AFS provides insight, guidance for renting problems
By Tayler Sawisch
SAN MARCOS – For many Texas State students, finding a fair lease can be challenging, however, Attorney For Students (AFS) offers legal assistance for those who might find themselves in need of renting guidance.
With more than 3,000 apartment complexes in San Marcos, AFS provides individuals with resources to protect their personal leasing rights.
Attorney Kama Davis, of San Marcos, spoke to students in a Writing for Mass Media course Monday to share renting advice with students whom may be experiencing leasing issues. Davis emphasized taking advantage of their services because students are paying $2.49 a semester and it’s cheaper than hiring an attorney.
“An attorney can cost anywhere from $300-$800 an hour, so take advantage of our services,” Davis said.
She talked to students about conventional leases, which have all the roommates on one lease and they are all responsible for the full rent amount. The other type of lease is a by-the-bed lease; these are individual leases, which hold the tenant responsible for the bedroom and the shared common areas through an installment loan. Davis urged for students to not sign their lease until it’s reviewed by AFS.
“You can give away your constitutional rights if you sign a contract,” Davis said.
Additionally, she recommended for students to protect themselves by purchasing renters insurance and paying the security deposit. If the security deposit is paid the landlord must inspect the apartment within 30 days of moving out, but if the deposit is not paid, the landlord has four years to inspect and charge move-out fees.
“Even if they say you don’t need to pay a security deposit, pay it because you’ll have some leverage if something goes wrong,” Davis said.
Students can be savvy consumers by taking their time and researching apartment complexes, in addition to knowing differences between loan contracts and what they can afford, she said.
Despite the many renting obstacles students face in San Marcos, Davis said her job brings her much enjoyment seeing people exercise their legal rights.
“It’s not about my ego, it’s about fulfilling all the goals I had when I became an attorney,” Davis said. “I just know I’m where I’m suppose to be.”