Responsibility of landlords key in debate

Publicity surrounding the proposed student housing plan has students riled up because they feel targeted. But now the burden has turned on the landlords.

The city of Lexington flexed its authoritative muscle last week when it put five UK students out on the street. According to a Nov. 11 Kernel article, the five students were forced to vacate their residence on Woodland Avenue when a temporary injunction was placed on the house for not meeting fire safety code requirements.

Shoddy housing like the one Mike Haley and Michael Morrison leased to these students should not even be available to students. It is completely unacceptable for landlords not to meet basic safety requirements. Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government has been targeted as the bad guys in this housing issue, but the landlords just took center stage.

While landlords are responsible for providing adequate houses that are up to code, part of the responsibility still resides with the students. Students can do a number of things when moving into a house:

• Note any damages or items needing repair when moving in.

• Call your landlord immediately when problems arise.

• If your landlord does not respond, call the Better Business Bureau to report problems with a certain landlord. Hold them accountable.

• If a fire code violation is evident, notify the fire marshal or the city of Lexington.

• Educate yourself about legal rights upon signing the lease.

As evidenced by the recent evictions, some landlords take advantage of college students who are not aware of their legal rights when entering a lease agreement and use it as a way to cut corners.

The city of Lexington needs to come out and say they are increasing inspections for the sake of the students. Up to this point, it seems they are out to push the students away. At first glance, last week’s situation reinforces that stereotype, but digging deeper will show the landlord is at fault.

Not every landlord is out to abuse students need for affordable housing, but the few bad apples overshadow the quality ones. Landlords get a bad reputation because of the situation last week with Haley and Morrison.

There are plenty of landlords that play by the rules and provide adequate housing for students, yet they are constantly overshadowed by the ones who think they’re above the law.

This is where the landlords must hold each other accountable. The problem will continue to exist as it is ignored by landlords. Creating a system of accountability where the rebel landlords are weeded out by those trying to run a clean, successful business will lead to better housing for students, a better reputation for landlords and fewer public relations disasters for the city of Lexington.

As the dialogue continues on the proposed housing plan, these issues must be examined with a careful eye. Instances like kicking students out of their home can be learning experiences for all parties involved. It should teach students to be conscious of whom they rent from and it should tell landlords the city is not going to monkey around with their shortcuts.

Work together to create a better system for all.