Residing in shoddy and mold-infested domiciles in Eugene may be comfortable for some, but most students who are subjected to such living conditions without legal recourse will say it’s time for a change.
And if that change requires forcing local landlords to follow a housing code so their own rentals are worthy at least of the lowest standards of living, we say, so be it.
The fabled housing code has been a buzz issue around the ASUO and student advocacy groups for years. Few candidates for ASUO Executive have failed to promise a new housing code during their tenure, and even fewer — zero, to be precise — have actually made good on that promise.
But that could change this year, thanks to the efforts of local student governments and student groups, which have shown exceptional leadership in working toward a reasonable solution to the great housing debate. The ASUO, along with OSPIRG and the Associated Students of Lane Community College, formed the Eugene Citizens for Housing Standards to approach the problem more directly than in past years.
Three Eugene city councilors have already pledged their support to a set of housing standards the group drafted — just one city councilor shy of scoring a council work session on the issue.
Furthering the drive, Citizens for Housing Standards organized a community canvas last week in Ward 7, hoping to garner support from Ward 7 City Councilor Scott Meisner — the only moderate left after Ward 1 City Councilor Bonny Bettman, Ward 3 City Councilor David Kelly and Ward 2 City Councilor Betty Taylor, who have all promised support.
This is promising news, especially in these times when housing standards are clearly needed more than ever. In October, students reported frequently feeling sick as a result of mold growing inside their apartments. But the lack of legally enforced housing standards forced students to bear the burden of mold removal themselves. This is just one example of why housing standards, which have been implemented in many other cities, are so critical to the safety and health of students.
While we strongly support housing standards, one concern must be addressed and solved before the standards are implemented. Creating a safer environment — including better structural integrity, plumbing, heating and weatherproofing, which are all included in the proposal — is not cheap, and someone has to pay for it. Landlords will probably pass this cost on to students in the form of increased rent or security deposits.
The question, then, is whether the extra cost is a reasonable exchange for safer living. Most students who have lived in bad conditions will say yes, and we hope the city council will agree.
Students who feel housing standards would improve abhorrent conditions in their apartments or houses should contact the city councilor for their ward and demand accountability for unsafe living conditions.