Our House, In the Middle of Our Lease
Today’s top story in the Daily (not online) details the efforts of landlords to whip students into a frenzy over their ultra-desirable housing — only to end up with a single group of three students camping out in an SUV all night outside of Campus Management’s office for a crack at what the leasing company had touted as “the most sought-after house for the fall.” Said one of the lucky new leaseholders, “What surprised me is that it was supposed to be the most sought-after house, but no one came for it until 8.”
So, there’s no housing frenzy, as was threatened by the landlords when the ordinance was up for consideration. But the dire predictions of a mad rush that never materialized have resulted in “confusion,” for which some students are blaming the ordinance. “I feel like a freshman again, trying to figure out housing,” a junior told the Daily. “I think this adds a lot of anxiety to students around this time of year,” said a sophomore. It might be too much to expect the average undergrad to master the intricacies of A2 politics, but could they at least refrain from acting as the PR organ for the landlords’ association?
Online at http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2006/12/01/CampusLife/Open-Season-2517538.shtml?sourcedomain=www.michigandaily.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com
posted by Chris on December 1st, 2006 at 2:05 pmGuess the city needs to pass another ordinance protecting people from their own stupidity when it comes to housing… again.
posted by Mark on December 1st, 2006 at 2:47 pmWe actually just renewed for next year, but not at the price requested. We got the renewal letter, but didn’t like the price. So we sent back a counteroffer, which was accepted. We figured we’d give them a small ($10/month) rise, take it or leave it. They took it. What that says about tighter markets and somesuch I don’t know.
posted by David on December 1st, 2006 at 4:21 pmDavid,
posted by Peter on December 3rd, 2006 at 2:41 pmInteresting. Is it common for undergrads to make take it or leave it counteroffers? Are the accepted often?
Well, that’s a tough question - I was an undergrad in another century, and this is our second (and will be our third) year in this apartment, so I’d say we have more leverage than some. When you consider the cost to switch tenants, though, I’d say everyone has a certain amount of leverage.
posted by David on December 6th, 2006 at 10:24 pm