CHAMPAIGN – When G.N., a graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, moved into his apartment owned by University Group, he wasn’t happy with the condition. A broken mirror, scuffs on the walls, balls of fiber and hair stuck in the wheels of a desk chair were just a few things he first noticed.
“I kind of had to clean the apartment by myself,” said G.N., who requested anonymity due to his status as an international student and because, at the time of his interview, had still not received some of his deposit back. “I had to clean the floor, the wall, and I had to clean out all the debris. So it took like, one or two days.”
He made sure to meticulously inspect and record videos showing parts of his apartment that were dirty or damaged and report them. In email exchanges, University Group promised to note those prior damages in his file and not charge him for them upon the expiration of his lease.
When it came time to move out, he still received a bill for $305 for cleaning and painting in the apartment, even after he had deep cleaned it himself.
After disputing the charges, G.N. received an initial refund of $100. In October, he received the rest of his refund — another $140.
“I’m still pretty mad because they’re — I say this is [a] scam,” he said. “Their scheme is pretty much long-lasting in this area because many students are not prepared to fight with them.”
Dozens of students have taken to social media like Reddit over the years to complain about this practice, one user saying “they just are grifters like all the other leasing companies.”
“I know I’m not alone, there are dozens of students (at least 60 just among internationals I know) who’ve had the same thing happen,” said another user, who also shared a screenshot of a bill for $787.50 they said they received from the company.
Users have also shared strategies for disputing the charges and getting some of their money back, like thoroughly checking their lease before signing it and taking thorough notes of damages and cleanliness upon moving in.
U of I students can also seek assistance from Student Legal Services, which provides free legal consultation, advice and education to students.
Anthony Allegretti, a staff attorney at SLS, confirmed students have complained about deposits being unfairly withheld by University Group and other leasing companies. He said these companies are only supposed to deduct the actual cost to clean or repair apartments outside of normal wear and tear.
“It’s not supposed to be another profit center, which is where I think we have a lot of the dispute with it,” he said. “Sometimes it is treated as a 13th month of rent.”
Allegretti said his office has seen an increase in complaints about it.
“You know, it happens with every landlord,” he said. “Maybe people are just not happy with the amounts that are being deducted. Maybe they feel like U Group is taking more than they should.”
The Illinois Security Deposit Return Act says lessors should not charge for damages unless they are “beyond normal wear and tear and reasonable to restore the leased premises to the same condition as at the time the lease began.”
Urbana residents have even stronger protections against these charges — a municipal code specifically outlines and prohibits charges for routine carpet cleaning and painting.
Renters can dispute deductions from their deposit, and while many work out deals to get some of their money back from companies, they can file a claim and attempt to get their money back in court. However, Alegretti said after legal fees, it might not seem worth it to many students.
“Students will not want to put in the time and effort for a couple $100 and students know this,” he said. “The landlords know this.”
He also said companies may take longer to respond to disputes, which dissuades many from seeking refunds.
“They can run out the clock because students aren’t going to be here forever, or they are very busy with classes and courses,” Allegretti said.
Shiraz Baxamusa is a U of I senior who rented from University Group in 2023. He said he was surprised that it took over two months and several emails to hear back about his deposit after the lease ended.
“During the time of the lease, we didn’t have too many problems, specifically with maintenance and stuff,” he said. “They’re pretty quick about it. ”
University Group did not respond to a request for comment. On the company’s website, the FAQ page concerning security deposits describes its policy:
Your security or damage deposit is used to insure that you keep the apartment in good condition. This sum can be used to rectify any damage, abuse, excess cleaning, and other issues that may exist. The damage deposit cannot be used to pay the last month’s rent. The damage deposit will be refunded within 30 days of your lease expiration date. The damage deposit will be refunded in one check per apartment as stated in your joint lease. It will be the residents’ responsibility to split the damage deposit refund check among roommates.