For first-time leasers, the renting process can be extremely intimidating.

Security deposits, contractual stipulations and relationships with the owner are all just blind stabs in the dark.

That is why Jackie Treaster decided to write an informative book, The Rental Jungle.

Even though renting is a wide-ranging issue, Treaster nails the nuances of this intricate business that is often times fraught with confusion. She speaks from personal experience.

"I was in property management for eight years or so. I have seen people charged $75 for a broken light bulb before," she said.

Her background in real estate helps Treaster truly understand the plight of first-time renters. The Rental Jungle is brimming with real-life examples that lend credence to her 54 pages of advice.

Treaster began work on her book in 2001. As a single mom, she wrote it in her free afternoons. Although this is her first published work, it is actually her second book. She has also designed three children's board games. Treaster said, "I wish I would've sat down on my rear and done this years ago."

The final two weekends in August saw Treaster signing her book at Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St. Although she did not see the same throngs of enthusiasts that flocked to last Wednesday's Playboy signings, Treaster did get the word out about her book.

Elaine Meder, owner of Webster's Bookstore Café, sees this book as a very valuable tool.

She said, "You can be as clear as you want in the lease, but it's just legalese. Communication is key, and this book gives a practical, usable tool to the renter."

In an effort to make this renting manual affordable for cash-crunched college students, Treaster kept costs down. This tutorial goes for $7.95 plus tax.

The spiral-bound handbook is laid out very intuitively.

The Rental Jungle goes step-by-step through each critical stage of moving. From finding the right pad to the stressful moving day itself, Treaster gives checklists and helpful hints to make this transition smooth as a baby's behind. She especially emphasizes the steps necessary to get back the security deposit.

A former co-worker of Treaster, Lee Kerstetter said that Treaster's book, "tells those people [renters] this is how the game is played."

The inspiration for The Rental Jungle was bewildered college students.

"The kids asked me to write it. They were all about it," Treaster said.

"So, I did it."