As Ohio State students frantically search for next year’s housing arrangements, some students don’t have to look far to find housing headaches.
Several campus properties are changing ownership, creating confusion among student tenants, uncertain of how their rights and responsibilities may be affected.
“I have a new landlord, and I write a different name on the rent checks. Those are the only changes I have seen since the ownership changed over, but I do not know if they could just kick us out soon since the lease was actually signed with someone else,” said Kristen Bowman, a junior in marketing.
Many campus tenants endure frustration as several companies buy and sell properties. According to Ohio law, these new owners must still honor the existing contract.
“In Ohio, the new owner will be bound by the lease as if he were the old owner, as he purchased the property subject to the lease,” said Eric Willison, webmaster of Ohiolandlordtenantlaw.com. “The tenant will be responsible to live up to the same terms of the rental agreement as well.”
By law, landlords are not only required to make all requested and necessary repairs, but they must also comply with housing, health and safety codes. Tenants dissatisfied with their landlord’s actions are encouraged to contact the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio or the Columbus City Code Enforcement.
For some students, the change in property ownership is more than just a shift in possession; it is the loss of a strong relationship between the landlord and tenant.
“I have lived at the same place all three years that I have been off-campus because I like the location and I know and trust my landlord. It is really important to have a landlord who looks out for you. If she sold my place, I would probably move,” said Carrie Peterson, a senior in education.
OSU offers legal advice on housing at the Student Housing Legal Clinic, which can be reached at 247-5853.
