ASMSU offers legal services to students with housing issues

Students who live off campus in a rental house or apartment who have questions about their lease or other issues can take advantage of free legal services offered by ASMSU in the event of tenant-landlord conflict.

ASMSU is MSU’s undergraduate student government.

Steve Marino, the group’s director of legal services, said MSU students who paid the $16.75 ASMSU tax at the semester’s start can make appointments to speak with ASMSU’s legal services department if any conflicts or questions arise.

The appointment and advice are free, he said

“We can give advice on pretty much anything as far as landlord-tenant issues go,” he said.

“We basically give (students) all the tools they need.”

Marino said although ASMSU typically does not represent students in court with landlord/tenant issues because they are civil affairs, students can make appointments to meet with attorneys the group retains to review leases and prepare students for court.

He said although the service is free to students, the lack of cost does not denigrate the quality of service provided. Additionally, students are not contractually bound to anything when they visit and are allowed to schedule appointments even for general advice.

“With attorneys doing this particular area of law in such a small area … they’ve made some pretty strong connections,” he said.

Medical technology senior Lisa Vershave, who rents a house in East Lansing, said it’s good the group offers the service because many students are far from home, away from their parents and might not know what to do.

“They can’t just drive home and go to an attorney’s office,” she said. “It’s a really good idea.”

Since the service is free, she said, most students would be apt to use it because they might have limited monetary access. She said if it were ever necessary, she would use the service.

“It’s a good idea to get advice from someone professional, especially if you don’t have money,” Vershave said.

Aside from providing students with advice from attorneys, Marino said ASMSU also publishes several brochures covering topics related to students renting property in the area.

“We have a renter’s checklist,” he said. “Everything you should do prior to signing your lease. We also have a guide to security deposits.”

Lisa Vershave’s sister, packaging junior Lindsey Vershave, who also rents a house in the city, said she felt the service was valuable because of its proximity to both campus and downtown East Lansing.

“It’s convenient because it’s on campus,” Lindsey Vershave said. “I think it’s a good idea.”

Marino said ASMSU will have a table Wednesday at the Housing Fair, which will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Union.

The group intends to advertise the legal services it offers to students, he said.