It is that time of year again when university students are picking up housing lists, figuring out roommate situations and signing leases for houses and apartments.

But local attorneys say landlords can take advantage of college students, so they offer some tips to avoid losing money and to have the best possible experience when renting.

When preparing to rent, chose the right landlord, said campus attorney Stephen Fishman. He also advises tenants to check the background of prospective landlords; it is quick and free. The best place to do this is at an area city hall or police department.

“Researching beforehand will help to avoid the expense and inconvenience of settling disputes that could have been avoided,” Fishman said.

The single best source of information is the current tenants. Senior Annie Hoffman’s negative experience moving into her house last year is one she feels students can learn from.

“We moved in and the house was a disaster – no one vacuumed or cleaned the house,” Hoffman said.

She said she suggests asking the tenants questions about the landlord, such as, are they quick when responding to maintenance calls, what happens if the rent is late and what condition the house was in at move-in time?

“Use students as resources,” she said. “They will be honest about their renting experience with certain landlords.”

Wisconsin state attorney Janet Portman said to ask the simple questions and take a good look around.

“Is the landlord pleasant? Is the house kept-up well? And, most importantly, ask them why they are not resigning,” she said.

When a house is selected, city attorney Pamela Simmons said she suggests a final walk-through with the landlord and also a separate walk-through without the landlord.

“Take pictures, ask questions and look in detail at the house,” she said.

Before the lease-signing, Portman said she advises new tenants to request a copy of the lease to allow time to read through it alone, looking in detail at the fine print.

“Look it over, highlight questions or areas of concern,” Fishman said. “Make sure you are completely comfortable with the lease and if you are not, do not sign it.”

When the house is officially in a student’s possession, Tenant Resource Center Web site recommends looking for damage, holes, chips on the floors, check appliances, lights, etc. If anything is found, students should write it down and turn it in to the landlord to make sure there are no extra charges when move-out time arrives.

The Tenant Resource Center and Nolo Web sites are references sponsored by the state of Wisconsin to aid and assist students with college housing. The sites make it clear to student renters that when moving out of the house or apartment, they do not need to pay for carpet cleaning, since it is against the law for landlords to charge students for carpet cleaning.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, “Landlords cannot charge for routine carpet cleaning – no matter what.”

This is true even if it is stated in the signed lease. If the landlord still tries to assess the bill, the student should cite ATCP code 134.06 (3)(c).

If a legal issue should arise, students can contact the Student Services Commission and set up an appointment with attorney Harry Hertel for inexpensive legal advice. Hertel has worked with students on such issues as traffic, small claims, personal injury, alcohol issues and landlord disputes. A first time visit is $10; subsequent visits on the same matter are $5.

Using the advice of city attorneys, college students and online references can prevent money loss and provide a positive renting experience, Hoffman said.

“Ask questions and research your prospective landlords,” she said. “Refuse to be taken advantage of.”