The Student Tenant Union’s Tenant Education Week serves the student body in a necessary way. Most students who live in non-university housing do not have complete knowledge of renting properties in Madison. The rules of rental properties are complicated and nuanced, and this week can properly educate those who participate. Many students who rush to sign leases early in the school year, or those seeking a sublettor for the summer, are getting involved in legally binding contracts without knowing the consequences of all the small print. Students can receive one-on-one counseling to address specific issues, but larger presentations will address broad issues that can help those who attend. The STU is also holding a “worst house in Madison” contest that will offer prizes with hopes of exposing negligent landlords. This contest may seem superficial, but with recent discussion about houses faring poorly compared to high rises for student housing, it may have the potential to embarrass landlords enough to spur change.

The STU should acknowledge all of the submissions for the contest and use them to make students aware of bad landlords across the city.

As students’ awareness increases, we hope their actions will follow and they will sign leases with reliable rental groups. The business these landlords lose as a result should in turn be a catalyst for improvement.

Students who rent or plan to rent a property in Madison should take advantage of the opportunities this week for future use or hold their landlords accountable for poor upkeep.