Spring Break
Editorial: Take Responsibility
Issue date: 9/16/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
This weekend a deck collapse in a Narragansett neighborhood sent many students home early Sunday morning bruised and battered. Though most escaped with minor injuries, others were not so lucky.
In situations such as this one, it's tricky to lay the blame on only one person.
Could it be the fault of the landlord for not noticing the deck was deteriorating, or was it because he failed to inform students of its fragile condition?
Could it be the residents' fault for disregarding a swaying deck crammed with people?
Or should blame lay with the town of Narragansett for not inspecting decks or requiring owners to have some kind of routine deck maintenance?
This early into the investigation, it's hard to say. One thing's for sure, though. The Sakonnet Blvd. house with the once ailing deck, home to four seniors, has been rented out to students for years - most of who probably assumed their house was safe.
Narragansett, home to many students during the academic year, can be a profitable place for homeowners who decide to rent their properties. As landlords, it is their responsibility to assert the limitations of their property before they are tested.
On the same token, students need to be aware of their surroundings. The second they find something not up to par with their accommodations, it is essential they contact the landlord to have the issue remedied.
A security deposit and monthly rent payments should ensure their house is taken care of if nothing else. Landlords should take pride in their property and make into a place they would personally enjoy living, and feel safe.
It is a scary thought, especially to those living off-campus for the first time, that the place they call home might not be safe.
Perhaps stricter laws, and routine inspections should be mandated for a town that overwhelmingly rents to temporary residents. After all, this deck collapse is not the first one to startle students. In the last five years, three or four have occurred. That should make everyone a little more cautious - particularly the town of Narragansett.
In any case, it is the responsibility of all parties - landlords, tenants and townships - to make sure everyone has a safe place to live. Until then, there is nothing to stop tragedies like this weekend's from reoccurring.
In situations such as this one, it's tricky to lay the blame on only one person.
Could it be the fault of the landlord for not noticing the deck was deteriorating, or was it because he failed to inform students of its fragile condition?
Could it be the residents' fault for disregarding a swaying deck crammed with people?
Or should blame lay with the town of Narragansett for not inspecting decks or requiring owners to have some kind of routine deck maintenance?
This early into the investigation, it's hard to say. One thing's for sure, though. The Sakonnet Blvd. house with the once ailing deck, home to four seniors, has been rented out to students for years - most of who probably assumed their house was safe.
Narragansett, home to many students during the academic year, can be a profitable place for homeowners who decide to rent their properties. As landlords, it is their responsibility to assert the limitations of their property before they are tested.
On the same token, students need to be aware of their surroundings. The second they find something not up to par with their accommodations, it is essential they contact the landlord to have the issue remedied.
A security deposit and monthly rent payments should ensure their house is taken care of if nothing else. Landlords should take pride in their property and make into a place they would personally enjoy living, and feel safe.
It is a scary thought, especially to those living off-campus for the first time, that the place they call home might not be safe.
Perhaps stricter laws, and routine inspections should be mandated for a town that overwhelmingly rents to temporary residents. After all, this deck collapse is not the first one to startle students. In the last five years, three or four have occurred. That should make everyone a little more cautious - particularly the town of Narragansett.
In any case, it is the responsibility of all parties - landlords, tenants and townships - to make sure everyone has a safe place to live. Until then, there is nothing to stop tragedies like this weekend's from reoccurring.
