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 two roommates and all of you own a vehicle, be sure there is 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 signed a joint lease. If your roommate abandons you, 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/she 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 Students' Attorney 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/or subletting your apartment.

Q. Do I need to sign 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 secure 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 it, 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 Students' Attorney.

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 as an underage student if I get caught drinking alcohol by the local authorities?

A: If you are cited by the Town of Normal you can expect to receive a fine of $275. Fine amounts will increase with subsequent violations.

If you are cited by the state (this includes State Police and ISU Police) you will be required to appear in court. If you are found guilty, in addition to being subject to fines, you will lose your license for 3 months.

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. Sanctions within the residence hall may be dependent upon the frequency of the offense.

First offense – Warning, $100 fine, and an under the influence online education program with face-to-face follow-up class ($70)
Second offense - Warning, $200 fine, and a comprehensive substance assessment
Third offense - Disciplinary probation, $250 fine, and a comprehensive substance assessment.
Fourth offense – Deferred suspension, substance restriction, off-campus assessment, and a $300 fine
Additional violations - Disciplinary suspension, alcohol treatment program, and a $350 fine

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 other 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 alcohol/drug violations for Illinois State University?

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

Possession / Use
- First offense – Disciplinary probation (1 year), a $150 fine, BASICS-D, and completion of Marijuana 101 ($70)
- Second offense – Suspension, a $250 fine, off campus drug assessment, and substance restriction
- Additional offenses - Disciplinary suspension/dismissal, a $300 fine, and off campus drug treatment program
Sales / Distribution
- Alcohol
  - First offense - Disciplinary probation (1 semester), social host liability workshop ($25), and a reflection paper
  - Second offense - Disciplinary probation (1 year), social host responsibility paper, and educational interview
- Drug
  - First offense - Disciplinary suspension, and a $300 fine
  - Second offense - Disciplinary dismissal, and a $350 fine
Covert Use on Another Student – Disciplinary dismissal, and a $300 fine

Please be aware - Students can be dismissed from the University 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. The Town of Normal has its own citations and sanctions. Students in violation of drug use policies will pay both the city fine and the University fine.

Students' Attorney

Dean of Students Office
140 Bone Student Center
Campus Box 3090
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-3090
Phone: (309) 438-5951
Facsimile: (309) 438-3147