Frequently Asked Legal Questions

When Moving Off Campus

Q. What questions should I ask before signing a lease?

Q. What are my landlord’s obligations to me as a renter and what do I do if he doesn’t deliver?

Q. What should I do if I can’t make my rent payments every month?

Q. Do I need to sign on a lease on the re-sign date?

Q. What contracts and other materials should I keep on file?

Q. If something in my apartment is broken, can I repair it?

Q. What should I do if I decide to sublease my apartment?

Q. What can my landlord expect from me?

When Hosting a Party

Students under 21:

Q. What consequences do I face if caught drinking alcohol by the local authorities?

Q. What are the consequences of having a fake ID?

Q. What are the consequences for students caught in the residence halls with alcohol?

For students over 21:

Q. What consequences do I face for having underage drinkers in my residence?

Q. What is the consequence of hosting an off-campus party where cups are sold to minors?

For all students:

Q. What are the sanctions for drug violations for Illinois State University?

Q. What questions should I ask before signing a lease?

A. Four of the most common issues students should consider when signing a lease include: handling late rent payments, parking, basic care of the premises, such as mowing or snow removal, and signing joint or individual leases. 

• Handling Late Rent Payments - When signing a lease, be sure you know how your landlord handles late rent payments. If you have a roommate, be clear about your responsibilities in the event your roommate fails to pay the rent.
• Parking – Be sure that you have appropriate parking for your vehicle and that it is included in your lease. For example if you have roommates and each has his own vehicle, be sure you have enough parking for all three.
• Basic care of the premises - It may not seem important at first, but as seasons change, this can be a very important influence in your quality of life.  Make sure your lease identifies what you can expect from your landlord about mowing and snow removal.
• Joint or individual leases- You can be held responsible for your roommate’s delinquent rent if you have singed a joint lease. If your roommate abandons your, or fails to pay the rent, continue to pay your share.

If you sign an individual lease, you will be responsible for missed payments and will need to work out a payment plan with your landlord.

Q. What are my landlord’s obligations to me as a renter and what do I do if he doesn’t deliver?

A. Your landlord’s responsibilities should be outlined in your lease. Any other commitments should be put into writing. If obligations are written, they are easier to uphold. If a promise is verbal, it is much more difficult to enforce. If your landlord does not uphold a commitment, contact Legal Services for support and assistance.

If a matter directly threatens your health or safety, notify your landlord right away. If your landlord does not respond in a timely manner, contact your local city hall.

Q. What should I do if I can’t make my rent payments every month?

A.  If you’re unable to make your rent payment on the due date, contact your landlord right away to work out a payment plan. Most rent dates are outlined in the lease and are thereby legally binding. By contacting your landlord, you are making a “good faith” effort. Without it, if your landlord takes legal action, you may be forced to not only pay the rent, but also to incur legal expenses and court costs. In addition, be prepared to pay late fees. If you’re consistently having trouble paying rent, you may want to consider alternative housing arrangements and subletting your apartment.

Q. Do I need to sign on a lease on the re-sign date?

A. You do not need to feel pressured into renting an apartment on the re-sign date. Bloomington/Normal does not have a shortage of apartments, and you will have plenty of choices and time to decide where you want to live.

Q. What contracts and other materials should I keep on file?

A. As a tenant, you should keep any documents pertaining to your lease on file, including bills and rent payment records (i.e., check stubs, check record books, bank statements, etc.) In addition, any verbal agreements or promises should be put into writing and maintained as well. Keep records in one easily accessible place so they are easily located if needed.

Q. If something in my apartment is broken, can I repair it?

A. If there is a problem with your apartment, it is always best to notify the landlord first. If you attempt to repair, you may be held liable for any problems in the future. If your repair request is not given immediate attention, be persistent.If the repair involves a health or safety issue, or is not handled in a timely manner, contact your local city hall.

Q. What should I do if I decide to sublease my apartment?

A. If you decide to sublease your apartment, the sublease should consist of a written agreement with all details and expectations included. For example, if your apartment allows animals, but you do not want pets in your apartment, state this in the sublease agreement. If you have roommates, it is a good idea for them to be involved in writing the sublease as well.  For a sublease agreement form, contact your landlord or Legal Services.

Q. What can my landlord expect from me?

A. As a tenant, you have legally binding expectations that you must fulfill, such as paying your rent. Other expectations should be outlined in your lease. However, as a renter, you should be careful not to damage your apartment beyond normal wear and tear, practice law-abiding behavior, and keep your apartment in a clean and safe condition.

Q: What consequences do I face if caught drinking alcohol by the local authorities?

A: If caught drinking illegally, you may receive sanctions from the local authorities and from the University. Here are sanctions you may receive from local authorities:

First offense- a $250 fine Second offense- a $350 fine and mandatory enrollment and the completion of a four-hour educational course. Third offense- a mandatory court appearance, a $450 fine plus court costs which can lead up to $630. You may also have your driver’s license suspended.

Q: What are the consequences of having a fake ID?

A: Having false identification card not only affects your integrity, it is also illegal. By having one, you could have your legal driver’s license suspended.

Q. What are the consequences for students caught in the residence halls with alcohol?

A. Such sanctions within the residence hall may be dependent upon the frequency of the offense.  

First offense – warning, a $50 fine, a mandatory educational course for $70, and a reflection paper. Second offense - disciplinary probation, $150 fine, and two mandatory educational sessions Third offense -disciplinary probation or university suspension, a $200 fine, and a comprehensive substance assessment. Fourth offense – university dismissal

Q: What consequences do I face for having underage drinkers in my residence?

A: In most cases, you may be cited and face the possibility of paying a fine. However, because you may be contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which is illegal; you may face legal consequences in addition to university sanctions.

Q: What is the consequence of hosting an off-campus party where cups are sold to minors?

A: Each resident hosting the party will be cited and fined $500 by the local police. In addition, Illinois State students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct.

Q. What are the sanctions for drug violations for Illinois State University?

A. Drug use is also illegal. So both legal and university sanctions may apply, based upon the frequency of the offense:

First offense (possession/use) – disciplinary probation, $100 fine, an educational workshop, and a reflection paper. Second offense (possession/use) – university suspension and/or dismissal, and a $250 fine First offense (sales/distribution) – university suspension and/or dismissal, and a $250 fine First offense (covert use on another, date rape drug) – university dismissal, and a $250 fine

Please be aware: students can be dismissed the first time they are found with drugs, especially those which the University considers more serious, such as cocaine, LSD, or heroine. Please be advised that these guidelines apply only to Illinois State University and the Town of Normal has their own citations and sanctions, to which the student will pay both the city fine and the university fine.

Know Your Rights When Moving Off Campus

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities When Hosting a Party