With limited housing on campus, the Office of Residence Life has begun to assist students in locating off-campus accommodations.

Yesterday, Saint Louis University hosted representatives from seven apartment complexes during the First Annual Off-Campus Housing Fair.

“We needed to do it,” explained Commuter Student Services Coordinator Jim Swinson. “If response is good enough, we may do it again.”

A large amount of off-campus housing is available in the vicinity of SLU at nearby apartment complexes such as Grand Forest Apartments, Drake Apartments and Lindell Towers.

To locate possible complexes, Swinson examined the area around campus, and also listened to feedback from current commuters.

“I do what I can to help the students make the right decision by providing students with good information,” Swinson said. “I do not recommend specific properties, as the University doesn’t sanction any off-campus housing.”

One complex, Lindell Towers, specializes in students. “We have only five non-students,” said representative Jodi Willard.

In general, the main criteria for obtaining housing is good credit, or at least a sizable regular income that can cover two to three times the amount of rent. In the event a student doesn’t have a regular income, co-signers are required in most apartments.

Some apartment complexes included stricter requirements. Grand Forest Apartments only accepts graduate students or undergraduates who meet an income requirement.

“It’s quieter with the graduate students or with undergrads who are working a lot,” explained Grand Forest Apartments Manager Mike Herman.

Leases on apartments were available from as a little as one month to a full year. “For beginning leases, we prefer one year,” said Del Coronado Apartments representative Angie Lauer.

While the fair was for year-long apartments, many students were interested in summer housing only. In those situations, Lindell Towers representative John Nuernberger suggested sub-leasing.

“It’s better to get someone you know and trust,” Willard said. “The original leasee is ultimately responsible.”

Sophomore Sharonda Lewis went to the fair seeking summer housing. “It was very helpful. We didn’t have any idea where to look until today,” she said.

Shannon Weber, a commuter, said, “The information given helps explain some of my options.”

In addition to the apartment representatives, the Department of Housing and Urban Development was present to explain the rights of fair housing.

“It’s a very big problem,” said HUD employee Barbara Rellmann. She added that the primary factors for housing discrimination were race, having children or having disabilities.

Discrimination may be shown by refusing housing or offering different housing terms.

“Unfortunately, being a student is not a protective class,” Rellman said.