In the last three months, our house electric bill has exceeded $1,200. Our house is colder than the Boalsburg Steakhouse meat closet and the old electric heaters just don't seem to care. This all while paying $2,200 a month on one half of a 60-year-old duplex. The once gleaming fringe benefits of living in a house and having my own room on Burrowes Street have quickly lost their appeal.

So, at 8 p.m. Sunday, when I popped my freshly cleaned laundry in the dryer, I had no idea the next day it would all come to a head. I ran the dryer all night, to no avail. The laundry was still wet but highly tumbled. I took my concern to Continental Real Estate Management, where I was greeted by the owner. He quickly informed me electricity was not his concern and that the dryer was not a part of the lease -- hence, not his problem. I became deeply concerned about the treatment students get from their landlords. Mine had driven to work in a fully loaded Cadillac Escalade, with his cashmere sweater and gold watch, collecting my money like a selfish fat cat, all while I went to bed in a cold room with wet clothes and barely enough money in my pocket -- after rent and electric bills -- to afford a dinner.

I wonder if humility and compassion is anywhere in the lease? I ask you, does this sound like a fair landlord? It is my plea to students that you all be wary when choosing a landlord.