Iowa offers resources for off-campus living

The majority of UI students live off-campus, and some will sign or renew leases for the fall as early as January. To help students understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants, the University has several resources available:

• Off-Campus Housing Services, online at offcampushousing.uiowa.edu, offers students one site to view housing listings (complete with floor plans/maps), meet up with potential roommates,  and find sublets. The site features an extensive resources section, providing  information about tenant-landlord issues, leases, security deposits, hosting safe parties, personal safety, and much more.
• The third Annual Off-Campus Housing Fair, sponsored by Off-Campus Housing Services and the City of Iowa City Neighborhood Association, will be Feb. 10 at the Iowa Memorial Union. Representatives from several University departments, the City of Iowa City, and local property-management companies will be available to answer questions about finding housing, understanding leases, and roommate mediation. The fair also will include giveaways, refreshments, and drawings for gift cards to local businesses as well as a grand prize.
• Student Legal Services, online at  imu.uiowa.edu/legal, offers free  assistance to students with housing-related questions and concerns,  including legal advice on tenant-landlord issues and lease reviewing. The office will offer a workshop on tenant-landlord issues in February.

Encourage your student to take advantage of these valuable resources.