Texas State students have alleged experiencing surprise charges from unclear rental contracts, unexpected move-out fees to delayed maintenance and confusion over leasing terms, with off-campus apartments.
Jailen Towels, a human resources management junior, said her short time at The Village on Telluride during her sophomore year was due to inconsistencies in management.
When searching for housing, Towels and her roommates toured several complexes, however, she ended up choosing The Village because of the townhouse option and her familiarity with the complex.
“This is my first apartment on my own,” Towels said. “Before that, I had lived with my parents, graduated from high school and then I went to a dorm, but that’s not really on my own. It’s my first lease ever.”
Towels said problems with her apartment started immediately.
“We were supposed to have a fully furnished apartment, but we weren’t given our barstools, a sectional and a TV that was supposed to be included. We didn’t end up getting those barstools or the TV for five months,” Towels said.
According to Towels, her experiences with management were inconsistent, especially when the air conditioning stopped working, causing her apartment to reach 90 degrees. Towels said she submitted work orders, sent emails and received little response, leaving her in “a condition that [was] not only uncomfortable but potentially dangerous.”
“Going to the leasing office versus getting a solution was two completely different experiences. They’re going to make everything sound great to your face … You talked it out, but there’s still no solution,” said Towels
Towels said she hopes her story will encourage future renters to protect themselves by reading the lease, recording everything and getting everything in writing.
The Village on Telluride declined to comment.
According to the Texas State Attorney for Students (AFS) website, policies such as roommate matching, liability clauses and add-on charges often require outside guidance for students to understand fully.
AFS website states, “students and parents [should] explore all housing options before signing a lease … including exploring joint leases in addition to individual/rent-by-the-bed housing contracts.”
The AFS website states
Towels said she didn’t use AFS due to the fact that they were completely booked, causing the wait to be a few months.
Jared Olivares, engineering junior, who formerly a marketing worker for a leasing agency, said he rushed to sign at Arba because the rates seemed low compared to others. After moving in, he said he started having issues with the washer and dryer breaking often.
“Most apartments understaff their maintenance team, so work orders can sit for two or three weeks, especially after move-in,” Olivares said.
Olivares said he advises students to be prepared for the leasing process, to always read the fine print and take all precautions possible, especially looking at the maintenance record.
Tyler Barstow, senior coordinator for Off-Campus Housing and Residential Life, said students often believe they must secure housing as soon as December or January.
According to the Housing and Residential Life website, on-campus freshman housing contracts opened on Oct. 1 and upper class men contracts opened Nov. 18.
“Sometimes the properties are on the wrong side of things,” Barstow said. “So we talk about it; what happened, what they’re going to do to fix the situation and how they can prevent it from happening to another student.”
Barstow said Off-Campus Housing and Residential life offers support for students going through the housing market and that the office communicates directly with local complexes when students report issues.
“Every student is different,” Barstow said. “Some may want to live closer to campus because they’re heavily involved. Others might prioritize cost or amenities.”
Despite concerns about availability, Barstow said San Marcos has not experienced major housing shortages.
Texas State offers free legal support through the AFS office, which encourages students to review documents with an attorney and explore all housing options before signing to make informed choices.
Off-Campus Housing and Residential Life hosts fall and spring housing expos for students to explore housing options to see what works best with their situation.
Students needing assistance or wishing to file a concern can contact [email protected].
Disclaimer: The Village on Telluride has been a financial supporter of The University Star, which is partially funded by ad revenue. Financial supporters play no role in The Star’s journalism.
