Unlocked doors, questionable fire alarms, unresponsive landlords. For some University students residing in off-Grounds housing, these features are typical of their living conditions.
Recent fires in student housing, along with the continuing threat of the serial rapist, have drawn the attention of some University administrators.
University President John T. Casteen, III told the Faculty Senate Thursday he occasionally walks around off-Grounds housing areas, and the number of unlocked doors and general safety hazards is worrisome.
He said he particularly is concerned about the "personal security of residents, especially in older units and units converted from single-occupant usage to multiple-occupant usage."
Casteen said fire safety also is a concern, especially after last week's fire at the Sadler Court Apartments. He said it is his understanding that at least one alarm sounded and at least one alarm did not sound.
Consequently, he said he wants to address "adequacy of alarms, escape and sprinkler systems" to prevent subsequent fires.
Alice Fletcher, Management Services Corporation regional property manager, said the fire alarms at Sadler Court Apartments were tested March 25 and determined to be in working order. Fire alarms are checked at least twice a year to ensure they are functioning, she added.
Second-year College student Hannah Kalan, who lives in an off-Grounds house, said there are fire alarms upstairs and downstairs.
"I do not know if all of them work," she said.
Kalan also said not all her housemates have keys.
University officials are working with City officials to deal with safety concerns, Casteen said. University officials intend to submit a set of proposals "regarding the City's and County's obligations" with respect to the University's concerns about housing safety.
Currently, Casteen said there are approximately 13,000 students living off Grounds. He said he does not believe these students receive the help they need in terms of safety and maintenance.
"That local government does not provide a tenant advocacy officer or housing ombudsman able to mobilize government on behalf of student tenants is probably a good signal that these 13,000 student tenants are receiving less than adequate attention with regard to [safety concerns]," Casteen said.
Kalan said her landlord is not particularly receptive to safety concerns.
"They want to avoid spending money when they can," Kalan said.
Fletcher said MSC, which owns 30 locations near the University, is responsive to its tenants' needs.
"We definitely have a policy that we will call back the same day [we receive a complaint]," she said. "Customer service is extremely important to us."
Fletcher said doors that do not lock are considered an emergency situation, and MSC will repair the doors immediately.
To improve students' living conditions, Casteen said students should demand more safety features, such as fire alarms and locks, from their landlords.
"If landlords or managers fail to provide them in a timely manner, get a good lawyer and demand louder," Casteen said.
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