George Lutz, a resident of Plymouth, has spent thirteen years as a landlord for many of the off-campus apartments around Plymouth State. Originally from Pennsylvania, Lutz moved to New Hampshire in 1979, where he worked as a bricklayer before deciding to open up Lutz Property Management. He currently has ten properties throughout the Plymouth area.
Because of the shortage of housing this year for incoming freshman, I stopped by Lutz’s office, located on Main Street, to talk about off-campus apartments and the problems he is faced with everyday.
Clock: What’s the hardest aspect of being a landlord in a college community?George Lutz: Some students disrespect their apartments and houses. I care about the property, and it’s a pain when apartments are constantly getting trashed.
Clock: Do you ever feel like you’re a babysitter?GL: Yes, especially with college rentals. I have some people call wanting their light bulbs changed for them.
Clock: Besides changing light bulbs, what was the worst rental experience you have encountered so far?GL: When Lambda Chi used to live on 25 Merrill. I had to rebuild the house after they moved out! It was gross.
Clock: Are you bias against fraternities and sororities?GL: No, but I get nervous sometimes. I rent to more fraternities and sororities than any other landlords do.
Clock: Are you ever worried about not being able to fill all our properties?GL: Yes, it’s a major concern. This is the first year that I have filled all my properties.
Clock: Is there a landlord association in Plymouth?GL: Yes.
Clock: Does PSC keep in contact with you concerning housing?GL: Yes, there are meetings.
Clock: Are there regulations through the school about renting?GL: No, we get the leftovers. The school always fills up first.
Clock: What are some of the restrictions about leasing?GL: You cannot have five people living in one house; it needs to be split up into apartments. Then there are tenant laws, and laws on writing the actual leases.
Clock: How often do you have safety inspections? GL: Every year they come out and do inspections on a few houses.
Clock: How does this affect you?GL: It’s not bad. Most of it really is common sense. It’s business.
Clock: What is the biggest restriction on your leases?GL: No kegs! They draw large numbers of people who don’t live there and don’t care about trashing the place. Four people living in a house do not need a barrel…
Clock: Do you rent only to college students?GL: No. I own properties in Campton and Plaza Village as well.
Clock: Are the leases different from one another?GL: Yes, They are not as long, and I don’t need to spell everything out to non-student residents.
Clock: What gender do you prefer to rent to?GL: I like mixed groups. I don’t like relationships. I feel in a mixed group there is a mutual respect and certain lines aren’t crossed.
Clock: How often do you deal with parent complaints?GL: About two times a week, usually about money/payment plans, rarely about the condition of the houses.
Clock: What is your biggest concern when Spring Fling rolls around?GL: I get more nervous, and hope that there are no fires. This is my life; it’s how I am going to send my kids through college.
Clock: Do you enjoy your work?GL: I love it. I like the hard work of fixing things and I really like dealing with the students. I have some really great tenants this year.