Editorial: Renters’ rights

Thursday’s ASUCD Housing Day unofficially marked the time of year when students start thinking about where in Davis they are going to live next year.

It may seem rather early to begin scoping out places for this coming fall, but this is actually the perfect time to start your search. It is not, however, the time to freak out.

For many students, especially first-years, this will be the first time making this big of a commitment. The key to your housing search is to not rush into any situation that you are unsure about.

The new Renters’ Rights Committee will help you in your search for an apartment, house, flat or condo in Davis. Under the auspices of the ASUCD Office of City and County Affairs, the committee will act as a research tool so students can make better, well-informed decisions about where they are going to live.

This is a positive addition to the Davis community because UC Davis undergraduates, who make up about 40 percent of the city’s population, deserve an advocate when it comes to the apartment perusing process. It will teach renters how to talk to property owners, handle security deposits and it will update the Davis Model Lease, the only current legislation regarding student leases.

This new Renters’ Rights Committee really came at the right time. Students seeking housing will gain access to all of the ins and outs of the Davis housing market. Students need to take advantage of this so they understand the responsibility that comes with signing a lease and renting a piece of real estate.

Additionally, the committee should put forth full effort to reach out to prospective renters, ensuring the best housing quality for UC Davis students.

And remember, it’s not like there isn’t going to be a place to live.