Good Neighbor Project

The Good Neighbor Project is a collaborative initiative between the Office of Student Conduct and Community standards and Building Peace to provide mediation and conflict resolution for students living off-campus. This initiative seeks to provide support for non-violent conflicts and welcomes the chance to discuss resolution strategies in the early stages of conflict with the goal to minimize the potential for harmful escalations. 

Please note, SCCS does not provide legal advice or services.  Students are encouraged to contact  Legal Services for Studentsfor any legal issues.  Furthermore, SCCS is not a confidential resource.  Students in need of confidential listening (supportive counseling) should contact KU Counseling and Psychological Servicesor KU CARE Services.  

 

SCCS is pleased to partner with Building Peace, a 501(c)(3) that provides mediation and conflict resolution services using restorative practices that strengthen community trust and security, as well as upholding the dignity of all persons. This confidential resource is available free of charge for roommate disputes or disputes with landlords. 

Contact Building Peace:

https://www.buildingpeaceks.org/contact 

785-856-7000

buildingpeaceks@gmail.com

SCCS can help advise KU students who are in conflict. We are able to help students identify strategies through supportive conflict coaching.  Furthermore, if both parties are willing, SCCS is happy to facilitate a restorative dialogue to explore possible resolutions.   Please contact the Restorative Justice Coordinator. 

  • SCCS is also happy to help students connect withBuilding Peace for conflict mediation or other campus partners that may be needed. 

Conflicts may arise for a variety of reasons.  Here are a few common situations that may cause conflict and strategies to decrease the likelihood of conflict. 

Conflict may arise between roommates or between tenants and landlords when potential tenants do not consider the following before renting:  

  • Determine your budget.  Financial costs may include rent, utilities, rental insurance, and other expenses such as groceries.
  • When possible, look at the actual rental in person or have a trusted representative inspect the space prior to signing a lease. 
  • Read your lease and make sure you understand the terms. Legal Services for Students will review your lease agreements and contracts with you upon request. 
    • Do not sign an agreement without understanding fees, tenant responsibilities, and landlord responsibilities. 
    • Understand your rights as a tenant. 

Roommates conflicts are common.  Although it is unlikely that you will be able to eliminate all conflicts, addressing these topics will help all parties stay accountable to shared living agreements. 

  • If you choose to live with roommates, make sure you understand your individual and collective responsibilities per your lease agreement. 
    • Create a roommate agreement so that all occupants understand the expectations. Follow to see sample roommate agreement.
  • Discuss shared and individual household costs such as internet/cable, water, shared household items such as pots/pans, furniture, cleaning supplies, etc. 
  • Determine responsibilities and a schedule for maintaining shared spaces. 
  • Determine guest policy. 
  • Discuss personal property and personal living habits such as sleep schedule, hygiene, etc. 
  • Proactively discuss conflict mediation.  Who will be involved? How will decisions be made?

As a tenant, you have rights.  Kansas law provides protection for you to ensure you have a safe and healthy living environment.   For more information, please review the Landlord/Tenant Rights and Responsibilitiesguide or the Kansas Legal Services, Tenant Issues and Rights for Kansas Renters website. 

Keep in mind that your rights do not eliminate your responsibility to be a good tenant and neighbor. You are a member of the Lawrence community, even if it is only temporary.  Being a mindful and considerate neighbor will decrease the likelihood of conflict.  As a neighbor and tenant, please keep the following in mind.

  • Keep the noise down.  Avoid making loud noises between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
  • Park your car in designated or appropriate spaces only.
  • Dispose of your trash in the appropriate bins or dumpsters.
    • If you have a pet, dispose of their droppings appropriately. 
  • Notify your landlord of any repairs or maintenance requests in writing as soon as the problem is identified.
  • Communicate with your landlord and neighbors respectfully. If you need help with a conflict, contactBuilding Peace or Legal Services for Students for more assistance.

Environmental Design Assessment

SCCS is proud to partner with the Sexual Assault Prevention & Education Center(SAPEC) to promote healthy living environments.  As part of the Good Neighbor Project, SAPEC is offering landlord the opportunity for an Environmental Design Assessment. 

Environmental design and strategic prevention works to address how the physical environment, social environment, and situational context increase or decrease protective factors in our community, that address the risk of harm. The goal is to reduce opportunities to engage in harm-causing behavior and increase the desirability of engaging in protective behaviors. The assessment has four components with an optional fifth component:

  • Phase I--training to educate participants about Violence Prevention Through Environmental Design (VPTED) concepts, considerations for the space, and drawn tour (what’s that) discussion
  • Phase II--site visit to tour the physical space
  • Phase III—Site visit debrief to review recommendations
  • Phase IV—Follow-up at the site to review implementation of the recommendations
  • Phase V—Blameless retrospective group discussion 

Pease note, if participants fail to implement recommendations to mitigate risk, they could be held liable.  SAPEC is happy to work with individuals to apply for grants. 

  1. Identify and remediate potential environmental hazards, lowering property risk.
  2.  Proactively create crime deterrents through thoughtful design and layout assessment.
  3. Foster feelings of safety and trust within a community.