Welcome to ASUM’s Off-Campus Renter Center,
now located in Suite 105 on the first floor of the University Center

City Council Acts to Protect Renters

Missoula City Council is currently debating a housing inspection and certification program.  There are a number of benefits to creating such a program, both to tenants and landlord, as well as the community as a whole.  An initial committee hearing has been scheduled for February 20th at 3:30 in the City Council chambers (140 W Pine), but there may be multiple meetings before they vote on the ordinance.  Whether you are currently a renter, or will be moving off campus in the near future this affects you.  Below you will find the information necessary to become an informed participant.  Take the initiative, become informed and get involved!

Summary of Ordinance

The proposed ordinance creates a voluntary inspection program for residential housing in Missoula.  Inspections will be guided by a checklist of the most hazardous safety items commonly found in rental housing.  Minimum requirements for items on the checklist were established when the city adopted the Uniform Housing Code.

Click here for additional information about the ordinance (PDF format)

 

The Renter Center is revamping its mission statement!

Below is a draft of the statement. Any comments or suggestions you might have to improve it would be greatly appreciated. Just give us a call at 243-2017 or stop by our office in UC 105.

Renter Center Mission Statement Draft (PDF Format)

Every day's an open house for student renters!

The Renter Center was created in Fall 2002, in response to a study conducted by a citizens group representing UM, Missoula's neighborhoods and city government. The Center is assigned to:

• Serve as a consumer advocate for the approximately 9,900 students who rent residential units from Missoula area housing providers and property managers.

• Act as a liaison when Missoula's year-round residents register complaints about UM students creating neighborhood problems including noise, parking and lack of yard maintenance.

• Provide information and assistance to present and future student renters, UM's neighbors, and Misssoula property owners and managers.

• Work with ASUM’s Office of Student Legal Services to help students become more knowledgeable consumers of rental housing.

• Encourage a larger, more innovative inventory of safe and affordable rental housing in Missoula.

Each year, the Renter Center responds to complaints and requests for information from student renters and their neighbors and landlords. The subjects of those calls range from unsafe conditions in rental units, excess noise, roommate disputes, forbidden pets, mold, infestations and needed repairs, to applying Montana's Tenant Landlord Law when there are disputes regarding rent owed, deposit money and terminating rental agreements. The Center sometimes helps students prepare for Small Claims Court and sometimes contacts absentee property owners, alerting them that their Missoula properties need attention.