City laws lead to student evictions

By Heather Mangold
City Editor

Students are beginning to feel the enforcement of West Lafayette laws designed to prevent over-occupancy in the area.

Scott Rucker, a junior in the Schools of Engineering, has been evicted from his four-bedroom home because of a city law that states no more than three unrelated persons may live together in a single family dwelling, within certain zoning areas. Rucker has been notified that he must move out by April 16.

The law that is the cause for Rucker's eviction is not a new one.

"The zoning was already there when we signed on the house," said Rucker. "But no one made it seem like it was a big deal until afterwards."

Areas designated as R-1 zones require that rental properties that have been converted from single family dwellings cannot permit more than three unrelated persons to live together. This law holds firm even if the home has sufficient space for more than three people.

"I don't think it makes a whole lot of sense because it's a four-bedroom house and it's pretty big," said Rucker. "Four people should be able to live there just fine."

West Lafayette laws and local landlords are enforcing these laws with greater severity. Under an ordinance that was proposed to the City Council on Monday, students wanting to rent houses would be required to sign an affidavit stating how many people intend to live in the rental home. If renters lie they face penalties and fines.

The area in which Ruckers has been made to leave was rezoned to R-1 after the City Council passed an ordinance in January that changed the zoning in several areas throughout the city.

"We chose that area to be R-1 because it's still predominantly family homes," said Windler.

Windler said that when more than three unrelated persons live in rental houses the amount of trash, noise and cars increases substantially, causing neighborhood quality to decline.

Because of the increasing student population in the available rental properties throughout West Lafayette, an ordinance was proposed that would raise rental property standards. The ordinance states that there continues to be widespread problems with the over- occupancy of rental housing, especially that of rental housing consisting of single-family houses converted to rental housing. With the passage of this ordinance, the city would update requirements of the program of inspection and certification of rental housing to prevent further over-occupancy.

Rucker and his friend Isaac Hook are feeling the implications of the city's desire to enforce laws that prevent over-occupancy.

Hook, a sophomore in the School of Liberal Arts, plans to sublease from Rucker and his roommate in order to relieve his friends from some of the financial burden that the eviction would have caused them.

Hook said that just because only three can live in the rental home, the cost of rent each month will remain the same.

"I think it hurts landlords and students both," said Hook. "She (the landlord) has to charge high and we have to pay more."

Hook said that the cost of the house at 620 Robinson St. is $1,080 per month. As a sub-leaser, Hook will be required pay one-third of the rent even though four people used to divide the cost.

Rucker said that the friends have worked out an agreement to help each other out financially.

"We're going to keep paying a little bit for the house each month, into next year because we're still on the lease," said Ruckers.

Windler said that the difficulty faced by students to find places to live is not a new problem.

"Living in West Lafayette, it has always been hard to find an apartment and one that's affordable," said Windler.

He suggests that students use Web sites and talk with friends to find out which landlords in the area are the most cost-efficient.

City laws lead to student evictions

Groups offer $2,500 scholarship

Featured Photo: Senator Honors Team

CITY DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 250

City editor:
Heather Mangold

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org

Purdue Exponent 2001