This is a compilation of articles by the Student Legal Service staff attorneys in the field of housing and tenant rights. The materials have been updated to reflect changes in the law as of October 15, 1997.

The brochure contains three general topical sections:

I. Before You Move In
The brochure places its greatest emphasis on steps renters should take prior to signing a lease and moving into a rental unit. We believe that the vast majority of problems tenants have while living in a unit and upon move out can be avoided by being wise consumers before signing with any given landlord. While there are no perfect landlords there are many landlords who are vastly better than others. The Tenant Union at 326 Illini Union and the Student Legal Service at 324 Illini Union can help you make an informed choice so that you don't spend your time suing the landlord and calling the City for Building Code Inspections.

Section II. After You Move In
This deals with issues which commonly face student tenants such as privacy, subletting, and noisy neighbors.

Section III. After You Move Out
This discusses the never ending battle over landlord abuse of tenant damage deposits. We strongly encourage you to fill out a checkin form and a checkout form retaining a copy of each as your best protection against your landlord pocketing your security deposit.

This brochure is intended to be a general guide for student renters, it by no means addresses all landlord-tenant issues. We strongly encourage you to visit the Tenant Union at 326 Illini Union for assistance in housing matters and schedule an appointment with your Student Legal Service when you have specific legal questions regarding housing matters.

Other Brochures In This Series

Know Your Legal Rights
Students and the Law
Roommate Survival Guide

Current Web Author: Beckee Bachman
Original Web Author: James P. Biggins
Copyright ©1999 by uiuc student legal service - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED