Troubleshooting Rental Issues
Many students are moving off campus for the first time and others are trading one rental property for another. In the majority of cases, this is a smooth process, with a professional and helpful management company or office involved. Unfortunately, there are instances where students have found living conditions not as promised or in need of immediate attention. Our office has a series of ideas for you to try when troubleshooting rental issues:
Please get your hands on the lease that was signed and have it ready to reference at all times.
Your student is (in most cases) the tenant of record and your student will need to lodge the complaint.
Begin by taking photographs or record the issues that are problematic. This helps if a case needs to be built later.
Go directly to the leasing office and talk to a person. Follow up with an email recounting what was promised. Phone calls can also be made. In every instance, be sure and note the first and last name of who you spoke with. "The brunette guy in the office, or someone named Emma" are not helpful descriptors if legal action must be taken.
Find out what is going to be done to remedy the problem and when. If this is an unacceptable response, i.e. no lock on door, not going to be fixed for days, call the corporate entity for the unit. Corporate owners can usually be found in the small print on a website or located via GOOGLE search.
You can elevate your concerns to the municipality where the complex is located.
Take a moment to understand where your dwelling is located. For example, many dwellings have an East Lansing mailing address, but are located elsewhere -- e.g. The Village and The Club at Chandler Crossings are in Bath Township and Hannah Lofts and Townhomes and The Lodges are located in Meridian Township.
In East Lansing, call 517-319-6801 or complete an online form.
In Bath Township, call 517-641-4238.
In Meridian Township call 517-853-4506 and in Lansing call 517-483-4361.
Options for Support:
Students can receive free legal consultation and assistance through MSU Student Legal Services.
These professionals know their stuff and have assisted thousands of students for decades. Utilize their services as needed.
Students can contact the Office of Community and Student Relations, who can support you in connecting with the correct individuals or organizations.
