Date:
01/02/02
Subject/Topic:
URLTA
  Q:
Tenn. Code Ann. 66-28-102(c)(1) says, in pertinent part:
"Unless created to avoid the application of this chapter (URLTA), the following arrangements are not governed by this chapter:

Residence at an institution, public or private, if incidental to ... the provision of ... educational .. service."

In a county in which the URLTA is applicable, and assuming this is talking about on-campus housing at colleges, including dorms, apartments, and even on-campus fraternity houses, does it also apply to off-campus housing, in particular, an offcampus fraternity house?

Would fraternity members that live in an off-campus, city-recognized/zoned fraternity house be allowed to contract around the URLTA by signing a "Housing Contract" instead of a lease? In effect, the "Housing Contract" would be classified as a "non-exclusive license for residential space" instead of a "lease of real property," giving the housing corporation certain rights (such as the commingling of security deposits with other moneys) that the URLTA would not allow. Is this possible?

  A:
You pose an interesting question. If the college owns the off campus house, then I think there's a good argument that the exemption applies. (The frat could argue though that its not "residence at an institution." If the house is privately owned, I tend to think the Act would apply. No matter who owns the property, if the Act applies I don't think you can get around it by using a "Housing Contract" or similar device.
    Prev
Home
Next

 

[ Home ]   [ Introduction and Philosophy ]  [ About CDB ]  [ Current  Topic ]
[
"Avoiding Lease-Drafting Pitfalls"]     [ Will Berry - More About  The Artist ]
[
TRELL ]   [ TRELL Q & A ] [ TRELL Index ][ Credits ]