful for a first-time renter. Many landlords look to cut costs and corners when it comes to student housing, so it is important to be aware of the laws in place to protect renters. Here is a list of answers to frequently asked questions.

What are landlords responsible for?

Landlords at a minimum are required to keep living spaces in safe and decent condition and must complete necessary repairs within a reasonable time frame. Depending on the severity of the issue, such as if a renter is without heat in the winter, reasonable can be as short as 24 hours.

Landlords are prohibited from interfering with a tenant’s privacy and enjoyment of their home. A renter may refuse entry to their landlord if they do not give proper notice for a visit. Landlords are permitted to enter a tenant’s apartment with reasonable prior notice to provide routine or agreed-upon repairs or in accordance with the lease. In an emergency, like a fire or a water leak, the landlord may enter the apartment without prior consent or notice.

Landlords are responsible for providing “reasonable accommodation” for their tenants. If a renter has a disability, they are entitled to equal access to housing accommodations specific to their disability. A reasonable accommodation does not come at an extremely high cost to the landlord or cause harm or discomfort to other tenants.

What should a lease look like?

A lease is a contract between the landlord and tenant that defines the terms and conditions of the rental. A lease can be oral or written, but it is highly recommended to have a written lease to avoid disputes, and oral leases are not permitted for rent-stabilized apartments nor can they be enforced for more than a year.

A lease should contain the amount and due dates of rent, the length of the rental, the location of the rental, conditions of occupancy and what occurs if rent is paid late. The lease also needs to be agreed upon by both parties, the landlord and tenants. Reading a lease for the first time can be confusing, and it is important to read and understand the entire document before signing it.

What if a landlord is threatening eviction?

Landlords are prohibited from evicting a tenant by use of force or unlawful means, such as threats of violence or discontinuing essential services, such as water or heat. A tenant evicted from an apartment forcibly or unlawfully may be able to recover triple damages in a legal action against the landlord. The tenant also might be entitled to be restored to occupancy.

Additional Information

There are local organizations designed to help renters. To report complaints regarding safety and property maintenance, the City of Binghamton Code Enforcement Department can be reached at (607) 772-7010.

The Off-Campus College Programs and Services offers free legal clinics, information on transportation, housing lists and advice on housing issues. Their office is located in UUW 204C and they can be reached at (607) 777-4577.

Renting as a student can feel confusing and overwhelming, but there are many resources available to help guide and protect students as they navigate moving off campus!