The Student Property Assessment Team (SPAT) is a new AMS initiative created by the Municipal Affairs Commission. SPAT is envisioned as a way to protect students from sub-standard housing conditions by encouraging them to be aware of their rights as tenants and the obligations of their landlords. Students are often intimidated by the idea of reporting their living conditions to city inspectors because they fear the consequences. No one wants to be thrown out of their house—condemned as it may be—in January. SPAT inspectors, who are also students, will be a good alternative for students who may not feel comfortable speaking with city officials.
Just because it’s called the Ghetto does not mean the housing area around campus has to live up to its name. Students, like other Kingston residents, should be able to expect living conditions that meet municipal standards. At the same time, students are ultimately responsible for making sure their houses are meeting minimum requirements by being proactive in seeking out solutions. Hopefully, SPAT will help students begin to deal with housing problems.
SPAT is a good initiative, but it is crucial that the AMS promote it effectively. The more students who are aware of the program, the more it will be used, and this will ultimately lead to greater landlord ability.
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].