By
Maya Schechter
Arizona Daily Wildcat
New program provides maintenance service to Tucson community
Living off campus has just been made more convenient for students by the City of Tucson.
The Development Services Department of the City of Tucson has taken the initiative to ensure that rental units are meeting the minimum standards set by the uniform housing code, said Pat Krausman, administrative assistant.
Students who have complaints about their rented apartment or house and are not receiving enough support from their property managers can contact the City of Tucson and have the problem fixed, Krausman said.
"I always encourage people to work with their landlords first, but if that is not successful, then they should contact us," she said.
The office has received numerous phone calls about plumbing and electricity, Krausman said, and although she hasn't heard of many complaints from UA students, she assumes it's because they are simply not aware of their options.
Other complaints include not enough cooking facilities, broken windows and clogged drains, she added.
Cecilia Cruz, property and housing complaints section manager, said that when student complaints are made, they are usually from their parents.
"We really want to educate the public about the minimum safety regulations and how we can be of service," Cruz said.
Krausman said the City of Tucson recently hired three new inspectors for the purpose of examining the properties and assisting tenants with maintenance problems.
"If they are not in a safe environment, we want the students to know we are available to help them," Krausman said.
Tyler DeJarnette, a marketing senior, said that he would take advantage of the service because his landlords at Scotia Club, 1810 E. Blacklidge Drive, take "their sweet time" in fixing his problems.
"It took them six weeks to fix my leaking roof, even though I talked to them about it at least three times," he said.
English sophomore Susie Donna said although she has not had a problem with her landlord at Deerfield Apartments, 3201 E. Fort Lowell Road, she would use the City of Tucson if a problem should arise.
"If my alarm system or my lights needed to be fixed and my landlord couldn't help me, I would definitely call them," she said.
