With more students looking for off-campus housing, student organizations are advising students to understand the legal issues of a realtor's lease before signing a contract.

One of these groups, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), is extending its Know Your Rights campaign to include off-campus housing issues.

"The purpose [of the campaign] is to encourage students to not rush into signing contracts," Pat Daley, USG vice president, said.

USG began its campaign to raise students' awareness of what to expect when signing a lease during the Off-Campus Housing Fair Saturday.

The fair, which was co-sponsored by Off Campus Living, the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments and the Off-Campus Student Union, had representatives from about 25 realtors.

USG President Nick Stathes manned USG's table at the fair.

He answered students' questions and handed out fliers.

The fliers explained the difference between joint and individual leases and offered tips such as what to do before signing a lease and how students can protect themselves from fines when moving out.

"Now more than ever it is important for students to know their rights," Stathes said.

USG decided to address issues between landlords and tenants because it is a major issue that many students deal with, Stathes said.

Stathes added that he thinks the recent on-campus housing shortage has made it easier for landlords to take advantage of younger students who are interested but have never signed a lease before.

Jeana Spearly (freshman-psychology) said the fair provided help in terms of looking at prices and explaining concepts.

"It was better than trying to figure it out on my own," she said.

Al Burke (freshman-graphic design) said it was convenient having all the informative sources in one place.

Daley said the campaign will show students how they should handle situations with realtors.

"It's important that students make informed decisions. Make sure you compare qualities of different realtors," he said.

USG is compiling information on realtors and will rank their different aspects on its Web site, Stathes said.

He said the list will be launched as soon as possible and will be completed by next year.

Last semester, USG began distributing cards informing students of their basic rights.

The cards listed information on legal representation, rights when dealing with law enforcement and health services, Ralph Crivello, USG's internal affairs chief, said.

Stathes said USG hopes to continue handing out the cards to as many students as possible and will be circulate the cards around places like bars and bookstores.

The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) also supplied information to students at the fair.

UPUA Legal Affairs Director Greg Howling said that landlords can take advantage of students and it is important for them to provide information about the legal services that are available.