The State College Borough Council voted Monday night to start a point system property code for all rental houses within the borough.

The new system gives out points based on severity of the issue, and property owners can receive between one and three points per offense. The new code can also charge property owners with points if criminal violations occur, including furnishing alcohol to minors, sexual assault, aggravated assault or drug possession. This system, which has been put in place by the borough council, should act as a deterrent to fraternities and also other students' houses to curb excessive partying, and make sure that realtors look after continued maintenance problems. The system will help combat the problematic "college" lifestyle that plagues the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and much of the Penn State party scene.

While this will affect all of the fraternity houses within the borough, it should only truly affect the "trouble" houses that have had repeat offenses.

For fair treatment of the fraternities, it is now IFC's task to alert all houses within the borough of the new system. Every house should be aware of the new point system so it can start abiding by the rules and be aware of the changes that have been made. Under the new code, it only takes four liquor violations to have the rental permit of a house revoked -- this really isn't that many.

Landlords should also inform their tenants of the new code so they act responsibly and not claim that they knew nothing about the point system.

This new system will most likely not have a negative outcome and it fairly targets everyone, including fraternities and all other rental houses. If anything, the new system is a wise proposition to help curb problematic behavior among the student body that lives within the borough.

The college lifestyle is obviously different than most residents living within the borough, but we as students should not be held to lower standards. Residents living downtown should not have to sacrifice rights to a quiet and family-oriented neighborhood due to the college students that live next door. If a State College resident were upset about a noise violation, something would be done to the violators.

Most people expect deviant behavior around fraternities, but that does not mean they have to tolerate and accept it. As students, we need to remember that State College residents have just as much right to be in the area as students.

There should more of a courteous relationship between the two. This code just ensures common courtesy within the borough and helps to make it a better place for students and residents alike to live.