By BSU Marketing and Communications—
MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University has announced the launch of its Off-Campus Quality Housing Initiative. This program aims to prioritize student welfare by highlighting property management companies and landlords who commit to an established set of practices related to the off-campus accommodations available to Ball State students.
“As an institution deeply committed to providing a holistic and enriching experience for our students, Ball State recognizes the crucial role that off-campus housing plays in the lives of our diverse and vibrant community,” said T.J. Brecciaroli, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students. “Acknowledging the significance of positive business practices, and clean and well-maintained housing options, the Off-Campus Quality Housing Initiative endeavors to spotlight community partners who have committed to providing students with a suitable living environment.”
The Off-Campus Quality Housing Initiative is a self-certification program allowing landlords or property management companies to be listed on the Off-Campus Living website managed by Ball State University. By participating in this program, landlords and property management companies agree to certain criteria regarding the maintenance and upkeep of their properties rented to Ball State students. The terms of the acknowledgment that landlords/property management companies must sign to participate in the program include, but are not limited to:
- Housing must be delivered to the tenants in compliance with the rental agreement and in clean, well-kept, safe, habitable condition, and ready for occupancy.
- Properties must comply with health and housing codes applicable to the premises.
- Messages from tenants regarding housing issues must be responded to within 24 hours or sooner in case of an emergency.
- All necessary repairs must be made in a reasonable and appropriate time frame while keeping the tenant(s) advised of the progress of those repairs.
- Landlords or property management companies must maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and appliances.
The complete list of requirements for landlords and property management groups can be found here; those interested can register for this opportunity for the 2023-24 academic year until Sept. 15, 2023. New registrations for the 2024-25 academic year will open on June 3, 2024.
Also provided on the Dean of Students website are numerous resources for students to navigate off-campus living, such as negotiating lease terms, asking landlords for repairs, moving in and out, subleasing, and avoiding scams. There is also a full list of important community contacts such as utility companies, water, gas, trash pick-up, public transportation, non-emergency phone numbers for Muncie police and fire departments, and much more.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
