An OSU Renting Guide is being compiled in an attempt to inform students about off-campus housing.

Undergraduate Student Government’s Projects Committee is coordinating production. The guide is in its fourth year of publication.

“It’s USG’s way of holding landlords accountable to students,” said USG president Mike Goodman.

The book will contain information about safety, area realty companies and student feedback concerning their rental units.

Feedback is being obtained through online surveys, which have been available since the end of October and will be accepted through the week of Nov. 17, said committee co-director Nancy Liao, a junior in psychology and molecular genetics.

Broadcasts on Buckeye Net News, numerous listservs and personal e-mails have invited students to complete the 12-question survey.

“We’re content with the number of responses, but as always, the more survey participants, the greater the statistical validity. So, we want to encourage more people to give us input,” said Liao.

“I will definitely fill out the survey and tell my friends to fill out the survey,” said John Stehulac, a senior in biology.

On Nov. 4 at about 10 a.m., a four foot, 100 lb. vent pipe fell through the third story ceiling, and the second story floor of Stehulac’s townhouse. The same day, Stehulac and his roommates made a series of phone calls to NorthSteppe Realty, but their problem was not addressed until they lugged the pipe into NorthSteppe’s office. The men were instructed to call the company’s maintenance department.

“No. You call maintenance,” said Stehulac.

He and his roommates believed that handling the incident was the realtor’s duty, not theirs.

“I wish I would have known how they handle maintenance concerns,” he said.

Liao said many realty companies overcharge and do not provide good services. She said the rental guide will help direct students to the companies that are dependable.

“Long term, we hope that realty companies will see the guide, make changes, and off-campus housing will improve,” said Liao.

OSU Renting Guides will be stuffed in dorm mailboxes and in high traffic buildings, like the Main Library and Independence Hall, the beginning of winter quarter.

To fill out the Renting Guide survey, visit www.osuoffcampus.com/landlordlibrary/survey.asp.